10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in 2024
Ana
Nintendo has made its comeback. One of the most popular gaming systems today is the Nintendo Switch. This gaming device is portable, and you can also play with other players as well. Your child will hold the portable device increasing their hand-eye coordination. When playing video games your child will learn logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and they’ll even learn in some cases the importance of teamwork. We came up with a list of the top ten best games for the Nintendo Switch that your children will love playing solo or with their friends. We’re sure whatever game your looking for, your child will love it.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 39 hrs of research
Rated E for everyone
New stages and characters are introduced
Combat speeds have been enhanced
Increases fine motor skills
10 Best Nintendo Switch Games Reviewed
1. Super Smash Bros
Rated E for everyone
New stages and characters are introduced
Combat speeds have been enhanced
Increases fine motor skills
May be difficult for beginners to learn
With Super Smash bros your child can experience the ultimate brawl from their switch.
Read moreEntertainment Value
With new characters, enhanced combat speed, and new stages your child will experience Smash bros like they never have before. Inkling from Splatoon and Ridley from Metroid have both joined the game. Even though there is a variety of new things being introduced, the game still includes all 63 characters from past versions of Super Smash Bros.
Physical Development
Pressing the buttons on the switch will increase your child’s fine motor skills. Battling against friends and family will improve their social skills. The vibrant graphics and fun sound effects will stimulate your child’s auditory and visual senses. Your child will learn to think quickly as they dodge attacks and plan their next move with the hopes of defeating their opponent.
Ease of Use
While the game is rated E for everyone, younger children may have a harder time understanding the objective and learning the moves from each player. However, once they learn it they will be able to play the game confidently and with ease.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The creators added more modes, tracks, and competitors to this game than in previous versions.
Nintendo 64’s Mario Kart was fun, but in this game, it is easier to distinguish between the characters and the background. It used to be hard to see where the location of the character in contrast with the game.
It keeps kids entertained.
The whole family can play in the living room and compete with their own characters.
Kids will be loud when they play in the car because this game is exciting and they’ll be laughing and cheering.
Entertainment Value
The energy and excitement created while playing are surprisingly contagious. Up to 4 players can join in on the fun and race around the tracks. With more modes, full multiplayer support and better backgrounds than ever before, this may be the best Mario Kart ever.
Physical Development
What better way to bond with family and friends than engaging in a friendly race? This game encourages fine-motor function, rewards skill and keeps the fun going.
Ease of Use
Hook up the game to a 1080p and in T.V. mode for the better graphics. Parents can join in too, and ask them if they remember King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.?
3. Pokkén Tournament DX
This game can be played by two players using one game.
Players who are not competitive by nature enjoy this game.
A nice upgrade from the Wii U, there are new characters, modes, and options.
Replays can now be saved online
Digital copy is not available. Only physical copies are made and sold by default.
Fuel your child’s love of Pokemon with the Pokken Tournament DX Switch game.
Read moreEntertainment Value
This game is a combination of the Japanese game Tekken and Pokemon. Trainers will go head to head in Pokemon battles. Each trainer will choose one of their Pokemon to fight against the Pokemon their opponent has chosen. The game includes 21 different Pokemon for your child to battle with and use as their avatar.
Physical Development
The bright colorful graphics will stimulate your child’s sensory development. This game gives players the option to play in single-player mode or multiplayer. The daily challenges provided in the game constantly bring something new and fresh to the objective. Every battle will be different, thus it is highly unlikely that your child will grow bored with the game.
Ease of Use
While this is a fighting-style game, it is rated E for everyone, thus it is appropriate for all ages. As your child progress' in the game, they will master new fighting techniques and climb to the top of the charts.
4. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Offers twisting, turning, transforming levels
Features rotating the camera for players full view
Two modes; classic and optional more relaxed version
Includes the first time ever released version of this game
Improve brains speed
Classic mode is really challenging
Controls for the players are difficult to master
Donkey Kong fans will love finally having the option to play as Funky Kong.
