With over 130 million units sold globally, the Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular consoles in history—and for good reason. Its portable design, accessible controls, and vast game library make it a go-to choice for families. But with thousands of titles available on the eShop and in stores, choosing the right games for kids can be a challenge. Parents today aren’t just looking for fun—they want games that are age-appropriate, safe, engaging, and even a little educational.
The best Nintendo Switch games for children combine simple controls with imaginative gameplay, colorful visuals, and characters that spark creativity and joy. Whether it’s racing with Mario, building with blocks in Minecraft, or crafting a cozy island life in Animal Crossing, many of these games also subtly teach valuable skills like problem-solving, resource management, teamwork, and even reading comprehension. Several popular titles even include built-in assist modes, local multiplayer, and visual cues to help younger or first-time players succeed without frustration.
Thanks to the Switch’s flexibility—allowing play on the TV, in handheld mode, or with detachable Joy-Con controllers for on-the-go co-op—it’s tailor-made for young gamers. And with Nintendo’s robust parental controls, it’s easy for caregivers to manage screen time, restrict content by ESRB rating, and monitor what their kids are playing. Whether you’re a parent shopping for your child’s first game or looking to expand the family library, this guide highlights the very best Nintendo Switch games for kids in 2025 based on fun, quality, and age-appropriateness.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best games for kids on Nintendo Switch. This 3D adventure takes Mario far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom to explore amazing new worlds.
The game is perfect for younger players because it rewards curiosity. Kids who like to explore every corner will find lots of hidden surprises and moons.
What makes this game special is Mario’s new friend Cappy. This magical hat lets Mario take control of enemies and objects in the game. Kids love turning into a dinosaur, a tank, or even a walking piece of meat!
The controls are easy to learn but still offer challenge. Many kids can play on their own, but parents can join in too. The second player can control Cappy, making it perfect for helping younger children.
Parents need not worry about content. Child reviews suggest the game is suitable for all ages with no problematic content.
The game has a helpful assist mode for very young players. This gives Mario extra health and shows arrows pointing to the next goal. It’s a great way to help kids who are just starting to play video games.
Each kingdom in the game has its own look and feel. From the sandy Desert Kingdom to the food-filled Luncheon Kingdom, kids will stay interested for hours.
Collecting moons is the main goal, but players don’t need to find them all. This makes the game good for kids who might get frustrated by too much difficulty.
The game’s charm comes from its colorful worlds and friendly characters. Even when kids fail, the game encourages them to try again without feeling too hard.
The story is simple but fun. Mario needs to save Princess Peach from Bowser, who plans a forced wedding. It’s easy to follow and gives kids clear goals to work toward.
For a child new to Nintendo, Super Mario Odyssey makes a wonderful first game. It teaches basic gaming skills while being fun enough to keep kids coming back.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers kids a peaceful island getaway where they can build their own paradise. This relaxing Nintendo Switch game lets children explore, create, and customize their very own island home.
The game has no violence, competition, or time pressure. Kids move at their own pace, making it perfect for younger players who might get frustrated with more challenging games.
In this colorful world, children can catch bugs, fish in rivers, and plant trees. They can also collect seashells along the beach and make friends with cute animal villagers.
Kids love decorating their houses with furniture they find or create. The game encourages creativity as players design their island exactly how they want it.
Parents appreciate that the game teaches valuable skills. Children learn about saving money, planning projects, and being patient as they wait for buildings to be constructed or plants to grow.
While younger children might need help with reading the game’s text, even 5-year-olds can enjoy many aspects of the game with some assistance. The simple controls make it easy for small hands to play.
The changing seasons in the game match the real world, with special events for holidays. This gives kids something new to look forward to throughout the year.
Animal Crossing also teaches kindness. Players help neighbors, send gifts, and take care of their island environment. These positive social lessons make it a game parents can feel good about.
For kids who enjoy building and designing, the house expansion options provide endless fun. They can create dream homes with multiple rooms filled with matching furniture sets.
The game supports multiplayer options too. Children can visit friends’ islands or play together on the same system, making it a social experience that teaches sharing and cooperation.
With no game-over screens or ways to “lose,” Animal Crossing removes stress and focuses on simple joys. This creates a safe digital space where kids can express themselves.
New players can easily get started with helpful tips available on the official Animal Crossing website. The game explains everything step by step, helping children feel confident as they learn.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of the best games for the Nintendo Switch. Kids love racing as their favorite Nintendo characters while using fun power-ups against opponents.
