As Nintendo gears up for the debut of the new Switch 2, the company is simultaneously enhancing its parental controls. With the introduction of the console’s GameChat, a social feature designed for Switch 2 users that facilitates voice or video chatting and screen sharing during gaming, parents will gain greater oversight over in-game communications. For accounts belonging to users under 16, parents or guardians can approve and supervise a pre-approved friends list, as reported by the Verge, while additional functionalities will be integrated into Nintendo’s current Parental Controls app, now compatible with the Switch 2.
According to the updated controls, parents must authorize players to initiate a video chat, even with a friend on the approved list. In addition to managing friends lists, parents can utilize the app to track GameChat history, including gameplay information, chat participants, and camera views during chats. Nintendo will also introduce a new feature allowing parents to attach notes to their child’s contacts.
The existing app already provides supervising accounts with the ability to manage screen time, review play histories, and approve games and content for younger players.
Throughout the industry, child advocates and parents have expressed worries regarding the dangers of unmonitored voice and text interactions, particularly in widely popular open-world gaming environments such as Roblox and Meta Horizons. In response to reports of inappropriate conduct and explicit content, Roblox has reinforced its parental controls. After imposing restrictions on social features for users under 13, Meta made select age-appropriate worlds accessible while also revamping its virtual reality parental controls and game ratings.
In contrast to the original console, Nintendo’s Switch 2 does not permit players to share screenshots directly to social media. GameChat will be available for free to all players until March 31, 2026, after which only Nintendo Online subscribers will be able to access the in-game feature.