10+ Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids to Play in 2025: Family Fun

Nintendo continues its long-running family-friendly legacy by offering some of the best Switch Games for kids to play. The handheld launched in 2017 and has received some great kid-friendly titles that almost everyone can enjoy. From relaxing games like Animal Crossing to tentpole titles like Legend of Zelda, there’s a wide variety of titles to play.

While the video game industry is moving towards maturity, Nintendo remains committed to delivering family-oriented content. Mario remains the same happy plumber, Link is still saving Zelda, and Luigi has his own (great) game series. The Nintendo Switch is also safer for kids. The device has limited access to the internet, most games don’t have voice chat, and the parental controls are well implemented.

Here is our list of the best Nintendo Switch Games for kids to play in 2025.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids to Play in 2025
3. More of the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in 2025
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids to Play in 2025
3. More of the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in 2025
Show Full Guide
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids to Play in 2025

10. Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 is for slightly older kids ages 6-10. The game lets players create classic 2D Mario levels themselves, test them out, and play. The first game established the formula on Wii U, and the second game further refined it. Kids will love making their levels and seeing friends play them locally or online.

The game also introduces kids to basic game-making, especially level design. The kid-friendly tools are easy to grasp and play with, further letting kids express their creativity. The game also has cooperative levels, making it one of the best co-op Switch games for kids. Super Mario Maker 2 is the best place to start if your kids want to make video games.

9. Yoshi’s Crafted World

Yoshi’s Crafted World looks like a middle school diorama. The adorable dinosaur Yoshi is made from fabric, and the levels are made from cardboard and school supplies. One look at the game, and you’ll know it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.

The gameplay is simple, too, with no complicated mechanics between the kids and fun. Yoshi’s Crafted World has plenty of exploration, too, letting players discover cute secrets around levels. The game is not punishing and doesn’t require accurate platforming to clear. A “Mellow Mode” even lets Yoshi fly around safely through the levels. Yoshi’s Crafted World is among the best kids’ games for Nintendo Switch.

8. Splatoon 3

A multiplayer shooter made for kids is a strange concept, but Nintendo pulled it off with Splatoon. The third installment is still one of the best multiplayer Switch games for kids and comes with a well-made campaign. Splatoon 3 replaces actual guns with paint guns, making shooting other players a lot more fun.

The basic idea is to cover the whole level with your colored goop. So, if team Yellow covers most of the level, they win the match. This simple concept is made fun with intuitive controls, great online play, and team-based matches. While the game is made for slightly older kids from 7 to 10 years of age, its campaign can be enjoyed by young ones, too.

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land features Kirby doing what Kirby usually does: swallowing everything. While terrifying, Kirby, the adorable pink creature, makes everything kid-friendly. The platformer has an excellent level design that requires kids to think outside the box (or eat it) to beat it. It’s one of the best platformers for Switch, too.

The game takes roughly 15 hours to complete, and the runtime doubles if the kid is young. The Mouthful Mode is implemented extremely well in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Aside from repetitive mini-bosses, which are great for smaller gamers, the game is a polished experience ready to be enjoyed by all.

6. New Pokémon Snap

The New Pokémon Snap is a lovely ride that kids can enjoy without pressure from turn-based battles. Like the original game, the New Pokémon Snap takes players on a guided journey through the world of Pokémon. The goal is to observe and snap the pocket monsters, not capture them.

The guided on-rails experience makes New Pokémon Snap one of the best Switch games for kids. The relaxed and easy-going gameplay, compared with fan favorite Pokémon, provides an enjoyable gameplay loop. Kids will love seeing their favorite adorable monsters in their natural habitats.

5. Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports brings the beloved Wii Sports experience to modern audiences. Nintendo loves motion controls, and the this title takes full advantage of motion-enabled Switch Joy-Con controllers. The controllers are converted into rackets, bowling balls, and even swords for wholesome action.

The difficulty is kept casual in Nintendo Switch Sports, so kids and adults alike can enjoy it together. While not all sports are created equal, your kid will find and enjoy a few favorites. If you are looking for the best Switch games for kids under 10, you won’t go wrong with Nintendo Switch Sports.

4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Kids love Pokémon, whether it’s anime or card games. So naturally, Nintendo Switch also offers some of the best Pokémon games ever made. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the long-running series’s highly awaited reboot and brings new features to the formula. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an open-world adventure that lets kids roam around and capture Pokémon. It’s our pick for the best Pokémon game, too.

The open-world nature of the game lets kids explore at their own pace. The exploration is addictive and adds to the experience. There’s something special about seeing Pokémon in the wild, approaching them, and finally capturing them. While this game is a little advanced for young gamers, slightly older ones will love adventuring in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It’s an easy pick for the best Switch games for kids in 2025.

3. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 brings Mario’s green-colored brother to the forefront. The adventure is a little spooky, with cartoonish ghosts roaming the mansion. Luigi is back to ghostbusting in one of the best-looking Nintendo Switch titles.

The best part about Luigi’s Mansion 3 is Gooigi, a slimy clone that lets two players explore the mansion. Gooigi is also invincible, making him the perfect choice for young gamers. New gamers can tag along with a parent or older sibling without added pressure. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is one of the best co-op Switch games for kids.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is among the best-selling games on the platform. It is a polished and complete experience that will provide hours upon hours of racing fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be hard for young gamers, but anyone above five should be fine. The controls are simple, but Nintendo includes auto-steering assists to aid young ones. It’s also one of the best racing games ever made, too.

The game includes all DLC tracks and a redone battle mode. If you love Mario Kart, you’ll love what Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers. The game has all the classic characters from across Nintendo properties, so racing as Princess Peach or Zelda is possible here. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best Switch games for young kids, thanks to assisted modes.

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game for kids learning to read. You live on an island inhabited by adorable animal neighbors. The neighbors are all very chatty, which might make some young gamers lose attention, but everyone loves a cute puppy. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the best Nintendo Switch games for young kids.

Older kids who are just starting to read will love Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game takes the stress out of gaming and presents a relaxed and easygoing gaming experience. Even the debt-collecting raccoon, Tom Nook, is nice to you.

More of the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in 2025

The Bottom Line

Nintendo’s handheld is home to some of the best Switch games for kids, with almost all games catering to young gamers. The console itself comes with good parental controls. Combine that with a surprisingly robust mobile app; you can see when and what games your kids are playing on the console.

Gaming is always fun when more people are involved, so get some of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids and jump in.

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