10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids (That Parents Love Too)

It’s no accident the Nintendo Switch has found a permanent spot in living rooms, since many of its games go beyond entertainment and help develop kids’ cognitive skills, like reading and following instructions, problem-solving, managing in-game currency, and even taking responsibility by watering plants in games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

And unlike many consoles that skew heavily toward mature games, the Switch is stacked with bright, clever, and genuinely fun titles that are perfect for children without feeling watered down.

Still, not every game on the eShop is meant for kids. Between complex RPGs and shooters, it can be hard for parents to know which titles are truly age-appropriate. This list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids breaks that down with age ranges and the reasons each title earns a place in your child’s library. Now let’s look at why these games are great for kids, the skills they build, and the lessons they can teach along the way.

1. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 10+ (ESRB Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up)
• Price: $59.99 - $79.99
  

Cute, pink, and insatiably hungry…Kirby is a kid favorite, and this game is one of his best adventures yet. This game lets kids control Kirby in a full 3D world for the first time, and it’s overflowing with the kind of whimsy and fun that makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids in recent years. 

Kirby’s signature ability is to inhale enemies and copy their powers, so if he gulps down a fire-breathing foe, he’ll spit fire; if he swallows a knight, he’ll brandish a sword. In Forgotten Land, Kirby can also do hilarious new “Mouthful Mode” transformations by sucking in huge objects. Ever see a pink marshmallow-like hero turn into a car and drive around, or become a vending machine that spits out soda cans? Your kids will crack up at these sequences, guaranteed.

The game is designed with younger players in mind as it’s quite forgiving . Kirby has a lot of health, and there’s a co-op mode where a second player can join as Bandana Waddle Dee to help out (perfect if a sibling or parent wants to assist). The levels are colorful and varied, with mild puzzle elements that encourage kids to explore every nook for hidden treasures without being too difficult. And while there are boss fights, they’re cartoonish and not scary.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2 )
• Age Range: 5+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99
  

Few games bring the whole family together like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This kart racing classic is arguably one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids and parents alike. Kids pick a favorite Nintendo character, from Mario to Princess Peach, and speed through whimsical racetracks full of wild obstacles. The game is super welcoming to young players also. It has smart steering and auto-acceleration options that basically drive for you, so even a five-year-old can jump in and have a blast without constantly crashing off the track. Older kids (and adults) can turn off those assists and enjoy the full challenge.

Races are short and exciting, and even if your kid doesn’t come in first, the wacky items (like shells and bananas) keep the playing field level and the laughs coming. Up to four players can race on a single Switch in split-screen, which is perfect for sibling rivalries or parent-child showdowns. If you have more Joy-Con controllers for big multiplayer sessions, the Dual Wield charging stand can be a lifesaver. It’s an all-in-one dock that charges multiple Joy-Cons at once, so you always have a pair ready for those impromptu Mario Kart tournaments. 

3. Super Mario Odyssey

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 10+ (ESRB Rated E10+)
• Price: $59.99
  

Despite being an action game, Super Mario Odyssey remains very kid-friendly. There’s no violence beyond bopping cartoon baddies, and the game is forgiving. For example, if Mario “dies,” he only loses a few coins and jumps right back in.

This 3D platformer takes Mario across a series of wildly imaginative worlds, from lush jungles to a city modeled after New York, on a mission to rescue Princess Peach (again!). What makes Odyssey stand out is Mario’s new friend, Cappy, a magical hat he can throw to “capture” enemies and objects. When Mario captures something, he actually becomes it for a while, gaining new abilities. 

Each kingdom is full of secrets, puzzles, and goofy surprises that reward curiosity and problem-solving. There’s no “one way” to play a level; kids are encouraged to experiment, and there’s a genuine sense of accomplishment when they figure out how to snag a hard-to-reach Power Moon (Odyssey’s version of stars/collectibles).

For younger kids or less experienced players, there’s even an Assist Mode that gives extra health and guide arrows so they won’t get lost. Plus, a second player can join in co-op mode as Cappy, which is a fantastic way for a parent and child to team up: one controls Mario while the other helps by grabbing items and distracting enemies.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 6+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99
  

If you’re looking for something calm, creative, and endlessly charming, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a top pick. In this game, kids get to create their own character and move to a sunny island populated by cute animal villagers. There are no enemies, no time limits, and no pressure. It’s all about setting your own routine, whether that means fishing, planting flowers, or just decorating your house the way you like.

