The Best Nintendo Switch Games For Kids

The Nintendo Switch is a top choice for families who love to play games together. It has a huge collection of games for all ages and abilities, and can be played on the TV or taken on the go. Whether kids enjoy classic games like ‘Mario’ and ‘Pokémon’ or trying something new, the Switch offers fun, creative, and even educational experiences. This list features some of the best games that are easy to pick up and play, while still being well-made and enjoyable for younger players.

‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’ (2022)

This Pokémon game, created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, is a fresh take on the classic series with a vast, open world to explore. Players can roam the Paldea region freely, catching Pokémon and following three different storylines. It’s designed to be played at your own pace and even lets up to four players team up and play together. Its bright visuals and easy-to-learn battle system make it a favorite among younger Pokémon fans.

‘Nintendo Switch Sports’ (2022)

This game, created by Nintendo, builds on the success of ‘Wii Sports’ and lets players enjoy a variety of sports like tennis, bowling, soccer, and volleyball using the Joy-Con controllers’ motion sensors. It’s designed to be active and fun, whether you’re playing with friends and family locally or competing online. Players can also create and customize their own characters and unlock new items by playing each week.

‘Yoshi’s Crafted World’ (2019)

Good-Feel created this unique side-scrolling game, published by Nintendo for its Switch console. Everything in the game world is cleverly built from everyday objects like cardboard, paper cups, and tape. Players control Yoshi and explore levels that can be flipped over to reveal hidden areas. With its easy-to-learn gameplay and option for two players to team up locally, it’s a great first platforming experience for young children.

‘Splatoon 3’ (2022)

Splatoon, created and published by Nintendo, is a unique shooter game where players use colorful ink instead of bullets. The main game mode, Turf War, challenges teams to cover the most ground with their ink color. Beyond the competitive matches, Splatoon includes a full story campaign, a cooperative mode called Salmon Run, and lots of ways to customize your character, whether you play as an Inkling or an Octoling. It’s a fun, family-friendly take on the shooter genre, emphasizing area control over just shooting.

‘Mario Party Superstars’ (2021)

This game, created by NDcube and published by Nintendo, is a tribute to the popular series on Nintendo 64 and GameCube. It includes five familiar game boards and 100 fast-paced mini-games that challenge players’ skills and chance. You can play with friends and family locally, wirelessly, or even online, making it easy to compete no matter where everyone is. With its simple turn-based gameplay, it’s easy for kids to learn and provides a fun, consistent experience for players of all ages.

‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ (2022)

This new Pokémon game, created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, takes a fresh approach to the classic catch-and-battle gameplay. Set in the historical Hisui region, players can freely explore a vast open world and observe Pokémon in their natural habitats. The story centers around creating the very first Pokédex, combining action, stealth, and exploration for a deeply engaging experience, especially for fans who love the rich stories and detailed world of Pokémon.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

In this game from Nintendo, you move to a deserted island and build it up into a lively community. You’ll collect materials, make furniture, and become friends with animal neighbors – all happening in real-time based on your game console’s clock. It’s a really creative game where you can design your home, decorate the island, and even make your own clothes. Because it’s not about winning or losing and has a calm, relaxing style, it’s become a favorite for families looking for a fun and creative experience.

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ (2017)

This updated version of the beloved kart racing game, created by Nintendo, includes all previously released extra content and a completely redesigned Battle Mode. It’s designed to be easy for players of all skill levels, with features like Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate to help keep everyone on the track. Up to eight people can play together locally, making it a fantastic social game. Its simple controls and endless fun keep families coming back for more, making it a consistently great choice.

‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ (2022)

HAL Laboratory created this brand new 3D adventure starring Kirby, and Nintendo published it worldwide. The game’s biggest new feature is “Mouthful Mode,” where Kirby can swallow huge things – like cars and vending machines – and transform to gain special powers. Players will journey through a vibrant world packed with colorful enemies and creative boss battles. A friend can also easily join in as Bandana Waddle Dee for cooperative play.

‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’ (2019)

Luigi’s Mansion 3, created by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo, puts you in the role of Luigi as he investigates a spooky hotel to find his friends. You’ll use a special vacuum cleaner, the Poltergust G-00, to suck up ghosts and overcome challenges. A cool addition is Gooigi, a green, gooey version of Luigi who can slip through tight spaces. This makes it easy for two players – like a parent and child – to play together and explore the hotel.

‘Pikmin 4’ (2023)

This puzzle game, created by Nintendo EPD, challenges players to guide small, plant-like creatures through tricky levels to find hidden treasures. You’ll work with Oatchi, a helpful rescue dog, who can carry items and help you overcome dangerous obstacles. Success depends on smart planning and managing your resources as you explore a unique world and save lost travelers. The game is visually appealing and offers an accessible way to experience real-time strategy gameplay.

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ (2018)

This exciting fighting game, created by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo, brings together characters from many famous video game series. Players fight each other, trying to knock opponents off the screen with different attacks and items in matches they can customize. It’s easy to pick up and play, even for younger players, thanks to simple controls and a diverse cast of characters. It’s also a great way for kids to learn about lots of different video game worlds all in one game.

‘Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury’ (2021)

This release from Nintendo EPD includes two games: a refined version of ‘Super Mario 3D World’ and a brand-new adventure called ‘Bowser’s Fury.’ ‘Super Mario 3D World’ lets up to four players team up locally for fun, creative 3D platforming. ‘Bowser’s Fury’ features a large open world where Mario and Bowser Jr. team up to defeat a massive, ink-covered Bowser. With a variety of power-ups, like the Super Bell that turns Mario into a cat, the games offer enjoyable gameplay for players of all abilities.

‘Super Mario Odyssey’ (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey, created by Nintendo, is a fun 3D adventure where Mario teams up with Cappy to explore different kingdoms. A unique feature lets you “capture” enemies and objects, giving you new ways to play. There’s also an “Assist Mode” that makes the game easier for new players by giving them extra health and hints. People love it for being incredibly creative, full of hidden secrets, and having smooth, responsive controls.

‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ (2024)

This beautifully updated version of the beloved classic puts you in a charming papercraft world as Mario searches for the Crystal Stars. Developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, the game offers strategic, turn-based battles that require careful timing. With a funny story that appeals to everyone, and improved graphics and gameplay, this remake is a fresh way to experience a timeless adventure.

‘Super Mario Bros. Wonder’ (2023)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, created by Nintendo, is a fresh take on classic Mario gameplay. It introduces Wonder Flowers, which create surprising and dramatic changes to each level – imagine pipes suddenly moving or the entire world shifting! The game features characters like Yoshi and Nabbit who can’t be hurt by enemies, making it great for younger players. Up to four players can play together locally, and the game is full of bright colors and lively animation.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (2023)

This highly praised new game from Nintendo lets players build almost anything they can imagine! Using abilities like “Ultrahand” and “Fuse,” you can create vehicles and structures to travel across the huge world of Hyrule. It’s a fun adventure that also encourages creativity, problem-solving, and learning, letting kids explore and experiment freely at their own speed.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)

This game, a launch title for Nintendo Switch, completely changed how players experience open-world adventures. It lets you freely roam the vast kingdom of Hyrule, solve clever puzzles using the game’s physics, and find secret shrines. The game rewards players for being curious and trying new things – you can climb almost anything and find multiple ways to overcome challenges. With its beautiful art style and incredible sense of discovery, it’s become a truly memorable game for players of all ages.

We’d love to hear about your best Nintendo Switch moments and any family-friendly game suggestions you have! Share them in the comments below.

2026-02-06 18:20