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Set a Nintendo Switch Parental Controls PIN from the console’s HOME Menu: open System Settings > Parental Controls > Parental Controls Settings. Press X and select Next to set it up without the mobile app. Choose a restriction level, create a 4–8 digit PIN, and enter it again to confirm. The PIN controls system-level parental restrictions; it is not a Nintendo Account sign-in PIN.
Set up the PIN on your Switch
Nintendo lists these steps for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. You can set restrictions and a PIN directly on the console; using the smart-device app is optional.
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Scroll to Parental Controls and select Parental Controls Settings.
- To continue without the app, press X, then select Next.
- Select Restriction Level. Choose an age-based preset or Custom Settings to choose restrictions individually.
- Select Next, then choose a PIN that is 4–8 digits long and select OK.
- Enter the PIN again and confirm.
Nintendo’s console setup instructions are available in its Parental Controls setup guide.
Enter the PIN discreetly
You can enter digits with the control stick or use the number pad. With control-stick input, directions correspond to 1–8, Y enters 9, and X enters 0. Hold + to switch to number-pad input. If you do not want children nearby to see the PIN, Nintendo suggests undocking the console and entering it in handheld mode, or using the control stick. If confirmation is difficult, try the number pad or select Show; displaying the PIN in TV mode makes it visible to others in the room.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Choose console-only setup or the app
The console-only route is enough to set a PIN and choose a preset or custom restrictions. Nintendo’s app for iOS and Android adds play-time limits, gameplay history, and the ability to let selected games bypass certain restrictions. Choose the app if your household needs those scheduling and monitoring features; otherwise, you can manage the core controls on the console.
Nintendo’s app download and update information lists version 2.6.0, released September 14, 2026, as adding shared parental controls so two parents or guardians can monitor a child’s system through their respective devices and apps. This describes that release, not a guarantee that the feature or app details will remain unchanged.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Know what the PIN applies to
Parental-control restrictions apply to the Switch system, not separately to each user profile. Nintendo advises setting restrictions with the youngest player in mind. System controls include software age ratings, communication with others, posting screenshots or videos to social media, and VR mode.
Nintendo Account family-group settings separately govern certain eShop and account restrictions. Those account settings are distinct from the console’s Parental Controls PIN.
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Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Change the PIN later
Check whether the console is linked to the app before changing the PIN: Nintendo uses a different procedure for linked and unlinked consoles.
If the console is linked to the app
Nintendo says a linked console’s PIN can only be changed in the app. Open Parental Controls > Parental-Controls PIN, tap Change, enter and confirm a new 4–8 digit PIN, then save. The new PIN takes effect after the console connects online. See Nintendo’s PIN change instructions.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
If the console is not linked
- On the console, open System Settings > Parental Controls > Change Settings.
- Enter the current PIN and select Change PIN.
- Enter the new 4–8 digit PIN, then enter it again to confirm.
Recover a forgotten PIN
- On the console, open System Settings > Parental Controls and check whether it is linked. Nintendo identifies Sync with Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App and Unregister App as indications that the console is linked.
- If it is linked and you can use the smart device, open the app and view Parental Controls > Parental-Controls PIN.
- If the smart device is unavailable, or the console is not linked, open the red Parental Controls icon on the console and press + or – to open Help. Go to Forgot PIN, record the inquiry number, and use Nintendo’s forgotten PIN instructions and online reset tool.
Do not leave the inquiry-number screen before using the number: Nintendo warns that leaving and returning changes it, making the earlier number unusable. The online tool requires an email address; contact Nintendo if you cannot provide one.
Avoid guessing repeatedly. Nintendo says six incorrect PIN entries within 30 minutes trigger a 30-minute lockout from further attempts.
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Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
