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The current best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10 are fun, easy to understand and age-appropriate. Children as young as three are already picking up the controllers and pressing the buttons. The Nintendo Switch is a perfect console for all ages, but especially for kids. That’s because there are plenty of charming, colorful, and fun games to keep them entertained.
Whether your kids like action, adventure, puzzles, or crafts, the Switch has it all.
If you’re looking to buy some games for kids or young teens, we’ve compiled this list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids. These games are harmless, although of course you should check out beforehand – not least because you’ll undoubtedly enjoy playing them too!
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the definition of serenity. Kids can build their own island from scratch, interact with the fun animal inhabitants, earn money to decorate their houses, and catch fish and animals to populate the museum. The whole thing plays out in real time, with the game world reacting to real weather and holidays for added fun.
Pros
- Very relaxing
- Lots of customization options for the island and your home
- Plenty of activities and reasons to come back every day
Cons
- Little structure
Minecraft
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time. So it’s unlikely that your kids need an introduction to the game. It’s available on a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, and lets players explore randomly generated worlds and build whatever they imagine. The Switch version includes Mario-style character skins, textures, and music.
Pros
- Infinite world, infinitely replayable.
- Addictive, mind-consuming gameplay.
- Satisfyingly creative.
- Easy online and local multiplayer.
Cons
- Grinding gets old.
- Uneven learning curve.
Just Dance 2023
To encourage movement, Just Dance lets you dance to hits by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. In total, there are more than 40 tracks, but you can expand them via the paid subscription service. In Just Dance you’ll follow the colorful characters on the screen and get graded for your movements.
Pros
- Good range of music genres
- Clear visuals for guidance on moves
- Allows you to play with others online
- No extra accessories required
Cons
- Easy to drop phone (aka controller)
- Limited songs without the Just Dance+ subscription
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best Nintendo Switch exclusive games and is also perfect for kids. This adventure in the universe is bursting with excitement and innovation. Mario explores different worlds to discover secrets and collect stars. There is a special Assist mode that simplifies the game, including regenerative health and guide arrows, making it ideal for children.
Pros
- Good Graphics
- Big Worlds
- Cappy Control
- Moons within Moons
Cons
- Non-Marioness
- Emptiness
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
After releasing a beautiful remaster of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy, Activision has finally given the beloved former PlayStation mascot a new adventure. Crash Bandicoot 4 brings back the classic 2.5D perspective, this time brought to life with beautiful cartoony graphics. The new quantum masks warp space and time to make the levels more wild.
Pros
- Fun, challenging platforming
- New characters add variety
- So much extra stuff to do
- Gorgeous visuals and animation
- Will keep you busy for a long time
Cons
- Some fiddly controls for certain characters
- Timeline levels tread familiar ground
- Occasional bugs
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
This colorful and graphics-intensive game is all about discovery, exploration and adventure. The single player’s mission is to find out what happened to the kingdom of Hyrule – nothing is as it was or as it should be. Since the player controls Link, he can approach this adventure in any way he wants, thanks to the possibility of moving freely.
Pros
- A vast world you’ll want to explore
- Climbing and gliding makes navigation a treat
- Physics reinvigorate combat and puzzles
- Refreshingly jank-free for a game this size
Cons
- Frame rate stumbles during intensive moments
- Main dungeons aren’t Nintendo’s best ever
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is a game that is suitable for children, teenagers and adults alike. It’s even more fun and challenging when you play against family members or friends. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe not only stars some of Nintendo’s most famous and lovable characters, but also puts them in the driver’s seat of go-karts that race over tracks full of obstacles, challenges and other racers.
Pros
- Smooth controls and handling
- Fun maps
- Wide variety of characters and vehicles
- Great co-op gameplay
Cons
- No introduction for new players
- No easy way to see all stats
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo has no shortage of familiar characters from some of the most popular franchises in video game history. Many of these characters have been brought together in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where they fight cartoon-style. Not only is the game packed with familiar characters, the fights also take place in popular locations from various games and are all pretty harmless.
Pros
- Great local multiplayer
- Superb roster of characters
- Great nostalgia hit
Cons
- Online multiplayer needs work
- The whole Spirits thing is confusing
FAQs
Is a Nintendo Switch suitable for 5 year old?
The Nintendo Switch is often considered a family-friendly console, from its colorful and fun game selection to its unique design. Nintendo is known for producing family-friendly games – and the Switch is no different, with an extensive selection for ages three to 18.
Is Nintendo Switch OK for 4 year old?
Not only is the console portable and small enough for kids to hold, but Nintendo also offers a range of games for a younger audience. Thinking of games you can give your little ones – ages four and up – to play? Here’s quick list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids four and up.
Is Nintendo Switch suitable for kids?
With its excellent parental control features, the Switch is the perfect console for kids and parents. The console’s success has led to a wider selection of games from different genres than ever before on a Nintendo platform, including many games that may not be suitable for your children due to their adult content.
Is Animal Crossing better than Minecraft?
In Animal Crossing New Horizons there are even stores and upgrades that you can only get after completing previous tasks. In Minecraft you almost never stop building or mining, but in Animal Crossing New Horizons you can travel, terraform, shop, talk to your neighbors and interact with special island inhabitants.