Got a Nintendo Switch 2 for your kids? Here's how to set limits and keep them safe online.
The quick version:
Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone. It's free and gives you more options than the console settings. Kids under 16 need the app configured to use GameChat.
What you can control:
Game ratings, online chat and voice features, daily play time, bedtime hours, and eShop purchases.
The preset modes:
Nintendo provides four presets: None, Teen, Child, and Young Child. Or go Custom to tweak everything yourself.
About GameChat:
Kids can voice chat and video chat with friends. It only works with people on their friends list. Random players can't call your child.
Through the app, you can see who they've been chatting with. You can turn off video chat entirely, restrict the camera, or approve which friends they can chat with.
Setting time limits:
Pick daily hours. Set a bedtime. The console warns them when time's almost up. You can make it automatically shut off when the limit hits.
Coming from the old Switch?
Parental control settings transfer during setup. But you'll need to configure GameChat settings and the system PIN from scratch.
Check Nintendo Switch 2 availability at major retailers.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 2 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Sep 26, 2026.
📚More About Nintendo Switch 2
Where to Buy
Considering the Nintendo Switch 2?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the Nintendo Switch 2, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- Does the Nintendo Switch 2 support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)?
Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Here's what that means. What VRR does: Your TV matches whatever frame rate the game outputs. No...
- What are the best screen protectors for Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 has a plastic screen. It will scratch. Get a screen protector. The easy choice: Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit. Made for Switch 2, has an installation...
- How long does it take to fully charge the Nintendo Switch 2?
From empty to full, about 3 hours. Here are the details. When the console is off or sleeping: Plug in the included adapter, come back in 3 hours. Using a...
- Can I use the same Nintendo Switch Online membership on Switch 2?
Already have Nintendo Switch Online? It works on Switch 2 automatically. What you need to do: Sign in with your Nintendo Account when setting up Switch 2. Your...
- What should I do if my Nintendo Switch 2 battery is swelling?
Is your Nintendo Switch 2 bulging? This is serious. Here's what to do. How to tell: The back panel is pushing out. The screen is separating from the frame. The...
- How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch 2?
Want to use wireless headphones with your Nintendo Switch 2? Here's how. The quick version: Go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio. Turn it on. Select "Pair...
- What is the Nintendo Switch 2 Expansion Pack and is it worth it?
Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack worth it? Depends on what you play. What it costs: $50/year individual. $80/year for a family of up to 8 people....
- Is the Nintendo Switch 2 dock Ethernet port reliable?
Some people are having problems with the Ethernet port in their Switch 2 dock. Here's what to do. What's happening: Reports include connection drops, ports not...
- Why is my Nintendo Switch 2 not turning on after being in sleep mode?
Your Nintendo Switch 2 won't turn on after sleep mode? You're not alone. Here's the fix. What's happening: Some Switch 2 consoles enter a deep sleep state when...
- What are the best couch co-op games for Nintendo Switch 2?
Want to play with friends on the couch? Here's what's worth playing on Switch 2 right now. Setting up controllers: Go to Home > Controllers > Change...
