Our family loves Nintendo. From the old-school Nintendo back in the day to the innovative Nintendo Wii to the Nintendo Switch. We’ve been a Nintendo family for as long as I can remember. Over the past six months, having a Nintendo Switch to play together as a family has been a life-saver while we’re stuck at home. We’ve also found that while most of the games that we order are great for kids, some of them are either a little too old or a little too difficult for my 7-year-old son to really play on his own. It’s hard to figure out what you’re going to get in a game just from reading a description on the Nintendo website or even reviews on whatever website you choose to buy from. So this guide is going to be a quick writeup specifically for people looking for the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.
Top Nintendo Switch Games
Okay now let’s get right down to it. Like I mentioned above, this list only includes our top picks for kids. It doesn’t include games like Marvel Alliance, which we love, because it’s just a bit too much graphic fighting for kids. And when I say kids, I’m talking mostly about the 5-9 age group. Younger than five and playing Nintendo Switch games is going to have its own set of challenges, and I feel like ten and older can likely play games for pretty much any difficulty. Hopefully the details I’ve included will help you choose the best game for your kids!
Full Game List
If you’re looking for a particular game, I’ve included a table of contents below. Click on the game name for my review of that particular game. Once you’ve read about that game, click the back button in your browser to be returned to this menu.
Lego The IncrediblesLego Marvel Super HeroesLego DC Super-VillainsLego The Lego Movie 2Lego The Ninjago Movie VideogameLego Harry Potter CollectionPokemon Tournament DXPokemon Let’s Go Eevee!Pokemon Sword & ShieldSuper Mario Maker 2Super Mario OdysseyMario & Rabbids Kingdom BattleMario Kart 8 DeluxeSuper Mario PartySuper Smash Bros UltimateYoshi’s Crafted WorldJust DanceDonkey Kong Country: Tropical FreezeAnimal CrossingRing Fit Adventure
What the Guide Includes
This guide includes only our top Nintendo Switch games for kids. It won’t include the other ones that we bought (and often enjoy) that either aren’t appropriate or are too difficult for kids to play. Each review will include the things you really need to know:
LEGO Switch Games
I’m giving LEGO Nintendo Switch Games their own section because there are a lot of them, and they’re some of our favorites. Popular movies, characters, and world come to life in LEGO worlds, making LEGO Switch games some of the best ones out there for kids. In LEGO games, everything is just taken down to a kid-friendly place. Instead of actually fighting one another, LEGO mini figures just break apart. Storylines are dumbed down to kid-friendly versions and worlds take on well, a LEGO look, rather than a realistic one. Now let’s chat about the LEGO Switch games we’ve tried and a little bit more about each.
LEGO The Incredibles
In LEGO The Incredibles, players work together to combine the Parr family’s abilities and unique powers to build massive LEGO structures as well as complete side missions to defeat super villains that control hubs around the city. This game kept my son (and husband) occupied for a while and one they both thoroughly enjoyed! While it may not be the most difficult of the Nintendo Switch games for kids on this list, it’s a fun one!
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violence, mild crude humorType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
You get to play through both of the Incredibles movies in one game. It’s a co-op game, meaning that the two players can help one another. This is especially helpful with tricky parts where an adult may need to step in and help a bit. It’s a split screen game unlike some of the other Switch games in this list so you’re not tied to the other player and forced to move where they do. Most kid-friendly out of all of the LEGO games with lower violence than other games.Players can unlock and play with all sorts of Pixar characters, not just characters from The Incredibles.
Unique features of the game:
Players get to find micro builds of all the Pixar characters throughout the game, which brings in another familiar and fun element for families who love Pixar movies There are maps that show how far you are from golden bricks to find in the game instead of just having to openly explore everywhere. You can create your own superhero to play with from a variety of choices of power options.
