The Nintendo Switch is a great console to buy for families because it offers a whole new way to play games. With the ability to play your favorite games on the go, the Switch is easy to take with you no matter where you go.
Playing with friends and family members can be a lot of fun, whether you’re playing in person or from different parts of the country.
The Nintendo Switch also offers plenty of single-player games, making it ideal for kids who are just getting into gaming on their own. All around, the Nintendo Switch is a great place to start for anyone who is looking for a fun family-friendly gaming experience that they can enjoy together.
Below is a list of some of the best 15 Nintendo switch games for kids.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been around since May 2017, which means it’s one of the newer titles on the Switch yet still offers hours upon hours of fun to those who pick it up and play it more than once or twice in a row.
Little ones will love playing with their parents by taking turns steering Mario down tracks filled with obstacles and enemy karts, making it easy to sit back and enjoy watching them try to navigate each track in whatever order fits their little heart desires.
Pros
- Wide variety of characters and karts to unlock
- Lots of tracks to race on
- Fun for the whole family
Cons
- Online modes have been removed from this version, including the ability to play friend matches. If you want local multiplayer, you’ll just have to wait until they update it.
2. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
A 2D platformer that’s based on exploration and puzzle solving is sure to be a hit with any member of the family. Each of the game’s stages has its own unique setting and beautiful art style, making it one of those games that everyone can enjoy watching regardless if they’re playing it or not.
Pros
- Beautiful art style
- Each level is unique in its storytelling and setting
- Tons of fun for the whole family
Cons
- It’s always a bummer to not have a multiplayer option
3. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
If your little one loves playing the original version of Shovel Knight but is ready to take their helm off the main game and try something new, then Specter of Torment might be just what they’re looking for.
Pros
- Now playable again if you finished the original game. This is great because it means you don’t have to re-learn how to play or worry about doing missions in the original game.
Cons
- Can only be played on the Switch version of Shovel Knight, which might be disappointing for some.
4. Just Dance 2018 Kids
Just Dance 2018 takes dancing to a whole new level with a brand new set of dances and songs available to play. Now the whole family can step onto the dance floor together and show the world their moves.
Pros
- Great way to get kids active
- Unique dances and songs
- Easy to set up and start playing
Cons
- There aren’t enough songs to choose from
5. Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 is great for kids because it offers a multiplayer experience that anyone can enjoy regardless of skill level or age. The controls are simple so anyone can pick up a kitchen utensil and make something grand, which means parents don’t have to worry about watching over their shoulders while they play.
Pros
- Easy to pick up and play, even for small children
- Single player but multiplayer available
- Play against kids both close by or across the globe
Cons
- Some might see it as a little repetitive, but that’s what makes it so great for kids. They won’t get bored easily, and they’ll want to keep playing just because they like the game’s mindless nature and simple interface. That takes skill!
6. Mario Tennis Aces
Mario Tennis Aces is one of those games that is fun on any platform, making it a great option for parents looking to share their love of technology with their child without overwhelming them early on in their tech journey. It’s simple to learn and play, meaning anyone can jump in and play without worrying about the difficulty of the game design.
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Fun for kids
- Fun for adults
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to share with other family members as an on-the-go option.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of those games that will test both your patience and skill level, which means it’s a great game for parents to play with their kids (or all by yourself). It offers a unique battle system that will keep you engaged as you try to unlock more skills and reach new heights.
Pros
- Unique battle system that is so much fun to play, even if it seems a little overwhelming at first
- Great for people of all ages who love role-playing games or strategy games
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to explain to parents who don’t understand the game’s mechanics or don’t play the genre.
8. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey takes everything that makes Mario great and turns it up to 11, combining smart level design and multiple gameplay elements for great replayability with friends. It’s a fun game that anyone can pick up and enjoy because it’s simple to play, but it can be tough to master.
Pros
- Easy to learn-Great for both kids and adults
- Plenty of gameplay options available
- New tricks and special moves expand the game in new ways
Cons
- Some might find it a little hard at first to play on the go, since the Switch itself can tire your hands after extended gameplay sessions.
9. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is like nothing you’ve ever played before, which makes this one of those games that you want everyone in the family to try at least once or twice.
Pros
- Simple to learn
- Great for kids who love strategy games and turn based games
Cons
- Can be a little tough to understand without some instruction.
10. Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together!
Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together! is one of those simple games that anyone can enjoy playing, regardless if it’s the main game or the new content that comes with the free update. Kids love being able to play as their favorite Nintendo characters and solving puzzles by working with their friends, making it a great choice for families who are looking for a fun game to play together.
