It’s no secret that I am a massive Nintendo geek! I have recently spent a lot of time reading reviews of the Nintendo Switch console and games, before finally buying the console. So if you too are looking for the answer to my question… Is the Nintendo Switch educational? Read on to find out! If you want to make game purchases the kids will be able to enjoy, while learning a thing or two, this is the post for you.

Technology For Kids

I think it’s important to let kids have access to technology. My 8 and 9 year olds both have tablets filled with educational apps, and Syd loves writing blog posts and reviews on her laptop. I was keen to find whether the Nintendo Switch offers any educational value, in the hope I could justify buying one “just because”.

This BBC piece discusses a wide collection of Nintendo Consoles, but not one mention is made of Nintendo Switch educational value. Generally speaking, I think having some family time playing age appropriate games on a console is great. However, it’s not massively educational.

My 8 year old loves to play on the Xbox with me or her Dad. She has learnt to be more patient when waiting for her turn. Her ability to listen to instructions has definitely improved, as well. However, she hasn’t learnt anything academic from it, in my opinion.

Educational Nintendo Switch Games

51games

In my opinion, the following Nintendo Switch games are ones I would class as educational…

  • 51 Worldwide Games, (This game teaches logic, strategy, problem solving, patience).
  • Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy. (This game teaches logic, strategy, problem solving, patience).
  • Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch. (This game teaches logic, strategy, problem solving, patience).
  • Fitness Boxing. (This game is less about academic learning and more about physical education. Any game which gets kids moving is worth considering in my book).
  • Gorogoa. (This puzzle game will teach logic and problem solving amongst other things).
  • Just Dance 2020. (This game helps improve hand – eye co-ordination, following instructions and it helps kids keep active).
  • Snipperclips. (This multi player puzzle game will help kids develop their teamwork skills. It’s great for siblings and families to play together).

Please note there are probably others out there – these are just the ones I have discovered personally.

Age Appropriate Games

One thing I am steadfast on, as well as making sure we have Nintendo Switch educational software, is only allowing my children to play age appropriate games. This is where my love for Nintendo comes from, I think.

When I was a child, Nintendo was more of a family console, while Sega tended to offer more violent gameplay. Sony went even further, and suddenly consoles were being designed with adults in mind, rather than children. Sadly, Nintendo has some adults only games in their catalogue now.

Fortnite, for example is only suitable for children aged 12 and over. Despite this, plenty of children as young as 6 frequently play the game.

Here’s a breakdown of the age recommendations for some of the Nintendo Switch Games available to buy in the UK today. …

Suitable for children aged 3 and over:

Mario Kart 8, Just Dance 2019, Sonic Mania Plus, Two point hospital, Super Mario Party, Fifa 19, Rocket League, Donkey Kong Country, Monopoly. Mario Tennis Aces, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Sports Party, Carnival Games, Nickelodeon Kart Racers.
Go Vacation, Crayola Scoot, Legendary Fishing, Paw Patrol on a roll and Farming Simulator, Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training, and Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain.

Nintendo Switch with two point hospital on the screen, a cup of coffee at the side and a slice of toast nearby. Is the Nintendo Switch educational?

Suitable for children aged 7 and over:

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Minecraft, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom. Lego DC Super – Villains, 1,2, Switch, Lego City Undercover, Crash Bandicoot, Cars 3, Rayman Legends, Lego Worlds. Hello Neighbour, Hasbro Game Night.
Minecraft Story Mode, Fitness Boxing. Harry Potter Collection, Marvel Super Heroes 2, The Escapists 2, Lego Ninjago, The Incredibles, Pokken Tournament, Adventure Time: Pirates. Hotel Transylvania 3, Sushi Striker, Sonic Forces, Yokus Island Express, and Layton’s Mystery Journey.

Suitable for children aged 12 and over:

Super Smash Bros Ultimate (This contains lots of violence). The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Sega Mega Grive Classics. Civilisation VI, Monster Hunter Generations, Hello Neighbour Hide and Seek.
My Hero One’s Justice. Dragon Ball Fighters, Arms, Hyrule Warriors, Bendy and the ink machine, Fortnite, Street Fighter Anniversary Collection. Octopath Traveler, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and The world ends with you. 51 worldwide games.

Suitable for children aged 16 and over:

Diablo Eternal Collection and Dark Souls Remastered.

My Thoughts:

The two games I was most excited about playing were… Two Point Hospital and 51 Worldwide Games. 51 Worldwide Games is suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, I can see it being a game the whole family will love playing together on a rainy afternoon. This is definitely a Nintendo Switch educational game, in my opinion.

The Nintendo Switch console itself is still holding its price in the UK at the moment. This article by Voucherbox suggests the price of the console may drop in a few months. Chances are, I’ll be purchasing a switch lite for Syd for Christmas. Hopefully by then, some more educational games will be available.

One thing I will say is… The Switch, (or any other console for that matter) is not a replacement for reading. We are still huge book fans, and definitely spend more time reading with the kids than gaming.

So, Is the Nintendo Switch educational?

In my opinion… Not unless you actively seek out educational games. Your child(ren) may learn the occasional thing from games. However, the device should be considered as an item for relaxing with – not just learning from. The time may come when Nintendo expands their downloads to include more educational products. However, for now I don’t consider the Nintendo Switch to be educational enough to be classed as a “learning toy”.

Finally: If you’ve enjoyed this Nintendo Switch educational blog post, why not check out my other geeky blog posts? Affiliate links are used within this post.

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