The game offers simple controls that young players can quickly learn. Even children who are new to gaming can enjoy success with features like auto-acceleration and steering assist.
Family game nights shine with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Up to four players can race together on the same screen, making it perfect for siblings and parents to join the fun.
The game includes 48 race tracks from the base game, with an additional 48 courses available through downloadable content. This huge variety keeps the game fresh for months of play.
Kids will recognize tracks based on other Nintendo worlds. Some courses draw inspiration from The Legend of Zelda and Excitebike series, adding extra excitement for Nintendo fans.
Character choices abound with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and many others ready to race. Each character feels unique with different speed and handling stats that affect gameplay.
The bright colors and smooth animation make the game visually appealing to children. Nothing feels scary or inappropriate, making it a safe choice for young gamers.
Battle Mode provides an alternative to racing. Kids can pop balloons, collect coins, or play tag with other characters in special arenas designed for these games.
Parents appreciate that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to sell extremely well years after its release. This popularity means finding friends who also play the game is easy.
Online play options let kids race against others from around the world. Parents can set restrictions through Nintendo’s parental controls if they prefer children stick to local play.
The game works in both TV mode and handheld mode. This flexibility lets kids play in the living room or take the fun on long car rides.
For something extra special, Nintendo also offers Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which combines the video game with real remote-controlled cars that race through your home.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands out as an excellent game for kids on the Nintendo Switch. This open-world adventure offers young players freedom to explore a vast, beautiful world at their own pace.
Kids can climb mountains, solve puzzles, and discover hidden treasures throughout the land of Hyrule. The game encourages creativity in how players tackle challenges, with multiple solutions to most problems.
Parents have noted the game’s educational value and great role models for children. Many consider it one of the greatest games ever made, offering lessons in problem-solving and persistence.
The colorful graphics and engaging story keep kids interested for hours. Players take control of Link, a hero who must save the kingdom from the evil Ganon while helping various characters along the way.
Though rated for older players, many parents find it suitable for younger children with some guidance. The combat can be avoided in many situations, giving kids options beyond fighting enemies.
The game redefines the Zelda series with its vast, explorable world. Children enjoy the sense of discovery as they find new places, meet interesting characters, and collect helpful items.
Nintendo designed the controls to be easy to learn but hard to master. This balance keeps the game fun for beginners while offering depth as kids improve their skills.
Weather and nature play important roles in the game. Kids learn how to adapt to rain, heat, cold, and storms as they journey across different areas.
The cooking system lets players mix ingredients to create helpful food items. This feature teaches basic planning and resource management in a fun way.
For families seeking a game that mixes fun with gentle learning opportunities, Breath of the Wild offers a perfect blend. The acclaimed adventure provides countless hours of entertainment while building problem-solving skills.
5. Lego City Undercover
Lego City Undercover is one of the most family-friendly games on Nintendo Switch. This open-world crime game breaks away from the typical licensed Lego titles and creates its own unique world.
Players take on the role of Chase McCain, a police officer who returns to Lego City to catch the notorious criminal Rex Fury. The game features a massive city with more than 20 unique districts to explore. Each area offers different challenges and secrets to find.
The humor in Lego City Undercover hits just right for both kids and adults. It’s packed with movie references and jokes that work on multiple levels. Parents will catch nods to classic films while kids enjoy the silly antics.
A big plus for families is the two-player co-op mode. Parents and children can team up to solve puzzles and explore the city together. This makes it perfect for gaming sessions where adults want to join in the fun.
The gameplay stays fresh with Chase’s various disguises. Each costume gives him different abilities needed to solve puzzles and access new areas. Kids enjoy switching between firefighter, construction worker, and other fun roles.
Vehicle sections add another layer of fun. Players can drive over 100 different vehicles throughout the city. From police cars to bulldozers, each handles differently and offers unique ways to explore.
Collecting is a big part of the game. Hidden bricks, characters, and vehicles are scattered throughout the city. These collectibles give players reasons to revisit areas and explore thoroughly.
Parents appreciate that the game focuses on catching criminals rather than being them. The storyline remains light-hearted and appropriate while still being engaging for younger players.
Loading times can sometimes test kids’ patience, but the colorful world and funny characters more than make up for these brief waits. The controls are simple enough for younger gamers but offer enough depth to keep everyone engaged.
