Nintendo Switch games for kids: gift picks by age
The short answer
Start with their age, then check which Switch they have. Every game we link to comes in the box, carries an age rating and has no loot boxes or paid packs.
Ages 3–5: Switch games to give
*Paid link
For 3 to 5 year olds, start with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Everything here is rated ESRB E or lower.For 3 to 5 year olds, start with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Everything here is rated PEGI 3 or lower.
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Apr 2017
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A good fit for a six-to-eight-year-old and older siblings racing side by side after dinner, with so little reading needed that even the youngest can join in.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Jun 2025
Mario Kart World
Siblings of different ages can race side by side on one screen after dinner. Little reading is needed, so younger drivers can join in right away.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Platformer · out Oct 2023
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
For siblings of different ages who want to play together on one console on a rainy weekend, with little reading needed so a younger child can keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Outright Games
Adventure · out Nov 2023
Bluey: The Videogame
Young Bluey fans aged three to eight can explore alongside a parent or big sister on a slow Sunday morning. Hardly any reading is needed, so pre-readers can join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
See all 5 for ages 3–5
Image credit: Outright Games
Adventure · out Sep 2023
PAW Patrol World
A PAW Patrol fan aged three to eight can team up with a parent or grandparent on a birthday afternoon. Little reading is needed, so pre-readers can join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Ages 6–8: Switch games to give
*Paid link
For 6 to 8 year olds, start with Super Mario Party Jamboree. Everything here is rated ESRB E or lower.For 6 to 8 year olds, start with Super Mario Party Jamboree. Everything here is rated PEGI 7 or lower.
Image credit: Nintendo
Party · out Oct 2024
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Brings a board game to the TV for a seven-year-old, a sibling and a grandparent on a family game night, with up to four players sharing one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Apr 2017
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A good fit for a six-to-eight-year-old and older siblings racing side by side after dinner, with so little reading needed that even the youngest can join in.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Jun 2025
Mario Kart World
Siblings of different ages can race side by side on one screen after dinner. Little reading is needed, so younger drivers can join in right away.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Platformer · out Oct 2023
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
For siblings of different ages who want to play together on one console on a rainy weekend, with little reading needed so a younger child can keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
See all 19 for ages 6–8
Platformer · out Oct 2025
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Two space adventures for a six-to-eleven-year-old who enjoys leaping between planets, and a sibling can help out on the same console after dinner. Very little reading is needed.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Life sim · out Mar 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Suits a nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and likes animals and building. A thoughtful birthday present with plenty of reading and an island to shape at their own pace.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Platformer · out Jan 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong fans of six to eleven who like running and jumping can team up with a sibling on a rainy weekend. Hardly any reading is needed to join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Adventure · out Oct 2019
Luigi's Mansion 3
For a six-to-eight-year-old who likes Luigi and solving puzzles, it suits an evening after dinner. Little reading is needed, and two siblings can team up on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Life sim · out Mar 2026
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon-loving builders of six to eleven can shape a cozy world at their own pace, a gentle birthday present. Expect some reading along the way.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Party · out Mar 2021
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Siblings who like teamwork, from a six-year-old to a young teen, can run a busy kitchen together after dinner. Hardly any reading, and everyone plays on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Sports · out Feb 2026
Mario Tennis Fever
Siblings of six to eleven who like Mario can trade rallies on one console over a rainy weekend. Very little reading is needed, so younger players keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Platformer · out Feb 2021
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Siblings aged six to eleven can team up in Mario jumping levels after dinner. Four can share one console, and little reading is needed.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out May 2026
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
A child of six to eight who adores Yoshi can hop through this platformer on a quiet evening after dinner. Very little reading is needed, so early readers can follow along.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Image credit: Outright Games
Adventure · out Nov 2023
Bluey: The Videogame
Young Bluey fans aged three to eight can explore alongside a parent or big sister on a slow Sunday morning. Hardly any reading is needed, so pre-readers can join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: SEGA
Racing · out Sep 2025
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
For six-to-eleven-year-olds who know Sonic, this suits a birthday party, with friends racing side by side on one console. Little reading is needed, so early readers can join every race.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Outright Games
Adventure · out Sep 2023
PAW Patrol World
A PAW Patrol fan aged three to eight can team up with a parent or grandparent on a birthday afternoon. Little reading is needed, so pre-readers can join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Party · out Sep 2025
LEGO Party!
