Best Nintendo Switch Open World Games For Kids
Hey there, fellow gamers and parents! Looking for some awesome open-world adventures on the Nintendo Switch that are perfect for the kiddos? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch is an amazing console for gaming on the go, and it's packed with titles that offer sprawling worlds to explore. But with so many options, it can be tough to find the ones that are both engaging and age-appropriate. So, let's dive into some of the best open-world games that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
Why Open World Games are Great for Kids
Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why open-world games are fantastic for kids. Open-world games offer a sense of freedom and exploration that linear games simply can't match. These games encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Kids can set their own goals, discover hidden secrets, and immerse themselves in rich, interactive environments. This freedom not only makes the game more engaging but also helps develop important cognitive skills.
Encouraging Exploration and Discovery
One of the biggest advantages of open-world games is the encouragement of exploration and discovery. In these games, kids aren't just following a set path; they're encouraged to venture off the beaten track, explore hidden areas, and uncover secrets. This sense of discovery can be incredibly rewarding and can keep kids engaged for hours as they try to see everything the game has to offer. For example, in a game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, kids can stumble upon hidden shrines, encounter unique characters, and find valuable items just by exploring the world around them. This not only makes the game more exciting but also fosters a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving
Open-world games also foster creativity and problem-solving skills. Many of these games allow kids to approach challenges in their own way, encouraging them to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. Whether it's figuring out how to cross a chasm, solve a puzzle, or defeat a tough enemy, open-world games often provide multiple ways to achieve the same goal. This freedom to experiment and find their own solutions can help kids develop their problem-solving skills and boost their confidence. Additionally, some games offer creative tools that allow kids to build and customize their own structures, further enhancing their creativity.
Enhancing Cognitive Skills
Beyond exploration and creativity, open-world games can also enhance cognitive skills. These games often require kids to use their memory, attention, and spatial reasoning skills to navigate the world and complete tasks. For example, they may need to remember the layout of a town, recall important information from conversations with characters, or plan a route to reach a specific destination. All of these activities help to strengthen cognitive skills and improve overall brain function. Furthermore, the non-linear nature of open-world games can also help kids develop their decision-making skills as they learn to weigh different options and make choices that affect their progress in the game.
Top Nintendo Switch Open World Games for Young Players
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best open-world games on the Nintendo Switch that are perfect for young players. These games are not only fun and engaging but also age-appropriate and safe for kids.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
No list of open-world games would be complete without The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game is a masterpiece, offering a vast and beautiful world to explore. As Link, players can roam freely across Hyrule, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and uncovering the secrets of the ancient kingdom. The game is incredibly open-ended, allowing players to approach quests and challenges in their own way. Breath of the Wild is perfect for kids because it encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration.
Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice due to its captivating storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game's open-world design allows players to explore Hyrule at their own pace, discovering hidden secrets, completing side quests, and battling formidable foes. The freedom to experiment with different weapons, abilities, and strategies makes each playthrough unique and encourages players to think creatively. Additionally, the game's puzzles and challenges help to develop problem-solving skills, while its rich lore and characters provide a compelling narrative that keeps players invested. Breath of the Wild is also praised for its accessibility, with intuitive controls and a gentle learning curve that makes it easy for new players to pick up and play. The game's focus on exploration and discovery makes it an incredibly rewarding experience, as players are constantly uncovering new secrets and surprises. Furthermore, the game's non-linear structure allows players to tackle challenges in any order they choose, giving them a sense of freedom and control over their own adventure. With its combination of engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and enriching exploration, Breath of the Wild is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft is a classic sandbox game that allows kids to build, explore, and create anything they can imagine. The game features a vast, procedurally generated world filled with resources to gather, creatures to encounter, and structures to build. Minecraft is incredibly versatile, offering both a survival mode, where players must gather resources and defend themselves against monsters, and a creative mode, where players have unlimited resources and can build anything they want. The game's endless possibilities make it perfect for kids who love to create and explore.
Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating players of all ages with its endless possibilities and creative gameplay. The game's sandbox design allows players to build, explore, and create anything they can imagine, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Whether it's constructing elaborate castles, digging deep into the earth to uncover valuable resources, or collaborating with friends to build massive structures, Minecraft offers a unique and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more. The game's survival mode adds an element of challenge, as players must gather resources, craft tools and weapons, and defend themselves against nocturnal monsters. This requires strategic thinking and resource management, further enhancing cognitive skills. Meanwhile, the creative mode provides unlimited resources and the freedom to build without constraints, allowing players to unleash their imaginations and create truly impressive works of art. Minecraft's versatility and accessibility have made it a staple in classrooms and homes alike, promoting teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. With its endless possibilities and vibrant community, Minecraft continues to inspire and entertain players around the world.
