How we decided on Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Our safety checks

Animal Crossing: New Horizons passes all 7 safety checks. We apply the same strict rules to every app and game.

1. Could we confirm every fact?

   ✓ Yes

   Every fact below links to its source. Rule 1

2. Is your child old enough for the official ratings?

   ✓ Yes

   Rated 7+ by Common Sense Media. Our minimum age is 7. Rule 2

3. Can you stop strangers contacting your child?

   ✓ Yes

   Nintendo’s parental controls can restrict chat and messages with other players for this game, and only someone with the parent’s PIN can change it. Rule 3Source

4. Is every risk under control once settings are on?

   ✓ Yes

   No risk stays high once every control is on. Rule 4

5. Is its child-safety record clear?

   ✓ Yes

   We searched for regulator, government and court action over child safety against Nintendo in October 2026 and found none. Rule 5

6. Can you stop all spending?

   ✓ Yes

   There’s nothing to buy inside the game. Extras such as the paid expansion and Switch 2 upgrade come from the Nintendo eShop, where parents can restrict spending. Rule 6Source

7. Is everything checked before children see it?

   ! No

   Players share their own clothing designs and dream versions of their islands with everyone. We couldn’t confirm that Nintendo checks them before children see them. So the best we can say is “only with conditions”. Rule 7