10 Best 3DS Games for Kids Reviewed in 2024

Entertainment Value

Pokemon Sun allows your little trainer to catch the new Alolan forms of previous generations of Pokemon. The game also introduces new moves called Z moves, which are more intense battle attacks. With Poke Ride, your child’s character can ride pokemon and discover new areas on the map. As the gameplay begins your child can choose one of three new Pokemon to be accompanied by as they take on the task of stopping Team Skull.

Physical Development

It encourages social play as your child can use their pokemon to battle other trainers. An online mode is offered as well. The overhead perspective and 3D graphics provide a more intense viewing of the Pokemon battles.

Age Range

The Developers added a variety of techniques and mechanics to ensure that Pokémon Sun is not solely focused on battling and training. These new tasks add an extra challenge and level of fun to being a pokemon trainer. Children of all ages can enjoy this new added challenge.

Entertainment Value

Mario, Link, Pikachu! Super Smash Bros is complete with all of your child’s favorite characters. This game allows your child's favorite heroes and villains battle against each other. Unlike other fighting games, the objective is to knock your opponent off of the stage rather than end them by depleting their health bar. It offers a single and multiplayer option. Since this is a fighting game and not an adventure game, your child won’t get bored with it. Every friend they face off against brings their own sense of skills and offers new challenges. Essentially there is never the same battle twice!

Physical Development

The Super Smash Bros. promotes social play as it’s multiplayer option allows you to play against your friends or online against other gamers. Your child will develop a healthy sense of competition as they battle against other gamers.

Age Range

While this is a fighting game, Nintendo keeps the words clean and does not include blood or gore which makes it great for children of all ages.

Entertainment Value

While this game does include 16 tracks that were in previous games, it also has 16 new tracks. During the race, players can drive into boxes to collect power-up items. Banana peels and Koopa shells are two examples of power-up items that can be collected and used against their opponents. Your child can choose between sixteen different characters to be their driver. Once their character and car are chosen, they can compete in local wireless matches or online.

Physical Development

Before the race begins, players can customize their vehicles. They can choose from a selection of vehicle bodies, tires, and a retractable hang-glider. All of the decisions that they make when customizing their car will affect them in the race, thus helping them develop a sense of strategy and improving their problem-solving skills.

Age Range

Both beginner and Mario Kart pros will enjoy this game as it is equipped with 16 old tracks and 16 new tracks. In other words, it is great for children of all ages and skill levels,

Entertainment Value

The levels feature more bananas hoarding fun than ever before. Players must run through the levels, jump over the obstacles, and battle the enemy to the end. Each of the environments offers diverse courses that challenge the players as they fight to retrieve the stolen hoard of bananas. The 3D effects are amazing with their lush and layered design featuring side-scrolling that really brings everything to life. The game has been redesigned and optimized for the best playing option for the 3D systems.

Physical Development

Playing video games can offer more than meets the ‘eyes.’ Video games that offer a challenge of conquering levels are a great way to develop and improve coordination. When a child plays a video game it not only viewing the screen they are using their audial, visual, and performing a physical hand movement. These combined are a great way to improve coordination skills.

Age Range

It is rated ‘E’ for everyone but does feature some mild cartoon violence.

Entertainment Value

Sonic must defeat the deadly six before they destroy his world. Luckily he is equipped with several new moves that will help him come out with the win. The Spin Dash is back and now Sonic is able to Skydive at high speed, free run along walls, and vault over obstacles. Furthermore, Sonic can now explode into enemies. It offers both 2D and 3D modes.

Physical Development

This game encourages social play as includes a multiplayer mode where children can engage in high-speed races. If your child struggled with Sonic’s speed in past games, then this is perfect for them. In this game, Sonic has the ability to free roam and when he runs he doesn’t run as fast as he does in other games.

