Ages: 6+ | Price: $39.99-59.99

This is the big one. EA's soccer franchise recently rebranded from FIFA to EA Sports FC after losing the FIFA licensing deal, but it's essentially the same game. The Switch version is called the "Legacy Edition," which is EA's polite way of saying "we're not really updating this anymore except for rosters."

What you get: Real teams, real players, updated kits and rosters. Career mode, Ultimate Team (more on that in a sec), and local multiplayer. The gameplay is solid if not spectacular—it runs at 30fps instead of 60fps like on other consoles, which your kid will definitely notice if they've played it elsewhere.

The Ultimate Team problem: This is EA's cash-cow mode where you build a dream team by opening card packs. It's basically loot boxes with a soccer ball, and it can get expensive fast. Kids get hooked on the dopamine hit of opening packs and the FOMO of limited-time player cards. If you're getting this game, have a serious conversation about in-app purchases or just disable them entirely in your Nintendo account settings. Learn more about how Ultimate Team monetization works.

Bottom line: If your kid wants "real" soccer with actual team names and players, this is your only option on Switch. Just be aware you're paying full price for what's essentially a roster update, and the Ultimate Team mode is designed to extract money from you.

Ages: 6+ | Price: $9.99

Think of this as soccer meets indie charm. It's got a retro-arcade feel with simple controls and colorful, cartoony graphics. No real teams or players, but honestly? Sometimes that's refreshing.

What you get: Tournament mode, local multiplayer (up to 4 players), and a career mode where you build up a team. The gameplay is fast and accessible—great for younger kids who might find FIFA's complexity overwhelming.

Why it works: At $10, this is an impulse purchase that won't break the bank. It's perfect for casual play, family game nights, or kids who just want to score goals without worrying about tactics or formations. The simplified controls mean even a 6-year-old can pick it up and have fun.

Ages: 6+ | Price: $9.99

Another budget option that strips soccer down to its essentials. The graphics are basic but functional, and it focuses on quick matches rather than deep career modes.

What you get: Various tournaments, local multiplayer, and straightforward arcade-style gameplay. Think of it as soccer for people who don't want to learn 47 different button combinations.

The catch: It's bare-bones. No licensed teams, limited modes, and the AI can be frustratingly inconsistent. But for $10, it's a decent way to scratch the soccer itch without committing to a full-price game.

Here's where things get rough. EA's Madden NFL hasn't had a Switch release since 2018, and there's no sign they're coming back. The Switch just doesn't have the hardware muscle for EA's current-gen vision of Madden, and the player base isn't there to justify the port.

Ages: 8+ | Price: Free (mobile) / $4.99 (Switch)

This started as a mobile game and became a cult hit for its addictive, old-school approach to football. It's got pixelated graphics that look like they're from a 1990s Game Boy, but the gameplay loop is surprisingly deep.

What you get: You're the coach and GM of a team, making roster decisions, managing player morale, and calling plays during games. The actual gameplay is simplified—you only control the offense, and it's mostly passing plays—but the management sim aspect is where it shines.

Why kids love it: It's easy to pick up, games are quick (5-10 minutes), and there's genuine strategy in building your team. Plus, at $5 on Switch (or free on mobile with ads), it's an absolute steal. The retro aesthetic is also having a moment with kids who think anything pixelated is automatically cool.

Parent note: The mobile version is free but ad-supported. The Switch version is ad-free and honestly worth the five bucks if your kid is going to play it regularly.

Ages: 8+ | Price: Used copies only

If you can find a used copy of the old Switch Madden, it's... fine? Extremely dated at this point, with rosters from 7+ years ago. Only worth it if you find it for under $10 and your kid just wants to experience what Madden feels like.

Ages 6-8: Stick with Super Soccer Blast or Football Cup 2021. The simplified controls and arcade-style gameplay are perfect for this age group. Retro Bowl might work if your kid has patience for the management aspects, but the reading-heavy menus could be a barrier.

Ages 9-12: EA Sports FC becomes viable here, especially if they're watching real soccer/football and want to play as their favorite teams. Just be vigilant about Ultimate Team spending. Retro Bowl is perfect for this age—the strategy elements will click, and they'll love the progression of building a dynasty.

Ages 13+: They can handle anything on this list, but honestly, if they're serious about football games, you might want to have a conversation about whether a different console makes more sense. The Switch is amazing for Nintendo exclusives like Zelda and indie games, but EA's sports lineup lives on PlayStation and Xbox.

The online component: Most of these games have online multiplayer, which means voice chat and interactions with strangers. The Switch's online features are pretty limited compared to other consoles (which is actually a blessing), but you should still check your Nintendo Switch parental controls to manage who your kid can communicate with.

The monetization trap: EA Sports FC's Ultimate Team is designed with the same psychological tricks as mobile games—limited-time offers, flashy pack openings, and social pressure to keep up with friends' teams. If you're allowing this game, either disable purchases entirely or set a firm monthly budget. Ask our chatbot about managing in-game purchases.

Physical vs. digital: For these games, digital makes sense since they're the kind of thing kids will want to play in short bursts. But if you're getting EA Sports FC, consider physical so you can resell it when next year's roster update comes out.

The "Legacy Edition" reality: EA isn't hiding the fact that the Switch version is a second-class citizen. No new features, no graphical updates, just roster changes. You're essentially paying $40-60 for a database update. Some families find this acceptable; others feel ripped off. Know what you're getting into.

If your kid is flexible about the "football" definition or just wants sports games in general:

The Switch's football game library is weak, and that's just the truth. EA has largely given up on the platform, and no other major publisher has stepped in to fill the gap. But the games that exist can still provide hours of entertainment if you set expectations correctly.

For soccer fans: EA Sports FC if you need the real teams and players (just watch those microtransactions), or Super Soccer Blast if you want simple, affordable fun.

For American football fans: Retro Bowl is your best bet. It's cheap, it's addictive, and it respects your time and wallet.

And if your kid is hardcore about football games and plays them constantly? It might be time for an honest conversation about whether the Switch is the right platform for their interests. Sometimes the right answer is saving up for a different console or using cloud gaming services. The Switch is incredible for many things—Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Splatoon—but realistic sports sims just aren't its strength.

Explore more sports games for kids or check out our guide to multiplayer games for family game night.