See more: Best PS4 Games for Kids and Parents
The best Nintendo Switch games that are also good for families have an Everyone or Everyone 10+ rating from the ESRB, so you can rest assured that all they include only family-friendly content. Of course, not all kid-appropriate games are actually good; quality is more than a dearth of sex and violence. That’s why we only included titles whose demands are easily met at a variety of different ages (there are picks for everyone from first-time gamers to experienced teens) with stories, gameplay, and/or multiplayer capabilities that will capture your kids’ attention and imagination.
The Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Mario Golf: Super Rush - Nintendo Switch
Three years after Mario returned to the court in 'Mario Tennis Aces,' he and the rest of Nintendo's classic characters are finally back on the links. 'Super Rush' lets players play with a traditional controller (akin to the Mario Gold 64 experience) or the Joy-Cons, for an experience more like real golf. Of course, when you're playing as Bowser and whacking the ball down the fairway at Super Gold stadium, you're not exactly enjoying a realistic golf experience. You're enjoying something even better.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The chillest of chill games lets you hang out with friends on relaxing island. Players create avatars and live among the humanoid animals who populate the island. Players can scavenge for materials, construct houses and other buildings, and interact with the various characters. There are some monsters — tarantulas, wasps, etc. — and, as it’s a life simulation game, characters can construct and use the toilet. But, like all rated E for everyone games, there’s only comic mischief and no highlighting of bodily functions. Online play allows other players to join, but it's easy to ensure your kid only encounters friends and relatives in their own 3D paradise.
Buy Now $59.99
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The latest version of the classic racer has everything you'd expect: tortoise shell missiles, wildly fun race tracks, and a cast of cartoon characters each with their own specific talents. It’s also one of the best games to play with kids, as there are many options to help make gameplay a bit easier. All younger kids need to do is press a few buttons to feel like they’re keeping up with the rest of the pack. Its multiplayer capabilities, with up to four local racers and 12 online, mean it's a great game for big families.
BUY NOW $49.94
Unravel Two
This Swedish puzzle-platformer features two characters called Yarnys trying to escape an orphanage. In this sequel, developers added a local co-op mode so that two players can tackle the puzzle challenges together. This beautiful game teaches cooperation and friendship, and the puzzles you need to solve to are decidedly more stimulating than button-mashing games. We just wish more than two players could play at a single time.
Buy Now $19.99
Crayola Scoot
What's more surprising, that Crayola made a video game or that Crayola made a really really good video game? Either way, Crayola Scoot is worth a look. It's colorful (no surprise there) with gameplay built around scooter racing, tricks, and jumps, a sort of kid-friendly version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It comes with four-player split-screen so the whole family can play at the same time.
Buy Now $29.99
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This already legendary title is chock full of opportunities to explore vast terrain, solve dynamic puzzles, and battle enemies. If you've enjoyed Zelda games before, there's nothing that updated graphics, Amiibo compatibility, and the flexibility of Switch gameplay will do to detract from it.
BUY NOW $47.99
Snipperclips
This game features progressively harder puzzles that you and your kid can work together to crack. The game mechanics are simple to use — it's basically cutting out paper — but difficult to master. You only need one Joy-Con controller each to play, but add more and you can have a full-family match with up to four players.
Buy Now $9.99
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Mario began his career as a sidescroller, but at this point his 3D legacy is nearly as rich. This rerelease of three fantastic Mario titles provides great bang for the buck because it's three games in one. It also means parents can rediscover the joys of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy while their kids experience these still fantastic games for the first time.
Buy Now $59.60
DEEMO
One of the most popular rhythm games for mobile devices, DEEMO is just as fun on the Nintendo Switch. The game is compatible with the separately-sold Nintendo Labo Piano, an accessory that adds another dimension to gameplay that kids will love. Regardless, there are over 100 different songs included in this game, which means there are plenty of hours of beautiful, intuitive gameplay. Three difficulty modes means that kids can start wherever they're more comfortable playing.
Buy Now $75.95
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
Your kids probably hadn’t been born with the original Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy was released in the aughts. It won’t matter. This updated version of this PlayStation classic is as charismatic as the original, and your kids will fall in love with is just like you did. As its protagonist demigod, you explore a three-dimensional world rife with Egyptian mythology allusions and a very famous golden king. While it may be a little complicated for young children, those in the second half of their first decade will have a blast.
Buy Now $29.99
Among Us
This crazy-popular indie game is finally available on Switch. It's best with larger groups (4-10 people can play at once) because it becomes harder to suss out who exactly is the Impostor bent on killing everyone else. It doesn't sound like much, but take it from AOC: Among Us is a ton of fun.
BUY NOW $5.00
Yoshi's Crafted World
Yoshi's Crafted World is an all-ages game that’s predestined to become a favorite. This plane-shifting 2D-style platform game hearkens back to the Super Mario Worlds of yore, but with full use of the Switch’s fully modern tech. The game has the same deceptively simple gameplay: a series of jumps and traverses across obstacles while avoiding or stomping on baddies. Old vets will instantly recognize its charming style. But where this Nintendo Switch game differs is through certain three-dimensional elements, which allow you to move through the backgrounds, opening up multiple planes for exploration.
BUY NOW $37.99
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker
Toad, he of the mushroom hat and high voice, is the star of this game, a simple — and rather subdued — co-op puzzler that’s ideal for kids. There’s no running, jumping, or action of any kind. Players look for clues, find gems, and complete puzzles to move on to the next level. It’s wholesome and perfect for younger kids.
BUY NOW $32.84
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