The Nintendo Switch has become one of the best consoles for kids, selling over 143.4 million units worldwide since its launch in 2017 according to Statista. But with so many games available, finding the best Nintendo Switch games for your child can be tricky. From adventure to educational titles, here are our 10 top picks perfect for ages 4-10.
Why Choose Nintendo Switch for Your Kids?
Switch games offer a wide range of kid-friendly options, so this console is ideal for young gamers. Its portability also means kids can play on the go or dock it at home, turning it into a traditional console. The controls are simple, designed perfectly for smaller hands.
Whether you’re looking for the best gaming console for family fun or something that entertains your child during solo play, the Nintendo Switch offers both. With multiplayer games for sibling battles and solo adventures for downtime, it suits a variety of play styles.
Last but not least, if you’re worried about screen time or game content, putting parental controls on Nintendo Switch is straightforward. You can customize your child’s gaming experience by setting time limits, restricting online access, and choosing appropriate games for their age. This means a safe, fun space for every player!
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 4-5 Year Olds
Here are some top Nintendo Switch games for children!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
One of the most viral games in recent years, Animal Crossing offers an open world where young players can explore, decorate, and interact at their own pace. With easy controls and a non-violent approach, it’s an ideal game for kids looking for creative play. The game also promotes creativity as they design their island, patience while waiting for tasks, and social skills as they interact with friendly characters.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
A visually delightful game where Yoshi, the beloved character from the Mario franchise, embarks on an adventure through handcrafted levels. The simple controls, bright visuals, and friendly characters make it welcoming for young beginners. This fun platformer is tailored to 4–5-year-olds and offers a gentle introduction to gaming.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 6-7 Year Olds
For slightly older kids, these Nintendo games keep the fun going.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is an easy-to-learn racing game that brings iconic Nintendo characters together. Colorful tracks, fun power-ups, and smooth gameplay make every race a blast. Also, with multiplayer options, it’s a favorite for family game nights, allowing everyone to join in the fun, from kids to grandparents.
Super Mario Odyssey
This adventure-filled platformer offers exciting exploration with Cappy, Mario’s hat companion. Players will solve puzzles and collect moons in visually stunning worlds. The age-appropriate storyline and non-violent gameplay make it suitable for young players developing problem-solving skills.
Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Young fans of the famous show will love this action-packed game. The missions are simple, engaging, and designed perfectly for small hands and minds. In this game, players complete fun, simple missions like rescuing animals, finding hidden items, or helping characters in Adventure Bay. By switching between pups with different skills, kids learn teamwork, problem-solving, and build a sense of accomplishment.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 8-10 Year Olds
As kids get older, these games help develop creativity, strategy, and teamwork.
Minecraft
With its open-world sandbox style, Minecraft allows kids to let their imaginations run wild. The game design encourages creativity, from building structures to crafting items, while offering endless possibilities for exploration. Kids learn resource management, building techniques, and even teamwork when playing in multiplayer mode, all while having fun and developing critical thinking.
Pokémon Sword & Shield
An excellent RPG introduction for young gamers, with simple mechanics and captivating adventures. Players catch, train, and battle Pokémon, making it easy to understand and exciting to play. The game helps improve strategic thinking, planning team lineups, and exploring the world—valuable skills as kids navigate its vast landscapes and quests.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
This fun and slightly spooky adventure offers creative puzzles and engaging gameplay, making it entertaining without being too scary. Luigi’s comedic ghost-hunting is a hit with kids. In the game, kids solve puzzles and explore different rooms, enhancing problem-solving skills while navigating quirky ghostly challenges.
Best Educational Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Learning can be fun with these interactive, brain-boosting games.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
One of the best educational games available on Nintendo Switch, it features fun challenges that test memory, logic, and math skills. With quick and engaging puzzles, kids sharpen their brains while enjoying themselves. Perfect for parents and kids to play together, encouraging healthy, educational competition that’s fun for all ages.
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01 Variety Kit
This game-kit combination inspires hands-on creativity, allowing kids to build their own interactive toys. With cardboard pieces and simple instructions, it blends screen time with real-world crafting. Kids learn basic STEM concepts while building, playing, and discovering how their creations come to life.
How to Pick the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Your Child
Choosing the right game can make a world of difference! Here are some quick tips to help you find the perfect fit for your child’s gaming experience:
- Consider Age Appropriateness: Always check game ratings and themes to ensure they’re suitable for your child’s age and maturity level.
- Balance Fun and Learning: Choose games that mix entertainment with developmental benefits, such as those that help reinforce skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Multiplayer vs. Single-Player: Think about whether the game is for independent play or family bonding to match your child’s needs.
Safes: Keep Your Child’s Gaming Safe and Fun
Safes is a comprehensive parental control app designed to help parents manage and safeguard their children’s digital experiences. Safes helps parents have peace of mind when their child is off their Nintendo Switch by offering controls across various digital platforms. It offers features like screen time monitoring, app and content filtering, and location tracking, making it easier for parents to set ground rules around device usage.
The app is available on Android and iOS. Parents can even try the service for the free trial by downloading it from either the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Conclusion & Takeaway
There are a wide range of appropriate kids’ games for Nintendo Switch that balance fun and learning, making it an ideal console for young gamers. From racing adventures to brain-boosting challenges, there’s something for every interest and age. Ready to find the perfect game for your child? Try one of these top picks today!
