The Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids, by age

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I’m a father of a great kid, and as a gamer dad, I can’t wait for the day when she will be able to grab a controller and play Nintendo Switch games with me on the couch.

I’ve been collecting these games since 2017, and I know exactly the ones I want her to try out at different stages of her childhood; however, moderation needs to exist.

Likewise, I’ve compiled a list of the Nintendo Switch games for kids to play at different ages, however, be mindful that children should be spending more time playing with you outside (or inside) than playing video games on the couch. Especially if they are younger than 5.

Still, video games are a great way to relax and bond with your kids while exercising the brain a bit.

With this said, here are the best Nintendo Switch games your kid should be playing:

Ages 5–7 (First Contact)

At this age, your children should be having their first contact with games and a video game controller. So, they will need simple games to develop their hand-eye coordination:

Mario Bros Wonder

Starting this list, I need to go with Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s a 2D platformer, meaning your kid only needs to move in 4 different directions while going from one end to the other of a level.

If they find it too difficult, there are certain characters you can choose, like Yoshi and Nabbit, that make the experience easier.

Moreover, you, as a parent, can pick up the controller too and join in on the fun with a secondary character!

The game is available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, but there’s also a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive edition with a bit more content and improved picture quality.

Kirby Star Allies

Kirby Star Allies is often mentioned as a baby’s first game for a reason. Like Mario Bros Wonder, it’s a 2D platformer, but it’s even simpler.

You play as this little pink guy called Kirby while using its suction powers to steal enemies abilities and plow through levels with your allies.

It also features a co-op, and any parent can join in on the fun. However, I only recommend purchasing it if you see it at a good discount, since the game is a bit short.

Kirby Star Allies is available on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

Just like Kirby Star Allies, this is a super simple 2D platformer and a perfect introduction to the world of video games. You get to play as Yoshi, and the controls are easy to pick up. The graphics and music are relaxing and offer an experience that is not overstimulating.

It also features a co-op mode, meaning you can sit right next to your child on the couch and enjoy some bonding time!

However, the game is a bit short, so make sure you get a good deal on it.

Yoshi’s Crafted World is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is a fantastic little puzzle game that is perfect to develop your kid’s problem-solving skills. The game is super accessible, and levels will become more difficult to solve as you progress.

They might get frustrated if they can’t solve the puzzle right away, but learning how to deal with that frustration is part of growing up.

As a parent, you only need to be there by their side if they need help and give some hints once in a while so he learns to tackle the problem from a different perspective.

But if you want to do more than just watch them play, feel free to grab another controller and join in the fun in co-op mode!

This game is available on Nintendo Switch and compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 console as well.

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee

At ages 6-7, your kid is more than ready for their first Pokémon game. If you played the original Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu or Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee will feel familiar since they are a remake of those original games.

The game has text that requires some reading, but they will never get lost since the map shows clearly where they need to go next.

While in battle, it will always be obvious what move they should use to hit that super effective damage. And, if that’s proving too difficult, there’s nothing like grabbing the other Joy-Con and hopping on the battle to help your kid!

Pokémon Let’s Go/Eevee is available on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.

Moreover, if you intend to play it on the TV, be mindful that you’ll only be able to do it with the Joycon.

Sonic Mania

Ending this part of the list, we have Sonic Mania.

My first game ever was Sonic Jam on the Sega Saturn, so I can guarantee that any 5-year-old will love Sonic Mania.

It’s also a 2D platformer but with an emphasis on speed. Sonic and its friends can reach ludicrous speeds, and it’s super fun trying to reach the end of the level as fast as possible while avoiding getting hit.

It also features a co-op mode where the second player can take control of the secondary character. This character is almost invincible and never loses lives, and it’s a great option for a younger brother!

Sonic Mania is available and compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2

Ages 8-10 (They are smart)

Kids from this age group are super smart. At this point I was already playing games like Zelda that require light puzzle solving and 3D games that require more hand coordination since you’ll need to move the camera and the character at the same time.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening/Echoes of Wisdom

These 2 games are a great introduction to the adventure puzzle-solving genre. You’ll play as Link in Link’s Awakening or as Zelda in Echoes of Wisdom.

The goal is to freely explore the world while helping its people by solving puzzles with the abilities you have in hand.

The controls and combat are simple, and usually the difficult part of these games is finding the correct solution to the problem the game throws at you. But since you’re a great parent, your kid can count on you for some help!

Both games are available and compatible with either Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2

Pokémon Legends Z-A/Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

There’s a high chance your kid is a Pokémon fan, and at this age he can comfortably experience both Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Both are in 3D and require camera and player movement; however, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet has a bigger world to explore and the traditional turn-based combat the franchise is known for since the Game Boy Era.

