eSAFETY GUIDE
Nintendo Switch logo

Nintendo Switch

13+
Minimum age according to Nintendo Switch
13+ Minimum age according to Nintendo Switch

If you are under 13 you need permission from a parent or guardian to register an account.

What is Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console. It can be played in three different ways – connected to a TV (TV mode), using its built-in screen with detached controllers (tabletop mode), or as a handheld device (handheld mode). There are options for single player, multiplayer and online play. Gamers can send friend requests and online messages.

Games may be purchased outright or accessed through a paid membership subscription. The Nintendo Switch Online app allows in-game voice chat, data storage and game statistics as well as in-app purchases and advertising. Parental controls allow parents to manage features and select which games can be played. More extensive control can be accessed through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

Nintendo released the first version of the console in 2017. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the latest version of the console and was released in 2025.

Website: nintendo.com.au

How do people use Nintendo Switch?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch is used for: anonymous communication, gaming, in-app purchasing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo sharing, screen capture and voice chat.

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Nintendo:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Nintendo:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Nintendo:

Related eSafety links

Find other resources to help keep you safe online:

Other eSafety Guides:

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.