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parent’s guide

Parent’s Guide to Nintendo Switch Online

by Stephen Duetzmann April 16, 2023

The Nintendo Switch is wildly popular, and Nintendo is pairing it with an online subscription service similar to both Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus. Their service, called Nintendo Switch Online, launched in the fall of 2018 and is a great value for families looking to get more out of their Switch experience.

The Pitch

Nintendo Switch Online is an annual subscription service that is required into order to play Nintendo Switch games like Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online. It also includes bonus features like access to cloud saves, and access to a suite of NES and SNES games. Subscribers also get access to exclusive sales offers and Switch online exclusive games like Tetris 99.

How Does it work?

You can subscribe to either Nintendo Switch Online (the base subscription) OR Nintendo Switch Online with Expansion Pack (the base subscription with additional features).

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service that can be purchased annually, or in smaller increments. The service needs to be maintained in order to continue the benefits and maintain access to the features.

The service includes:

Online Play – Online multiplayer gaming using the Nintendo Switch Online platform

NES and SNES – Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Switch Online members have access to curated library of more than 60 NES and Super NES classic games. The collection initially only includes NES games, but was updated a year later to include SNES titles. The curated library of games will grow over time. These games also include online competitive/cooperative play with friends. Certain games (like Super Mario Bros.) even include the ability to virtually pass the controller back and forth.

Save Data Cloud – Subscribers can back up their save game data to the cloud. This makes it easier to retrieve their save data if they lose their Switch or start to use a new one. It is worth mentioning that some games aren’t compatible with cloud saving. The most noteworthy examples are Pokemon Sword and Shield and the upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Smartphone App – Nintendo has released a smartphone app (available for iOS and Android). It syncs with the subscriber’s Nintendo account and includes some minor enhancements for different Switch games. You can also use it to use voice chat with your Nintendo friends as you play. (Certain games, like Fortnite, circumvent Nintendo’s app and allow voice chat through the game software itself. This isn’t universal though.)

Special Offers – Subscribers will have access to exclusive sales and product offerings. They have included controllers, discount game vouchers, and even an exclusive game (Tetris 99).

Nintendo Switch Online With Expansion Pack

This subscription includes all of the benefits of the base subscription with the below additional benefits.

Nintendo 64 Games

The Expansion pack includes Nintendo 64 games like Mario Kart 64

Gameboy Advance Games

The Expansion pack includes Game Boy Advance games like The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3.

Sega Genesis Games

The Expansion pack includes access to a collection of Sega Genesis games like Golden Axe and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Game Expansions

The Expansion Pack also includes the DLC to several popular Switch games like:

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass
The Animal Crossing New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise Expansion
The Splatoon 2: Octo-Expansion

How Much Does it Cost?

Nintendo Switch Online can be purchased annually, quarterly, or monthly. The service also has a 7 day free trial.

Annual Subscription: $19.99

3 Month Subscription: $7.99

1 Month Subscription: $3.99

Nintendo Switch Online also has a Family Membership option where up to 8 Nintendo Accounts can share an online subscription for $34.99 annually.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass can be purchased annually for $49.99.

Advice

This basic Nintendo Switch Online service is a great value for families. The cost is relatively low at $20 a year and it includes a wide array of free games to play.

The Expansion Pack is a significant increase in price, but the fact that it includes additional DLC content for some the best Switch games on the market helps a lot.

If your kids aren’t interested in the NES/SNES games and only play Fortnite, then this is a service you can likely avoid. Fortnite doesn’t require an active subscription to play.

There are a ton of other premium video game services out there so we wrote guides for all of them. Take a look below:

A Parent’s Guide to EA Origins Access

A Parent’s Guide to EA Access

A Parent’s Guide to the Xbox Game Pass

A Parent’s Guide to PlayStation Now

A Parent’s Guide to PlayStation Plus

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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April 16, 2023 0 comment

Video Games

How Multiplayer Works in Animal Crossing New Horizons

by Stephen Duetzmann March 23, 2020

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Check out our review here!) released on March, 20, 2020. One of the features that players are bound to be excited about is the multiplayer. There is just something about teaming up with your your friends and running around a village in Animal Crossing and it looks like New Horizons is going to give players some great options.