Lego City Undercover proves that games don’t need mature themes to create an engaging open-world experience. It strikes that perfect balance of humor, exploration, and simple puzzles that make it ideal for family gaming sessions.
6. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 brings a spooky adventure that kids will love on the Nintendo Switch. Luigi must rescue Mario and friends from a haunted hotel, using his ghost-catching vacuum called the Poltergust G-00.
The game has bright, colorful graphics that are scary but not too frightening for children. Kids can slam, blow away, and vacuum up ghosts as they explore each floor of the hotel.
One of the best features is Gooigi, Luigi’s gooey green clone. Gooigi can slip through bars and spikes to reach places Luigi can’t, making for fun puzzle-solving moments that build kids’ problem-solving skills.
Each floor of the hotel has its own theme, from a fancy restaurant to a movie studio. This keeps the game fresh as kids work their way through the building catching ghosts and finding secrets.
The boss fights are creative and fun. Each ghost boss has a unique personality and requires different tactics to defeat, which helps teach kids to think strategically.
Parents might be surprised by the game’s difficulty. As one player noted on Reddit, the game looks like it’s for children but offers challenges that even adults will enjoy.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 also includes multiplayer options. The main story can be played with two players (one as Luigi and one as Gooigi), making it perfect for parents to help younger kids.
The ScareScraper mode lets up to eight players work together online, while ScreamPark offers fun mini-games for family game nights. These options make the game great for both solo play and family bonding.
Controls are simple enough for kids to learn but offer depth as they master Luigi’s ghost-catching moves. The game strikes a nice balance between accessibility and challenge.
Many consider Luigi’s Mansion 3 to be among the best games on Switch, up there with titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
For families new to the series, this third installment is an excellent place to start. While some fans debate whether Luigi’s Mansion 2 or 3 is better, the third game’s improved graphics and removal of mission-based structure make it more kid-friendly.
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fantastic fighting game for kids on the Nintendo Switch. It brings together characters from many popular Nintendo games into one big crossover event.
Kids love seeing their favorite characters like Mario, Pikachu, and Link battle it out. The game is perfect for both new players and experienced ones with its easy-to-learn controls.
Parents have noted that the game is entertaining and appropriate for children. Many families enjoy playing it together during long trips or family game nights.
The cartoon-style fighting keeps the action fun without being too violent. Characters don’t get hurt in realistic ways – they just fly off the screen when defeated.
For younger kids around 5 years old, they might need some help learning the basics. The game has simple controls that make it easy to jump in and play, but mastering all the moves takes time.
Children aged 9 and up seem to get the most enjoyment from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. They can understand the game mechanics better and enjoy the competitive aspects.
The game offers lots of different modes to keep kids busy. They can play through story adventures, quick matches, or challenge friends and family.
With over 70 playable characters, kids will always find someone new to try. Each character has unique moves and abilities that make the game feel fresh for a long time.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate works well for both single players and groups. This flexibility makes it perfect for kids who sometimes play alone and other times with friends.
For parents looking for games that the whole family can enjoy, this title stands out. Up to eight players can join in at once, making it great for parties or family gatherings.
8. Minecraft
Minecraft on Nintendo Switch offers a perfect blend of creativity and adventure for kids. The game lets players build anything they can imagine using colorful blocks in a vast open world.
Kids can play in two main ways. Creative mode gives them unlimited resources to build whatever they want. Survival mode challenges them to gather materials, craft tools, and protect themselves from monsters.
The Nintendo Switch version includes the Bedrock Edition, which supports cross-platform play. This means children can join friends who play on other devices like Xbox, PC, or mobile.
Parents will appreciate that Minecraft teaches problem-solving and planning skills. Kids must think about how to use their resources wisely and plan their builds carefully.
The game grows with your child. Switch is great for beginners, but has enough depth to keep older kids engaged too. As they learn more, they can try more complex projects.
Multiplayer options let kids work together on building projects. They can create amazing structures as a team, teaching cooperation and communication.
The portable nature of the Switch makes Minecraft even better. Kids can build their worlds at home or on the go, making it perfect for travel or waiting rooms.
Updates add new content regularly, ensuring the game stays fresh. New blocks, creatures, and features give kids new things to explore and create with.
Beyond the main game, kids might also enjoy Minecraft Dungeons. This action game uses the same blocky style but focuses on adventures and fighting monsters.
Controls are simple enough for young players to learn quickly. The Switch’s touch screen also gives an extra way to interact with the game when playing in handheld mode.
