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The best Switch games for kids

Our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids is full of boredom busters to keep those weekends filled with fun and keep little ones occupied

Switch games for kids Mario Kart 8 deluxe: Mario celebrating

Not sure what the younger generation is looking for? We’ve got you covered with our list of the best Switch games for kids. Deck out their new-fangled Nintendo Switch with some cute and chilled choices or some mad multiplayer options to get the whole family involved for a game night.

Wanna get some more bang for your buck? Here are the current Roblox free items you can grab, and our picks for the best Fortnite Skins. Check out our Marvel Snap tier list to keep your deck looking sharp.

Here are our picks for the best Switch games for kids.

Switch games for kids Mario Kart 8 deluxe: Mario celebrating

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Get those wheels turning with a fast-paced multiplayer game: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe races past all the other racing games on Switch to take the number one spot. Pick from classic Mario and Nintendo characters to be your driver as you zoom around themed tracks, hoping to be the winner. You can use items to trip others up and overtake them in the normal races or take part in the battle modes for extra fun.

Switch games for kids Animal Crossing New Horizons: A villager creating a path

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Nintendo Switch’s Animal Crossing entry offers a delightful adventure, where you can decorate your island to your liking and meet plenty of villagers to become neighbours and friends. Fish, hunt for bugs, pick fruit all day long and then stroll around the shops and the museum to your hearts’ content. There are no threats or dangers here, just a lovely time on your very own tropical island.

Here’s our guide to all ACNH villagers and which Animal Crossing amiibo you can get.

Switch games for kids Slime Rancher: feeding some slimes

Slime Rancher: Plortable Edition

Slime Rancher is the cutest first-person ‘shooter’ you’ll ever encounter. The main character is Beatrix LeBeau, a rancher sent to the Far Far Ranch. Here it’s your job to discover all the species of Slimes and make some cash on the Plort market (Plorts are the, uh, excretions of Slimes). Expand your Ranch, play minigames, and discover the mysterious world around you.

The game is bursting with adorable Slimes to collect and look after in your Ranch. Slime Rancher has a peaceful option, too, that removes the evil Tarr for a more relaxing experience.

Switch games for kids Skywalker Saga: two characters locked in battle

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

What’s better than Star Wars? Lego and Star Wars, of course! Relive the classic story in the Skywalker Saga, featuring all nine films in a plastic world. Play as iconic characters and get to grips with your lightsaber as you save the galaxy.

Check out our Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga review and all the Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga classes.

Switch games for kids Splatoon 3: an inkling in battle

Splatoon 3

If you’re in the market for something a little faster-paced, then Splatoon 3 is a great option. In Splatoon, all the characters are squid-like humans, and all have a thirst for battle. Two teams of four face off against each other and attempt to ink the most turf by throwing different coloured paint around. You can ‘splat’ each other to gain an upper hand and extra points, too!

There are plenty of things to do in Splatsville, like clothes shopping and the Tableturf Battle card game – or, you could take on a challenging Salmon Run shift collecting golden eggs for a big paycheck.

Here’s Splatoon 3 Salmon Run explained if you want to know more and our Splatoon 3 review.

Switch games for kids Pokemon Lets Go: a trainer and a Pikachu in a garden

Pokémon Let’s Go! Eevee and Pikachu

Pokémon Let’s Go! has two versions where you have an Eevee or a Pikachu right by your side. They’re a remake of the old classic Pokémon Yellow, introducing a new generation of trainers to the wonder that is Pokémon.

The Let’s Go Pokémon games are probably the easiest in recent years, and some of the most fun to play thanks to their motion control adaptation, and the use of one joy-con to throw balls at unsuspecting Pokémon. The art style is delightful, too, and makes the world feel rich and lively. Here’s our full Pokédex for you to feast your eyes on.

Switch games for kids Minecraft: monsters advancing on a house

Minecraft

At this point, Minecraft is a staple for anyone’s game collection. You can build, explore, mine, and craft your way to a thriving homestead in this blocky world. You can play it on your own or invite a few people to craft some stuff together, using different difficulties to tone down the monsters, if you like.

To help get you started, here are our guides to Minecraft diamonds, Minecraft servers, and some of the best Minecraft builds.

Switch games for kids fall Guys: bean shaped characters racing

Fall Guys

There’s nothing better than a free game, especially one as addictive and fun as Fall Guys. Featuring big online races between lots of players, Fall Guys is fun for all the family as there’s no threat – unless you’re a sore loser! Dress your character in different outfits and run, jump, and dive to the finish line to secure the crown.

Switch games for kids Nickelodeon All Star brawl: Patrick and Sandy getting ready to fight

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a fast-paced fighting game filled with iconic cartoons. Pick a classic Nickelodeon character and battle it out against Spongebob, Danny Phantom and more in multiplayer battles, set on themed stages from your favourite shows. Check out our Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl tier list to see which character is best.

A minigame in Cuddly Forest Friends

Cuddly Forest Friends

Perhaps fighting games aren’t what you’re looking for, so let us recommend Cuddly Forest Friends. This adorable game features nine little animals for you to care for that help you out around the forest. Collect their Happy Feelings and help the forest grow around you while completing tasks and playing minigames. The minigames are multiplayer, too, so get the family together for some fun!

For some in-game freebies, check out these Roblox promo codes, Pixel Piece codes, and Pokémon Go promo codes to get ahead!