There are two different ways to play with other people. Take a look below to see how they work.

One Switch

Each Nintendo Switch can have a single Animal Crossing: New Horizons deserted island. Each account can have a different island resident with their own home. Up to four of those players can play on the island simultaneously (with separate joy-cons and controllers) using the local multiplayer option.

This is accomplished by one of the players starting Animal Crossing, accessing their NookPhone (Using the ZL button) and “calling” the other players who live on the island using the “Call Islander” app.

The player who does the calling is the Leader and everyone else is a follower. The leader controls the camera, and can access menus while the followers have to stay on the same screen as the leader. Likewise, the leader is the only one who can access their pockets. Followers can catch fish, bugs, fruit, and wood but those items end up in the recycle bin near the Resident Services building to retrieve later.

This seems limiting, but it is very easy to change who the leader is using the NookPhone menus.

Up to Eight Switches

Up to eight people can play Animal Crossing: New Horizons using separate Switches. This can be done locally using the Local Play options or Online.

Players access this option by visiting their deserted island’s airport and talking to the Dodo bird. He will give you multiple options for opening up your island to visitors.

All my friends!

If you select the “All My Friends” option, then anyone that you are friends with on the Nintendo Switch that also has a Nintendo Switch online membership will be able to visit your town.

Only my Best Friends

You can designate visiting players as Best Friends using the Best Friends app on your in game Nook Phone. If they are Best Friends, then they CAN use tools like axes and shovels. Be sure to explain this difference to your kids to avoid trolling or innocent accidents.

Once you have people on your Best Friends list you can choose the “Only My Best Friends” option which limits the people who can come to your island to just Best Friends.

Invite via Dodo Code!

The Dodo Code is essentially a password that you set up to let people enter your game that you might not already be friends with on Switch. Anyone who has the Dodo Code can enter the island so you definitely want to make sure that your kids only use it sparingly.

Why Play Online With Other People Anyway?

At first glance, Animal Crossing: New Horizons doesn’t look like an online game. You’re just a cute little person running around a deserted island. But, its definitely not intended to be a purely solo experience.

Playing with other people is helpful for a few reasons beyond just being social and seeing other people’s creations.

You and other players can trade decorations, tools, resources, and fruit
Each fruit that you plant on your island will help you complete a Nook Miles ticket.

What do you think? Were these descriptions helpful? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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March 23, 2020 0 comment

Tabletop Roleplaying Games

How to Start a Family Dungeons and Dragons Game For Free!

by Stephen Duetzmann March 16, 2020

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Dungeons and Dragons has never been more popular! And I know that so many of you dream of running a wonderful campaign for your family, but are intimidated by the perceived cost. I’m here to tell you that you and yours could be roaming the countryside and venturing into dangerous dungeons without spending a dime.

The internet and a little ingenuity go pretty far nowadays, and, frankly, if the internet can teach me how to fix my furnace, then it can help you play D&D with your kids.

We wrote an article with tips for playing D&D with your kids. You can check it out here.

Imagination

At its core, Dungeons and Dragons is a shared storytelling game. There are tactical combat rules, but you can eschew or improvise away so many of them that they aren’t all that important. What *IS* important though is a sense of imagination. You’ve been telling your kids stories since they were born. This is an opportunity for them to tell the story with you.

I know some folks might think that’s cheesy, but it’s not. More than half of the fun of running a D&D game is watching what the players do and seeing how they react to your characters and actions. That is even more interesting when you are watching your kids. You’ll be amazed at the wild things they do and the stories they come up with!

Dice Rolling Apps

The internet and meme culture will tell you that you absolutely MUST have 15-20 sets of multicolored dice made from different materials. I’ll admit that they are fun, but they aren’t necessary to play. You have a bunch of different options such as:

SIRI (Go ahead. Right now. Ask SIRI to roll a D20.)
Free iOS Apps like Dice Ex Machina, Dungeon Dice, or Tabletop RPG Dice.
Free Android Apps like RPG Simple Dice, Dice Roller, and Dice – A free dice roller.
When in doubt Google it.

