We’ve all been there: your kid finishes a season of a show and immediately starts hunting for more. In 2026, that "more" isn't just a lunchbox or an action figure; it’s an interactive experience. The "TV-to-Game" adaptation has come a long way from the pixelated, borderline unplayable messes we had on the original Nintendo.

Today, these games range from "interactive episodes" where your toddler can literally walk through Bluey’s house, to massive open-world RPGs that let teens fly through the world of their favorite anime. But because these are built on existing "IP" (Intellectual Property), developers sometimes get lazy. They know parents will buy a game just because it has a familiar face on the box. My goal here is to help you figure out which ones are actual games and which ones are just expensive digital stickers.

It’s about agency. When a kid watches Pokémon, they are a spectator. When they play Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, they are the trainer. This shift from passive consumption to active participation is a massive developmental dopamine hit. It allows them to "solve" the problems their heroes face, explore the rooms they’ve only seen from one camera angle, and—most importantly—keep the story going after the credits roll.

If you’re going to drop $30 to $60 on a game, you want it to actually function. These titles aren't just cash-ins; they are well-made games that happen to be based on shows.

Ages 7+ This is a remake of a classic, and for good reason. It’s a "3D platformer" (think jumping on things and collecting items) that perfectly captures the humor of the show. It’s vibrant, funny, and actually challenging enough to keep a kid engaged without being "I’m going to throw the controller" frustrating. It’s much better than the newer SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, which feels a bit more "on rails."

Ages 4-7 Let’s be real: this game is short. An adult could beat it in an hour. But for a five-year-old? It’s a revelation. It’s essentially a sandbox where they can play "Keepy Uppy" or explore the Heeler house. It’s designed for "couch co-op," meaning you can play with them and help them navigate the controls. It isn't "brain rot"—it’s a gentle introduction to how controllers work.

Ages 12+ If you have a middle schooler obsessed with anime, this is the one. It’s an Action-RPG that follows the entire Dragon Ball Z storyline. The graphics look exactly like the show, and the combat is flashy and satisfying. It’s a "Time Sink" in the best way possible, offering 40+ hours of content.

Ages 17+ This is the reverse—a game that became a hit HBO show. If your older teen watched the show and wants to play the game, just know it is intense. It is incredibly violent and emotionally heavy. That said, it’s also one of the best stories ever told in any medium. Just don't let your 10-year-old near it because they saw a "funny" clip on TikTok.

Check out our guide on age-appropriate anime games

Not every show makes a good game. Some are "shovelware"—software that is shoveled onto the market as quickly and cheaply as possible to capitalize on a trend.

When picking a TV-to-game adaptation, the rating of the show doesn't always match the rating of the game.

Learn more about understanding ESRB ratings and what they actually mean

If your kid says they are "playing a show" but they are on Roblox, they are likely playing a fan-made "experience."

There are thousands of "Skibidi Toilet" or Squid Game clones on Roblox. These are not official. They are made by independent creators (sometimes other kids) and are often full of bugs, aggressive monetization, and sometimes inappropriate content that bypasses filters. If your kid wants to play a game based on a show, try to steer them toward an official, standalone title on a console or a reputable app store rather than the Wild West of Roblox "Obbys."

Instead of just saying "no more screens," use their interest in the show to build a bridge.

A video game adaptation is a chance for your kid to live inside their favorite world. When it’s done well, like Pokémon or SpongeBob, it can actually be a great way to develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.

When it’s done poorly, it’s a cynical grab for your credit card. Stick to the "Gold Standard" list, check for those sneaky in-app purchases, and maybe even pick up a controller yourself. Playing a round of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 with your kid is a lot more fun than just sitting next to them while they scroll through YouTube.

Ask our chatbot if a specific TV-based game is worth the money