Siblings aged six to eleven who like LEGO can play together on one console on a rainy weekend. Little reading is needed, so younger players can keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Adventure · out Jun 2024
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
A six-to-eleven-year-old who likes Mario and solving puzzles could unwrap this on a birthday morning. Little reading is needed, so younger players can explore on their own.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Sunblink
Life sim · out Jan 2025
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
A Hello Kitty fan aged six to eleven can settle into a life-sim adventure on a birthday afternoon. Some reading along the way suits a child who reads fairly well.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Ages 9–12: Switch games to giveAges 9–11: Switch games to give
*Paid link
For 9 to 12 year olds, start with Super Mario Party Jamboree. Everything here is rated ESRB E10+ or lower.For 9 to 11 year olds, start with Super Mario Party Jamboree. Everything here is rated PEGI 7 or lower.
Image credit: Nintendo
Party · out Oct 2024
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Brings a board game to the TV for a seven-year-old, a sibling and a grandparent on a family game night, with up to four players sharing one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Apr 2017
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A good fit for a six-to-eight-year-old and older siblings racing side by side after dinner, with so little reading needed that even the youngest can join in.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Jun 2025
Mario Kart World
Siblings of different ages can race side by side on one screen after dinner. Little reading is needed, so younger drivers can join in right away.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Platformer · out Oct 2023
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
For siblings of different ages who want to play together on one console on a rainy weekend, with little reading needed so a younger child can keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
See all 34 for ages 9–12
Image credit: Nintendo
Platformer · out Jul 2025
Donkey Kong Bananza
For a nine-to-fourteen-year-old who likes jumping and exploring, this platform adventure makes a cheerful birthday present. Little reading is needed, so the fun starts right away.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Nintendo
Life sim · out Mar 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Suits a nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and likes animals and building. A thoughtful birthday present with plenty of reading and an island to shape at their own pace.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
RPG · out Oct 2025
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Made for a Pokémon fan of nine to fourteen who reads well and enjoys a solo adventure on a rainy weekend. There is plenty of on-screen text to follow.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Platformer · out Mar 2022
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
A nine-to-eleven-year-old who likes bright, bouncy adventures can team up with a brother or sister on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Very little reading gets in the way.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Nov 2025
Kirby Air Riders
A Kirby fan of nine to fourteen who enjoys speedy racing gets a cheerful treat for the end of the school year. It asks for little reading, so racing starts quickly.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Adventure · out Sep 2024
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
For a puzzle-loving child of nine to fourteen, this Zelda adventure makes a thoughtful end-of-school present. It has some reading along the way, so it suits a steady reader.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out Oct 2025
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Two space adventures for a six-to-eleven-year-old who enjoys leaping between planets, and a sibling can help out on the same console after dinner. Very little reading is needed.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Building · out Jun 2018
Minecraft
Young builders aged nine to fourteen can shape blocky worlds side by side after dinner with the family. Little reading is needed, so a younger sibling can help too.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional shop in the game; parents can block purchases.
Platformer · out Jan 2025
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong fans of six to eleven who like running and jumping can team up with a sibling on a rainy weekend. Hardly any reading is needed to join in.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Strategy · out Jul 2023
Pikmin 4
A nine-to-eleven-year-old who enjoys planning and exploring could spend a slow Sunday afternoon on this adventure. A brother, sister or friend can help on the same console.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
RPG · out Nov 2024
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
A nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and enjoys Mario can settle into this role-playing adventure on a long car trip. There is plenty of reading, so it suits a confident reader.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Action · out Mar 2024
Princess Peach: Showtime!