Things to Watch Out For:
This game doesn’t include features and characters from the first movie, it’s specifically for the second movie and beyond. This game can be beat fairly quickly and while it has some extra side missions, your kids may get through it quickly and want to move on. People have complained quite a bit about the load times on this game so just be aware that it could be something that might frustrate your kids if they have to wait for the game to load for minutes or more.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
In LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, players can choose from their favorite Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other Marvel superheroes as they go head to head in a cosmic battle against the time traveling Kang the Conqueror.
As a Marvel family, this was going to be a game we enjoyed whether or not it was actually a good game. Luckily, it’s a great one and perfect for my son who loves both Legos AND superheroes!
Number of players: 1 to 4 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violenceType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
You get to play as your favorite Avenger or Marvel superhero. There are over 100+ different characters to choose from, which means you can really play a different game every time!
Unique features of the game:
You get to play with all of the different superheroes and use their unique powers in the game. You can create your own superhero with whatever combination of powers you’d like to use for play and customize your own superhero.Once you “beat” the game there are still a lot of features and other missions and activities you can continue to play, making this game playable for a long time.
Things to watch out for:
Some of the mini missions are more challenging and may require assistance from an adult or older kids/teens for younger kidsWhile the language is still family-friendly, it is a little harsher than some of the other games like The Incredibles.Some of the races to unlock characters are more challenging and may need assistance to complete.
LEGO DC Super-Villains
In DC Super-Villains, players can be their favorite DC super villains and cause chaos and havoc throughout the world! The Justice League has disappeared and the super villains must challenge a set of wannabe superheroes. We’d heard great things about this game before buying it, and it didn’t disappoint. While we’re more a Marvel family than DC family, it still featured Lego superheroes and the mini games in this one are a blast! There’s a reason it’s been called one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids by other people!
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violenceType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
Fans of DC superheroes and comics will love getting to see all of the DC worlds and characters laid out in this game. When you start the game, you create a character with its own design and features. That character is used throughout the game, including in the animation and video scenes, as part of the story.
Unique features of the game:
It’s one of the only games where you can be the villain rather than the good guy as a main character in the story. Includes lots of inventive and fun mini games including slide puzzles and more throughout the story.
Things to watch out for:
Since you are playing as the villains rather than the good guys, it is a little darker than other LEGO games but still kid-friendly enough. We experienced a couple of glitches in the game in places such as sliding on ice where we got stuck in an endless loop of ice sliding and had to shut off the game. It fixed itself after shutting off the game, but it’s something to be aware of if kids are playing on their own.
LEGO The Lego Movie 2
In this fun game based on the Lego Movie 2, an alien monster has invaded Bricksburg and taken all of Emmet’s friends hostage. Players take Emmet and other characters on an outer space journey to find and save their friends.
Out of all of the Lego Nintendo Switch games, I’d say this is the one my son was probably the least fond of, but he still enjoyed it so it’s on this list. If your kids are HUGE fans of the Lego Movie, they may like this one. the most.
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violenceType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
If you like The Lego Movie franchise, families will love being able to use their favorite characters in this fun game that is inspired by the movieIt’s one of the least expensive games on this list.
Unique features of the game:
Your character carries a tool bag of weapons and tools and you can switch out your weapons throughout the game. There are obstacles where you have to build things like houses and other buildings.
Things to watch out for:
Unlike some of the other LEGO games, this one is pretty small in regards to how much you have to do to “beat” the game. There really aren’t levels like there are in different games, it’s more just exploring. You can spend a lot of wasted time just waiting for relics to open up and the relics themselves are kind of tedious to open and useless to the game.
LEGO The Ninjago Movie Videogame
Similar to The Lego Movie 2 videogame above, in The Ninjago Movie Videogame players get to play as their favorite ninjas from the movie to defend Ninjago from Lord Garmandon and his Shark Army. With eight different locations, it’s a fun way to experience the popular movie in video game format. My son goes off and on with this game. When he watches LEGO Ninjago on Netflix, he wants to play the game and loves playing it. It’s definitely a bigger hit for fans of movie and characters more so than just as a game.
