Nintendo Switch has a HUGE selection of games!
The Nintendo Switch has so many games, that it can be a little overwhelming trying to choose the perfect one for your young child. Hopefully our guide can get you pointed in the right direction.
As a father of two young boys, I (DJ) understand the difficulties of finding age appropriate games. Not only is game content and rating a factor, but many games require excessive reading and/or have difficult controls.
Check out our list of games we recommend for young children. They are in no particular order, so be sure to browse them all.
Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies is a classic side scrolling adventure that can be played solo or with friends. It is the newest Kirby game available, and is loads of fun. It’s easier to play than most Mario games.
Kirby has been around for a long time. He is an easily recognizable character to most Nintendo fans. It’s easy to recommend most Kirby games for younger children, but they can also be lots of fun for adults too. Kirby is safe for all ages.
Mario games are usually a safe bet for younger children.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is a big seller. Featuring a lengthy story mode with both 3D and 2D challenges, Super Mario Odyssey is a blast to play. Read my full review of Super Mario Odyssey! I will mention that this particular Mario game is a little more difficult than some of the old 2D style ones. There is a little more text to read than normal, and controls in a 3D environment can be challenging.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a big name for a familiar game. It is actually 2 games in one, featuring both a Mario adventure and a Luigi adventure. This classic side scrolling adventure ranges in difficulty, starting out easy and getting harder as the game goes on. Most folks would immediately recognize this classic style Mario game as similar to ones they played as a child.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the newest Mario Kart game available on Nintendo Switch. I highly recommend it for all ages. It is the classic Mario racing game that players have come to expect. It can be enjoyed solo, or locally with other players, meaning in the back seat of a vehicle on a road trip, or even just sitting at home on a couch. Definitely grab this game if you haven’t already.
Not all Mario games are good for young children. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is about a haunted mansion and contains several intense ghost chase scenes. Super Mario Party is also deceivingly more challenging than it looks. It is a board game that is best enjoyed in a multiplayer living room setting.
Which Nintendo Switch LEGO games are good for younger children?
Lego Marvel Super Heroes
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a funny and light-hearted adventure game featuring the classic and most well-known marvel super heroes.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection, LEGO DC Villains, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, and LEGO Jurassic World are all similar games, just featuring different stories and characters. Use our links to find the best deals for these games!
LEGO Worlds
LEGO Worlds is a 3D open world building and exploration game similar to Minecraft, but with more guided direction. It is actually a lot harder to play than most other LEGO games, and so I do not recommend it for younger children.
LEGO City: Undercover
LEGO City: Undercover is also a 3D open world adventure. It is much easier to play and follow along with than LEGO Worlds, and so I do recommend it for younger children. LEGO City: Undercover follows the story of an undercover police officer as he chases down bank robbers and stops crime throughout a large explorable city. Players can even build and drive vehicles.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the latest game in the Donkey Kong series. It plays like most other games in the series, and features a team of monkeys working together in a Mario/Kirby style adventure game.
The game contains a mild amount of cartoon violence, and consists mainly of platforming (jumping from platform to platform).
Minecraft games on Nintendo Switch
Minecraft
Everyone has probably heard of Minecraft at this point. The game is available in its base form on Nintendo Switch. Players can explore, build, craft, and fight their way through an ever expanding block like world. Minecraft is a fantastic game for people of all ages, but can be a little challenging for young children. The game requires collecting resources, and crafting specific items.
Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons is a newer more action based game. Players can team up to battle their way through dungeons, exploring dangerous places, and gathering loot to upgrade their characters. The constant fighting, and upgrading of gear can be a little tough for younger children.
Pokemon Games on Nintendo Switch
Pokemon games have been great games for children ever since they came out back in the 90’s. They are among my favorite video games of all time. There are also a lot of different Pokemon games to choose from!
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee
Pokemon Let’s Go games are a remake of the original 90’s Pokemon games. They are in full 3D, with vibrant colors, and have Pokemon creatures walking around in the world alongside players. There are two versions of this game. Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eeevee, and the version determines the Pokemon partner that players begin their journey with. These are the easiest and most kid friendly Pokemon games.
Pokemon Sword & Shield
Pokemon Sword & Shield is the newest generation of Pokemon games. This means that they have new features, a completely new story, and even brand new Pokemon to discover. These 2 versions are what is played in live competitive multiplayer events. Read our full review of Pokemon Sword and Shield!
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are coming to Nintendo Switch on November 19th, 2021. They are a remake of generation 4 Pokemon games Diamond and Pearl. They are more laid back than the latest gen games, but also a little more advanced than the Let’s Go series games.
We hope that this guide helps you find the perfect games for your children this holiday season. Be sure to read our Nintendo Switch Holiday Gift Guide, to figure out which Switch to buy.
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