Parental Controls for Epic Games Software on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch

What are the differences between Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch 2, on Nintendo Switch, and through Epic Games?

• Parental controls for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch can be set up both on-device, and through our Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app which includes the on-device controls and controls exclusive to the app. Using the app, parents can manage restrictions for GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2, set and extend limits on play time, view gameplay history, and allow individual games to ignore restrictions. The on-device controls can be used to set software restrictions for all games playable on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch based on the age rating of the game, as well as limit communication between players online. On Nintendo Switch, on-device controls can also be set for sharing screenshots and videos to social media.
• Since adding Fortnite to the Allow List in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app gives access to all playable content within the title, setting up the Epic Parental Controls is an effective way to allow Fortnite play while maintaining control of which content is accessible based on the age rating of the experience. Epic Games Parental Controls apply only to games and services that use an Epic Account, such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys, and can be set up online through the Epic Account Portal. There are a variety of control settings available, such as limits on in-game communication through text and voice chat, age rating restrictions, and playtime tracking. These controls will also apply when the Epic Account is used on platforms other than Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
• When parental controls are set up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and Epic Games Parental Controls are also set up:
  • Communications will apply the most restrictive settings chosen by the parent/guardian.
  • Age ratings will always follow the Epic Games setting within Fortnite.

How do I restrict access to the various experiences within Fortnite?

Fortnite is rated Teen by the ESRB and will be restricted by parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch if an age rating restriction of 12 years or younger is set (including the "pre-teen" and "child" presets). This can be done directly on the console or by using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app. If your child tries to start Fortnite while an age rating restriction prevents it, they will be unable to play.

To allow your child to start Fortnite while restricting other software by age rating, you'll need to add Fortnite to the Allow List in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app. Then, you can additionally set up Epic Games Parental Controls to restrict what content and features they can access within Fortnite. For players under your country’s age of digital consent (under 13 in the US), until the Epic Games account is set up and parental controls are completed by the parent, the player will be given a Cabined Account. In a Cabined Account, players will be able to play Fortnite, but won’t be able to access certain features, like chat or purchasing, until their parent or guardian provides consent.

Follow the steps below to set up parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch and then set up Epic Games Parental Controls together to tailor your child's experience.

• Link your console to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app.

  Follow our steps for how to download the app and link it to your console:

  • How to Link Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App
  • How to Link Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App
• Set your preferred age restrictions.

  Follow our steps for how to set parental controls using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app:

  • How to Set Up Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch 2
  • How to Set Up Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch
• Add Fortnite to the Allow List in the smart device app.
  1. Start Fortnite from the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch HOME Menu and let it run for a few minutes before closing it.
  2. Open the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application on your smart device.
  3. Select Parental Controls in the lower-right corner.
  4. Select Restricted Features, then Allow List.
  5. Select the checkbox for Fortnite to add it to the Allow List.
     • Fortnite doesn't appear in the list
       1. Close the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application on your smart device.
       2. Confirm you have an active Internet connection on your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console.
       3. Repeat the steps above. Fortnite should appear in the list.
• Launch Fortnite with your child and set up their Epic Account with parental controls.
  1. Start Fortnite from the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.
  2. Sign into your child's Nintendo Account on the console.
  3. You'll be prompted to send an email to the parent/guardian Nintendo Account's address for permission to share account information with Epic Games. Select Send Email.
  4. When the email arrives, click the included link. If needed, sign into the parent/guardian Nintendo Account.
  5. Review the details of the request, then select I agree, then OK.
  6. On the console, select OK, then press the A Button to start the game.
  7. Press the A Button to confirm.
  8. Visit https://www.epicgames.com/activate and enter the code shown on the console, then select Continue.
  9. Follow the steps on the Epic Games website to create an Epic Account for your child, and ensure their correct date of birth is entered. When creating the Epic Account, use your child's email address, as the parent/guardian email address must be used to finish setting up parental controls.
  10. You'll receive an email at the address you entered for the parent/guardian with steps to continue setting up parental controls. Select Continue.
  11. Read the information about Epic Parental Controls, then select Agree.
  12. Set your preferences for the parental controls that will apply to your child's Epic Account, including permissions such as voice and text chat settings and what content they can access based on age ratings.
  13. On the console, the screen should progress to the Epic Games Terms of Service.
  14. Read the Epic Games Terms of Service, then press the Y Button to accept them.
  15. Your child should be able to play the game with the parental controls you've set up. For more information about the parental controls you can set through the Epic Account Portal, please visit the Epic Games Safety and Security Center.

What happens if I set parental controls restrictions through Epic Games, but not on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch?

We recommend setting up parental controls for your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console, even if the only software you're currently interested in using parental controls to manage is Fortnite or another Epic Games title. If you find other games on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch you'd like to manage in the future, the controls will already be set up. Certain parental controls, such as age rating restrictions, can be set up directly on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch if you are unable to use the smart device app. To learn more about the features and benefits of parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, please read our overview article.