Number of players: 1 to 4 playersLetter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violenceType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
It’s one of the only LEGO games that you can play with up to four players, which is great for playing as a family together.Families that love the Ninjago Movie will love being able to use their favorite ninjas as players in the game, plus a lot of the locations follow the movie storyline.
Unique features of the game:
There are eight different locations, each with its own challenge dojo to complete (multiple levels of opponents + a boss).You can use any of the five characters at any given time and switching through them is super easy, just need to tap the X button.
Things to watch out for:
There are some scenes that are super colorful, chaotic, and just hard to make out enemies when you’re battling. Like some of the other games mentioned, users have reported long load times and wait times. The game can feel a bit repetitive or predictable if you’re familiar with the movie, there aren’t a lot of surprises.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection
In this two game collection, players get to explore the world of Harry Potter and friends from the very beginning to the end of year 7. Players can choose to be Harry Potter or any number of Harry Potter characters and try out spell casting, potion making, and other fun challenges throughout the game.
We bought this game a couple of weeks before we made our first trip to Universal Studios Florida to visit Harry Potter World. We also read the first book at the same time. My son LOVED this game but got through it quickly and was over it as soon as we got back from our trip.
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violence, mild crude humorType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
The collection comes with two different games, one spanning years 1-4 and one spanning years 5-7. It’s one of the easiest LEGO games in the bunch, easy enough that my 7-year-old could get through both games with very little help from us. Families who love Harry Potter will love seeing the books come to life in LEGO form and being able to play as their favorite Harry Potter characters.It’s inexpensive, especially considering you get two different games in the collection.
Unique features of the game:
It’s the only LEGO game that incorporates spell casting and potion making, which is a fun and unique twist on the game.
Things to watch out for:
It’s very easy and may not keep your kids entertained as long as you’d like. My 7-year-old played through both games completely in 4-5 hours without any assistance.
Pokemon Nintendo Switch Games
My son is a huge fan of Pokemon so naturally we had to get all of the different Pokemon Nintendo Switch games to try out. If your kids like Pokemon, they’ll likely enjoy all of these games. I’ve included details on each so that if you only want to get one, you can choose which is best for your kids.
Pokkem Tournament DX
This is the first Pokemon game ever released for the Nintendo Switch and it’s basically just a big Pokemon Tournament. You can choose from one of 21 different Pokemon fighters to battle in a Pokemon arena. Choose carefully and use unique attacks from your Pokemon to become the best! My son enjoys this game, but I think out of the three Pokemon games he has, this is probably his least favorite. This one is more about fighting than a story, and he really likes being a trainer and the story aspect of the other Pokemon games. But if your kids like fighting games, this one is probably a great fit!
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Fantasy violenceType of Game: Fighting
Why families will love it:
Kids who love Pokemon will love being able to actually choose their own Pokemon fighter and Pokemon to take place in a Pokemon battle. Each Pokemon has their own unique features and actions, which means this game is one you can play over and over again unlike some of the LEGO ones that you can “beat.”
Unique features of the game:
Kids will get to battle as the actual Pokemon, not telling the Pokemon what to do as a trainer This is a one on one Pokemon battling game, similar to old-school Street Fighter games.
Things to watch out for:
The entire premise of this game is Pokemon battling one another, so it’s a fighting heavy game. If you’d prefer to stay away from the fighting or at least limit it, I’d go with one of the other Pokemon games or just skip the Pokemon games all together.
Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee!
In this game players get to start their Pokemon adventure from the very beginning (with Eevee as their original Pokemon) and basically relive the TV show in a video game. Collect Pokemon, battle other trainers, try to keep away from Team Rocket, etc. This is one of the games on this list that my son picks up over and over again. He won’t play for a month or two then wants to play all the time. That to me says that it’s a game with longevity that kids will actually enjoy playing regularly.