Rules

You do have the option to purchase the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual from Amazon or your local book store.

However, both the basic rules for Dungeons and Dragons and the SRD or “System Reference Document” are both available on the Dungeons and Dragons Website.

The Basic Rules

https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/DnD_BasicRules_2018.pdf

The System Reference Document

https://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf

Note: A System Reference Document(SRD) is a reference for a role-playing game’s mechanics licensed under the Open Game License (OGL). This document is published to allow third party publishers to create content using those rules.

Character Sheets

Another barrier that some people see to being able to play D&D are character sheets. They are important to the game, but they aren’t costly. Firstly, you could just make your own character sheets, but there are plenty of character sheets that you can print (or fill out digitally). Two examples from DMSguild.com are listed below. They are both great free resources that you can use.

https://www.dmsguild.com/product/266389/Sleepys-Simpler-5e-Character-Sheet

https://www.dmsguild.com/product/252711/DD-5E-Character-Sheet-editable-fillable-printer-friendly-auto-calculates-bonuses

Adventures

All of the tools don’t help much if you need an adventure to run! The first option would be to make up your own. Draw up some maps, write up some NPCs and make the adventure yourself. But, not everyone likes that (or has the time). Fortunately, there are plenty of free adventures you can download from websites like DMSguild.com. I’ve listed four well-rated adventures below, but there are TONS more available.

Miniatures

When you see pictures of people playing D&D on Instagram or Facebook they also ways involved gorgeously painted miniatures on beautifully detailed maps. This is NOT a requirement. I played for YEARS using miniatures that I pulled from old board games and chess sets. Bottle caps, Shopkins, and coins are all reasonable.

Maps can be a little tricky, but I guarantee that anyone reason this has a checkerboard or two lying around. You can form your dungeon rooms by placing index cards or construction paper over different parts of the board.

Another alternative is to eschew the tactical part of combat entirely and stick to descriptions.

No More Excuses

So. There we go. I just eliminated all of the objections. You don’t need to spend a dime to play Dungeons and Dragons with your kids. Now get out there and tell some stories (and make wonderful memories while you’re at it)!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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March 16, 2020 0 comment

Video Games

The Original Nintendo Switch Vs. The Switch Lite

by Stephen Duetzmann February 18, 2020

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Nintendo has done it again. They have iterated on one of their devices and created confusion among parents. We’re going to break down the differences and similarities between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

The Games

We’ll start with the most significant point. There are no games that are exclusive to either the original Switch or the Switch Lite. You don’t have to scrutinize labels on this one. They all work.

The Dock

The biggest selling feature for the Nintendo Switch at launch was the docking technology. Each Switch that was sold included a dock that you could use to have the Switch… well… switch from handheld console (like the 3DS) to a home console (like the PS4).

The Nintendo Switch Lite does not include a dock, and, in fact, it can’t be connected to a television at all. It is a handheld only console. That does mean that it is less flexible that the original Switch.

The Controllers

The original Switch came with a pair of Joy-Con controllers. They can be removed from the sides of the Switch and used as a pair of controllers or combined with a Joy-Con grip into a single controller.

The Switch Lite is an all in one device. There are no detachable controllers. Instead, they are permanently built into the side of the machine. The Lite is compatible with devices like the Switch Pro controller in the event that you wanted to use them. This is key for games like 1, 2, Switch (a party game).

Size

The original Switch is a larger device than the Switch Lite. It measures in at 4 inches tall and 9.4 inches long. It also has a 6.2-inch screen. The Lite, on the other hand, is 3.6 inches tall and 8.2 inches long.

The numbers don’t paint the full picture regarding the size comparison though. The Switch Lite is also significantly lighter.

The Cost

The original Nintendo Switch costs $299.99 and includes a dock, 2 Joy-Cons, and a Joy-Con Grip.

The Nintendo Switch Life, on the other hand, will set you back $199.99.

Which one should I buy?

This is a tough decision, but it is ultimately going to come down to how you imagine your family using it.

If you don’t think that there will ever be a circumstance where you will want to put the Switch in a dock and play the games on the TV, then the original Switch is likely overkill. There is no reason to spend an additional $100 for a fancy charging dock for your Switch.

