Looking for the best Nintendo Switch games that your kids will love and you can feel good about? The Switch continues to be one of the most family-friendly consoles on the market in 2025, with a game library that spans everything from creative play and puzzle-solving to laugh-out-loud adventures featuring beloved characters. Thanks to its hybrid design, intuitive controls, and parental settings, the Switch is ideal for both supervised and solo play.
Whether you’re looking to nurture a young gamer’s curiosity or just find something fun for weekend gaming marathons, the titles below deliver on fun, age-appropriate content, and often a dash of learning too.
Top Nintendo Switch Games for Kids (2025)
| Game Title | Genre | Why It’s Great for Kids |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | Easy controls, bright visuals, and auto-steer for younger players. |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Platformer | New animations, Wonder effects, and co-op fun for all ages. |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Action-Adventure | 3D exploration, adorable design, and simple mechanics. |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Simulation | Teaches patience, creativity, and basic financial literacy. |
| Yoshi’s Crafted World | Platformer | Relaxing gameplay and a tactile, arts-and-crafts visual style. |
| Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Puzzle/Adventure | Lightly spooky but charming ghost-hunting adventure. |
| Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker | Puzzle | Encourages spatial reasoning and problem-solving. |
| Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee | RPG | Streamlined controls and interactive catching mechanics. |
| LEGO Marvel Super Heroes | Action | Co-op play, humor, and familiar heroes keep kids engaged. |
| Pretty Princess Party | Dress-up/Simulation | Encourages creativity with decorating and minigames. |
Educational & Creative Picks
These games go beyond just fun—they build real skills:
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Compete in quick-fire logic, math, and memory challenges. Great for boosting focus and mental agility. - Game Builder Garage
Teaches programming basics using drag-and-drop logic blocks in a game-making environment. Ideal for kids curious about how games are made. - Super Mario Maker 2
Kids can build and play their own Mario levels, which builds creativity, planning, and testing skills. - Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia
A guided educational game where kids explore nature scenes and learn facts about animals and plants in a visually rich world.
Best Games for Ages 3–6
For toddlers and preschoolers, simplicity and familiar characters are key:
- My Friend Peppa Pig
An interactive story where young children can customize their character and go on simple adventures with Peppa. - Disney Illusion Island
A hand-drawn 2D platformer that’s completely combat-free and promotes teamwork. Kids can play as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, or Goofy. - Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Designed with preschoolers in mind, this action-adventure game is easy to navigate and uses characters from the hit show.
Games That Encourage Family Co-Op Play
- Mario Party Superstars – Classic board-game style fun with simple minigames perfect for all ages.
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat – While chaotic, it’s a great way to teach communication and teamwork.
- Snipperclips Plus – A clever cooperative puzzle game where players cut paper characters into the right shapes to solve tasks.
The best part? Nintendo’s parental controls app lets you manage screen time, restrict content by age rating, and monitor game activity—so you can let your kids play with confidence.
In 2025, the Nintendo Switch remains a top-tier platform for family gaming, with enough variety to keep kids entertained while helping them learn, collaborate, and explore new ideas through play.
1: Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic first game for kids on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a 3D adventure that takes place far beyond the familiar Mushroom Kingdom, letting you explore exciting new worlds.
In this game, Mario teams up with a new friend named Cappy. Together, you’ll travel across globe-trotting environments solving puzzles and collecting Power Moons.
One of the coolest features is that Mario can throw Cappy to “possess” different objects and enemies. This ability adds a fun twist to gameplay that kids find incredibly entertaining.
The controls are easy to learn but offer depth for more experienced players. Many parents report that children as young as 6 can enjoy playing, making it accessible for a wide age range.
What really makes Super Mario Odyssey special is how it rewards curiosity. The game does an excellent job of encouraging exploration and giving you surprises for venturing off the beaten path.
You can also play cooperatively with a second player controlling Cappy. This makes it perfect for parents who want to join in the fun with their kids.
The game has no inappropriate content and focuses on positive themes like helping others and perseverance. Many reviewers consider it appropriate for any age, with good gameplay, story, and controls.
2: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a peaceful gaming experience that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Released in March 2020, this charming life simulator lets your child create their own island paradise.
The game has no violence or scary elements, making it ideal for younger players. Your child can spend hours fishing, catching bugs, decorating their home, and making friends with adorable animal villagers.
Parents appreciate how Animal Crossing strips away life’s stress and focuses on simple pleasures. The game teaches patience and creativity as kids work to develop their island over time.
Many families enjoy playing together, as the game allows multiple players to share an island. Your whole family can collaborate on island improvements or visit each other’s creations.
Even children as young as five can enjoy Animal Crossing with some assistance. The reading level might be challenging for very young players, but the colorful visuals and intuitive gameplay remain engaging.
