Look, the Nintendo Switch is basically the perfect family gaming console. It's portable, it's got a massive library, and unlike some gaming platforms, Nintendo actually gives a damn about making games that won't give you nightmares about what your kids are playing.
But here's the thing: not all "kid-friendly" games are created equal. Some are genuinely fun for the whole family. Others are... well, they're basically digital babysitters that will make you want to throw the Switch out the window after hearing the same jingle for the 47th time.
So let's talk about the games that actually work—the ones where you might find yourself saying "okay, one more race" or "wait, let me finish decorating my island" long after the kids have gone to bed.
The Switch hit the sweet spot that other consoles missed. It's not trying to be a hardcore gaming rig, and it's not dumbed down to the point of being boring. You can play it on the TV as a family, or hand it to a kid for a car ride. The parental controls are actually pretty solid (though you should absolutely set them up properly if you haven't already).
Plus, Nintendo's first-party games are consistently excellent. They're polished, they're creative, and they don't rely on the usual gaming industry garbage like loot boxes or pay-to-win mechanics.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Ages 4+ (with steering assist)
This is the family gaming gold standard. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has this brilliant steering assist feature that keeps younger kids from constantly driving off the track, which means your 5-year-old can actually race without melting down every 30 seconds. The whole family can play together, and the skill ceiling is high enough that adults won't get bored.
The only downside? Prepare for some serious sibling rivalry. Blue shells have ended friendships.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Ages 6+
Animal Crossing is basically a digital zen garden where you build an island, catch bugs, and decorate your house. There's no violence, no timer, no stress. It's genuinely relaxing, which is why it became a pandemic phenomenon.
Kids love the collecting aspect and the cute animals. Parents love that it teaches basic resource management and delayed gratification (you can't just buy everything immediately—you have to save up bells). Fair warning though: only one island per Switch console, which can lead to some territorial disputes if you have multiple kids.
Super Mario Odyssey
Ages 7+
This is probably the best 3D Mario game ever made. Super Mario Odyssey is colorful, creative, and has this perfect difficulty curve where younger kids can get through the main story, but there are enough challenging elements to keep older kids and adults engaged.
The two-player mode lets one person control Mario and another control his hat (yes, really), which works surprisingly well for playing with younger kids who might not be ready to handle the full controls.
Minecraft
Ages 8+
Yeah, Minecraft is on basically every platform, but the Switch version is actually great for families. Creative mode is perfect for younger kids who just want to build without worrying about monsters. Survival mode works for older kids who want more challenge.
The split-screen multiplayer means siblings can actually play together on the same console. Just be prepared for the inevitable griefing when one kid "accidentally" blows up the other's house with TNT.
Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee or Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Ages 7+
The Pokémon games on Switch range from super accessible to more complex. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee are simplified and great for younger kids or Pokémon newbies. Scarlet and Violet are the full experience with an open world.
Either way, kids get hooked on collecting, battling, and building their team. It's basically the gateway drug to RPGs, and honestly, the games teach some solid strategic thinking.
Luigi's Mansion 3
Ages 7+
Luigi's Mansion 3 is a ghost-catching adventure that manages to be slightly spooky without being actually scary. It's funny, charming, and has excellent co-op where a second player can control Gooigi (a goo version of Luigi—just go with it).
The puzzles are clever enough to make kids think, but not so hard that they'll rage quit. And the animation is gorgeous.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Ages 5+
Kirby games are Nintendo's secret weapon for younger kids. They're genuinely easy—like, your kid will probably not die much—but they're also really well-made and fun. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 3D adventure where you play as a pink blob who inhales enemies and copies their powers.
The co-op mode is great for playing with younger kids because the second player can't die—they just lose some health and respawn. It's basically foolproof.
Splatoon 3
Ages 10+
If your kids are begging for a shooter game but you're not ready to hand them Fortnite or Call of Duty, Splatoon 3 is your answer. It's a team-based shooter where you play as squid-kids who shoot ink instead of bullets. The goal is to cover the most territory in your team's color.
It's got all the competitive elements of a shooter without the violence. There's online multiplayer, which means you'll want to monitor it, but the community is generally pretty wholesome by gaming standards.
Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom: Look, these are incredible games. Masterpieces, even. But they're also massive, complex, and can be genuinely difficult. Great for kids 10+, but younger kids will probably get frustrated. Also, there are some mildly scary enemies.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Fun, but it's a fighting game with a steep learning curve. Younger kids will just button-mash and probably have a good time, but the skill gap can lead to frustration. Better for kids 9+.
Most third-party games: The Switch has tons of indie games and ports, but quality varies wildly. Stick with Nintendo's first-party stuff until you know what you're doing.
Ages 4-6: Mario Kart with steering assist, Kirby games, Yoshi's Crafted World
Ages 7-9: Animal Crossing, Super Mario Odyssey, Luigi's Mansion 3, Pokémon Let's Go
Ages 10+: Minecraft, Splatoon 3, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Time limits are your friend: Even the best games can become a problem if kids are playing 6 hours a day. Set clear boundaries. The Switch has built-in parental controls that can enforce time limits automatically.
Online play requires supervision: Games like Mario Kart and Splatoon have online multiplayer. For younger kids, stick to local play or play together. For older kids, understand how Nintendo's online system works
and what communication features are available.
Physical vs. digital: Digital games are convenient, but they're tied to your account and can't be resold. Physical cartridges can be shared and traded. Both have pros and cons.
The "one more level" trap is real: These games are designed to keep you playing. Don't be surprised if bedtime becomes a negotiation. Set clear expectations before gaming sessions start.
The Switch has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to genuinely good family games. You really can't go wrong with Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, or Super Mario Odyssey—they're popular for a reason.
The key is matching the game to your kid's age and interests. A 6-year-old who loves animals will lose their mind over Animal Crossing. A 10-year-old who wants competition will gravitate toward Splatoon or Mario Kart.
And here's the secret: the best family games are the ones you'll actually want to play too. If you're genuinely having fun, your kids will pick up on that, and gaming becomes something you do together rather than something you just tolerate.
- Set up Nintendo Switch parental controls if you haven't already
- Start with one or two games rather than buying the whole library
- Check out alternatives to popular games if your kids want something different
- Consider Nintendo Switch Online for access to classic NES and SNES games—it's like $20/year and includes a ton of retro games that are genuinely good
The Switch isn't going anywhere, and Nintendo keeps releasing quality games. You've got time to figure out what works for your family.