Since its release in March of 2017, the Nintendo Switch has quickly become a fan favorite gaming console. The immense versatility of the system, in tandem with the stellar library of games, makes it the perfect choice for gamers of all ages.
Being a Nintendo console, there are a plethora of fun, colorful games for everyone. In addition to the continuation of fan-favorite series such as The Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and Mario Party, there are a host of new games as well.
The Nintendo Switch is a big hit among families, especially those with elementary school age children. Following is a handy guide for some of the best games for younger kids on the Nintendo Switch.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids
Following in the footsteps of classic 3-D platformers such as Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey aims to deliver a new adventure to a new generation. The game is fun for all ages with all new levels, areas to explore, powers to collect, and other characters to meet.
Kids will have a blast traversing the landscape in this tight platforming adventure.
As two sides of the same coin, both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield prove to be fun new additions to a beloved franchise. No matter which game you choose, there is sure to be a spectacular adventure, collecting and training pokemon and battling it out with other characters and players.
There are all kinds of new pokemon to collect, trade, and battle with. And with a brand new island to explore, gamers are sure to have a blast with either of these great games.
Cooking games have been around for a long time, with games like Cooking Mama proving to be solid gaming experiences. However, Overcooked 2 is not your standard cooking game by any means.
Overcooked 2 is a fast paced, co-op game where players must complete tasks and make meals quickly. In addition, there are a lot of levels, with all sorts of unique twists to gameplay. Players will have to work together to get meals to customers as quick as possible while contending with an unsavory environment.
This game is perfect for family game night, or just some sibling play-time. With its ultra-fun couch co-op gameplay, it is sure to be a big hit in your family’s gaming library.
A stark contrast to the usual platforming action of the Super Mario and Super Mario Bros series, Luigi’s Mansion places players in a haunted mansion. Players must solve puzzles and complete tasks all while traversing a spooky atmospheric mansion.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is pretty similar to the first two games, but takes place in a hotel instead of the usual mansion. Players will have to go from floor to floor each with its own unique theme to complete puzzles.
The main goal of Luigi’s Mansion 3 is to save your friends from the ghosts that occupy the hotel. And with a two-player local co-op mode, Luigi’s Mansion is a great game for friends and siblings.
Playing Super Mario is fun, but what about making your own Mario levels? That’s where Super Mario Maker 2 comes in, allowing players to create their own 2-D Mario levels, as well as importing and playing other players levels.
There are a near infinite amount of ways to make any kind of level you want, as well as a plethora of levels from players all around the world. This game is perfect for kids of all ages, and adults will love it, too.
The latest installment in the long running fan-favorite series, Animal Crossing:New Horizons places players in control of their own island paradise. Players must work to collect money to pay off and renovate their house while socializing with their animal neighbors.
Players can do chores and missions, go fishing, collect seashells and fossils, and so much more in this delightful game. The game is simple in nature, and can be played by almost anyone.
The game is rife with fun content for younger kids, and the amount of creativity that can be put into the game is staggering.
And with multiplayer functionality, the game is perfect if you have a few Nintendo Switches in your home, as kids can visit each other’s islands and trade resources back and forth.
Fortnite
Fortnite has proven to be a massive cultural mainstay, especially in younger kids. This free-to-play game pits players against one another in a fight to be the last gamer standing. And with fun, colorful graphics and all kinds of ways to customize your player, Fortnite does not appear to be going anywhere.
Even non-gamers know Fortnite due to its popularization of certain dances, which are even referenced in movies and television. Couple this with the fact that skilled players can achieve celebrity status through Twitch, Mixer, and YouTube, and you can see why the game is so popular.
Additionally, the game is easily accessible with its low price point (free!) making it great for elementary age gamers.
The classic racing series is back, with more maps and characters than ever. Players can take control of a variety of Super Mario and other assorted Nintendo characters and race against both AI and other players.
The game features a fantastic multiplayer mode that is great for younger kids, and with the amount of races to do and characters to collect, it’s easy to see why the game series is so popular.
Minecraft is a hugely popular game among kids where they can build thing with blocks and go on endless adventures. Minecraft encourages the use of creativity and imagination to build architectural houses, structures, and cities.
In addition to creativity Minecraft is good for building team work since friends and family can work on private servers together, it teaches resource management, problem solving, builds geometry skills, and most of all it’s age appropriate for kids.
The Nintendo Switch is a great versatile console. With the ability to play it anywhere at any time, it has quickly become a fan-favorite. Additionally, there are a plethora of games that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages, especially elementary schoolers.
The games featured on this list are perfect for any occasion, whether for family game night or just some afternoon solo gaming. These games are really perfect for younger, elementary school-age kids everywhere.
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