Game · Medium risk
Is Pokémon Sword and Shield safe for your child?
Age guide
6+
We advise Pokémon Sword and Shield from age 6 and up. Overall risk 4/10 (medium risk).
- 5-8
- Younger players can enjoy the story mode and catching Pokémon, focusing on the adventure and collecting aspects of the Galar region.
- 9-12
- Children in this age group might engage in more strategic Pokémon battles, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms, and begin exploring online Max Raid Battles with friends.
- 13-15
- Teenagers often delve into competitive online battles, Pokémon breeding for optimal stats, and trading with a wider range of players through the Surprise Trade feature.
- 16+
- Older players can participate in ranked battles, complete the Pokédex, and explore post-game content like the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions, which offer new challenges and legendary Pokémon.
These role-playing games allow players to catch, train, and battle Pokémon in the Galar region. They feature online trading and battling with other players.
- Age guide
- 6+
- Overall risk
- 4/10
- Violence
- 2/10
- Toxic behaviour
- 2/10
- Stranger contact
- 3/10
- Addiction risk
- 7/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Influence
- 5/10
What parents should know
Pokémon Sword and Shield offers a rich single-player adventure and optional online features for battling and trading. Parental controls on the Nintendo Switch can restrict online interactions and playtime. It is important to discuss safe online behavior, especially regarding communication and trading with unknown players, to maintain a positive gaming environment.
What to do about Pokémon Sword and Shield
Free with a Parentwise account. The age-by-age verdict needs your child's age, which is why it lives behind the account.
- The age-by-age verdict
What we advise for under 8, 8-12 and 13+ - our age guide for Pokémon Sword and Shield is 6+, and the answer changes with your child's age. - The one setting to change tonight
The exact Pokémon Sword and Shield setting that cuts the most risk, with the steps to find it. - What to say
Word-for-word openers for talking about Pokémon Sword and Shield without a row. - Red flags to watch for
The signals in Pokémon Sword and Shield that mean it is time to step in.
Pokémon Sword and Shield age rating and parents guide: common questions
What age rating is Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Parentwise puts Pokémon Sword and Shield at 6+. We advise Pokémon Sword and Shield from age 6 and up. Overall risk 4/10 (medium risk). Violence scores 2/10, language 1/10, stranger contact 3/10 and addiction risk 7/10.
Can a 10 year old play Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, 10 is at or above the age we advise for Pokémon Sword and Shield (6+). Children in this age group might engage in more strategic Pokémon battles, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms, and begin exploring online Max Raid Battles with friends.
Can a 12 year old play Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, 12 is at or above the age we advise for Pokémon Sword and Shield (6+). Children in this age group might engage in more strategic Pokémon battles, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms, and begin exploring online Max Raid Battles with friends.
Can a 13 year old play Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, 13 is at or above the age we advise for Pokémon Sword and Shield (6+). Teenagers often delve into competitive online battles, Pokémon breeding for optimal stats, and trading with a wider range of players through the Surprise Trade feature.
Is Pokémon Sword and Shield appropriate for kids?
Pokémon Sword and Shield offers a rich single-player adventure and optional online features for battling and trading. Parentwise rates Pokémon Sword and Shield overall as medium risk (4/10), with stranger contact at 3/10 and addiction risk at 7/10.
Is Pokémon Sword and Shield family friendly?
Pokémon Sword and Shield sits in the middle: fine with settings changed and an occasional check-in. Parental controls on the Nintendo Switch can restrict online interactions and playtime.
Pokémon Sword and Shield parents guide: what should a parent know first?
Pokémon Sword and Shield offers a rich single-player adventure and optional online features for battling and trading. The parts that most often catch parents out are stranger contact (3/10) and how hard it pulls for more time (7/10).
Is Pokémon Sword and Shield safe for kids?
We advise Pokémon Sword and Shield from age 6 and up. Overall risk 4/10 (medium risk). Parental controls on the Nintendo Switch can restrict online interactions and playtime.
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Release and popularity data comes in part from RAWG, TVMaze (CC BY-SA) and Wikidata (CC0). Safety guidance is written by Parentwise.