Today I’m sharing 3 of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids of each age. I’m hoping that by breaking down Nintendo Switch games into age recommendations, it’ll help you find the perfect Nintendo Switch games for kids of all ages. I’m going to include my top 3 picks for each age group. So keep reading for some inspiration…
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 4 Year Olds
Let’s start at the beginning… While Nintendo Switches are suitable for children aged 3 and over, I personally feel that the majority of kids need to be a little bit older before they’ll truly enjoy gaming. So with that in mind, I’m grouping Nintendo Switch games for 3 year olds in with Nintendo Switch games for 4 year olds…
1). Super Mario Wonder: – One of the best parts of Mario Wonder is that when you play 2 player, the “grown up” can be Yoshi, and literally carry the young player through the difficult to navigate parts of the game. Yoshi doesn’t “die”, so your child can practice controls without the frustration of mortality, too. This helps prevent frustration at being beaten by the baddies, and will nurture not only a love of gaming, but also teamwork and enjoying spending quality time with their favourite grown ups.
2). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: – Mario Kart 8 has steer assist and auto accelerate features, which make the game super accessible for young kids. They allow young children to play alongside the rest of the family, without struggling to control the kart. It’s a great way to introduce young kids to driving games, and fun for all the family as well.
3). Super Mario Party: – This game is made up of mini games which will help hold young kids’ interest when you play as a family. This game is great for spending quality family time together and also helps young kids practice turn-taking, patience and more. I’d highly recommend this game for families with younger kids, who all want to play a game together.
Are you noticing a pattern there? Mario is a great way to introduce kids to gaming. The characters are cute, controls easy to navigate & you know the game quality will be there. Sadly, we’ve bought (and deleted) many games over the years which just didn’t have the glitch-free smoothness young kids need. (My advice is to avoid Bluey and Disney games for under 5’s).
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 5 Year Olds
By the time kids are 5 years old, most of them are in full time education and have started to get to grips with reading, cause and effect, and their hand-eye co-ordination has improved a good deal. That shows in the types of games which have made it. into my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 5 year olds.
1). Bluey: The Videogame: – This game is suitable for kids age 3 and over. However, I feel the controls can be a little clunky in places, so personally I feel age 5 is about right for independent play, or 3+ with a grown up to help. The game is broken down into 4 episodes. Your little ones can play their favourite games from the TV show, including Chattermax Chase, Keepy Uppy, and more.
2). MySims: Cozy Bundle: – This game marries aspects from Animal Crossing and The Sims, to create a kid-friendly game which younger kids will love. You can customise your sims and decorate their worlds, as you see fit. There’s 2 different stories to play through and you will unlock clothes and build options as you progress. Your sim will socialise and befriend other characters as you play, too. This 100% offline game is a great introduction to SIM games, without the online risks.
3). My Universe: Pet Clinic:– This game is sure to be a hit with any budding vets or animal lovers. Treatments include X-rays, using a stethoscope on the animal patients, applying bandages and more. This cute game is likely to appeal to grown ups and kids alike. As you cure pets, you unlock new instruments and treatment options, so you can become the best vet around!
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 6 Year Olds
When kids reach six years old, in my experience, they are desperate for more independence, but still love to play with others. So don’t be surprised if 6 year old kids want both solo gaming time, as well as multi-player games. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 6 year olds:
1). Nintendo Switch Sports: – If you’re looking for a fun way to get your kids moving more, this is it! This game is brilliant for family fun, exercise and confidence building. It’s incredible watching your kids’ skills increase via this game. If you’ve got space to play on the main TV, this game is well worth buying. We love it! This game is technically age 7+ but that’s mostly due to the risk of broken furniture. Supervised play is fine for younger kids in my opinion.
2). Sonic Superstars: – Calling all sonic fans! I you were team Sega back in the day, this game will not disappoint! The side-scrolling screen play will take you right back to the 90’s, and thanks to the 2019 3D graphics, your kids will love it too! Thanks to Nintendo’s multi play options, up to 4 friends can play together, and the new powers will keep it fresh for players of all ages. This is a great addition to your Switch for family games night!
3). Disney Dreamlight Valley: – Disney fans are sure to love this game. It’s a hybrid between a life-sim and an adventure game, which is rich with quests, exploration, and engaging activities featuring familiar Disney and Pixar friends. This game is great for families to play together, or kids to roam and explore independently.
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 7 Year Olds
By the time kids reach 7 years old, in my experience, the scale tips in favour of more solo gaming time over group sessions. Especially if they are allowed to join friends on Minecraft. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 7 year olds:
1). Kirby Star Allies – is a popular game with many 7 year olds. Parents can play co-op, which means you can handle any tricky areas, and the game isn’t very difficult. It’s great for building kids independence in gaming. Up to 4 people can play simultaneously, assuming you have enough controllers. This game is a great introduction to independent platform games for 7 year olds.
2). Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu – This reimagining of the classic Roleplay Game brings the magic of classic Pokemon to the next generation of fans. The HD graphics and 2 player option will help keep kids interested, while they figure out the magic of Pokemon for themselves. The nostalgia will keep grown ups on board, and the way the game progresses will keep players coming back for more.
3). Minecraft – If you’re playing with your kids, this is ok for younger children in my opinion. However, I couldn’t cope with it myself. The way the screen moved around left me feeling nauseous. So if your child is wanting to play Minecraft independently, I’d advise you follow the age recommendation of 7+.
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 8 Year Olds
Unless you have a switch of your own so you can literally enter their game, chances are you’ll barely play any 2 player games when your kid reaches 8 years old. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be sad to have been ditched, but secretly appreciate the ability to read a couple of book chapters while the kids enjoy their console time. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 8 year olds:
1). The Plucky Squire: – New for 2025, this game follows the magical adventures of Jot and his friends — storybook characters who discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book. This action – adventure game jumps between 2D and 3D worlds, as you solve puzzles, box badgers, fly with a jetpack, and enjoy many more delightful and surprising mini challenges. It looks set to be one of the best 2025 Switch game releases!
2). Animal Crossing: New Horizons: – Like most of the UK, my then 8 year old daughter and I played this game right through lockdown. The game has a great story, and the on-screen instructions mean little to no grown-up help is required. Be mindful that the online features may require activating parental controls to keep youngsters safe, as they can add friends with a code, so they don’t have to be nearby.
3). Luigi’s Mansion 3: – Play as Luigi as he plays ghostbuster inside a haunted mansion. Luigi’s fear is on-par with Scooby-Do’s sidekick, Shaggy. This game will have players laughing out loud as they progress through the levels. Up to 8 players can team up as well, so it’s great for friends to play together. It’s easy to pick up and play for those who play for short bursts, rather than all evening, too. So it’s great for car journeys or when waiting for siblings to be ready to leave.
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 9 Year Olds
Most 9 year olds want to enjoy their gaming time without grown up help. So take a breath and appreciate any family gaming sessions while you still can. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 9 year olds:
1). The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: – Goodbye Link, hello Zelda! In most Zelda games, you’re playing as Link, rescuing Zelda. Not here though – Help Princess Zelda solve puzzles to progress through the game. Don’t tell the kids but their logic skill-set will be growing as they progress through this cute 3D adventure. While it’s suitable for kids age 7+ I feel a fair amount of the puzzles will be a little tricky for 7 year olds to figure out independently. Most 9 year olds should be able to manage though. With a little outside help or googling.
2). LEGO Harry Potter Collection: Any fans of Harry Potter are sure to love this game. I’ll be honest, most 9 year olds will struggle to complete it, but they’ll have a great time exploring the Hogwarts grounds, regardless. My daughter finished the first 3 school years when she was around 9 years old. I helped a few times – Beating the boss at the end of year 1 was a particular challenge, but we got there eventually. Lego and Harry Potter fans are sure to love this!
3). Pokemon Legends Arceus: This Pokemon game is best for seasoned players. I’d highly recommend starting with Let’s Go Pikachu before you progress to this game, as it’ll help you understand how it works. Players catch, survey and research wild Pokémon to create and complete the Sinnoh region’s first Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It’s the perfect gift for any Pokemon fan!
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 10 Year Olds
If your child is approaching ten years old, be prepared to see them less than ever! My kids both loved to be shut up in their bedrooms, gaming by the time they hit double digits. I was rarely asked for help, and they preferred independent gameplay 99% of the time. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 10 year olds:
1). EA SPORTS FC 25: If the 10 year old you’re shopping for likes football, then this game is likely to be a big hit. You can choose to play a manager other than player’s career, and progress through the seasons to see how far you go. There’s even a female player career path – great news for female football fans, who want to see what could potentially lie ahead for them if they make it pro.
2). 51 Worldwide Games: This game is packed with traditional games you probably remember from your own childhood. They include Yahtzee, Dominoes, checkers, tic-tac-toe, chess and more. You can play online against other RL players, or offline against the game. We loved playing 51 Worldwide Games on holiday and it took up far less space than packing board games would have.
3). Fortnite Transformers Pack: This game has a minimum age limit of 12 and over, as there’s some violence. It’s a good choice as an introduction to “point-and-shoot” games though, as well as a good way for parents to get back into gaming with their kids. I highly recommend the condition, “You’re only allowed to play Fortnite at this age, when I’m playing too“. The main Fortnite game is free on the switch – this is a Transformers pack, to level up your gameplay.
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 11 Year Olds
Here in the UK, age 11 means high school. Chances are most high schoolers will have requested a more “grown up” console around this age, but many still have a switch. Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 11 year olds – All of which are rated 12+ but that’s a bit too old in my opinion:
1). The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Strictly speaking, this game is rated 12+ but I feel it’s something most 11 year olds could handle. This freeplay game lets you explore Hyrule at your own pace. Solving puzzles and completing quests as you go. It’s an immersive game, which I feel kids age 11+ could complete with minimal help from a grown up.