However, if you think that the opposite is true, even to a relatively small degree, then you will need to determine if it is worth that additional $100 charge for the ability to use it on the TV.

What do you think? Which would you want to buy? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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February 18, 2020 0 comment

Console / PC Gaming

4 Things Parents Should Do Before Wrapping that Console!

by Stephen Duetzmann December 17, 2019

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Hundreds of thousands of parents buy their families video game consoles as gifts every year. Many of those consoles are destined to be wrapped ahead of time and opened up by elated children only to require several hours of setup or, even worse, to be hindered by internet issues caused by rowdy internet trolls – the ultimate killjoy.

The good news is that all of those potential problems are avoidable. Below is a list of all the things you can do to make sure that you and your family can avoid that fate.

Open the Box

This is an unlikely problem, but it is not unheard of for consoles to be returned to retailers with missing components (and sometimes even missing consoles). Opening the box ahead of time gives you the chance to go back to the store and get a complete console ahead of time. You won’t be able to do that on Christmas morning.

Check Your TV

Modern consoles hook up to televisions using HDMI ports. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports, but many of them might already be taken up by your family’s cable box or even your other consoles. It;s a great idea to check ahead of time whether or not you have a free HDMI port on the back of your TV. If you don’t, then you’ll likely want to invest in an HDMI switch. That will let you plug multiple devices into one HDMI port on your TV and switch between them using a remote or a button on the switch itself.

Plug it In!

Modern consoles are more like computers than the Nintendos we opened on Christmas morning as kids. They have complex, powerful software running under the hood and they need to be hooked up to the internet in order to set them up. These downloads and installations can take a while so it is a good idea to hook the console up while the kids are away and complete everything.

Some of the things you’ll be able to get taken care of ahead of time are: downloading firmware updates, setting up user accounts for you and your kids, and setting up parental controls.

Don’t Forget About The Games

Many games need to be partially installed from the disk, and many of them need to download patches from the internet in order to play. These installations can take a lot of time and it will feel like an eternity with your kids breathing down your neck. Do yourself a favor and take at least one of the games you are giving out of the plastic and throw the disc into the console. The install process will be almost automatic and it will give your kids something to play right away once the console is hooked up!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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December 17, 2019 0 comment

Parent Resources Console / PC Gaming

Pokémon Sword and Shield: What Starter Should Your Child Choose?

by Stephen Duetzmann December 14, 2019

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Choosing your starter Pokémon is one of the biggest decisions your child will make while playing Pokémon Sword and Shield. They get to choose one of three Pokémon that each have two evolutions: Scorbunny, Grooky, and Sobble.

At the end of the day, any of the three starter Pokémon will be viable choices to help finish the game. If you fully evolve your starter then they will most likely be the most powerful Pokémon of the appropriate type in your party.

However, their different types do lend some advantages in the way you handle the first few gyms. In order, the first three gyms are Grass, Water, and then Fire.

Scorbunny

If they choose Scorbunny, then it means that they elected a fire type Pokémon.

This means it will be super effective against the Grass type gym that comes first. But, it will be weak against the the next gym which is water type, so there will be a sharp spike in difficulty. It’s a good idea to make sure you catch a Yamper (a yellow and brown Pokémon that looks like a corgi) because he is electric type or any of the grass type Pokémon on the routes leading up the the Second gym. Electric type and grass type Pokémon are both super effective against water type Pokémon. The third gym you encounter is a fire type gym. Obviously, Scorbunny, being fire type, is not very effective against its own type. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch water type Pokémon on the way up to and leading away from the second gym. Water type Pokémon are super effective against fire so you’ll want to make sure to catch and use one.

Sobble

If they choose Sobble, then it means that they selected a water type Pokémon.

This means that the first gym will be particularly difficult because the grass type Pokémon there will be super effective against your starter. This makes it very important that you collect a flying type or bug type Pokémon in the very early game. One good flying type Pokémon the capture is Rookidy. This is a flying type Pokémon that will remain strong throughout your time with the game. Sobble is also not very effective against its own type, so you will have another difficult time against the second gym. Just like if you chose Scorbunny, It’s a good idea to make sure you catch a Yamper (a yellow and brown Pokémon that looks like a corgi) because he is electric type or any of the grass type Pokémon on the routes leading up the the Second gym. Electric type and grass type Pokémon are both super effective against water type Pokémon. Sobble, gets its chance to shine in the third gym where it is super effective against the fire type Pokémon there.

