How to Set up the 3DS Parental Controls
Before you hand over the 3DS to your children, take the time to set up age-appropriate parental controls on the device. Your children are unable to access the parental control section of the 3DS to bypass your restrictions without your PIN.
What Each Parental Controls Setting Does
Each of the configurable parental controls covers a different area. Set each one as needed, depending on your child. They include:
Friend Registration: This setting prevents your child from registering someone as a friend on the 3DS, which allows them to see the game each other is playing and permits them to exchange messages. DS Download Play: This setting allows or prevents the download of demos and wireless multiplayer titles. Software Ratings: Use this setting to limit downloadable games by content rating. Internet Browser: Turn on this setting to prevent your child from accessing the internet from the 3DS. Nintendo 3DS Shopping Services: Enabling this setting prevents your child from buying games and apps from Nintendo online, either with credit cards or prepaid cards. Display of 3D Images: Parents of very young children may turn on this setting, which displays all 3DS games in 2D, out of concern for the effects of 3D images on young children. Audio/Image/Video Sharing: This setting prevents your child from transferring or sharing photos, images, audio, or video online from the 3DS. Online Interaction: Turn on this setting to restrict internet communications by stopping the exchange of information that occurs within games that are played online. StreetPass: Turn on this setting to stop communications with other 3DS users of StreetPass. Distributed Video Viewing: This setting, which is turned on by default, prevents videos that are not family-friendly from being downloaded.
Tips for 3DS Parents
You need to enter your PIN if you want to edit or reset the Nintendo 3DS parental controls. If you forget your PIN and the Secret Question you entered for PIN retrieval and have already attempted to reset your PIN, you will need to contact Nintendo directly. Some of the Secret Questions are a little obvious, so choose one wisely. Your child may know the answer to “What is my favorite sports team?”