Read moreEntertainment Value
The game features a rotating camera that lets players enjoy the full vision of the vibrant island. Players can master the special moves of all the unique characters. In this game, you can enjoy all the fun challenges as the original versions of the game plus an optional new mode. Also featured in this game is an all new and first time ever released Donkey Kong Country. Players can enjoy a single player mode and also co-op modes that super fun for the whole family.
Physical Development
Fast paced level playing games like the new version of Donkey Kong offer the brain some stimulation that in turn improves the brains speed. Studies show that individuals that play video games can process stimulators faster making their speed of processing much faster. The multiple stimulators offered by video games is a great way to keep your brain continuously able to process these types of simulations.
Ease of Use
Exploring the twisting, turning, and ever transforming levels in the most unexpected ways in this game is super fun for players of all ages. The new mode gives players that are less experienced and younger the ability to enjoy a more relaxed version of the game.
5. Minecraft
Rated E for everyone
Allows players to build their original creations
Play on the go or in a stationary spot via tabletop mode
Four players can play together at once
Some reviewers feel it is difficult to play on the switch
Now that Minecraft is available on the switch, your child can roam with friends or battle creepers anywhere they go.
Read moreEntertainment value
Designed with several different modes your child can build anything that comes to mind or go on adventures in worlds that have already been created. The online multiplayer option allows your child to play with friends in different locations. If all of their friends are in the same place, the screen can be split amongst four players. Your child can play while sitting at the table or on the go.
Physical Development
This objective of the game will unleash your child’s creativity and imagination as they have the freedom to build their own world. Their problem solving skills will increase with each original creation. Not to mention that it could possibly foster a love of engineering and architecture in your child.
Ease of Use
In creative mode, children are given the opportunity to build anything they want. With this mode being open-ended, there is no wrong way to play. Small children can enjoy building or exploring as this game is rated E for everyone.
6. Puyo Puyo Tetris
Features games for single and multiple players
Each game has 10 acts with 10 stages
Different modes; arcade, classic, and fusion
Online play for puzzles and tracking players ratings
Enhances multitasking skills
Blocks randomly drop in hyper speed during the game
Wasted screen real estate and not a full framing
Two great games have combined together to create one of the biggest challenges that this platform has seen yet.
Read moreEntertainment Value
Tetris and Puyo Puyo have come together for a fast-paced, fun playing, a competitive game for parties like no other. In the game, there are tons of gameplay styles. There are single player games, adventure games, player-to-player challenges, and arcade style modes. This combines the varieties of both the style of games that Tetris and Puyo Puyo have brought to the gaming world. Plus there is even an in-shop game story that allows players to unlock new characters and score new skins for both Puyos and Tetriminos.
Physical Development
Action packed games like the combined game is a great way to enhance multitasking skills. These types of games require you to be able to move throughout the game using the gamepad while also looking at the screen to view your progress and status. All these factors have to come together for you to become a successful player or better yet the winning player.
Ease of Use
The many modes and what this game brings to the gaming world are like no other. The choice and challenges are completely left up to the players.
7. Splatoon 2
Multiplayer
Great character accessories
Colorful
Terrific storyline
Some customers didn’t like that there was no offline multiplayer option
Splat Dualies is a wonderful multiplayer game for any Nintendo Switch player.
Read moreEntertainment Value
This object of this colorful game is to basically get your ink on as much ground as possible.
Physical Development
This game is so colorful and incredibly beneficial to your child. Your child will have to use teamwork and test their problem-solving skills so that they can get as much of their team's colors on the ground as possible. They’ll have to defeat some enemies along the way.
Ease of Use
They can play this game solo or with other players and learn how to problem solve with some teamwork if they choose the multiplayer route. You will have to come up with out of the box ways to cover as much territory as possible so that your team can come up on top.