Pokémon Legends Z-A is the latest game in the series, and it revamps the entire battle system. You’ll need to move around in battle while dodging attacks and giving orders to your Pokémon. It requires a bit more skill and coordination, but your kid can do it!

I recommend either of them; however, always ask what the most recent Pokémon title available in the store is! There’s a chance a new one will come out in the future, and this list might be outdated.

Pokémon Scarlet/Violet is available for the Nintendo Switch, and the benefit is from improvements in performance on Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon Legends Z-A has a Nintendo Switch version and a Nintendo Switch 2 edition available in stores as well. In my opinion, you should always purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition since, for some reason, it’s also compatible with the Nintendo Switch console.

Minecraft

Minecraft is still the king of creativity and player expression these days, and kids love it. By now your children should be smart enough to read and follow the recipe instructions in the game to craft new items.

It’s a game I highly recommend since it’s wonderful to see what they build!

It also features online play with other consoles if they want to play with friends. But if that’s something you don’t feel comfortable with, just turn off the internet on the console.

Minecraft is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 with some improved gameplay.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

At this age range, your kid is finally ready for their first fighting game, Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

This is essentially a game where you can choose to fight as recognizable characters from not just Nintendo but other gaming franchises as well.

It’s truly a celebration of gaming, and it has a lot of content for a child to enjoy without even needing to go online.

It’s also a great party game you, as a parent, can enjoy on a weekend after dinner or when family comes to visit.

The controls are simple enough for anyone to enjoy and start playing almost immediately!

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is available for the Nintendo Switch and compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.

Mario Odyssey

There are a lot of 3D Mario games on Switch 1 and 2, but the one you need to get first is, undoubtedly, Mario Odyssey, one of the best Nintendo games ever.

Your kid will be controlling Mario and taking him on an epic adventure across the world, and maybe even the moon.

The game has plenty to offer in terms of single-player content, and the controls, as usual, are simple to understand. But there are plenty of advanced jumps that can be combined to reach places you never thought would be possible to reach.

There’s also a fun co-op mode where one person can control Mario and the other Cappy, Mario’s new hat friend.

Mario Odyssey is available on the Nintendo Switch and fully compatible on the Nintendo Switch 2!

Donkey Kong Bananaza

This is Nintendo’s best release on the Nintendo Switch 2 and one of the first games I recommend getting for the system.

It was developed by the same team responsible for Mario Odyssey, and you can expect the same level of quality in gameplay.

In Donkey Kong Bananza you play as Donkey Kong, obviously, and the main appeal of the game is being able to punch holes in almost every wall, ground, or ceiling you see to collect bananas.

There’s also the option of playing co-op, where one person controls Donkey Kong and the other Pauline. It’s fun, but not at the same level as other co-op experiences since there isn’t much you can do as Pauline other than shouting.

Donkey Kong Bananza is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Ages 11-13 (Preteen Years)

As preteens, they will want to explore games with more mature themes and more challenging gameplay elements. Here’s a good selection of games to get them started.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, are fantastic games that feature a vast open world to explore filled with tough challenges, battles, and puzzles to solve.

In each situation, there’s usually more than one path to reach the same end, which allows your child to express themselves and think about what’s the best course of action.

Since the world of Hyrule is so vast, it can take hundreds of hours to complete each individual game! Which means your kid will stay entertained for months.

Both games are available on the Nintendo Switch and are compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. However, there are also Nintendo Switch 2 Editions available to purchase with improved graphics, performance, and additional content.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is Nintendo’s most recognizable sci-fi shooting game and perfect for a kid who’s into this niche.

He’ll be controlling Samus on a dangerous new world filled with mysteries and creepy lifeforms that need to be handled with her arm cannon.

However, this isn’t your standard shooting game since, from time to time, you’ll actually need to use your head and think to try to solve puzzles. Other than this, the game is pretty linear, and the path you need to take is always clear.

If your kid enjoys the game, I highly recommend Metroid Prime Remaster afterward, since it’s a bit more challenging.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

I think it’s more than time for your child to experiment with the world of JRPGs, or Japanese role-playing games. And Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a great pick.

I’m currently playing, and the game is beautiful, the story is wholesome, and the general atmosphere is nothing short of cozy and relaxing.

It’s not overstimulating, and the story is simple to follow, although it does have plenty of dialog to read. So, it might not be suited for a kid who hates stories and is only used to playing shooting games.

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is available on the Nintendo Switch and has a Nintendo Switch Game Key card version available for the Nintendo Switch. A game key card means there is no game on the cartridge and requires a download to play the game.