Super Mario Maker is one of those rare games that's exactly what it promises: a legitimate creative tool wrapped in Nintendo polish. Kids aren't just consuming content—they're learning how games work, why certain jumps feel satisfying, what makes a level too hard or too easy.

The big caveat? It's a 2015 Wii U exclusive, so unless you've got old hardware lying around, you're better off grabbing Super Mario Maker 2 on Switch. But if you do have access, this is the real deal: no manipulative monetization, no toxic chat, just kids building stuff and sharing it. The online component is handled smartly—you share levels but never directly interact with strangers.

Parents consistently praise it as a bonding activity. You'll find yourself genuinely challenged by your 8-year-old's devious platform placement. That's the magic here—it flips the script from passive consumption to active creation, and it does it with Mario's timeless charm.