What Parents Need to Know About Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 system is out, and your kids may already be clamoring to get their hands on the new console. If you’re not a frequent follower of video game news there can be a steep learning curve to understanding new hardware; especially if you’re a modern parent with other things going on!

Fortunately, we’re here to break down what you need to know about Nintendo’s follow up to the Switch so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

How Nintendo Switch 2 Different from Nintendo Switch?

Like with any new console, Nintendo Switch 2 aims to improve upon its predecessor. At its core, Switch 2 keeps a lot of what you saw in the original. The unique fun of Switch 2 comes from its versatility. Your kids can be playing a game in the car on a drive in handheld mode, if they’re antsy at a long dinner out in tabletop mode, and back at home docked… all seamlessly. On top of that, Switch 2 can also play many of the games you may have on the original Switch. Fortunately, Nintendo has released a compatibility guide that outlines which games will or won’t work, which may have some minor issues, and which may need a Joy-Con from the original Switch. You can find those details here.

The Nintendo Switch 2 System – TV Mode

Switch 2 is a more powerful console than its predecessor, meaning games can look better and have more detail than was possible on the original Switch. That may mean a game can run at a higher framerate, feature more visual detail, benefit from improved loading times, and more. Basically, there’s a higher ceiling for what Switch 2 can offer when compared to its predecessor.

The Switch 2 system also features new controllers – referred to as Joy-Con 2. According to Nintendo, the Joy-Con 2 controllers feature many of the same (or improved) features as the Joy-Cons you may have gotten on your first Switch. This includes motion controls, improved HD rumble, and more. However, the Joy-Con 2 adds additional functionality with a mouse sensor. Nintendo has explained that if you turn the Joy-Con 2 on its side, it can be controlled similar to a mouse, allowing you to interact with games that support this feature differently.

The right Joy-Con 2 controller also adds a new C button to activate another new feature of the console: GameChat.

The Nintendo Switch 2 System – Handheld Mode

GameChat allows players to communicate online using voice or video chat while they play games with their friends. GameChat even works if your kids and their friends are playing different games. In addition to voice chat, GameChat allows screen sharing and video chat if you’re using a compatible camera (note that a USB-C camera is not included with the console, but the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera or a compatible USB-Ccamera can be used). Furthermore, some games – like Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV – integrate specific features or mechanics that take advantage of GameChat. Keep reading for information about how parent or guardian involvement is required for younger players’ use of GameChat.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch 2 Cost and Where Can I Find It?

Families looking to get a Nintendo Switch 2 will have two options at launch:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Console – $449.99
  • Comes with just the console, including the dock, necessary cables, and the Joy-Con 2 controller(s).
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99
  • Includes the console, dock, necessary cables, Joy-Con 2 Controller(s), and a download code for Mario Kart World.

The above are the exact same console – one package just includes the Mario Kart World game. Some retailers may also offer bundles with additional accessories and/or games at a different price.

You will likely be able to find Switch 2 at many of the retailers you’re familiar with, including most that participate in the ESRB Retail Council. But remember… new consoles are sometimes hard to come by at launch, so it may take a little time to find one in person or online.

Pro tip: Try and stay away from second-hand markets like eBay and Facebook Marketplace if possible. Nintendo has been very vocal about managing scalpers, but some individuals still manage to purchase hardware at the retail price and then attempt to resell it at a wildly inflated price. It may be faster than waiting for stock if it’s sold out at your retailer of choice… but it ultimately rewards bad actors and forces you to waste money!

What Games Are Available for Nintendo Switch 2 and How Much Do They Cost?

What’s a console without games?! Here are some launch games that may stick out to your family:

• Mario Kart World* – $79.99 (digital or physical)
  • Rated E10+ for Everyone 10+
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour* – $9.99 (digital)
  • Rated E for Everyone
• Deltarune Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 – $24.99 (digital)
  • Rated T for Teen
• Street Fighter 6 – Official Years 1-2 Edition – $59.99 (digital or physical)
  • Rated T for Teen
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster – $39.99 (digital or physical)
  • Rated T for Teen
• Fast Fusion* – $14.99 (digital)
  • Rated E for Everyone
• Survival Kids* – $49.99 (digital)
  • Rated E for Everyone
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S* – $39.99 (digital or physical)
  • Rated E 10+ for Everyone 10+

For more information on which games are available for Nintendo Switch 2 we recommend checking out ESRB’s rating search, and checking the My Nintendo Store or retailer of choice.

* Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2

Managing Your Kids’ Switch 2 Experiences

I’m sure most parents will agree that when I say, “There’s no way you can always be watching what your kids are doing when they’re playing games.” The ins-and-outs of life – and especially parenting – are often too hectic for parents to be there for every single moment! Fortunately, (like all modern consoles and devices) the Nintendo Switch 2 system includes an array of parental controls  to help you manage what your kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend real money on new games and/or in-game purchases.

We always recommend setting up a console before giving it to your kids. This is, in part, so you can connect it to the internet and download any system updates before your kids get their hands on it. No one wants to get a brand-new console and then have to wait for updates, right?

But the bigger point is that you can set up parental controls before your kids begin exploring, thereby setting a household precedent for how they can interact with their new adventures in an appropriate way. This can be done in two ways: Directly on the console or through Nintendo’s Parental Controls app (for Android and iOS). For the record, Nintendo recommends setting parental controls with the app as it offers a more robust suite of options. On top of that, it allows you to adjust permissions on the fly. Keep in mind that you (or another parent/guardian) must participate in the setup process for GameChat if your kids are under the age of 16 and/or playing on a supervised account. You can do so via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

Additionally, if you have multiple Nintendo Switch 2 systems (and/or original Switch systems) you can manage controls for each of them, all on the same app.

Setting controls in advance gives you the opportunity to download the app, connect to (or create!) your family’s Nintendo account and:

• Restrict which games your kids can play based on the ESRB-assigned rating information. For example, if your child is 13, you’ll enter their age and they will be permitted to play games rated E, E10+, and T. Meanwhile they’ll be blocked from playing M-rated games without permission.
• Manage the amount of time they can spend playing. You can do this either with a blanket limit, or a schedule that allows for different amounts of time every day. Via the app, you can also grant more time if your kids are bumping up against their daily limit, or put the console into sleep mode if they’ve surpassed their limit.
• Manage online communications with others, including in-game voice chat, sending/receiving of in-game messages, and sending/receiving images that users have created. This also refers to sharing and receiving user generated content.
• Manage use of Game Chat for players under 16 years old and supervised accounts.  You can work with your kids to decide with whom they can use GameChat while playing on Switch 2. This gives you the ability to curate and approve of your kids’ friends lists to include only people with whom you are totally comfortable (friends, family members, etc.) with them chatting. For the GameChat video feature, your permission will be required every time your kids want to use it… even with approved friends! As an added point of security, there are no options available to open up GameChat to everyone… meaning if your kids are on a supervised account they will require your permission for GameChat.
• Get regular updates on what your kids are playing, and for how long they play with monthly reports. The Parental Controls app will compile a monthly report detailing what your kids are playing, for how long, with whom, and more!

Remember that all online communications on the Nintendo Switch 2 are subject to Nintendo’s Community Guidelines. If your kids ever encounter a situation that violates the established Guidelines we recommend taking steps to report the incident.

The above is just an overview of the controls available for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. You can visit ParentalTools.org for our step-by-step parental controls guide to help walk you through setting up parental controls. And remember… always create a unique PIN or password to make sure your kids don’t circumvent the rules!

Staying Involved and Establishing Household Rules

Parental controls are wonderful tools that allow you to really make sure your kids have parameters around their play. But it’s also helpful to engage with your kids around video games in an open-ended, judgement-free way. Doing so will help you keep up with the games your kids are playing and why they love what’s currently on their docket. More importantly, your kids are more likely to feel comfortable talking to you if they ever encounter something while playing games that they are confused about… be it in-game content, online communications, or anything else.

These conversations can also make way to establish household rules for everyone in the house. This can even extend beyond video games into smartphone use, TV time, and more. And of course, it gives the family an opportunity to set clear, defined expectations for each other. For more on this you can visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide, which also includes tips to help you pick appropriate games for your kids, effectively manage online multiplayer games, keep your kids’ personal information private, and more.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.