A packet switching device for receiving and forwarding a packet, comprises a counter for indicating a storage capacity of specified packets in stored packets, and means for starting a forwarding restriction of the specified packets if the counter exceeds a preset forwarding restriction start threshold value. The forwarding restriction is a process of, e.g., lowering a priority of the specified packets in the received packets. The packet switching device further comprises means for canceling the forwarding restriction when the counter becomes smaller than a preset forwarding restriction terminating threshold value.