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Mild cartoon violence Type of Game: Adventure
Why families will love it:
Kids who love Pokemon will enjoy collecting Pokemon, battling other trainers, and feeling like they’ve entered the world of Pokemon. While there are still Pokemon battles, the fighting is less graphic than that of Pokemon Tournament DX (either a good or bad thing depending on your kids’ ages). Kids who love Pokemon Go will love this game that has a similar feel and actually incorporates many elements (and Pokemon) from Pokemon Go. This is the easiest of the Pokemon games to play so if you have a younger Pokemon lover, this is probably a safe choice.
Unique features of the game:
If you have Poke Ball Plus accessory, you can actually use it to catch Pokemon, which makes it feel a bit more realistic. If not, you use still use the regular Joy-Con controller. You can connect to Pokemon GO to transfer Kanto-region Pokemon from Pokemon GO to your game play. You can customize both Eevee and your trainer in a variety of colors and outfits.Once you beat the game, certain Pokemon level up, which can make it more fun for older Pokemon fans.
Things to watch out for:
This is definitely a game created for younger kids to be able to play.
Nintendo Pokemon Sword & Shield
Pokemon Sword and Shield brings a brand new group of Pokemon to Nintendo Switch in the Galar region. Players start by choosing a Pokemon trainer and one of three Pokemon partners they’ll use for their adventure. On the adventure, players can catch, battle, and trade Pokemon, unravel mysteries, and team up with other trainers for Max Raid Team battles. Out of all of the games on this list, this is the one that I hear about the most from my son. He’s constantly telling me about new Pokemon he captured, and it seems to feed his Pokemon obsession the most. It probably helps that we have both games and there are tons of Pokemon to catch, but he loves it.
Number of players: 1 to 4 players Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Comic mischief, mild cartoon violenceType of Game: Adventure with free play in the wild area
I’ve included Pokemon Sword and Shield together because they come sold as a bundle (and separately) and are very similar in nature. Kind of like the older Pokemon red and blue games. If you purchase the Double Pack, you get two codes that reward you with Dynamax Crystals. There are a few minor differences between the two games, but the biggest difference is the Pokemon you can collect in each is slightly different. If you want to collect all the Pokemon, get the double pack. Here are a few other small differences:
The gyms in each are slightly different with different gym leadersLegendary Pokemon you get in each game is differentRivals you face in expansion packs are different
Why families will love it:
Pokemon Sword and Shield bring a brand new generation of Pokemon to Nintendo Switch. They’re the only option for exploring and collecting Pokemon in the Galar region. Players can customize their trainer and Pokemon’s outfits and look to become the trainer they want to be (rather than just one of the standards from the game). Pokemon lovers will love collecting new and old familiar Pokemon throughout the Galar region.
Unique features of the game:
Players can team up with up to three other players locally or online in multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles. Players can freely control the camera in the Wild Area, which can be cool if there are various Pokemon around. You can play with and interact with all of your Pokemon including things like playing fetch, making them stew, etc. If you only have one of the two games and cannot actually catch a certain Pokemon in a game, you can trade others in the online community for ones you want.
Things to watch out for:
You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership (additional fee) and Nintendo Account for any online play (aka co-op Max Raid battles with anyone who isn’t local). The game play is very similar in the two. If you’re concerned about budget, you can get one of them now and get the other later. My son preferred the Pokemon in Shield more than Sword. This game does not connect to Pokemon Go. If your kids are hoping to connect to Pokemon Go and use the Pokemon collected there, go with Let’s Go Eevee.
Super Mario Games
Mario, Luigi, and friends are a Nintendo staple and luckily Nintendo has come out with some really fun Nintendo Switch games for kids that feature Mario in really unique ways! And unlike many of the games mentioned above, most of the Mario games are ones that you can play over and over again, there’s no real “beating the game.”