Age Range

The levels are lengthy, which will definitely keep your child’s attention and motivated to win. With lengthy levels, this game is great for children of all ages

Entertainment Value

While it is a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, it does not matter if your child has never played it because each sequel offers their own adventures. Your child will play as Link with the objective to beat Yuga, the franchises' primary villain. In this game, Link has the ability to transform into a painting which will prove to be beneficial to your child’s quest. The 3D aspect enhances the visuals of each top-down world. With more action packed in and a faster pace, your child will enjoy the journey to conquer Yuga.

Physical Development

Your child will increase their critical thinking skills as they are motivated to solve puzzles to beat each level. Imagination is crucial for your child’s development. Through role play, this game will increase your child’s creativity and stimulate their imagination. It also promotes reading as your child will be introduced to the storyline. The vibrant visuals of each map will stimulate your child’s sensory development

Age Range

Children as young as seven can easily understand the objective and navigate their way through the game.

Entertainment Value

The dark lord has stolen everyone’s faces so your child must build and lead a team of Mii characters that are based on their favorite people. Once their team is fully assembled they will have to battle to save the kingdom and return the stolen faces. Throughout your child’s quest they can hide to dodge attacks, protect their allies, as well as fight against the enemies. When characters are created, your child can give them a personality. Each personally brings advantages and drawbacks to the characters which makes the game feel more realistic.

Physical Development

The game is stocked with over 700 different clothing items and weapons, thus allowing your child to customize their characters as they please. The silly antics and quirky nature of the mii characters will have your little one laughing as they play. Your child will be encouraged to socialize as the more mii’s they interact and build a relationship with the stronger they become.

Age Range

The game is rated E for everyone, thus it is appropriate for small children to enjoy.

Entertainment Value

Smash through obstacles and defeat each level in order to stop the Haltmann Works Company from mechanizing Kirby’s planet. Equipped with robot armor, Kirby has the ability to scan enemies which will transform his suit and give him new abilities. Inhaling enemies will give Kirby their abilities. Ninja moves and icy breath are just a few of the cool new moves he can obtain from his enemies.

Physical Development

Your child can defeat the levels independently or engage in the 4-player mode and enjoy the game with their friends. The upbeat music and brightly colored graphics will allow your child to immerse themselves into the game. With reading throughout the game, your child can increase their literary skills.

Age Range

While there is some mild cartoon violence, the game is rated E so children of all ages can play.

Entertainment Value

Olaf’s Quest is the perfect 3DS game for anyone who loves the adorable snowman. Your child will guide Olaf through each level with the goal of collecting snowflakes and flowers. This is a side-scrolling platform with 60 levels. Winter clothes for Olaf can be unlocked as your child beats levels and collects snowflakes.

Physical Development

It encourages creativity as it allows your child to customize Olaf with Winter gear! When Olaf is dressed or after he completes a level he provides a positive message.

Age Range

Frozen: Olaf's Quest is great for younger children who are starting to enjoy gaming because the levels are short. Furthermore, there is no way for Olaf to “die”, thus your child will never fail a level. There are also no enemies so your child can collect snowflakes at their own pace.

Entertainment Value

The game features all the characters that your children see on the screen. They are able to explore the worlds of Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella, and so much more. Players also have the ability to create their own worlds as well which makes the magic of this game twice as fun. In the game, players have the joy of interacting with over 60 characters while exploring their worlds or the player's own world. They can also battle ghosts and search for hidden treasures along the way. The game has the ability to connect with other players to show off their world and also customize their player's clothes. shoes, and accessories. What better way to explore the magical world of Disney than through this fun-filled video game.

Physical Development

Problem-solving skills is a something that we often think of only using when we are faced with a challenge in math class or when something goes wrong with an object. Video games never really come up in this category, but in fact, they are a great way to improve problem-solving skills. When playing this game you have to think very carefully about your next move and plan every move there forward to ensure that your character is successful plus it also provides split decision making that really aids to improving that problem-solving skills like no other source

Age Range

While this game is rated E, it is specifically geared towards children over the age of 7.