In announcing its upcoming Switch console this week, Nintendo revealed that parents will have access to extensive controls on how their children play by way of a mobile app available for Apple's iOS.
These include time limits, not just for how long but on how late a child can play, IGN detailed. By default these limits will only trigger reminders, but stricter parents will be able to force the system to suspend itself. Times will be customizable per day, for instance allowing kids to play longer on the weekend.
Parents will also be able to see which games their kids are playing the most, with monthly reports, and spot when someone is going over the limit.
Further options will include blocks on games over a certain age rating, or on using chat and social media. The latter restrictions will be adjustable on a per-game basis.
Nintendo cautions, however, that any parental settings will apply system-wide, rather than to individual players. This could create problems for parents sharing a console.
The Switch is set to launch March 3 for $299.99. Unlike most consoles, the system will double as both a home and portable system, since its core tablet unit can be undocked and used in many different controller configurations, even portable multiplayer. Planned games include titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 2.
Nintendo has become increasingly attached to the Apple universe, thanks to the success of Pokemon Go and more recently Super Mario Run, released in December. Sources at Apple told AppleInsider that in-app upgrades for Run have been higher than reported, potentially translating into millions in extra revenue.