Game console parental controls compared
Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox all have free parent apps. They let you limit games by age rating, set play time, control spending and limit chat. Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat needs a parent to approve friends and every video chat for kids under 16. PS5 sets the monthly spending limit to $0 to start. Xbox lets you set time limits for each game, and they also apply on Windows computers.
Last checked: . Prices and features can change. Always check the company's site before you buy.
What this means for your family
- Download the free parent app for your console. That is where most settings live.
- Set a spending limit before your child's birthday or holidays. On PS5 it starts at $0.
- On Nintendo, you can have the game stop automatically when time is up, not just show a warning.
- If your child has a Switch 2, you approve who they can voice or video chat with.
Words you'll see on this page
- Age rating (ESRB)
- The letter on the game box, like E for Everyone, T for Teen or M for Mature (17+).
- GameChat
- The Nintendo Switch 2's built-in voice and video chat with friends.
- PIN
- A secret number only the parent knows. It lets you change settings or add extra time.
- Per-game time limits
- A time limit for one specific game, instead of for the whole console.
- User-generated content
- Things other players make and share, like pictures, videos or messages.
- Nintendo Switch Online
- Nintendo's paid online membership. It is needed to play online and to use GameChat.
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2 | PS5 | Xbox Series X|S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent app | Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app (free). Two parents can share it. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same app. Your settings can move over from an older Switch. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | PlayStation Family app, the website, or the console. Settings follow your child's account to every device. [Source: PlayStation support] | Xbox Family Settings app or account.microsoft.com/family. Also covers Windows computers. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Age limits | Block games above an age rating you choose. Pick a ready-made age group or set your own. You can allow specific games. Your PIN can override. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Ready-made levels (Child, Early Teens, Late Teens) or your own. Your child can ask you to allow a game. [Source: PlayStation support] | Filter games, apps and websites by age. Your child can ask, and you approve or say no. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Play time | Daily limit and bedtime. Shows an alarm, or can stop the game automatically. Add time with your PIN. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Playtime settings, and you can change today's play time. [Source: PlayStation support] | Daily schedule, plus time limits for each game or app. Shared across Xbox and Windows. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Spending | Limit spending in the Nintendo eShop and on nintendo.com. A dollar limit: Not listed by the company. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Monthly spending limit, $0 to start. Purchases come from the parent's wallet. [Source: PlayStation support] | "Ask a Parent" sends you an email to approve buys. You can also give an allowance and see order history. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Chat and messages | Limit messages, pictures and other players' content, for all games or one game. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | One setting turns off text chat, voice chat, and sharing or seeing other players' content. Ready-made in-game messages still work. You can make exceptions per game. [Source: PlayStation support] | Allow or block online games, clubs, live streaming, adding friends and chat. Choose who can contact your child. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Built-in voice/video chat | None. GameChat is only on Switch 2. [Source: Nintendo GameChat] | GameChat (voice with up to 12 people, plus video with a camera). Kids under 16: a parent must turn it on, they can only chat with parent-approved friends, and every video chat needs your OK. You can see chat history. Needs Nintendo Switch Online. [Source: Nintendo parental controls; Nintendo GameChat] | Covered by the chat setting above. [Source: PlayStation support] | Covered by the chat settings above. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Web browser | Browser setting: Not listed by the company. | Browser setting: Not listed by the company. | "Web Browsing" control. Blocked at the Child and Early Teens levels. [Source: PlayStation support] | Filter websites by age. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Reports | Daily play time per game, a monthly summary, and alerts when new games are downloaded. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same, plus GameChat history. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Alerts when your child asks for an exception, links an outside app, or changes privacy settings. Play time report: Not listed by the company. [Source: PlayStation support] | Activity reports across Xbox and Windows. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Cost | App is free. Online play and GameChat need Nintendo Switch Online (we did not check its price). [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | Same. [Source: Nintendo parental controls] | App price: Not listed by the company. [Source: PlayStation support] | Family group is free. [Source: Xbox family settings] |
| Bottom line | Bottom line: Strong time controls. The game can stop when time is up. | Bottom line: The tightest chat controls. You approve every friend and every video chat. | Bottom line: Spending starts at $0, and one switch turns off chat. | Bottom line: Time limits for each game, and they also apply on Windows PCs. |
Common questions
Can parents control Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat?
Yes. GameChat is the Switch 2's built-in voice and video chat. Kids under 16 need a parent to turn it on in the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. They can only chat with friends the parent approved, and every video chat needs the parent's OK. Parents can see who they chatted with.
What is the PS5 spending limit for a child account?
PlayStation says the monthly spending limit starts at $0. Purchases are paid from the parent's (family manager's) wallet.
Is the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app free?
Yes. Nintendo says the phone app is free and works with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.