Super Mario Maker 2
I had a chance to try out Super Mario Maker 2 at a Nintendo Switch event at San Diego Comic Con in 2019, and it’s still one of my personal favorites over a year later. In Super Mario Maker 2, players can choose from various play types to do everything from design your own levels to play old-school style Mario to doing more free play explore Mario world options. It’s great for fans of Mario everywhere. This is personally one of my favorite games and one that my son plays off and on regularly.
Number of players: 1 to 4 playersLetter Rating: EveryoneRating Description: Mild cartoon violenceType of Game: Action
Why families will love it:
With five different types of play, there’s something for everyone whether you just want side-scrolling levels to play through, worlds to explore, or the challenge of creating and completing your own level. There are tons of levels that other players have created you can try including super easy options to more difficult ones – perfect for families with kids of all ages. The game brings back a sense of nostalgia for old-school Mario games that were simply going from the beginning of a level to the end, trying to collect as many coins and avoid Koopa troopas on your way. People are constantly creating new courses and challenges, so this game is one you can play over and over again without repeating a thing.
Unique features of the game:
You can make your own very own level and play levels that others have created. There’s a reason it’s named Super Mario MAKER. Plus, you can play each of those levels with up to 4 people!
Things to watch out for:
You’ll need a Nintendo Switch online membership and Nintendo account to share courses you’ve made and try out courses others have created.
Super Mario Odyssey
In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario teams up with his cap to explore different places in the Mushroom Kingdom in a 3D adventure. Players can either play solo as Mario or play together as Mario + his hat, Cappy, to play in a co-op mode to complete adventures together. My husband and son pick this one up to play together regularly. It seems to be more fun played together than separate, but my son definitely enjoyed exploring just as Mario when we first bought it!
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violence, comic mischiefType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
It’s a co-op game, meaning that the two players can help one another. This is especially helpful with tricky parts where an adult may need to step in and held a bit. Parts of the game go back to the classic Mario style, so it still has a bit of that nostalgic old-school Mario feel with a brand new 3D world. Levels can be played over and over again to find new moons, complete new tasks, and so on until you’ve completely finished a level.
Unique features of the game:
The game has an assist mode that’s great for kids. When turned on, the assist mode shows you arrows to point you in the right direction and brings you back to where you were when you fall. Put Cappy on creatures in the game to turn them into creatures and/or villains you can control.
Things to watch out for:
Controlling Cappy was a little challenging at first so it might take a bit of practice before it comes naturally for kids.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
In Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, two worlds collide in one fun adventure! The Mushroom Kingdom has been hit by a mysterious vortex, which has brought chaotic Rabbids in and destroyed peace in the land. Mario players must work together with Rabbids to get through four worlds of chaos. My family played this one a lot when we first got it but then after beating the game, it lost a lot of its fun value. It’s a relatively inexpensive game so if you’re getting it for entertainment, it definitely holds its value. If you want a game that you can play over and over again, maybe thnk again.
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violence, comic mischief, mild language Type of Game: Strategy, Adventure
Why families will love it:
The controls are fairly simple and intuitive, making it playable for even players who may not play videogames that often.It’s more like playing a board game than a video game, totally counts for family game night! Families who are fans of either Mario or Rabbids will love seeing their worlds and personalities combined in this game.
Unique features of the game:
Can either play solo or play turn-based combat (kind of like a board game) in the game. It’s more of a strategy based game, one of the only ones on this list like that.
Things to watch out for:
There are only four worlds so we did get through this game pretty quickly. Just something to keep in mind when you’re looking at the price versus the amount of time you’ll likely spend playing it. There is potty-humor (things like flatulence, bleeped out swear words like #$#@$) in a few scenes.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If you’ve ever played Nintendo, you’ve probably at some point played Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Nintendo Switch version of Mario Kart and just as fun as all of the other versions. Players can either choose to race on actual courses or compete in little mini game type battles (against each other or the computer). It’s Mario Kart – everyone loves Mario Kart. The end.