With unlimited building possibilities, Minecraft encourages kids to express themselves. They can create houses, castles, underwater bases, or entire cities limited only by their imagination.
9. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield are great choices for kids who love adventure games on the Nintendo Switch. These games introduce players to the beautiful Galar region where they can catch, train, and battle with Pokémon.
The controls are simple enough for children to learn quickly. Players take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer and journey through the region to become the champion.
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, making improvements to many of the traditional elements. They keep the fun parts while removing tedious aspects that might frustrate younger players.
Kids will enjoy the story as they unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. The plot is easy to follow but still engaging for players of all ages.
One of the most exciting features is the Wild Area. This open space lets players freely explore and catch Pokémon. The camera can be controlled, giving kids a sense of freedom as they search for their favorite creatures.
The games introduce Dynamaxing, which makes Pokémon grow huge during battles. This feature adds a fun twist that kids find thrilling and easy to use in battle situations.
Character customization is another highlight. Players can dress their character in different outfits and styles, giving kids a chance to express themselves in the game.
For families with multiple children, these games offer great trading and battling features. Kids can connect with friends or siblings to swap Pokémon or test their skills.
The bright, colorful graphics appeal to younger players. The Pokémon designs are cute and memorable, which helps maintain children’s interest throughout the game.
While these games are newer than Let’s Go Pikachu or Eevee, they still work well for kids who have some gaming experience. The reading level might be challenging for very young children, but the gameplay itself is accessible.
Max Raid Battles allow for cooperative play, where up to four players can team up to battle and catch powerful Pokémon. This feature encourages teamwork and social play among children.
10. Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 is a colorful, kid-friendly shooter game that stands out from other games in its genre. Instead of using bullets, players shoot ink to claim territory in fast-paced matches called Turf Wars.
The game offers great hand-eye coordination practice while keeping the action fun and bright. Kids can enjoy splashing colorful paint across various maps as squid-like characters called Inklings.
Parents will be happy to know this game focuses on teamwork rather than fighting. The main goal is to cover more ground with your team’s ink color than the other team.
Splatoon 3 includes a story mode that helps kids learn game controls. While there is some reading involved, it’s not needed to enjoy the game.
Kids can play alone or with friends online. The Salmon Run mode lets players team up against computer enemies, which is perfect for kids who want to practice before competing against others.
What makes this game special is how it mixes strategy and fun. Players must think about which areas to cover and when to swim through ink to move faster or refill their ink tanks.
The controls are easy to learn but take time to master. This gives kids a sense of growth as they improve their skills over time.
Splatoon 3 offers more weapon choices than earlier games in the series. Kids can find styles that match how they like to play, whether that’s covering areas quickly or helping teammates.
Many kids report that the game feels polished and well-made. Even though it looks simple, there’s depth to discover as players get better.
The game’s bright style and upbeat music create a happy mood that kids enjoy. The characters have cool outfits that players can collect, adding to the fun.
Online matches last just three minutes each, making it easy to fit into busy schedules. This short time frame also keeps kids from playing too long in one sitting.
Educational Benefits of Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Nintendo Switch games offer more than just entertainment for kids. They provide valuable learning opportunities through engaging gameplay that can boost brain power, help with making friends, and spark new ideas.
Cognitive Development
Nintendo Switch games can stimulate reading skills as kids often need to read instructions and game text to progress. This creates a natural motivation to read that doesn’t feel like schoolwork.
Problem-solving is a key feature in many games. Children must think critically to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and advance through game levels.
Many educational Nintendo Switch titles focus on math, science, and language skills in fun ways. Games like Big Brain Academy and Art Academy turn learning into play rather than a chore.
Memory improvement happens naturally as kids remember game controls, character abilities, and level layouts. This mental exercise strengthens recall skills that help in school subjects too.
Social Skills Enhancement
Social gaming on the Nintendo Switch helps kids practice teamwork and cooperation. Many games require players to work together to achieve goals, teaching valuable collaboration skills.
Communication skills grow as children discuss strategies, take turns, and share gaming experiences. These conversations build vocabulary and improve speech patterns.
The Switch’s portable design makes it perfect for family-friendly gaming sessions. Parents and children can bond over shared gaming experiences, strengthening family relationships.
Games with multiplayer options teach good sportsmanship. Kids learn to win graciously and handle losses without frustration—important social skills that transfer to real-world situations.