2). Super Smash Bros: Imagine Street Fighter Two, but with your favourite Nintendo characters fighting it out. If you played the original on the Nintendo 64, this will leave you feeling nostalgic. It’s a good introduction to hand-combat games for young players. Not too graphic or life-like, so unlikely to be re-enacted on the playground.
3). Hogwarts Legacy: Any Harry Potter fan is sure to love this game. It’s the Hogwarts grounds, but you’re the star of the show! It’s set in the 1800’s, so you won’t meet any of the Harry Potter characters, but you will get to experience Hogwarts classes, beasts, grounds and more. How you answer questions about your character will determine how the game pans out. It’s like you choose books, for 2020 kids!
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 12 Year Olds
Can you believe your little one is almost twelve? Me neither! (Ok mine was 12 a couple of years ago now – Good luck if you’re approaching this milestone)! Here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for 12 year olds:
1). Two Point Hospital: Imagine Theme Hospital from back in the day, but with modern graphics and even funnier illnesses. This game got me through lockdown, and 12 year olds will likely laugh out loud at some of the conditions they need to treat in their hospital. I was particularly moved by the “Pandemic”, which saw patients arriving with saucepans stuck on their heads. Buy this game – you won’t regret it!
2). Terraria: Billed as being like a Minecraft / Animal Crossing mash-up, this game will have you fighting for survival one minute, building a town the next, and stopping to mine for materials later. It’s a unique mix, which marries elements of classic action games with the freedom of sandbox-style creativity, Terraria is a unique gaming experience where both the journey and the destination are as unique as the players themselves!
3). Stray: Now hear me out, because this game sounds bonkers… Lost and alone, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city. Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst a decaying cybercity. Roam the surroundings, defend against unforeseen threats and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place, to help your stray find a family. It sounds so crazy, I need to play it! The reviews are great so far, too!
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for Teenagers
Nintendo have an age 12 rating, and then an age 16 one. So all of the games included in this section are for age 16 and over – Many 13, 14 and 15 year olds will love the games listed for 10, 11 and 12 year olds though, so don’t feel you need to opt for a more grown up rating for your teen. Now I’ve clarified that, here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for teenagers:
1). Star Wars Heritage Pack: This game is 7 classic Star Wars games, in one epic bundle! It contains: 1. Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, 2. Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, 3. Episode I Racer, 4. Republic Commando, 5. The Force Unleashed, 6. Knights of the Old Republic, 7. Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. These games are large, and will take up significant memory to download and play, so make sure you’ve got plenty of space on your memory card!
2). Diablo 3 Eternal Collection: Diablo is one of the most popular franchises of the naughties. It’s an unparalleled action role-playing experience, which sees you either progress through five acts of the storyline, or explore the open world in adventure mode to Hunt bounties on the Elder evils that lurk throughout the mortal realms. This is a game to get lost in.
3). Little Nightmares: Complete Edition: This game is a spooky platformer which will leave you wanting to sleep with the light on. You’re trapped in an oversized dollhouse, which is inhabited by monstrous residents. You must fight your way through darkness, hide, & sneak to avoid danger and find a way out. Each room is your prison cell, each resident a threat, and all are puzzles to untangle. So bend your imagination to find the way out. It’s like the ultimate escape room game.
Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for Adults
We all grow up some time. Most of these games contain violence, so please don’t buy them for minors. They are rated 18+ for a reason. Now here’s my top 3 Nintendo Switch games for Adults:
1). Batman: Arkham Trilogy: A must play for any batman fans! In BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM, you’ll face off against notorious DC Super-Villains like The Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, and more. In BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, you’ll step into the shadows of the city in this open world, the new maximum security “home” for thugs and gangsters. In BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT, you’ll tear through the streets of Gotham and take on the ultimate threat in the trilogy’s epic conclusion.
2). Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy: If you know, you know! This game definitely IS NOT suitable for minors. There’s s3xual content as well as reams of violence. Trust me when I say you absolutely should not buy this for kids. It basically endorses all those things many men long to do, only they can do it without consequences in the game. Kids may try to replicate it in real-life and we all know that won’t end well. Fun for adults, NOT SUITABLE FOR MINORS.
3). Bramble: The Mountain King: Players will meet Olle, a brave boy who sets off to rescue his sister, in his beautiful, but dangerous world. Olle will encounter twisted, mythical creatures from Nordic folklore, who are epic-scale boss battles. It’s tense and heart-pounding at times. An addictive game with hi-end visuals to match. I’m loving it!
Final Thoughts on Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
PHEW! So there we have it – 33 epic Nintendo Switch games for kids of all ages. Age is but a number, so don’t feel you can’t but your 7 year one something that’s listed under Nintendo Switch games for 4 year olds, for example. I’m 41 and have played Animal Crossing and Two Point Hospital for THOUSANDS of hours – both are age 3+.
Finally, let me know in the comments if you want to recommend any other Nintendo Switch games for kids (or adults) of any specific age. Or check out my thoughts on whether the Nintendo Switch is Educational.
