Nintendo Switch games offer a world of entertainment for kids of all ages. Whether your child is a fan of adventure, puzzles, or sports, there are games that cater to their interests. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top Nintendo Switch games for kids, taking into account their age-appropriateness, educational value, and entertainment factor.
Table of Contents
Types of Nintendo Switch Games
Before we delve into the best games for kids, let’s familiarize ourselves with the various types of Nintendo Switch games available:
- Platform Games: These games, like Super Mario, involve navigating a character through different platforms and completing tasks or defeating bosses.
- Role-Playing Games (RPG): In RPGs, players assume the role of a character and embark on quests, gaining power and abilities as they progress. Examples of RPGs for kids include The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
- First-Person Shooter (FPS): FPS games immerse players in a first-person perspective, where they must shoot enemies to survive. Splatoon 3 is an example of a FPS game for the Nintendo Switch.
- Battle Royale: Games like Fortnite involve multiple players fighting for survival until only one remains. These games are highly competitive and require strategic thinking.
- Sandbox: Sandbox games, such as Minecraft and Animal Crossing, offer players freedom and creative control. They can build, explore, and interact with the game world in their own unique way.
- Open World: Open world games, like The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, allow players to explore vast environments and complete quests in a non-linear fashion.
Now that we have a better understanding of the different genres, let’s dive into the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.
Related: 25 Free Nintendo Switch Games: The Ultimate Collection
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have game for Nintendo Switch owners. It provides hours of fun for players of all ages, from 5-year-olds to parents. The game features iconic characters from the Mario and Nintendo universe, racing against each other on exciting racecourses. Players can collect coins to increase their speed and use power-ups to gain an advantage or sabotage their opponents.
One of the best features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its accessibility. Beginners can use smart steering to stay on track and avoid frustration. The game also offers a wide variety of levels and gameplay options, ensuring that experienced gamers are continually challenged. With additional controllers, up to eight players can race together locally, and with a Nintendo Switch Online account, up to 12 players can compete online.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital and physical
2. Just Dance 2023
Just Dance 2023 is a fantastic game that gets the whole family moving and grooving. It’s a great way to bond and have fun together, regardless of age. With the Joy-Con controllers, players follow the onscreen dance moves choreographed to popular songs. The game scores based on the player’s right-hand movements, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The 2023 edition of Just Dance features updated graphics and a variety of songs from different genres. It offers both online and offline gameplay options. With a Ubisoft account, players can dance along with strangers online or create private groups to compete with friends. The game also includes songs with easy choreography, perfect for beginners.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital only
3. Minecraft
Minecraft is a beloved game that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Players can mine and build in a virtual world where they have complete freedom and control. The game offers two modes: creative mode, where players can build without any dangers, and survival mode, where they must create shelter and protect themselves from mobs.
Minecraft is available on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. It allows for multiplayer mode on the same Switch, and players can also connect with friends through a Microsoft account. The game’s educational value lies in its ability to teach players about three-dimensional design and encourage creativity.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for fantasy violence and interactive options)
- Format: Digital and physical
Related: 9 Nintendo Switch Sports Games: A Winning Collection
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a friendly and relaxing world-building experience. Players can create their own island, build homes, plant gardens, and design textiles. The game allows interaction with adorable animal residents and supports local multiplayer for up to four players. With a Nintendo Switch Online connection, players can visit other players’ islands through a special code-sharing system.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons gained popularity during the early days of the pandemic as a means of escape for both kids and adults. It offers a unique educational benefit as well. One parent shared how her daughter’s interest in the game motivated her to learn to read and develop knowledge about bugs and fish. The game’s calming nature and creative opportunities make it a hit among kids.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital and physical
5. FIFA 22
Soccer fans will love FIFA 22 on the Nintendo Switch. The game features stunning graphics and includes some of the top women’s teams, as well as famous stadiums from around the world. Players can enjoy both single-player and multiplayer options, making it ideal for solo play or competitive matches with friends.
In addition to standard soccer games, FIFA 22 offers squad-building challenges, tournaments, skill games, and more. The game provides an immersive experience for soccer enthusiasts and allows them to control their favorite teams and players.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital and physical
6. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe brings the iconic Mario and Luigi back together for an exciting side-scrolling adventure. Players can team up with friends or go solo as they navigate through levels, rescue characters, and overcome challenges. The game introduces new elements, such as Wonder Flowers that add excitement to the gameplay.