The gameplay naturally teaches responsibility and creativity. For example, if they forget to water the plants or shake trees carefully, they’ll learn from the consequences. It’s also a gentle introduction to concepts like saving money (in-game “Bells”) and planning ahead for projects.

Because Animal Crossing moves at such a relaxed pace, kids often keep playing for hours without realizing it. During these long play sessions, hand strain makes itself known. If your child is using the new Switch 2, the Attack Vector grip case makes the console easier to hold and far more comfortable for extended handheld play than using the system on its own. It includes three interchangeable grip styles so kids can find the right fit for their game, which cuts down on hand strain and improves control. The case also protects the system from drops and scratches while still fitting in the dock.

5. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 6+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99
  

The Pokémon franchise has been enchanting kids for decades, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! (and its counterpart Let’s Go, Eevee!) is a perfect entry point for young trainers. In this game, your child sets off on an adventure in the Pokémon world. They’ll need to capture cute creatures and battling friendly rivals to become a Pokémon Master.

This game also supports co-op play on the same system. At any time, a second player can shake a controller and drop into the game as a support trainer. In co-op, you explore together, and even catch Pokémon as a duo by tossing Poké Balls at the same time for a better catch rate. 

The content in Let’s Go is very kid-friendly; it’s all bright, positive vibes as you help NPCs and make your Pokémon pals stronger. Reading is required to follow the story and instructions, so younger kids around 6 might need some help at first. But many parents find that Pokémon games actually motivate kids to read more, because they’re excited to understand what’s happening. No wonder this title is often recommended among the best Nintendo Switch games for kids, especially those just starting to get into gaming or the Pokémon universe.

6. Minecraft (Switch Edition)

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 10+ (ESRB Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence)
• Price: $29.99
  

It’s impossible to talk about kid-friendly games without mentioning Minecraft. In Minecraft, players explore a blocky, pixelated world where everything is made of cubes. Kids can mine these blocks for materials and then craft them into anything they dream up. Want to build a giant treehouse, a castle, or a working roller coaster? It’s all doable.

There are two main modes: Creative Mode, which gives unlimited resources and immortality so kids can build freely without any threats, and Survival Mode, where they’ll gather resources and watch out for creatures like zombies and creepers (cute-ish monsters that come out at night). Survival adds a light challenge of managing health and hunger, which can teach resource management and planning – but if that’s not your child’s cup of tea, sticking to Creative mode provides a completely non-violent, stress-free sandbox experience.

Minecraft’s open-ended nature makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids who love to create, experiment, and learn by doing. We’ve seen kids use it to recreate their school campuses, design dream houses, and even dabble in simple programming with the game’s Redstone circuits. The game also supports multiplayer: siblings or friends can join each other’s worlds either locally or online (with your supervision), collaborating on projects or going on adventures together. 

When kids play Minecraft on the TV, Joy-Cons can feel a little cramped over time, and a proper controller makes building and exploring much more comfortable and precise. The PocketPro takes care of that with Hall-effect sticks that won’t drift, responsive buttons, and a compact design made for smaller hands. It also works across Switch 2, PC, and mobile, so kids stick with one controller they actually like while parents get something durable enough for everyday play.

7. Mario Party Superstars

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 6+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99
  

Kids love this one for good reason. It’s essentially a big, virtual board game combined with dozens of silly mini-games. Up to four players take turns moving around the board, and after each round everyone competes in a quick mini-game challenge. These mini-games are where the real fun and laughter happen. They range from racing to slice the most fruit, to memory games, to frantic button-mashing contests like who can pop balloons fastest.

The beauty is that they’re extremely simple and usually only last about 30-60 seconds each, so no one gets bored or too frustrated. Controls are easy to grasp even for young kids, and because many mini-games rely on luck or simple patterns, younger players actually stand a chance against older ones.

As a parent, you’ll appreciate that Mario Party Superstars has no inappropriate content. It’s just classic characters and cartoon antics. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can even play with family or friends who aren’t in the same room, which can be great for connecting with cousins or classmates from afar. 