3. LEGO City Undercover
LEGO City Undercover is a fun and humorous open-world game set in a LEGO city. Players take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer tasked with tracking down a notorious criminal. The game features a vast city to explore, filled with missions, challenges, and secrets to uncover. LEGO City Undercover is perfect for kids because it's lighthearted, funny, and easy to pick up and play. The game's LEGO theme adds a unique charm and appeal that kids will love.
LEGO City Undercover offers a delightful and engaging open-world experience that combines the charm of LEGO with the excitement of a crime-solving adventure. Players step into the shoes of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer tasked with bringing down the notorious criminal Rex Fury. The game's open-world environment allows players to freely explore LEGO City, a sprawling metropolis filled with bustling streets, hidden alleyways, and iconic landmarks. As Chase McCain, players can disguise themselves in various outfits, each with its own unique abilities, allowing them to solve puzzles, infiltrate criminal hideouts, and apprehend bad guys. The game's humor and lighthearted tone make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages, while its engaging storyline and varied missions keep them hooked from beginning to end. Whether it's chasing down criminals in high-speed car chases, solving puzzles in tricky environments, or simply exploring the city and discovering its secrets, LEGO City Undercover offers a fun and rewarding experience that captures the imagination and encourages creativity. With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and vibrant LEGO world, LEGO City Undercover is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for a family-friendly open-world adventure.
4. Dragon Quest Builders 2
Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a unique blend of RPG and sandbox building game. Players must rebuild a destroyed world, gathering resources, crafting items, and constructing buildings. The game features a charming story, lovable characters, and a vast world to explore. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is perfect for kids who love to build and create, as it offers endless opportunities to design and customize their own world. The game's RPG elements add depth and challenge, making it both fun and engaging.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 combines the charm of the Dragon Quest series with the creativity of a sandbox building game, resulting in a unique and captivating experience. Players take on the role of a builder, tasked with rebuilding a desolate world and restoring it to its former glory. The game's open-world environment allows players to freely explore vast landscapes, gather resources, and construct buildings and structures. As they progress, players will encounter a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique stories and personalities. The game's engaging storyline and charming humor keep players invested, while its deep building mechanics allow them to unleash their creativity and design their own unique worlds. Whether it's constructing towering castles, cultivating lush gardens, or crafting powerful weapons and armor, Dragon Quest Builders 2 offers endless opportunities for players to express themselves and bring their visions to life. The game's RPG elements add depth and challenge, as players must battle monsters, complete quests, and level up their character to unlock new abilities and recipes. With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and endless creative possibilities, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for a unique and rewarding open-world adventure.
Tips for Choosing the Right Game
When choosing an open-world game for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the game's age rating and content. Make sure the game is appropriate for your child's age and maturity level. Second, think about your child's interests. Do they enjoy building, exploring, or battling enemies? Choose a game that aligns with their interests to keep them engaged. Finally, read reviews and watch gameplay videos to get a better sense of the game before you buy it. This will help you make an informed decision and choose a game that your child will love.
Age Appropriateness
Age appropriateness is a crucial factor to consider when selecting open-world games for kids. Different games have different age ratings, which are designed to indicate the suitability of the game's content for various age groups. It's essential to pay attention to these ratings and choose games that align with your child's age and maturity level. Games with mature themes, violence, or complex storylines may not be suitable for younger children. Instead, opt for games that are designed for their age group and offer age-appropriate content, such as LEGO City Undercover or Minecraft. These games provide engaging gameplay experiences without exposing children to potentially harmful or disturbing content.
Interests of the Child
Taking into account the interests of the child is also essential when choosing open-world games. Kids have different preferences and passions, and selecting a game that aligns with their interests can greatly enhance their enjoyment and engagement. Some children may love building and creating, while others may prefer exploring vast landscapes or battling enemies. Minecraft, for example, is perfect for kids who enjoy building and creativity, while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is ideal for those who love exploration and adventure. By considering your child's interests and selecting games that cater to their preferences, you can ensure that they have a fun and rewarding gaming experience.
Reviews and Gameplay Videos
Reading reviews and watching gameplay videos is a valuable way to gain insights into a game before making a purchase. Reviews can provide information about the game's content, gameplay mechanics, and overall quality, helping you make an informed decision. Gameplay videos, on the other hand, offer a visual representation of the game, allowing you to see how it looks and plays. By watching gameplay videos, you can get a better sense of the game's atmosphere, graphics, and overall appeal. Together, reviews and gameplay videos can provide a comprehensive understanding of the game, enabling you to choose a game that is both age-appropriate and enjoyable for your child.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for kids, offering a wide variety of open-world games that are both fun and educational. By choosing the right game, you can provide your child with hours of entertainment while also fostering their creativity, problem-solving skills, and cognitive development. So, grab your Switch, pick a game from this list, and let the adventure begin!
Remember, the goal is to find games that are not only entertaining but also enriching and age-appropriate. Happy gaming, everyone!