Nintendo DS and 3DS

How to Enable Parental Controls on Nintendo DS and 3DS

When you first enable parental controls, all features will be restricted by default, including access to the internet. You can later adjust these settings to suit your child’s age.

To enable parental controls:

1. Step 1 – On the main menu, scroll across to System Settings and select it.

2. Step 2 – Choose Parental Controls and create a 4-digit PIN. Then tap OK.

3. Step 3 – Set a secret question and answer to help recover your PIN if you forget it. Enter an email address that your child cannot access.

4. Step 4 – You’ll now be able to review and adjust the default restrictions, shown by red padlock icons.

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Where to Set Up Age Limits for Games and Content

You can choose the minimum age rating for games and software your child is allowed to access.

To set content age limits:

1. Step 1 – From the Parental Controls screen, select Software Rating.

2. Step 2 – Scroll through the list of age ratings. Each option includes a description. Choose the one that fits your child’s age group.

3. Step 3 – Once selected, press OK to apply the restriction. Your child will now only be able to access games rated at or below the chosen level.

Other Available Settings

Depending on whether you are using a DS or a 3DS, some settings may vary. Below are key features you can control:

• Internet Browser – Decide if the web browser can be opened without entering the parental control PIN.

• Nintendo Shopping Services – Choose whether access to the Nintendo eShop requires the PIN.

• Display of 3D Images – On the 3DS, you can disable the 3D feature to protect younger children’s eyesight.

• Miiverse – Previously a social space for users. This service has now been discontinued.

• Sharing Images / Audio / Video / Long Text – Restrict your child’s ability to share content with others.

• Online Interaction – Control whether your child can interact with other players online.

• StreetPass – Some games connect automatically with nearby devices. It’s safest to turn this off when in public spaces.

• Friend Registration – Choose whether your child can add other players as friends.

• DS Download Play – Decide if your child can receive game data wirelessly from nearby devices.

• Viewing Distributed Videos – Prevent access to video content sent or downloaded to the device.