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The best Nintendo Switch games for kids 2023

If you're trying to find something for your little one to play, let us introduce you to all the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.

Best Switch games for kids: Mario and Steve (Minecraft) in the centre, with Timmy and Tommy (Animal Crossing) on either side of the image, set against a blurred background of Animal Crossing.

What are the best Nintendo Switch games for kids? If you’ve just picked up a Switch console or you’re looking to share one with your child, you’ll have no doubt discovered that finding the perfect kids Switch game can be a bit of a faff.

There are dozens of games available on the Nintendo eShop, including some of the best Nintendo Switch games, but not all of them are suitable for youngsters. To save you some time and to get your little ones playing quicker, we’ve put together the list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.

Here are the best Nintendo Switch games for kids:

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizon
  • Minecraft
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Just Dance 2023
  • Lego Marvel Super Heroes
  • Super Mario Odyssey
  • Fortnite
  • Pokemon Snap
  • Yoshi’s Crafted World
  • Untitled Goose Game

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: villagers pf Animal Crossing: New Horizons all together on an island

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizon

Is your kid creative? Then why not let them loose in the fictional world of New Horizon? Here, they have the chance to set up camp in a colourful world filled with friendly animal villagers.

They can build the house and the island of their dreams, make friends with others, and catch bugs and fish to their heart’s content. It’s all harmless fun and from that point of view, what’s not to love?

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: two Minecraft players and a pig ready for battle

2. Minecraft

It wouldn’t be a Nintendo Switch games for kids list without Minecraft, would it? This blocky sandbox is basically Lego but in a virtual world. Here your little ones will be able to build, craft, and create all while defending their creations from some not-so-scary monsters.

It’s the perfect little game if you’re looking to encourage creativity while keeping their brains engaged.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: Mario, Luigi, and Toad race in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best experiences available on the Nintendo Switch that’s open to all. While racing games traditionally aren’t very child-friendly, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes with a whole host of accessibility features that’ll help your little ones keep their karts well and truly on the track. With these settings (which can be turned off, too), you’ll be able to enjoy the game together as a family.

You might want to read up on our guides to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe best kart though if you want them to get off on the right foot.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: Three dancers crouch during a dance routine in Just Dance 2022

4. Just Dance 2023

Does your little one spend hours and hours dancing to the music on the radio? Well then, they’ll love Just Dance 2023. With hundreds of songs, dance moves, and different difficulties, there’s something for everyone in this family friendly game.

Who knows, you might even learn a new move or two too. Check out the Just Dance 2023 song list to find out what’s available.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: Several Marvel superheroes fly in the air

5. Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2

Lego and superheroes, what more could you want? This classic Lego adventure lets you take control of Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Captain America, and more, as they unite to stop Loki and other villains from destroying the world.

It’s like a real Marvel film, only with the blocky Lego humour we’ve all fallen in love with.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: Mario punches the air in a street in Mario Odyssey

6. Super Mario Odyssey

A classic 3D platforming adventure, Super Mario Odyssey is a great game to let your little ones explore. With one or two player support, simplified controls, and a familiar cast, this game offers hours of fun.

Plus, there are plenty of secrets to be discovered in this game, meaning it should – in theory – keep your kids coming back for more, time and time again.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: a muscular cat shows off its guns in Fortnite

7. Fortnite

If you’re after something with a little bit more action, let us introduce you to Fortnite. While this is one of the best battle royale games out there, it’s arguably the most accessible of the lot.

With building, outrageous skins, community events, and rewarding gameplay, Fortnite is one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids out there.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: A squirtle rides a Lapras in Pokemon Snap

8. Pokémon Snap

Do you have an aspiring photographer in your midst? Let them loose in Pokémon Snap, a game that’s not about catching them all, but snapping them in their natural habitats instead.

It’s basically the perfect game for anyone who loves watching David Attenborough documentaries, mostly because it teaches you respect of the big old world around us.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: Yoshi rides a Nintendo Labo car

9. Yoshi’s Crafted World

This is a true platformer for little hands. Instead of forcing you to think on your feet and work out a path forward, Yoshi’s Crafted World encourages you to take your time and explore the colourful world in front of you.

And if you look at the design, it’s basically made for kids. With levels that look like they’re taken out of children’s books, non-challenging objectives, and friendly characters – this is a perfect platformer for your youngsters.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids: two geese honk at a radio

10. Untitled Goose Game

The name might not sound all that impressive, but trust us: your kids will love Untitled Goose Game. Here, they can get up to all kinds of mischief using a honking goose as their main character.

If you’re looking to get a reaction from your kids with a game, this is the one to buy.

So there you have it, our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids. If you’re looking for more suggestions that won’t cost the earth, make sure to read our guide to the best free Nintendo Switch games too. They might not all be child-friendly, but they will save you from whipping out your wallet. Likewise, there’s also the chart-topping best Switch exclusives that you can only play on this unique handheld.