Top Nintendo Switch Games For Kids: Fun & Safe Picks

Choosing the right video games for your kids can feel like navigating a digital jungle, right? You want something fun, engaging, and, most importantly, age-appropriate. The Nintendo Switch is an awesome console with tons of games, but sifting through them all to find the perfect fit for your little ones can be a bit overwhelming. That's why we've put together this guide to the best Nintendo Switch games for kids, focusing on titles that are not only entertaining but also safe and educational. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's dive into the world of kid-friendly gaming!

Why Nintendo Switch is Great for Kids

The Nintendo Switch stands out as a fantastic console for kids for several reasons. First off, its versatility is a huge plus. Kids can play on the TV at home, then easily switch to handheld mode for gaming on the go. This adaptability makes it perfect for road trips, waiting rooms, or just chilling in different parts of the house. Plus, the Joy-Con controllers are designed to be easily used by smaller hands, making the gaming experience more comfortable and accessible for children. It also boasts parental control features. Parents can set time limits, restrict certain games based on age ratings, and monitor their child's gaming activity. These tools help ensure that kids are engaging with content that is both safe and suitable for their age group.

Another great thing about the Switch is the variety of games available. There's something for every kid, from action-packed adventures and creative building games to educational puzzles and cooperative multiplayer experiences. This diversity allows children to explore different genres and discover what types of games they enjoy the most. The console also supports local multiplayer, meaning kids can play with their friends and family in the same room, fostering social interaction and teamwork. This makes gaming a shared and engaging experience, rather than a solitary activity. So, whether your child is a budding artist, a puzzle enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, the Nintendo Switch offers a wide array of options to cater to their unique interests and preferences. Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch provides a well-rounded and family-friendly gaming experience that parents can feel good about.

Top Nintendo Switch Games for Young Children (Ages 3-6)

For the littlest gamers in your family, you need games that are simple to understand, colorful, and engaging. These games often focus on basic skills like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and early literacy. Games in this category feature bright visuals, gentle gameplay, and characters that young children will adore.

• Peppa Pig: World Adventures: This game is a delightful romp for preschoolers who adore Peppa and her friends. Peppa Pig: World Adventures allows young players to step into Peppa's world, exploring familiar locations like Peppa's house, school, and the playground. The gameplay is designed to be very intuitive, with simple controls that even the youngest gamers can easily grasp. Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as dressing up Peppa, going on treasure hunts, and helping with tasks around the house. The game also incorporates educational elements, teaching basic concepts like colors, shapes, and counting in a fun and interactive way. With its charming visuals, familiar characters, and gentle gameplay, Peppa Pig: World Adventures is a perfect introduction to gaming for young children. It encourages creativity, exploration, and problem-solving, all while keeping them entertained and engaged in Peppa's whimsical world. The game's structure is simple, offering short, manageable tasks that hold the attention of younger players and provide a sense of accomplishment as they complete each activity. The game's audio is also well-suited for young ears, with Peppa's familiar voice and cheerful music creating a comforting and enjoyable gaming experience.
• Paw Patrol: Grand Prix: Is your little one obsessed with Ryder and his team of heroic pups? Paw Patrol: Grand Prix lets them get behind the wheel and race as their favorite characters. This kart racing game is designed with young children in mind, featuring simplified controls, auto-acceleration, and guardrails to keep players on the track. Kids can choose from a variety of Paw Patrol characters, each with their own unique kart and abilities. The tracks are colorful and engaging, inspired by locations from the show, such as Adventure Bay and Jake's Mountain. The gameplay is easy to pick up, with power-ups and obstacles adding an element of fun and excitement to each race. Paw Patrol: Grand Prix not only provides entertainment but also helps develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. The game encourages kids to experiment with different characters and karts, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. It also promotes friendly competition, as kids can race against each other in local multiplayer mode. With its familiar characters, accessible gameplay, and age-appropriate content, Paw Patrol: Grand Prix is a great choice for young children who are new to gaming. The game's structure is simple, offering short, manageable races that hold the attention of younger players and provide a sense of accomplishment as they cross the finish line.

Best Nintendo Switch Games for Elementary School Kids (Ages 7-10)

As kids get older, they're ready for games that offer more complex gameplay, deeper storylines, and opportunities for creativity. These games often involve problem-solving, strategy, and social interaction.