Number of players: 1 to 12 playersLetter Rating: EveryoneRating Description: Comic mischief Type of Game: Racing
Why families will love it:
Mario Kart can be played by up to 12 players by combining local or online play, which is great for large families who want to play together!You can choose the difficulty level based on players’ skill levels so even the youngest kids can compete. This is a classic favorite that I’ve never heard anyone say they don’t like!
Unique features of the game:
You can customize steering and accessibility options specifically for kids that will drive their kart around the track even if they’re not really doing it. Perfect for getting the youngest ones involved without them feeling like they’re always losing or turned around. There are a variety of battle options that are fun including a cops and robbers type game, popping balloons, and one where you’re a bomb trying to blow others up.
Things to watch out for:
While the kid-friendly customizations are super helpful for actual races, battles can still be frustrating for the younger players, especially when battling against older kids or adults. If that’s the case, I’d stick with the battles more like cops and robbers than the balloon battle so it’s more of a team vs individual thing.
Super Mario Party
Mario Party is just what it sounds like – a party! It plays like a board game with lots of little mini party games to earn points, prizes, and more! The mini games can be as simple as jumping and hitting a dice to using your controller to hit things in rhythm. And if you don’t have time for a full party, you can just play mini games instead of a full game. When we’re playing as a family, we regularly put in Super Mario Party. It’s fantastic if you’re using the Switch more for party games, family night, or something to do together. It’s not so much of a one kid playing by themselves type game.
Number of players: 1 to 4Letter Rating: EveryoneRating Description: Mild cartoon violenceType of Game: Party, multi-player
Why families will love it:
There are over 80 different mini-games that use a variety of skills and luck so if someone is good at one, they’ll likely not be good at the next one. The variety keeps things even and fun for everyone!Up to four people can play at once in one massive board game and mini-game battle. Awards are given out at the end of the game randomly (you don’t know which awards will be given out) so you never know who’s going to win!
Unique features of the game:
Mini game mode allows you to play all of the mini games (either randomly or you select) against both local and online opponents.Players are trying to earn coins and stars individually but play mini-games in teams (teams change each game), so there’s a bit of competition but also cooperation.
Things to watch out for:
Some of the mini games are definitely more difficult than others and teams are divided randomly during game play. That means it’s possible a kid may end up on a team alone in a difficult game – just know that going into it and prepare kids ahead of time for the possibility. This is one of the few games on this list that is definitely more of a party game that requires multiple people to play. While there is solo mode where you can play against the computer, it’s not nearly as fun as playing with friends or family members.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
In Super Smash Bros, characters smash each other. Choose different players with different attacks and defensive options for the ultimate battles with friends and family. This is a classic Nintendo game made even better with the addition of new characters and new stages in the Nintendo Switch version. This game is better for older kids who appreciate more of the fighting, competition type of games. My son likes playing it with his cousins or as a family, but he won’t pick it up and play agains the computer. So if you have siblings that can play together, this is a great choice! Definitely a fun addition to any collection of Nintendo Switch games for kids!
Number of players: 1 to 8 playersLetter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Cartoon violence, comic mischief, suggestive themesType of Game: Action, fighting, multiplayer
Why families will love it:
Smashing each other is a fun and much more safe way to take out family frustrations, especially when the characters are doing crazy actions. Up to eight players can play at once, which is perfect for larger families who want to play together. Super Smash Bros brings in a plethora of characters from various Nintendo games – Mario, Donkey Kong, Pokemon, Zelda, etc. It’s fun to try out all of the different characters and see what actions they can take.
Unique features of the game:
If you can’t choose one stage to play, you can choose the Stage Morph option to go from stage to stage during a battle.
Things to watch out for:
It’s all fighting all the time. It can be a bit tricky for younger kids to get the hang of and not just get beat all the time. My seven year old for instance can play and do okay but still struggles a bit against his cousins just because they have a better grasp of special moves, etc.
yoshi’s Crafted World
In Yoshi’s Crafted World, players explore a world made of every day objects like boxes and paper cups. Play through stages looking for hidden items then play them again backwards! This game is definitely more of a kids game, but it’s a fun kids one for sure! My son got it for Christmas and has been playing it daily since!