Grooky

If they choose Grooky, then it means they selected a grass type Pokémon.

This means it will not be very effective against the grass type Pokémon in the first gym you come across. This makes it very important that you collect a flying type or bug type Pokémon in the very early game as they are both super effective against grass types. One good flying type Pokémon the capture is Rookidy. This is a flying type Pokémon that will remain strong throughout your time with the game. Grooky is super effective against the water type Pokémon in the second gym. The third gym will be particularly difficult because the fire type Pokémon there are super effective against your starter. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch water type Pokémon on the way up to and leading away from the second gym. Water type Pokémon are super effective against fire so you’ll want to make sure to catch and use one.

This choice is ultimately a matter of taste. There are players who will swear by one type or another and others that will choose a different type every game based on which Pokémon is the cutest.

What do you think? What Pokemon are you choosing?

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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December 14, 2019 0 comment

Parent Resources Console / PC Gaming

Parents guide to Pokemon Sword and Shield

by Stephen Duetzmann December 14, 2019

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Pokémon Sword and Shield are finally available to the public and they are incredibly popular. Lots of kids will be asking for them, and we suspect a lot of parents will need help. If you happen to be one of those parents, then this is our guide for you. Bookmark this page and refer to it if you need help with your kids’ newest favorite game.

What is the ESRB Rating?

Pokemon Sword and Shield are rated E for everyone by the ESRB.

The content descriptors are Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence.

The rating summary reads, “This is a role-playing game in which players assume the role of a Pokémon trainer trying to become champion. Players explore the fictional Galar Region and engage in turn-based combat with other trainers. Players select various attacks (e.g., fire, lightning/electricity) from a menu to defeat Pokémon. Melee-style attacks (e.g., rolling, scratching, bouncing) are also used, as impact sounds, light effects, and diminishing health bars indicate damage. One creature is seen with a large drop of mucous hanging from its nose.”

What are the differences between the two games?

The Pokémon Company and Game Freak always release two different versions of their Pokémon games. The biggest differences between the two versions has always been in the available Pokemon, but this time around there are version exclusive gyms to battle in as well.

Pokémon Sword Exclusive Pokémon

Deino
Zwellous
Hydreigon
Jangmo-o
Hakamo-o
Kommo-o
Gothita
Gothorita
Gothitelle
Seedot
Nuzleaf
Shiftry
Rufflet
Braviary
Swirlix
Slurpuff
Scraggy
Scrafty
Sawk
Basculin (Red stripe)
Mawile
Solrock
Passimian
Turtonator
Galarian Farfetch’d
Sirfetch’d
Galarian Darumaka
Galarian Darminitan
Flapple (new Generation 8 Pokemon)
Indeedee (Male)(New Generation 8 Pokemon)
Stonjourner

Pokémon Shield Exclusive Pokémon

Version Exclusive Gyms

The fourth and sixth gym that you battle in during the game are different based on which version you play.

In Pokémon Sword the fourth gym features Bea and her party of fighting-type Pokémon. The sixth gym is run by Gordie and his squad of rock-type Pokémon.

In Pokémon Shield the fourth gym is run by Allister who uses ghost-type Pokémon and the sixth gym is led by Melony and her ice-type Pokémon.

All of the other gyms are identical in both versions.

The differences in the gym lineups means that you’ll need different Pokémon in your party to help overcome the gym challenges and, ultimately, the gym leader.

Legendary Pokemon

Each game features a different legendary Pokémon that is pictured on the front cover of the game. You are able to capture them after you complete the main story arc of the game.

Pokémon Sword has Zacian who is fairy type. When you find the rusted sword and give it to him he becomes fairy/steel type.

Pokémon Shield has Zamazenta who is fighting type. When you find the rusted shield and give it to him he becomes fighting/steel type.

Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online isn’t mandatory, but it does a lot to enrich the experience. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online battling and trading. You also need it in order to participate in Max Raid Battles with other players. (The game will provide you with AI controlled teammates, but it just isn’t the same.)

How do you reset the game?

Sometimes you will just get stuck and feel the need to start over. The Pokémon Company, knowing that its target audience is largely made up of children, makes it relatively difficult to delete a save game so you can start over. They don’t want it to be something that can be done by accident.

In the case of Sword and Shield, you use the data management settings in the Switch menu.

Turn on your Nintendo Switch
From the Nintendo Switch Home Screen, select System Settings
Find Data Management on the next screen
Navigate down to the Delete Save Data option
Choose Pokémon Sword & Shield to delete your file for your current profile.
- Note: Make SURE that you are deleting the save file for the correct profile.

You can then restart your Pokémon Sword or Shield game.

What starter Pokémon should they pick?

What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?

One of the key new features in Sword and Shield is the Dynamax mechanic. Pokémon have the ability, in specific situations, to grow to a massive size and power up each of their attacks. This is similar to the mega-evolution that was introduced in Pokémon X and Y (Generation 6), except that the dynamax has a maximum duration of three turns. The attacks your Pokémon uses while in dynamax form are called Max Movs and are very similar to Z-moves that were introduced during Pokémon Sun and Moon (Generation 7).

You might hear your kids using the term Gigantimax in relation to these battles. These terms are NOT interchangable. Any Pokémon can Dynamax, but there are only certain Pokémon that has a Gigantimax form. This means that they have a special form and access to super powerful G-Max Moves that are unique and powerful.

The only way to find Gigantimax Pokémon is in Max Raid battles. These are special battles that you enter by finding circular rock formations in the wild area.

Tips for catching Pokémon

Make sure you are using the right Pokeballs. You start with access to regular Pokeballs. But, as you defeat gyms you’ll have access to Great Balls and Ultra balls in the PokeCenter shops. You’ll get the best results from using the higher levels Pokeballs. You get a single Master Ball After defeating all of the gyms and completing the story. That should be reserved for catching the game’s legendary Pokémon Zacian or Zamazenta.
Reduce the opposing Pokémon’s HP as low as you can without making it feint. This can be tricky, but you can buy a move called False Swipe at the PokeCenter on the way to Route 3. (False Swipe will never reduce a Pokémon to 1 HP.)
Use status effects! Pokémon who are under status effects are easier to catch. Ideally, you would use one of your Pokémon to put them to Sleep, but poison, paralysis, and frozen work as well.

Was this guide helpful? Leave your comments and questions below! We can add more to this document as time goes on!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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December 14, 2019 0 comment

Video Games

Parental Controls for Fortnite: Battle Royale on Xbox One

by Stephen Duetzmann December 4, 2018

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Fortnite is one of the biggest games in the world. In fact, the only reason it isn’t THE biggest game in the world is that Minecraft is still a thing. I know a lot of parents have allowed their kids to play this new gaming juggernaut and feel lost because they don’t really know how to use the parental controls. Below are the most important Fortnite parental controls that a parent will need to know if their child is playing on iOS or Android.

Editor’s note: If you want a deeper dive into Fortnite we have two guides on our site. The first is a general overview for parents that want to know what the game is all about. The second guide contains tips for new Fortnite players (or for parents to give to their kids if they get frustrated early on.

Turning off Voice Chat

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the Menu button.
Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.
Navigate to the Audio tab (The icon looks like a megaphone with sound waves coming out of it) by pressing the right bumper button.
Navigate to the “Voice Chat” option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the right or left button on the D-pad.

Note: There are a number of other audio options that you can adjust in this menu as well.

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the Menu Button.
Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.
Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the right bumper button.
Navigate to the Automatically Reject Friend Request option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the right or left buttons on the D-pad.

Chat Profanity Filter

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the Menu button.
Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.
Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the right bumper.
Navigate to the Chat Profanity Filter option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the right or left button

Lifetime Refund Requests

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the Menu button.
Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.
Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the right bumper.
Highlight the Submit a Request button and click it using the A button.

