Managing Child Accounts on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for families, offering a wide range of games suitable for all ages. But managing accounts, especially for children, can sometimes feel like navigating a warp pipe in Super Mario. So, let’s cut to the chase:
A parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account can be used to manage up to seven child accounts. This gives you control over your children’s gaming experience while allowing them to enjoy the console’s features. Let’s dive deeper into understanding how this works and address some common questions parents have.
Understanding Nintendo Accounts and Child Accounts
Before we delve into the details, it’s important to distinguish between a standard Nintendo Account and a child account.
- Nintendo Account: Created for users aged 13 and older with a valid email address.
- Child Account: Created for users aged 12 and under. These accounts are linked to a parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account, allowing for parental controls and monitoring.
The Nintendo Account acts as the central hub for managing digital purchases, online play, and other features. The child account operates under the umbrella of the parent’s account, with restricted access and parental supervision.
Setting Up Child Accounts
Creating a child account is relatively straightforward. Here’s how:
- Log into your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website.
- Navigate to the “Family Group” section.
- Select “Add Member.”
- Choose “Create a child account.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the child’s information and create the account.
Remember, you’ll need to verify your identity to confirm you’re the parent or guardian.
Managing Child Accounts
Once created, you have several options for managing your child accounts:
- Purchase Restrictions: Limit or disable purchases from the Nintendo eShop.
- Game Restrictions: Restrict access to games based on their ESRB rating.
- Online Interaction Restrictions: Control who your child can interact with online.
- Play Time Limits: Set daily play time limits for the console.
These controls are accessible through your Nintendo Account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions regarding child accounts and family management on the Nintendo Switch:
1. Do I need to create a Nintendo Account for each child?
Yes, if you want each child to have their own profile with personalized settings and save data, you’ll need to create a Nintendo Account (or a child account managed by you) for each of them. This also allows each child to earn and redeem My Nintendo points individually.
2. How many family accounts can you have on Nintendo Switch?
You can have up to eight Nintendo Account users within a Nintendo Account family group. This applies if you purchase a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family membership.
3. Can you have 2 Nintendo Accounts on one Switch?
Yes, you can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. Each account will have its own user profile with separate save data and settings.
4. Can family members share games on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, game sharing is possible. You’ll need to log into another Switch console and set it as your primary console. This allows other users on that console to play your downloaded games. However, you can only have one primary console at a time.
5. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and a child account?
A Nintendo Account is for users 13 and older, requiring a valid email address. A child account is for users 12 and younger, managed by a parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account. Child accounts have restricted access and parental controls.
6. Can 2 users share a Nintendo Account?
While technically possible, it’s not recommended. Save data is stored by user account, so sharing an account can lead to confusion and potential data loss. It’s best to create separate user profiles for each person.
7. Does each family member need a Nintendo Account?
For optimal experience and personalized settings, yes. However, a family membership for Nintendo Switch Online can be shared among up to eight members of a family group.
8. How do family accounts work on Switch?
A family group is created by a Nintendo Account holder (18+). This admin can then add other members to the group. When the admin purchases a Nintendo Switch Online family membership, all members of the group receive access to the service.
9. Can I link my child’s Nintendo Account to mine?
Yes, this is how child accounts work. The child account is linked to the parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account, allowing for parental controls and monitoring.
10. Can a Nintendo child account buy games?
The parent/guardian account can restrict Nintendo eShop purchases on the child’s Nintendo Account. You can also add funds to the child’s account, limiting them to a specific budget.
11. Should I link my kids Switch to my account?
Absolutely. Child accounts (12 and under) must be created and managed through a parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account.
12. What happens to Nintendo child account when they turn 13?
When a child turns 13, they gain the ability to change their Nintendo Account email address to their own, with parental consent. They can also convert their child account to a full Nintendo Account if they choose.
13. Can a Nintendo child account be converted to an adult account?
Once a child account is created, it will not automatically turn into a general Nintendo Account even once the user turns 18. The user will have to manually create a new standard Nintendo account, or manage the account and make sure it is updated with the correct birthdate.
14. Can two switches play Mario Kart with one game?
Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports wireless play, allowing up to 8 players to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together via a local wireless connection, or alternatively one Nintendo Switch console can be connected to the internet, and the other consoles can also connect to the internet for online play.
15. Can you get banned for sharing Nintendo Account?
Yes, Nintendo’s terms of service prohibit sharing accounts for commercial purposes, such as selling or buying products using someone else’s account. Sharing games through a single Nintendo Account can also potentially lead to a ban.
Beyond Entertainment: The Educational Value of Gaming
While managing child accounts and ensuring safe gaming experiences is crucial, it’s also worth recognizing the potential educational benefits of video games. Games can improve problem-solving skills, enhance creativity, and even foster collaboration.
Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring and promoting the use of games for learning. You can find more information about their work at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Investigating the GamesLearningSociety.org can help you explore how video games can go beyond just entertainment.
Conclusion
Managing child accounts on the Nintendo Switch is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for the whole family. By understanding the different account types, utilizing parental controls, and following best practices, you can create a positive gaming environment for your children. And, don’t forget to explore the educational potential of games – they can be a valuable tool for learning and development!