Number of players: 1 to 2Letter Rating: EveryoneRating Description: Cartoon violenceType of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
Mellow mode gives Yoshi wings, which makes it easier to pass through levels for younger kids!Two players can play together cooperatively, making it easier to complete levels. The levels are all made up of hand crafted items, which adds a fun and creative element to the game.
Unique features of the game:
Stages be played both forwards and backwards giving different ways to find hidden items and added longevity to the game. Players can unlock different handicraft costumes (the entire game is “hand crafted”) that provide extra protections and powers. Includes a crafty collage maker in addition to the game that allows you to create your own collages to print and share!
Things to watch out for:
This is definitely an easier game, even on the more difficult levels. If you’re looking for a fun kid game, this is a good one. If you’re looking for something more difficult, you’ll want to check out one of the other games on this list.
Other Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Okay so when I say other Nintendo Switch games, that’s not a bad thing – these just didn’t fit into one of the categories I mentioned above. They’re just as fun, just not as fitting.
Just Dance 2020
If you’ve ever played Just Dance, this is the newest Nintendo Switch version of the game. You choose a song, grab your controllers, and try to dance in time to the dancers on the screen. It’s fun for all ages, can be great to get kids up and moving, and has a ton of great songs to choose from including hits like Old Town Road and High Hopes. We played this daily for the first month or so after we got it, and we still pick it up at least once a month. It’s a great option for the entire family to play together, unlike many of the options on this list!
Number of players: 1 to 64 players Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Mild lyrics, mild suggestive themesType of Game: Music, party, multiplayer
Why families will love it:
Playing is like having a big family dance party. Me and my son played pretty much every day for a month straight and had a blast every time. There are plenty of kid-friendly song options including songs from Frozen, Baby Shark, and holiday songs. The entire family can play all at once! If it’s a one person song, you’ll all just do the same movements. If it’s a multi-person song, everyone can choose a different person to follow and do the dance together.
Unique features of the game:
Workout mode allows you to turn off the scoring and just dance for the sake of moving. It estimates calories burned and tracks how much time you danced.
Things to watch out for:
We struggled a bit with getting higher scores on some songs, which meant we couldn’t unlock all the songs. We felt the song selection was a bit limited unless you had an online Nintendo membership (additional monthly fee) and then the song options felt pretty limitless.
Donkey Kong Country: tropical Freeze
In the Nintendo Switch Donkey Kong game, players explore different levels as either Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, or Cranky Kong. Players have to try to beat individual levels, collect K-O-N-G letters, and defeat bosses to beat the game. This is the game my son and I play the most together (most are him and my husband), and it’s one of my personal favorites because of the linear (beat level then move onto the next level) feel of the game. He doesn’t play it too much on his own but when given the choice, he loves playing it with me.
Number of players: 1 to 2 Letter Rating: Everyone Rating Description: Mild cartoon violenceType of Game: Action
Why families will love it:
If you’ve ever played the old Donkey Kong games, this is the same just upgraded with better graphics and game play. It’s a fun nostalgic blast from the past modernized. Two players can work together to beat each side-scrolling level. You can choose one of four players, each with unique characteristics, to help beat each level. Once you’ve beat a level, you can keep going back to try and finish it off by finding K-O-N-G letters, collecting all of the puzzle pieces (to get hidden images), and unlocking secret levels. Make it as easy or as challenging as you want. Play in Funky Mode for a more kid-friendly version of the game that includes the option to play as Funky Kong with more hearts and unique abilities that make it easier to beat levels.
Unique features of the game:
Once you’ve beat the normal version of the game, you can unlock a more challenging version of each of the levels to complete.