8. Just Dance 2019
Includes 40 of the hottest songs
Requires players to get up and move around
Rated E for everyone
Strengthens muscles and improves mental health
Reviewers would have liked it to include more songs.
Just Dance will have your child up and off the couch.
Read moreEntertainment Value
Equipped with forty of the hottest songs, your child will have a blast dancing to songs they have heard before as well as some they may be hearing for the first time. You can even purchase the unlimited package and have access to over 400 songs. As your child progresses the through the game they will have the opportunity to unlock a variety of stickers, choreographies, and avatars. The game allows up to six players, thus your child can dance with or against friends and family.
Physical Development
As your child dances to each song, they will be exercising which will help them destress from the day. Not only will dancing strengthen their muscles but it will also improve their mental health. Their motor skills will increase as they work to nail each dance move. With each move, they perfect, their self-esteem and confidence levels will rise. Playing against others will instill a healthy sense of competition in your child.
Ease of Use
With this game being rated E for everyone, children of all ages can enjoy playing. The objective is simple enough for younger children to learn as they will only need to copy the moves their dancer is doing.
9. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Kid-friendly
3 games in 1
Amazing graphics
Easy gameplay to follow
Some players said in general that this games challenge are a bit difficult and on the Switch, it’s even harder but still enjoyed the gameplay.
Crash Bandicoot is a beloved game.
Read moreEntertainment Value
This remastered version will make any lover of this game feel nostalgic. For those who haven’t played the game before Crash Bandicoot will take you on some crazy adventures and even some challenges. This game comes with over 100 different levels to play on and comes with two different playable characters. This Crash Bandicoot remastered game is also 3 games in 1. You’ll love spinning, jumping, and taking on every single one of these challenges.
Physical Development
The game will increase your child's fine motor skills while also stimulating their cognitive development.
Ease of Use
It’s very kid-friendly and doesn’t have a whole lot of violence or weapons in this game as well.
10. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Up to 2- 6 players can join in on the action.
Play through the storyline, or fight just for fun.
Goku can use the Kamehameha Wave and the Spirit Bomb in this game’s universe.
The graphics have been advanced and touched up for the Nintendo Switch.
The game does not come with all the DLCs.
Visit the largest and most detailed Dragon Ball Universe ever created
Read moreEntertainment Value
This engaging story brings the best of the Dragon Ball universe to a new platform. This game was specifically designed to play with a Switch console, especially by using the Joy-Cons. Friends can go through the storyline or fight each for fun. Players can also use the big screen to make the fights even more thrilling. At home or on the go, these Dragon Balls are ready to grant your wish at a moment's notice. The upgraded graphics and engaging story ratchet the fun level up over 9000.
Physical Development
With the game allowing six players to join together at once, your child will have the opportunity to increase their social skills.
Ease of Use
The multiplayer support means that every adventure is both engaging and challenging.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Entertainment Value
The Nintendo Switch is a part of new-age technology because it brought two different type of gaming consoles together. Players can game at home and basically anywhere on the planet. The games on our list work with this type of gaming style. The list of Switch games has options for all ages--games rated E for Everyone, T for Teen, and one listed as M for players over 17 years of age. Please note that the game Puyo Puyo Tetris' rating is pending.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, for example, is a game a teenager enjoys while he or she is at home. Parents know if they made a good purchase because their kids will be lying when they say they are doing their homework and they are really playing the game instead. Many teens don’t want to put down their game when their parents ask them to. The Switch has an option that allows players to continue gaming while they are leaving to go on errands with their families. It’s not the way it’s supposed to be, but it is the way it is for many families.
Physical Development
Playing games on the switch offers a wide range of developmental benefits for your child. Their social skills will increase as they play with friends. Using the controls will stimulate the development of their fine motor skills. Their problem-solving skills will improve as they work to beat each level. Also, gaming is a great way for children to reduce stress.