At $59.99, it offers tremendous value with virtually endless gameplay. The game follows real-time seasons and holidays, providing fresh experiences throughout the year.
You can feel confident letting your kids explore this wholesome digital world where the biggest worry is deciding which furniture to put in their virtual home.
3: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the most popular games on Nintendo Switch. This family-friendly racing game continues to sell an astronomical number of copies, making it a must-have for any Switch owner with children.
The game features 48 original racing courses plus an additional 48 courses available through downloadable content. You’ll find fun tracks inspired by other Nintendo franchises like Excite Bike and The Legend of Zelda.
Kids will love choosing from dozens of characters from the Mario universe. Each character brings unique racing attributes that affect how your kart handles on the track.
The intuitive controls make it easy for younger players to jump right in. Even kids as young as six can quickly learn the basics while still having room to develop more advanced techniques as they improve.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands out for its excellent multiplayer options. Up to four players can race together on a single Switch console, making it perfect for family game nights or playdates.
For parents concerned about content, you can rest easy. Common Sense Media recommends Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as appropriate for kids, with competitive racing that remains lighthearted and free of problematic content.
The game also includes helpful features for younger players like Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate. These options ensure everyone has fun regardless of skill level, preventing frustration for beginners.
4: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely considered one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. This open-world adventure offers a magical experience that appeals to many children, though parents should consider their child’s skill level.
For younger gamers, Breath of the Wild presents a moderate challenge. The game features puzzles and combat that require some thinking and coordination. Many players consider it educational as it teaches problem-solving and encourages creativity.
The vast world of Hyrule is yours to explore at your own pace. You can climb mountains, glide through the air, or simply cook meals by a campfire. This freedom makes it engaging for kids who enjoy discovery and exploration.
The game does include combat with fantasy creatures, but it’s not graphic or bloody. You’ll use swords, bows, and magical abilities to defeat enemies and solve the game’s many puzzles.
Some young children might find certain aspects challenging. The reading level and puzzle complexity may be better suited for kids aged 8 and up, though each child’s abilities differ.
If your child enjoys adventure, problem-solving, and a bit of fantasy combat, Breath of the Wild could be perfect. Many families consider it a great introduction to the Zelda series and a game that grows with your child’s abilities.
5: Lego City Undercover
LEGO City Undercover offers an amazing open-world adventure that your kids will love. This game stands out as the best LEGO game with its engaging story mode and massive explorable world.
Unlike other LEGO titles, this game doesn’t rely on other franchises. It creates its own unique world full of humor and creativity. Your children will enjoy playing as Chase McCain, a police officer working to catch criminals in LEGO City.
The game features more than 20 unique districts to explore, with plenty of car thieves to catch and collectibles to find. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting for young players.
One of the best features is the two-player co-op mode. You can join your kids in exploring the sprawling metropolis together, making it a great bonding activity. This cooperative play helps new gamers learn the ropes with your guidance.
The light-hearted and silly tone makes it perfect for children while still being entertaining for adults. The characters are loveable and funny, with humor that works on multiple levels.
Vehicle sections add another layer of fun as your kids can drive cars, boats, and even aircraft through the colorful LEGO world. With hundreds of collectibles and secrets, this game offers excellent value and replayability for your family.
6: A Boy and His Blob
A Boy and His Blob is a charming adventure game that offers delightful puzzles and heartwarming gameplay perfect for young Nintendo Switch players. You control a young boy who works with his blob friend to solve environmental puzzles and defeat enemies using creativity and teamwork.
The game features a unique mechanic where you feed jellybeans to your blob companion, transforming it into different helpful objects. These transformations allow you to overcome obstacles and progress through the colorful world together.
What makes this game especially kid-friendly is the hug button that serves no gameplay purpose other than showing affection to your blob friend. This sweet gesture emphasizes friendship and creates an emotional bond between the characters.
For fans of retro gaming, you can also try the A Boy and His Blob Retro Collection. This collection includes the original NES game “Trouble on Blobolonia” and the Game Boy title “The Rescue of Princess Blobette.”
The puzzles are challenging but accessible, teaching kids to think creatively without becoming frustrating. With its gentle difficulty curve and non-violent gameplay, it’s an excellent choice for younger Switch players.
At $14.99 in the Nintendo eShop, this game offers good value and hours of wholesome puzzle-solving entertainment your children will enjoy.
7: Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a whimsical adventure game that stands out for its unique painting mechanic. In this game, you play as an everyday dog who suddenly finds themselves wielding a magic paintbrush.
The world starts in black and white, and it’s your job to bring color back to everything around you. This creative freedom lets your child express themselves while playing through the story.
The game uses a top-down perspective that’s easy for kids to navigate. You’ll solve puzzles, help villagers, and discover new areas by using your paintbrush in clever ways.