Creativity and Imagination
Building games like Minecraft and Super Mario Maker 2 let kids design their own worlds. These creative platforms encourage artistic expression and spatial awareness.
Open-world adventures spark imagination by letting children explore new environments. Games often present fantastical settings that inspire creative thinking beyond standard boundaries.
Many Switch games allow character customization and storytelling choices. Kids can express themselves by creating unique characters and making decisions that affect game outcomes.
Art-focused games teach design principles and color theory through hands-on activities. Children can create digital artwork, animations, and music, discovering new talents and interests along the way.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Games
Finding the right games for kids on Nintendo Switch means understanding age ratings and using the built-in tools Nintendo offers parents. Both help ensure children play content that matches their maturity level.
ESRB Ratings Explained
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) provides ratings for every Nintendo Switch game. These ratings appear on game boxes and in the Nintendo eShop.
The main ratings include:
- E (Everyone): Games suitable for ages 6 and up, with minimal cartoon violence
- E10+ (Everyone 10+): Appropriate for ages 10 and up, may contain more fantasy violence
- T (Teen): For ages 13+, might include violence, mild language, and suggestive themes
- M (Mature): For ages 17+, contains intense content not suitable for children
Lego video games typically earn E or E10+ ratings and adapt popular franchises in kid-friendly ways. Games like Animal Crossing and Super Mario usually carry E ratings.
Always check the content descriptors too. They explain why a game received its rating.
Parental Control Settings
Nintendo Switch offers robust parental controls to manage what kids can play. Parents can download the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on smartphones.
With this app, you can:
- Set age restrictions based on ESRB ratings
- Limit playtime by setting daily time limits
- Monitor gaming activity to see what games your child plays
- Restrict online features including communication with other players
- Control eShop purchases to prevent unexpected spending
These settings can be password-protected so kids can’t change them. The app sends reports about gaming habits and alerts when time limits are reached.
Common Sense Media provides additional reviews that go beyond ESRB ratings with age recommendations from parents and kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many parents wonder which Nintendo Switch games are best for their kids at different ages. Here are answers to common questions about age-appropriate games that children will enjoy on the Nintendo Switch.
What are the most recommended Nintendo Switch games suitable for a 5-year-old?
For 5-year-olds, games with simple controls and colorful graphics work best. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perfect with its auto-steering feature that helps young players stay on track.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is another excellent choice. Kids can explore, collect items, and build at their own pace without pressure.
LEGO games like LEGO City Undercover offer fun adventures with easy gameplay that young children can master quickly.
Which Nintendo Switch games are best for children aged 8 to 10 years?
Children in this age range often enjoy more complex games with some problem-solving elements. Super Mario Odyssey provides a perfect balance of fun exploration and manageable challenges.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild might be suitable for the older kids in this range who enjoy adventure and puzzles.
Mario games in general are great for this age group. They offer increasing levels of difficulty that grow with your child’s abilities.
Can you suggest age-appropriate Nintendo Switch games for a 7-year-old?
Seven-year-olds typically enjoy games that mix fun with light challenges. Stardew Valley and Wargroove are both kid-friendly and affordable options.
Super Mario Odyssey’s assist mode makes it perfect for this age, offering help when needed without removing the fun challenges.
LEGO games continue to be excellent choices for 7-year-olds, combining simple gameplay with creative building elements.
What are the top-rated Nintendo Switch games that cater to 4-year-olds?
For 4-year-olds, games with very simple controls and lots of visual feedback work best. Yoshi’s Crafted World features a mellow pace and a “Mellow Mode” that makes it even easier.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with both auto-steering and auto-acceleration turned on allows very young players to enjoy racing without frustration.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets little ones fish, catch bugs, and decorate without any time pressure or complex goals.
What video games on the Nintendo Switch are ideal for a 12-year-old gamer?
Twelve-year-olds are ready for more complex gaming experiences. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an expansive world with problem-solving and adventure.
Splatoon 3 provides competitive gameplay in a kid-friendly format without realistic violence.
Minecraft encourages creativity and building skills while providing increasingly complex systems to learn and master.
Are there any free Nintendo Switch games that are popular among kids?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch offers several free games kids love. Fortnite Battle Royale is free-to-play and extremely popular. However, parents should monitor online interactions.
Pokemon Quest is a free game featuring familiar Pokemon characters in a cube-shaped world with simple gameplay.
Fallout Shelter is free and lets kids build and manage their own vault community without the violence of main Fallout games.
