Nintendo 3DS / 2DS: Set age restrictions for children

On Nintendo 3DS & 2DS, parents can set an age limit for their children and control which games can be played. In the following practical tip, we briefly explain how the age restriction works and how you can set it up.

Nintendo 3DS / 2DS: Set up secret number and secret question

Before you can set the age restriction, the system will ask you for a secret number and secret question, which you can use to access the age restriction in the future.

• First start the system settings. You can find this via the wrench symbol on the lower screen of the 3DS or 2DS (see also picture gallery. Simply touch the symbol or select it with the A button to open the system settings.
• In the opened menu on the touchscreen you will now see a large button with the inscription age restriction. Select this.
• On the opened page you will see a notice about age restrictions. Take note of this and confirm with the [Set] button.
• On the next page you must also take note of the information and confirm with [Next]. A pop-up window opens informing you that the age restriction can only be accessed with the help of the same general key. Confirm with [Okay].
• The system now asks you for a 4-digit PIN, which you must remember well. Enter your desired code twice for confirmation.
• In addition to the PIN, you also have to set a secret question that gives you access to the age restriction, even if you forget the PIN. Select one of the questions displayed and enter your answer.

Set age limits for Nintendo 3DS / 2DS

Once you have entered a PIN and a secret question, you can lock various components of the system in the age restriction menu and restrict software titles based on the USK rating.

• To block software titles, select the software age rating item. You can use the USK symbols to determine which level is the highest that can be played. For example, if you select the USK level from 12, games with a rating from 16 and 18 will be blocked.
• You will also find other components in the list that you can lock. This primarily includes online services such as the eShop virtual shopping environment or the Internet browser. For younger children, it is also advisable to block the 3D display of the 3DS, as the eyes may become tired if they are used for too long.

Forgot PIN? Request master key for 3DS / 2DS by email

The age restriction is only effective for 3DS software titles. Older Nintendo DS games that can also be played on the 3DS and 2DS cannot be blocked.

• You can remove an age restriction at any time by accessing the menu in the system settings with your PIN.
• Recently you can also enter an email address. You can then simply request a master key from them should you have forgotten the PIN.

Also read how to make Windows 8 computers, Android tablets and the Steam gaming platform child-safe.

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You can access the system settings by selecting the following symbol on the start screen.

The top right icon takes you to the settings for the age restriction.

If you block all titles with a rating higher than USK 6 or higher, the symbols of the blocked ratings are displayed in gray.