8. Yoshi’s Crafted World

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 5+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99

For younger kids or those new to gaming, Yoshi’s Crafted World is an absolute gem. This adorable platformer stars Yoshi, Mario’s friendly dinosaur buddy, on a quest through levels that look like DIY craft projects. The visual style is immediately appealing to kids and grown-ups will, without a doubt, “aww” at it too. 

In each stage, Yoshi trots from left to right, swallowing enemies and popping out eggs that he can throw to hit targets. There’s no real violence in the game: enemies turn into harmless clouds of confetti when defeated and the challenge is very gentle. In fact, the game includes a “Mellow Mode” that you can turn on, which gives Yoshi a pair of tiny wings so he can flutter indefinitely. That means a child who might struggle with precise jumping can literally fly over obstacles if needed, so they never get stuck for long. It’s a brilliant feature for preschoolers who are still developing coordination. The game also offers two-player co-op, so a parent or older sibling can join in as a second Yoshi. In co-op, Yoshis can even ride on each other’s back, which lets a skilled player effectively carry a younger one through tougher sections. It’s co-operative in the sweetest way possible.

With games like this, kids often handle the Switch with a lot of excitement, which can lead to scratches or smudges on the screen. A tempered glass protector like the Aegis Shield keeps the display safe, so they can enjoy Yoshi’s adventure without you worrying about damage.

9. Nintendo Switch Sports

• Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, OLED, Switch 2 (works on Switch Lite with external Joy-Cons**)
• Age Range: 8+ (ESRB Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up)
• Price: $39.99
  

Remember the craze of Wii Sports and how it got everyone in the family up and moving? Nintendo Switch Sports brings that same type of magic to the Switch. 

Up to four people can play some sports locally. The game includes six sports at launch: Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara with Golf added in a free update. Each sport is played by mimicking the real action with the Joy-Con controllers. Bowling in particular is a hit with kids and grandparents alike, because the basic motion - swing arm, release button – is universal. The game’s physics are forgiving enough that even if a child doesn’t time their release perfectly, they’ll still knock down some pins and feel good. The on-screen avatars (Sportsmates) are cute and customizable, so your kids can make their characters look just how they want, adding to the fun. 

It’s incredibly easy to play: a younger child might not master topspin in tennis, but they will grasp the idea of swinging to hit the ball pretty much immediately. The result is a game that naturally gets kids (and you) off the couch and laughing and just having fun.

10. Luigi’s Mansion 3

• Compatibility: All Nintendo Switch models (original, Lite, OLED, Switch 2)
• Age Range: 7+ (ESRB Rated E for Everyone)
• Price: $59.99
  

Who said ghost stories can’t be silly and lighthearted? Luigi’s Mansion 3 turns what could be a spooky premise into a charming, laugh-out-loud adventure that kids adore. Luigi finds himself in a haunted hotel, armed with nothing but a special vacuum cleaner, the Poltergust G-00, to suck up mischievous ghosts and save his friends. 

In essence, this is a cartoon “ghostbuster” game, with special emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Each floor of the hotel has a different theme, which keeps the game feeling fresh as your child progresses. The ghosts themselves are more funny than scary: they’ll stick their tongues out, wear goofy disguises, and often yelp in surprise when Luigi catches them. There are a few jump-scare moments but they’re extremely mild and often played for giggles. For example, a ghost might pop out with a “boo!” only to slip on a banana peel seconds later.

Gameplay-wise, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is fantastic for kids around 7-12. It’s not very hard to get through the story; the challenge comes from figuring out the clever puzzles scattered in each room. Kids will need to use Luigi’s tools in creative ways-like blowing air to spin a fan, or using a flashlight to stun ghosts, and the game gently guides them with hints if they seem stuck. With this game, your kid will sharpen their observation and problem-solving skills without even realizing it. 

Final Thoughts

The Switch really does cover all the bases when it comes to kids' games. The games we looked at hit different genres and work for various ages, so you can actually find the one that matches where your child is developmentally. 

What ties them all together is that they're appropriate for kids while keeping them hooked, and bonus points when they sneak in some problem-solving or teamwork skills. The real win is when parents get roped into playing too. This turns what could just be solo screen time into actual family fun. Find the right fit, grab that second controller, and you're looking at some genuine good times and memories that'll stick around.