One of the great features of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is the wide range of characters to choose from. Beginners can play as Yoshi or Nabbit, characters that provide extra assistance and can’t be damaged. Advanced players can explore the game’s power-up options, including the all-new Elephant Mario. The game supports multiplayer both locally and online.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital and physical
7. New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap offers a unique and non-violent gaming experience for young kids. Instead of battling, players embark on a photography adventure, capturing images of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game encourages exploration, strategic thinking, and observation skills.
Designed for kids ages 6 and under, New Pokémon Snap is a cartoon-styled game that brings a sense of accomplishment without intense competition. Players can snap images of various Pokémon creatures and build their Photodex collection. The game’s immersive world and adorable characters make it a hit among young Pokémon fans.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
- Format: Digital and physical
8. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an exciting adventure game suitable for kids. Players control Kirby, a lovable alien blob, as he navigates through levels, rescues characters, and battles enemies. The game offers problem-solving challenges and introduces kids to mild cartoon violence in a non-threatening manner.
The gameplay in Kirby and the Forgotten Land revolves around strategic thinking and using Kirby’s unique abilities to overcome obstacles. The game’s colorful graphics and engaging storyline make it a hit among younger players.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for cartoon violence)
- Format: Digital and physical
9. Mario Tennis Aces
Mario Tennis Aces is a fun and energetic sports game that gets players off the couch. With the Joy-Con controllers, players can engage in virtual tennis matches, either alone or with friends. The game offers various gameplay modes, including online multiplayer for up to eight players.
While Mario Tennis Aces is not a replacement for real sports, it provides a fun and active gaming experience. It encourages physical activity and allows players to compete against each other in a friendly and entertaining manner.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for mild violence, in-game purchasing, interactions with other gamers)
- Format: Digital and physical
10. Pikmin Bloom
Pikmin Bloom combines strategy, storytelling, and adventure into an immersive gameplay experience. Players control multiple characters called Pikmin as they embark on an expedition. The game challenges players’ skills, requires strategic thinking, and offers visually appealing graphics.
While Pikmin Bloom is recommended for kids ages 10 and up, older kids will enjoy the game’s problem-solving elements and nonviolent gameplay. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and encourages creative problem-solving.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+
- Format: Digital and physical
11. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an open-world adventure game set in the Pokémon universe. Players explore the land of Paldea, catch Pokémon, and complete quests in their own preferred order. The game offers an immersive experience and provides opportunities for exploration and experimentation.
As a sequel to Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pokémon Legends: Arceus features stunning graphics and an imaginative storyline. While the game is suitable for kids, it may be more challenging and complex for younger players.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for mild suggestive themes and fantasy violence)
- Format: Digital and physical
12. Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 offers a unique and colorful gaming experience. Instead of traditional shooting games, players engage in paintball battles, covering the environment with their team’s ink color. The game encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving.
The Splatoon series is known for its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay. Splatoon 3 features an offline story-driven game mode, as well as real-time battles and turf wars. It provides a fun and competitive multiplayer experience for kids.
Key Specs:
- ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for cartoon violence, in-game purchases, user interaction)
- Format: Digital only
Conclusion
Nintendo Switch offers a wide range of games that cater to the interests of kids. Whether they enjoy racing, dancing, building, or sports, there is a game that will provide hours of entertainment. From classics like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to unique experiences like Splatoon 3, these games offer a mix of educational value and fun. So grab your Nintendo Switch and get ready for an immersive gaming adventure with your kids!
Additional Information:
- It’s important for parents to set limits on screen time and ensure that gaming doesn’t take over other regular activities.
- The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) provides valuable information about a game’s content and appropriateness for different age groups.
- While some games may contain elements of violence, it’s essential to have ongoing conversations with your child about the content and its impact.
- Encourage your child to participate in the creation of a Family Media Plan to establish rules and limits for their gaming and media usage.
Remember to have fun, bond with your kids, and explore the wonderful world of Nintendo Switch games together!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Always supervise your child’s gaming activities and ensure they are playing age-appropriate games.