Ease of Use
The Nintendo Switch is easy enough for children as young as six to play. In fact, set up is super simple so your little one can begin enjoying their games in no time. We included a variety of games on this list that appeal to children of all ages. Some of the objectives may provide more of a challenge and others will allow your child just to have fun.
Entertainment Value Physical Development Ease of Use 
The switch is full of fun surprises. For instance, it has the ability to turn on your TV.
If your child happens to lose a Joy-Con controller, they can use the switch to easily find it.
Other Factors to Consider
Adjustability
The Switch has a feature that lets parents set a timer. A mom might want to set the timer for two hours a day for example. If it is difficult to get a teenager off their game, they won’t have a choice because the system will lock them out after two hours. It’s ok for teenagers to destress, but they do have other responsibilities they can’t ignore like eating and showering. And everyone knows that teens can game all day every day if they can.
Knowing that a timer can be set on the Switch, parents can let their teens play the most popular games for their age. The fears of wasting all day playing a video game are pretty much done away with as the new console works to give parents the tools they need to feel confident their child is safe and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What do parents think about the Nintendo Switch?
The hardware is built a lot better than the Wii Us. It feels like a meatier product when you hold it in your hand instead of something built like a light Fisher-Price toy. The touch screen is solid and sturdy. It needs a screen protector to help keep the scratches to a minimum. Parents should supervise when their younger kids pull off the joysticks because they tend to drop them. The Joy-Cons feel small like they were meant for little kids to use.
q: What is generally included in a Nintendo Switch bundle?
The Nintendo Switch is a cross between handheld gaming and at-home gaming. The bundle comes with a tablet, the docking station, two controllers called Joy-Cons and the grip that attaches the joysticks to form controllers. The tablet is a touch screen and can be taken anywhere.
q: Is the Nintendo Switch and games only for little kids?
This gaming system can be enjoyed by everyone in a family. The switch allows for solo gaming and group play. It’s fun to spend quality time together and create long-lasting memories. Kids who are too young to play enjoy being spectators and hanging out on mom and dad's lap. Tiny kids also like to press the buttons for mom and dad.
q: Does the Switch have parental controls?
The Switch does have parental controls. It also has extra features like setting limits on how long kids can play on the console. There is also a smartphone app that lets parents control the parental-control features. Parental controls let parents restrict features and content. It also lets parents keep track of what games kids are playing.
q: Are there a lot of games?
Yes, there are a lot of games for kids of all ages. Younger kids really enjoy playing Mario Bros. games and while older kids like teens start to enjoy Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
q: Should parents buy more than one Nintendo Switch for their home?
Parents should buy more than one Nintendo Switch for a household with more than one kid because the screen is too small for four players to play on it efficiently. It’s easier when four kids use a big TV from home to use for four-way interactions. But when on the road it is hard for four players to look down on one screen.
q: Is the Nintendo Switch safe for families to use?
Physically, the console is well-made and safe for the entire family to use. The games themselves vary in content and therefore have different ratings. If parents are concerned with what their young kids are playing, they need to pay attention to the game’s ratings. A 6-year-old should not be playing a game rated M for mature audiences. And a teen will be bored playing a game with a low rating like EC (early childhood).
q: Why do kids love their Nintendo Switches?
Kids need to go with their parents to several boring locations, like waiting rooms at doctor’s offices and too boring house visits with no other children to play with. The Nintendo Switch offers kids the chance to play their game and immediately continue playing their game as they switch from the big TV to their tablet. They don’t have to stop playing just because they are leaving the house. And they can continue playing until their battery runs out.
Sources
- , Nintendo Switch: A parent’s view of the new console, Review
- , 5 Things to Know About Buying a Nintendo Switch for Your Kids, Online Article
- , Hey parents, you might want more than one Nintendo Switch, Online Article
- , Nintendo Switch: How safe is it for your family? , Online Article
- , Is the Nintendo Switch good for all the family? Parental controls, motion gaming and more explored, Parenting News Article
