Can You Change Your Age in Pokémon UNITE? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: generally, no, you cannot directly change your age in Pokémon UNITE after it has been initially entered. This restriction is in place due to various factors including age-related restrictions on in-game features and compliance with child protection laws. Once you’ve registered your age during the initial setup, that information is typically locked. However, there are nuances and potential workarounds depending on the platform you’re playing on and the specific issue you’re facing.

Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know about age settings in Pokémon UNITE and what you can do if you made a mistake.

Understanding Age Restrictions in Pokémon UNITE

Pokémon UNITE, like many online games, implements age-based restrictions to ensure a safe and appropriate experience for all players. These restrictions typically impact access to features like chat functionality and potentially other social interactions. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely free of features that might require parental guidance or oversight for younger players.

The primary reason for age restrictions is compliance with regulations like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the United States and similar laws in other countries. These laws aim to protect the privacy and safety of children online.

What Happens When You Enter the Wrong Age?

If you accidentally entered the wrong age when setting up your Pokémon UNITE account, particularly if you registered as under 16, you might find yourself locked out of certain features even after you reach that age. This is because the game remembers your initial registration details.

The consequences of entering the wrong age can include:

• Inability to use the in-game chat feature: This significantly limits your ability to communicate with teammates.
• Restricted access to certain events or game modes: Some content may be deemed inappropriate for younger audiences.
• Limitations on social features: Connecting with other players might be restricted.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

While a direct age change isn’t usually possible, here are some potential avenues to explore:

1. Contacting Pokémon UNITE Support: This is your first and most important step. Explain the situation to the support team and provide any necessary documentation (if requested) to verify your correct age. They may be able to manually adjust your account settings. Find their contact information on the official Pokémon UNITE website.

2. Nintendo Account Linkage: If you’re playing on the Nintendo Switch, your Pokémon UNITE account might be linked to your Nintendo Account. Check your Nintendo Account settings to ensure your birthdate is correct there. While this may not directly change your age in Pokémon UNITE, it could influence how the game treats your account. To update the birthdate associated to your Nintendo Network ID, you’ll need to contact Nintendo Support directly.

3. Niantic Kids Account (Potentially Relevant): While not directly tied to Pokémon UNITE, if you’re using a Niantic Kids account for other Pokémon games (like Pokémon GO), ensure that the information there is accurate. Though primarily used for Pokémon GO, inaccurate data on other Niantic accounts could create issues if ever linked. Niantic Kids is powered by SuperAwesome’s Kid Web Services (KWS) platform.

4. Creating a New Account: As a last resort, you might consider creating a new Pokémon UNITE account with the correct age. However, this means you’ll lose any progress, items, and Pokémon you’ve acquired on your original account. This should only be considered if all other options have been exhausted.

5. Check Platform-Specific Settings: Whether you are on Nintendo Switch or mobile, some broader account controls might exist at the platform level that could impact the game.

Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid these issues is to double-check your birthdate when initially setting up your account. Take a moment to ensure the information is accurate to prevent future complications.

Pokémon UNITE and Responsible Gaming

It’s important to remember that gaming should be a fun and safe activity. Always be mindful of age-appropriate content, and if you’re a parent, actively monitor your child’s gaming habits. Resources like the Games Learning Society offer valuable insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming, promoting responsible and enriching gaming experiences. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Pokémon UNITE FAQs: Age-Related Concerns

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate age-related issues in Pokémon UNITE:

1. Does my age affect gameplay in Pokémon UNITE?

Yes, age affects access to features like the in-game chat. If you’re registered as under 16, you may be restricted from using chat.

2. I accidentally entered the wrong age during registration. What should I do?

Contact Pokémon UNITE support immediately. They are the best resource for resolving this issue.

3. Can I change my age in Pokémon UNITE directly through the game settings?

No, typically, you cannot change your age directly within the game.

4. Will I automatically gain access to chat once I turn 16 if I was initially registered as younger?

Unfortunately, no. The initial registration determines your access. You’ll likely need to contact support.

5. What information will Pokémon UNITE support require to verify my age?

They may ask for proof of age, such as a copy of your ID or birth certificate (redacted as needed for privacy), or other identifying documentation.

6. Is Pokémon UNITE safe for children?

Pokémon UNITE is rated E for Everyone, but parental guidance is still recommended, especially concerning online interactions.

7. What age is appropriate for Pokémon UNITE?

The ESRB rating suggests it’s suitable for all ages, but consider the child’s maturity level and ability to handle online interactions.

8. Are there any parental control options available in Pokémon UNITE?

The game itself may have limited parental controls, but check your platform’s (Nintendo Switch or mobile device) parental control settings for more comprehensive options.

9. How can I report inappropriate behavior from other players in Pokémon UNITE?

Use the in-game reporting system to report players who violate the game’s code of conduct.

10. What are the risks of allowing young children to play online games like Pokémon UNITE?

Potential risks include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time.

11. If I create a new account, will I lose all my progress?

Yes, creating a new account means starting from scratch, losing all your previous progress and items.

12. Does linking my Nintendo Account affect my age in Pokémon UNITE?

It can. Ensure your Nintendo Account has the correct birthdate. This might influence how Pokémon UNITE treats your account, so verify its accuracy first.

13. Is there a way to filter Pokémon by age in Pokémon UNITE?

No, the article excerpt refers to Pokémon GO, not Pokémon UNITE. Filtering by age in that context refers to how long you’ve had a specific Pokémon in Pokémon GO.

14. Can I transfer my Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon UNITE?

No, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE are separate games and do not have cross-compatibility.

15. Is it possible to change my character’s gender in Pokémon UNITE?

Yes, you can change your trainer’s gender in Pokémon UNITE through the in-game customization options. This is different than changing your age.

In conclusion, while changing your age directly in Pokémon UNITE is generally not possible, contacting support and ensuring accuracy across linked accounts are your best bets for resolving any age-related issues. Always prioritize responsible gaming and be mindful of age-appropriate content.