Things to watch out for:
Out of all of the games on this list, this one is the most difficult to outright beat, especially for kids. The bosses can be a bit challenging so kids might need help from adults or teens to beat the bosses and move on to the next level. Try Funky Mode if kids get stuck.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is the game that everyone needed in 2020. Players start their own island, invite animals to live on their island, then work to build up that island to be a place others want to visit. It’s played in real-time play, which means that stores close at night, things change every day, and you can only do so much in a day. I’ve never played a game that is so addicting and calming at the same time. We got Animal Crossing right after it came out and right after the country shut down and my son and I spent hours and hours building up our island. After a few months of checking on our island daily, we called it quits and have only checked in once or twice since. That was more for my benefit – I needed to get other things done than watering my flowers. It’s a pretty amazing game BUT also a time suck.
Number of players: 1 to 8 players Letter Rating: EveryoneRating Description: Comic mischiefType of Game: Simulation
Why families will love it:
While you can only have one island per Nintendo Switch, each user can have their very own character and home on the island. Families will love building, customizing, and upgrading their island. Fish, gather materials, and create the island of your dreams.Animal Crossing is constantly adding new updates to the game that add new features and reasons to continue playing. In updates this year, they added swimming in the ocean (and gathering new sea creatures), dreaming (and visiting other islands in dreams), fireworks shows, and more. The game is constantly changing and can be a great escape from stresses of the real world.
Unique features of the game:
There are ways to create your own designs and use other designs people around the world have created in your island. Want a Disney themed island? Someone has created custom tiles for that. Want to outfit your character in a Pokemon shirt, that’s there too.You can visit other people’s islands, interact with each other, and share resources with one another. This community aspect is one of my favorite parts of the entire experience.
Things to watch out for:
I mentioned this already but Animal Crossing is a game that you can constantly be playing and doing something. It starts with a week’s worth of challenges to even get upgraded enough to really begin playing – that means it can also be a huge time waster and addiction. Set a timer and stick with it. Visiting other people’s islands (and them visiting yours) always comes with risks as does anything you do that interacts with people online. If you’re going to interact with others, don’t customize your island with anything personal or sensitive like names, locations, etc.
Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo Switch’s Ring Fit Adventure combines exercise in an adventure game that uses two included accessories – Ring-Con and Leg Strap – to make getting fit fun! Players use these accessories to jog, squat, and do other exercises as they explore worlds, beat opponents, and more. My son hasn’t played this one as much as some of the others because as he put it, it’s tiring, but when he did, he throughly enjoyed the game. And I personally love the idea of making fitness fun! Definitely a good addition to any Switch library!
Number of players: 1 Letter Rating: Everyone 10+ Rating Description: Fantasy Violence Type of Game: Free play
Why families will love it:
Fitness made fun! Kids won’t really realize they’re exercising, they’ll just think they’re beating villains and exploring worlds. This game is great for all ages – kids, teens, and adults! Make it easier or more challenging depending on your fitness level. You can use the passing feature to take turns doing different activities and share as a family. And even if you don’t have the accessories, you can still do the workouts.
Unique features of the game:
This game is totally different than any of the others on the list and takes me back to the Wii days where your movement had more impact on the actions of your characters. Create custom workout routines rather than going on an adventure if you want to use this as a modern workout video. Various fitness activities use different types of movements and abilities – the game includes everything from squeezing the ring to squatting with the ring overhead and even kicking (tracked with the leg strap).
Things to watch out for:
Since this game does include a level of fitness in all plays, it can get tiring for anyone playing. It may not be one that kids grab first or play for that long simply because it’s exercise. You will need a bit of space to play this game since it includes things like jogging, kicking, and moving around. If you’re in a tight space or want to stay on the couch, this may not be the best fit for you. My son had a hard time squeezing the ring, it takes a good amount of pressure. It was easy for me, but it did wear him out a bit. You can choose activities don’t require squeezing the ring but just something to be aware of. The game is more expensive than others on the list, but it comes with two accessories so I look at it more of an investment than expensive!