What makes Chicory special is its charming characters and endearing story. The game tackles themes of creativity, imposter syndrome, and finding your place in the world in a way that’s accessible to younger players.
You can choose to keep the world black and white or make it as colorful as you want. This makes every playthrough unique to your child’s artistic vision.
The game offers a wholesome experience without combat, making it perfect for kids who prefer thoughtful play over action. You can even use the Switch’s touchscreen for more intuitive painting.
8: Minecraft
Minecraft on Nintendo Switch offers endless creative possibilities for kids. This beloved game lets you build anything imaginable with colorful blocks in a vast open world.
Your children can play in Creative mode with unlimited resources. This mode is perfect for younger kids who want to focus on building without worrying about dangers.
For more adventurous youngsters, Survival mode provides exciting challenges. They’ll craft weapons and armor to protect themselves against creatures that come out at night.
The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft supports multiplayer, allowing your kids to build and explore together. This feature encourages teamwork and social interaction.
Many parents find the Switch version great for beginners. The controls are intuitive, and the portable nature of the Switch means your children can play anywhere.
Beyond the main game, you might consider Minecraft Dungeons as well. This action-RPG spinoff offers customizable characters and exciting adventures in the Minecraft universe.
The educational benefits of Minecraft shouldn’t be overlooked. Your kids will develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and resource management while having fun.
With cross-platform play available, your children can connect with friends regardless of what device they’re using. This makes Minecraft a truly versatile gaming experience on the Switch.
9: Overcooked
Overcooked is a delightful cooking game that combines fun, chaos, and teamwork in a way that’s perfect for kids. You and your young ones take on the roles of chefs working together to prepare meals against the clock.
The concept is simple, but the execution is brilliant. You’ll need to chop ingredients, cook dishes, and serve them while navigating through increasingly creative and challenging kitchens.
What makes Overcooked special is how it teaches cooperation. Your children will quickly learn that working as a team is essential to success. The game requires communication and coordination that kids naturally develop as they play.
The visuals are cute and appealing, with colorful characters and environments that will engage younger players. Nothing in the game is scary or inappropriate.
You can play Overcooked in several ways. The solo mode is fun, but the game truly shines in its couch co-op mode for up to four players. This makes it perfect for family game nights.
Children seem to love the game too. Reviews from kids describe it as fun, slightly chaotic, and challenging in a good way. They also appreciate that it encourages teamwork rather than arguments.
The sequel, Overcooked 2, expands on the original with new recipes including sushi, cakes, and pizzas. It also adds dynamic features like teleporters and moving platforms.
10: Food Truck Tycoon
Food Truck Tycoon on Nintendo Switch lets your kids experience the fun of running their own food business. This time management game challenges players to fulfill orders, prepare dishes, and satisfy hungry customers.
The game offers 60 levels to explore and 50 dishes to serve, giving your children plenty of content to enjoy. They’ll learn how to juggle multiple tasks while managing their virtual food truck empire.
Players aim to become the tycoon of the best food trucks in the city. This goal provides a clear objective that keeps kids engaged and motivated as they progress through the game.
If your child enjoys the base game, they can explore additional content like the GOTY Edition or themed expansions such as Asian Cuisine. These add variety to the gameplay experience.
Many players find the game fun and completable, making it a good option for kids who enjoy seeing a game through to its conclusion. The straightforward gameplay mechanics are easy to learn but provide enough challenge to keep children engaged.
Food Truck Tycoon teaches valuable skills like time management, prioritization, and customer service in a fun, pressure-free environment. Your kids will develop their multitasking abilities while having an enjoyable gaming experience.
Educational Benefits of Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Nintendo Switch games provide more than just entertainment. These games can support your child’s learning in various ways that complement traditional education approaches.
Cognitive Development
Playing educational Nintendo Switch games can enhance your child’s cognitive abilities in several ways. These games often require memory skills, attention to detail, and quick thinking.
Games like Pokémon encourage reading comprehension as kids navigate through text-based instructions and storylines. Your child will develop stronger literacy skills without even realizing they’re learning.
Research suggests that children who play video games may actually see improvements in their intelligence over time. One study found that kids who played video games increased their intelligence more than those who didn’t play.
Many Nintendo Switch games incorporate educational elements like pattern recognition, basic math concepts, and vocabulary building. These skills transfer to classroom learning and everyday problem-solving.
Problem Solving Skills
Nintendo Switch games regularly present players with puzzles and challenges that require creative thinking to overcome. This develops critical problem-solving abilities that benefit your child in school and beyond.
When your child plays games that require strategy, they learn to:
- Plan ahead
- Consider consequences
- Try different approaches
- Learn from mistakes
- Persist through challenges
Games like “The Legend of Zelda” series include complex puzzles that encourage logical thinking. Your child must analyze situations, experiment with solutions, and apply what they’ve learned.