• Minecraft: This game is a global phenomenon for a reason. Minecraft allows kids to build, explore, and create anything they can imagine in a block-based world. This game is a sandbox game, meaning there are very few limits or restrictions on what players can do. In Minecraft, kids can construct houses, castles, entire cities, or even complex machines using a variety of blocks and materials. They can explore vast landscapes, discovering hidden caves, mountains, and forests, each filled with resources and challenges. The game also features a survival mode, where players must gather resources, craft tools, and defend themselves against monsters. Minecraft encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as kids learn to plan, design, and build structures and contraptions. It also fosters collaboration and teamwork, as players can join online servers and work together on projects. The game's open-ended nature means that there's always something new to discover and create, making it a highly replayable and engaging game for kids. Minecraft also supports educational content, with many schools using the game to teach subjects like math, science, and history. The game's modding community has created countless add-ons and modifications that add new features, challenges, and learning opportunities to the game. The game's adaptability and community-driven content make it a valuable and versatile tool for both entertainment and education.
• Lego Games (e.g., Lego City Undercover, Lego Harry Potter Collection): Lego games are known for their humor, charm, and accessible gameplay. These games allow kids to play through familiar stories and characters in a brick-based world. Lego City Undercover, for example, puts players in the role of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer tasked with taking down a crime boss in Lego City. The game features open-world exploration, vehicle chases, and a variety of missions and challenges. The gameplay is designed to be accessible to players of all ages, with simple controls and a forgiving difficulty level. Lego Harry Potter Collection, on the other hand, allows players to relive the entire Harry Potter saga in Lego form. The game features all eight Harry Potter films, with each film adapted into a series of levels and challenges. Players can explore iconic locations like Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, and they can play as their favorite Harry Potter characters. The Lego games encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, as players must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. The games also feature a lot of humor and charm, with slapstick comedy and witty dialogue adding to the fun. With their familiar characters, accessible gameplay, and engaging stories, Lego games are a great choice for kids who love adventure and problem-solving. The games' cooperative multiplayer mode allows kids to play with their friends and family, fostering social interaction and teamwork. The games' adaptable and engaging gameplay make them a valuable and versatile tool for both entertainment and education.

Great Nintendo Switch Games for Tweens and Teens (Ages 11+)

Older kids are often looking for games that offer more complex narratives, challenging gameplay, and opportunities for social interaction. These games may involve strategy, teamwork, and a deeper level of engagement.

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This critically acclaimed adventure game is a must-have for any Switch owner. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild puts players in the role of Link, who must explore a vast open world, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies to save the kingdom of Hyrule. The game features a non-linear storyline, allowing players to explore the world at their own pace and tackle challenges in any order they choose. Players can climb mountains, swim rivers, and glide through the air, discovering hidden shrines, villages, and secrets along the way. The game also features a robust combat system, allowing players to use a variety of weapons and tactics to defeat enemies. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild encourages exploration, problem-solving, and creativity, as players must learn to use the environment and their abilities to overcome challenges. It also fosters a sense of adventure and discovery, as players uncover the game's rich lore and history. With its vast open world, engaging gameplay, and compelling story, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a great choice for older kids who love adventure and exploration. The game's adaptable and engaging gameplay make it a valuable and versatile tool for both entertainment and education. The game's complex storyline and challenging gameplay will keep players engaged for hours on end, encouraging them to think critically and solve problems.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: This fighting game brings together characters from across the gaming universe. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allows players to battle it out as their favorite characters, using a variety of moves and abilities to defeat their opponents. The game features a massive roster of characters, including Mario, Link, Pikachu, and many more. The game also features a variety of stages, each with its own unique layout and hazards. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate encourages strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction, as players must learn to master their character's moves and adapt to different stages and opponents. It also fosters a sense of competition and camaraderie, as players battle it out with their friends and family. With its massive roster of characters, engaging gameplay, and competitive multiplayer mode, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a great choice for older kids who love fighting games and competition. The game's adaptable and engaging gameplay make it a valuable and versatile tool for both entertainment and social interaction. The game's competitive nature will keep players engaged for hours on end, encouraging them to improve their skills and strategies.

Tips for Choosing the Right Games

• Check the ESRB Rating: The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) assigns ratings to games based on their content. Look for games rated E (Everyone) for younger children and E10+ (Everyone 10+) for older kids. Be sure to read the rating descriptions to understand why a game received a particular rating.
• Read Reviews: Before buying a game, read reviews from other parents and gamers. This can give you a better idea of the game's content, gameplay, and overall quality.
• Consider Your Child's Interests: Choose games that align with your child's interests and abilities. If your child loves animals, look for games that feature animals. If your child is good at puzzles, look for games that involve puzzle-solving.
• Try Before You Buy: If possible, try a demo of the game before buying it. This will give you a chance to see if your child enjoys the gameplay and if the game is appropriate for their age and skill level.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic selection of games for kids of all ages. By considering your child's age, interests, and the ESRB rating, you can find games that are both fun and safe. Happy gaming!