Nintendo has long been a proponent of family-friendly video games. Their latest gaming console, the Switch, is home to many games perfect for kids, from creative puzzles to fun adventure games. It also comes with a Parental Control app that lets parents limit time and access to games and functions.
In this list, we highlight the best Switch games to gift your kid. Inclusion is based on the game's ESRB rating, critics, and gamer reviews.
1. New Pokemon Snap
In Snap, there’s a lot of time to enjoy the nature and habits of these adorable pocket monsters. There’s no need to fight them like in the traditional games, so don’t worry about that. It’s like watching a documentary on TV.
Taking good shots gives you better scores and finding the rarest Pokemon is bound to make your kids delight with joy!
2. Mario Party Superstars
It’s never a Nintendo list without their iconic Italian Plumber. This party game best played with friends or family members. It offers a variety of fun minigames to mess around with. Of course, you can opt to play online. But there’s something special about playing with people in the same room.
It's either a fun party game for the night or a reason for kids to fight each other for victory. Who knows?
3. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
This is a bold new take on Pokemon and it might be a good choice to introduce your kid to gaming.
The world in Arceus is huge and it comes with lots of wonders to explore and more Pokemons to catch. Your kids might get sucked into it so be sure to remind them to take a break.
4. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Arceus' open world can be overwhelming to younger players. This is another Pokemon game that harkens back to the series' classic titles. Sword and Shield's smaller scale makes it more digestible and enjoyable. If you want to introduce your kid to the GBA experience, this is perfect.
5. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
There's nothing like introducing your kid to some Mario goodness.
This is a bigger and better version of the old game; a collection of the three best Mario platformers from Nintendo's past gaming consoles. 3D All-Stars is packed with inventive levels, cool world designs, and brain-teasing puzzles.
6. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Like old-school platformers, help these adorable apes jump from island to island. All the while, grabbing as many bananas as possible. Tropical Freeze is a simple A-to-B adventure, but its wide selection of levels and fun boss fights are enough to keep you playing for hours.
7. Sonic Mania Plus
SEGA's very own speedster is also a great game for kids to enjoy. It's stress-free since you're constantly moving forward and building up momentum. Sonic Mania Plus is a major upgrade from the original version. Plus, it includes a whole lot of bonus content and a handful of new characters to play, including Knuckles and Tails.
8. Luigi's Mansion 3
The other brother gets his game in the form of a light-hearted haunted mansion adventure. Help Luigi as he removes the supernatural from his mansion. His signature tools let him fend off all spooky threats. It's packed with mild violence and minor scares, but it's coated in Nintendo's signature goofiness.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Link's Awakening is an adorable entry point for anyone interested in the Legend of Zelda series. The game's gorgeous art-style might be enough to distract young players from the mild violence. It doesn't have the same scale as Breath of the Wild, which is only appropriate for players aged 10 and up. But it packs enough for an adventure that deals with magic and mystery.
10. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
There's nothing like a party game built on pure chaos. This version of Overcooked has all games of the series. There are more reasons to invite friends or the entire family over to some crazy cooking bonanza.
It's very family-friendly. The only thing to be worried about are the screaming and shouting when the stakes are high.
11. Super Mario Maker 2
This one is to fuel young creative minds. Normal Mario levels can be too simple. With Mario Maker 2, players can build their own levels and have others try them out.
This sequel makes the most out of everything. Whether you want to create those classic 2D stages or fresh 3D ones, the game is your canvas. Want to make a difficult level for others to play? Sure. Do you want to make a simple jumping puzzle? Go ahead. The choice is in the hands of the players.
12. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
If you love and want more 3D Mario games, this is the latest installment. There's still a lot of Mario running around and jumping at those poor old Goombas. Apart from a lengthy campaign, this edition comes with Bowser's Fury, which adds new levels and challenges.
It does come with mild violence, enemies turning into puffs of smoke, and weird antics.
13. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
This is the last Mario entry on this list and the most accessible to any age group. Deluxe is an improved version of a Wii U original. The world is vibrant and the roster of playable characters is oozing with personality. With Mario, Peach, Luigi, and many more. A surefire way to a lot of craziness on the racetracks.
The game is still supported by Nintendo. Its recent Booster Course Pass adds new tracks until 2023.
14. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
There's something charming about a game of talking animals. New Horizons is the latest Animal Crossing game and it's a must-play for Switch players. It offers hours of content that encourages player creativity and imagination. Build your dream island from scratch and cherish your neighbors.
It's a bundle of wholesomeness and is perfect for everyone, including kids.
15. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
This might be a tad bit challenging for the young ones. It's a sequel to the beloved Ori and the Blind Forest. and takes us on adventures with the adorable forest spirit. Will of the Wisps demands patience and fast reflexes to overcome its many challenges. Once you figure out its mechanics, the game will start to flow into a memorable journey.