Pros
- Simple gameplay makes it perfect for people of all skill levels
- It’s a great way to work with other people on solving puzzles
- Great for sharing with friends
Cons
- Some players will find the game’s design a little too simple to enjoy, so it might end up underutilized by some.
11. Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is one of those games that is fun both in and out of the multiplayer mode, offering a variety of different ways to have fun with it in solo or co-op play. You can choose from many different characters, each bringing their own unique set of powerful skills that you can use against your enemies and solve puzzles on your own or with other friends.
Pros
- Fun for kids and adults alike
- Easy to understand and play, even for younger kids
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to explain without some instruction, but not impossible.
12. Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 is one of those games that’s great for kids because it offers them a unique gameplay experience that they can keep playing forever or get into and out of quickly, depending on their skill level. It’s a great strategy game with an emphasis on social gaming that works both in single player mode and co-op mode. The levels are fun to complete, but they’re also designed in a way that encourages you to play with your friends so you can see who comes out on top.
Pros
- Easy to play whether you’re playing solo or with friends
- The game is designed in such a way that it’s easy to get in and out of, making it a great choice for parents who want to play with their kids or just need something to do in between other things
Cons
- It’s not the most visually engaging game on the Switch, which is good when you’re showing it off but bad when you’re trying to focus on small details.
13. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great game for families because it’s easy to pick up and play whether you’re playing with someone else or by yourself. It has all the great gameplay features from the first game, and it even adds in some new ones for a fun racing experience for kids and adults alike.
Pros
- Easy to play-Great for kids and adults
- The game is easy to understand and fun to play whether you’re playing solo or with friends
Cons
- The multiplayer function can be a little tough to use when playing with multiple people at once. It’s not impossible, but you have to be ready for a little bit of confusion.
14. Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Zelda: Breath of The Wild is an amazing game that is easy to pick up and play whether you’re playing by yourself or with friends. You can play the game in either solo or co-op mode and either choose to complete the quests alone or with friends. There is plenty of different gameplay that you can enjoy, making it a great pick up and play family game.
Pros
- The game is easy to understand
- Plenty of fun gameplay options available for players of all ages and skill levels
- You can choose to play alone or work with friends to complete quests
Cons
- Can be a little difficult for some parents to understand if they’re not familiar with the Zelda titles, especially if they haven’t played a Dark Souls title.
15. Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party is Fun for all ages, with unique and whimsical gameplay that is easy to understand. The added GamePad functionality of the game offers a cool new way to play, whether it’s using the GamePad as a map or showing off your skills when playing mini-games.
Pros
- Fun for kids and adults alike
- Easy to understand and play with friends or family members
Cons
- Can be a little bit difficult if you’re trying to finish everything in one go. The game’s structure encourages you to stop playing at certain points so you can move on later. You’ll need some time to save up your stars before moving on.
Honorable Mentions
There are many other great Nintendo Switch games for kids that would have easily made it to this list. They include:
- ARMS: A game that’s easy to play and features a variety of different characters, each with their own abilities.
- Starlink: Battle for Atlas : A great open world game that lets you explore space in whatever way you want. You can play it solo or with friends, making it perfect for families who are looking for something that they can play together.
- LEGO The Incredibles: A fun hybrid between a platformer and an action adventure game that lets you explore and interact with the world in new ways.
- Rocket League: A fun pick up and play game that is great for kids and adults alike, whether you’re playing alone or with friends.
Common Nintendo Switch Questions
- Can I use the games on my Switch while it’s turned off?
Yes, you can use the games you’ve bought on the Nintendo Switch even when it’s turned off. All the game data is saved onto a microSD card, so if your console breaks or gets stolen, all that info can be used for future generations of Nintendo Switch consoles that are sold later. - Can I play my old Nintendo DS games on the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, there are many DS titles available to play on your Nintendo Switch. You can use DS titles on the Nintendo Switch when it’s connected to a TV through it’s HDMI port or to a separate device, whether that be another Switch, a PC, or any other device. - Can I play my old SNES games on the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can use your favourite SNES games on the Nintendo Switch. There are some limitations for what you can use them for though. You can’t use your old Super Nintendo games to play modern titles and vice versa. Some of the SNES games are not compatible with 4K resolutions either. This means that you’ll have to make sure you’re playing the game in a lower resolution. - How many games can I install on my Nintendo Switch?
Most games come with a one-time download for around 10 or 15 GB, which is about the size of a single movie (about 2-3 hours in length). If you want to play it on another console, you’ll need to download it again.
The exception to this rule is with games that use an online service. There are also some games that come with more data as part of their download. These include NBA 2K19 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which each come with about 32 GB.