Many Nintendo titles offer age-appropriate challenges that grow increasingly complex, providing family-friendly learning experiences that adapt to your child’s abilities. This progressive difficulty helps build confidence as they master new skills.
Even games not explicitly marketed as educational can develop these valuable problem-solving abilities through gameplay mechanics that reward creative thinking.
Ensuring Safe Gaming Experiences
Nintendo Switch offers excellent games for kids, but parents should take steps to create a safe gaming environment. Setting proper controls and choosing age-appropriate content helps ensure children have fun while staying protected.
Parental Controls
Nintendo Switch has a robust parental control system that gives you complete oversight of your child’s gaming activities. To set up these controls, download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smartphone.
With this app, you can:
- Set daily time limits for gameplay
- Monitor which games your child plays
- Restrict games based on age ratings
- Limit online communication features
- Control eShop purchases
You can also set specific play schedules, allowing gaming only during certain hours. This helps maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
The app sends you reports about your child’s gaming habits. This makes it easier to have meaningful conversations about responsible gaming.
Age-Appropriate Content
Selecting age-appropriate games is crucial for a positive gaming experience. Nintendo is known for creating family-friendly titles, but not all Switch games are suitable for every age group.
Check game ratings through the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) system. Ratings like E (Everyone) or E10+ (Everyone 10+) typically indicate kid-friendly content.
Many Nintendo franchises are designed specifically with younger players in mind:
- Mario games emphasize creative problem-solving
- Pokémon titles teach resource management
- Kirby games offer gentle challenges for beginners
Research game content before purchasing. Look for titles with positive messages, educational value, and appropriate difficulty levels for your child’s age and abilities.
Consider co-op games that allow you to play alongside your child. This gives you firsthand insight into the content while creating bonding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often wonder which Nintendo Switch games best suit their children’s age ranges and interests. Many games combine fun with learning opportunities while keeping content appropriate for young players.
What are the top-rated Nintendo Switch games suitable for children ages 4 to 6?
For the youngest gamers, games with simple controls and colorful characters work best. Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a peaceful experience where kids can design their own island at their own pace.
Kirby Star Allies provides cooperative gameplay with easy controls perfect for little hands. The bright colors and friendly characters appeal to young children.
Yoshi’s Crafted World features a creative paper-craft style with relaxed difficulty settings. The game includes a “Mellow Mode” specifically designed for younger players who are just getting started.
Which family-friendly Nintendo Switch games are recommended for kids aged 7 to 9?
Super Mario Odyssey stands out as an excellent choice for this age group. The assist mode helps children who are developing their gaming skills.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes auto-steering features that help younger players enjoy racing without frustration. This makes it perfect for children who are gaining confidence with controllers.
Lego City Undercover combines humor and adventure in an open-world setting. The split-screen co-op mode allows parents to join in and help with more challenging sections.
Can you suggest educational Nintendo Switch games that are appropriate for 5-year-old players?
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain offers puzzles that adapt to different skill levels. The game includes activities that help develop memory, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu teaches reading fundamentals as children navigate through text-based conversations. The simplified catching mechanics make it accessible for young players.
Art Academy provides creative opportunities for children to learn drawing basics. Kids can practice following instructions and develop fine motor skills while creating digital art.
What multiplayer Nintendo Switch games are best for children and families to enjoy together?
Super Mario Party features mini-games that everyone can understand and enjoy. The turn-based structure gives each family member a chance to participate.
Just Dance offers physical activity through simple dance moves. The colorful visuals and popular music appeal to children while getting the whole family moving.
Overcooked! 2 teaches teamwork through cooperative cooking challenges. Players must communicate and coordinate their actions, making it a great bonding activity.
Which Nintendo Switch games are safe and entertaining for children under 10?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild provides adventure without graphic violence. The fantasy setting and puzzle-solving aspects keep children engaged in constructive play.
Minecraft encourages creativity and problem-solving in a sandbox environment. Parental controls can limit online interactions to keep the experience safe.
Splatoon 2 offers competitive gameplay without realistic violence. The ink-based shooting mechanics provide excitement without concerning content for younger players.
Are there any free-to-play Nintendo Switch games that are suitable for kids aged 8 to 12?
Fortnite’s Creative Mode gives free access to building tools without battle royale elements. Parents can use parental controls to disable chat features for a safer experience.
Pokémon Unite offers team-based gameplay at no cost. The simplified MOBA format teaches strategic thinking and teamwork through friendly Pokémon battles.
Rocket League Free to Play delivers exciting vehicle-based soccer matches. The straightforward concept and colorful visuals appeal to children while teaching sportsmanship.