Note: You only get three Refund Requests EVER. Make sure that you talk to your kids and figure out how the accidental purchase was made so you can limit those situations in the future.

Where these tips useful? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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December 4, 2018 0 comment

Video Games

Parental Controls for Fortnite: Battle Royale on Nintendo Switch

by Stephen Duetzmann December 4, 2018

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Turning off Voice Chat

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the + button

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.

Navigate to the Audio tab (The icon looks like a megaphone with sound waves coming out of it) by pressing the R button

Navigate to the “Voice Chat” option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the left or right buttons on the D-pad.

Note: There are a number of other audio options that you can adjust in this menu as well.

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the + button

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the R button

Navigate to the Automatically Reject Friend Request option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the left or right buttons on the D-pad.

Chat Profanity Filter

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the + button

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the R button

Navigate to the Chat Profanity Filter option and toggle itOn or Off by pressing the left or right buttons on the D-pad.

Lifetime Refund Requests

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by pressing the + button

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the A button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the R button

Highlight the Submit a Request button and click it using the A button.

Note: You only get three Refund Requests EVER. Make sure that you talk to your kids and figure out how the accidental purchase was made so you can limit those situations in the future.

Where these tips useful? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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December 4, 2018 0 comment

Video Games

Parental Controls for Fortnite: Battle Royale on PlayStation 4

by Stephen Duetzmann December 3, 2018

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Turning off Voice Chat

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by highlighting the Menu icon in the upper right hand of the screen (three stacked horizontal bars) and pressing the X button.

Open the Options Menu by pressing the options button.

Navigate to the Audio tab (The icon looks like a megaphone with sound waves coming out of it) by pressing the X button.

Navigate to the “Voice Chat” option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the X button.

Note: There are a number of other audio options that you can adjust in this menu as well.

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by highlighting the Menu icon in the upper right hand of the screen (three stacked horizontal bars) and pressing the X button.

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the X button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the X button.

Navigate to the Automatically Reject Friend Request option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the X button.

Chat Profanity Filter

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by highlighting the Menu icon in the upper right hand of the screen (three stacked horizontal bars) and pressing the X button.

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the X button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the X button.

Navigate to the Chat Profanity Filter option and toggle it On or Off by pressing the X button.

Lifetime Refund Requests

Open the Settings menu in the top right of the Lobby screen by highlighting the Menu icon in the upper right hand of the screen (three stacked horizontal bars) and pressing the X button.

Open the Options Menu by highlighting the box with the Gear in it and pressing the X button.

Navigate to the Account tab (The icon looks like a pawn in chess) by pressing the X button.

Highlight the Submit a Request button and click it using the X button.

Note: You only get three Refund Requests EVER. Make sure that you talk to your kids and figure out how the accidental purchase was made so you can limit those situations in the future.

Where these tips useful? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

parent’s guide

The Pitch

How Does it work?

Nintendo Switch Online With Expansion Pack

How Much Does it Cost?

Advice

One Switch

Up to Eight Switches

All my friends!

Only my Best Friends

Invite via Dodo Code!

Why Play Online With Other People Anyway?

Imagination

Dice Rolling Apps

Rules

The Basic Rules

The System Reference Document

Character Sheets

Adventures

Follow The Lights

On Her Majesty’s Pest Control Service

A Trilogy of Shorter Adventures

Miniatures

No More Excuses

The Games

The Dock

The Controllers

Size

The Cost

Which one should I buy?

Open the Box

Check Your TV

Plug it In!

Don’t Forget About The Games

Scorbunny

Sobble

Grooky

What is the ESRB Rating?

What are the differences between the two games?

Pokémon Sword Exclusive Pokémon

Pokémon Shield Exclusive Pokémon

Version Exclusive Gyms

Legendary Pokemon

Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?

How do you reset the game?

What starter Pokémon should they pick?

What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?

Tips for catching Pokémon

Turning off Voice Chat

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Chat Profanity Filter

Lifetime Refund Requests

Turning off Voice Chat

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Chat Profanity Filter

Lifetime Refund Requests

Turning off Voice Chat

Automatically Reject Friend Requests from Strangers

Chat Profanity Filter

Lifetime Refund Requests