A birthday present for a child of nine to eleven who enjoys Mario characters and action adventures. Little reading is needed, so they can follow along on their own.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Life sim · out Mar 2026
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon-loving builders of six to eleven can shape a cozy world at their own pace, a gentle birthday present. Expect some reading along the way.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
RPG · out May 2024
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Suited to a strong reader of nine to eleven who likes Mario, ready for a rainy weekend. There is plenty of reading on screen.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Sports · out Feb 2026
Mario Tennis Fever
Siblings of six to eleven who like Mario can trade rallies on one console over a rainy weekend. Very little reading is needed, so younger players keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Adventure · out Oct 2019
Luigi's Mansion 3
For a six-to-eight-year-old who likes Luigi and solving puzzles, it suits an evening after dinner. Little reading is needed, and two siblings can team up on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Platformer · out May 2026
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
A child of six to eight who adores Yoshi can hop through this platformer on a quiet evening after dinner. Very little reading is needed, so early readers can follow along.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Image credit: Nintendo
Sports · out Apr 2022
Nintendo Switch Sports
Rainy weekends turn active when a ten-year-old and their siblings play sports together in the living room. Little reading is needed, so the whole family can join in.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: SEGA
Racing · out Sep 2025
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
For six-to-eleven-year-olds who know Sonic, this suits a birthday party, with friends racing side by side on one console. Little reading is needed, so early readers can join every race.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Party · out Mar 2021
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Siblings who like teamwork, from a six-year-old to a young teen, can run a busy kitchen together after dinner. Hardly any reading, and everyone plays on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Party · out Sep 2025
LEGO Party!
Siblings aged six to eleven who like LEGO can play together on one console on a rainy weekend. Little reading is needed, so younger players can keep up.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out Feb 2021
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Siblings aged six to eleven can team up in Mario jumping levels after dinner. Four can share one console, and little reading is needed.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Sunblink
Life sim · out Jan 2025
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
A Hello Kitty fan aged six to eleven can settle into a life-sim adventure on a birthday afternoon. Some reading along the way suits a child who reads fairly well.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Apr 2022
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Siblings who love Star Wars can team up side by side on one console after dinner. It suits nine-to-fourteen-year-olds, and little reading is needed to follow along.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: SEGA
Platformer · out Oct 2024
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Running and jumping levels suit a Sonic fan aged nine to fourteen on a rainy weekend. Very little reading is needed, so a child who reads slowly can keep up.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
RPG · out Nov 2022
Pokémon Scarlet
A nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and loves Pokémon could spend a birthday exploring a big open world at their own pace. Expect plenty of reading along the way.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: PlayStation
Action · out Nov 2024
LEGO Horizon Adventures
For a nine-to-eleven-year-old LEGO fan who likes action, this suits a rainy weekend at home. Two can play on one console, and little reading is needed.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Sports · out Jun 2022
Mario Strikers: Battle League
For nine-to-fourteen-year-olds who like soccer and Mario, this suits a rainy weekend with friends over. Up to four can play on one console, and little reading is needed.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Action · out Jul 2026
Splatoon Raiders
Nine-to-fourteen-year-olds who like Splatoon can set off on a solo action adventure during a long car trip. Expect some reading along the way.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Adventure · out Jun 2024
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
A six-to-eleven-year-old who likes Mario and solving puzzles could unwrap this on a birthday morning. Little reading is needed, so younger players can explore on their own.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Ages 13–14: Switch games to giveAges 12–14: Switch games to give
*Paid link
For 13 to 14 year olds, start with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Everything here is rated ESRB T or lower.For 12 to 14 year olds, start with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Everything here is rated PEGI 12 or lower.
Image credit: Nintendo
Life sim · out Mar 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Suits a nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and likes animals and building. A thoughtful birthday present with plenty of reading and an island to shape at their own pace.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Jun 2025
Mario Kart World
Siblings of different ages can race side by side on one screen after dinner. Little reading is needed, so younger drivers can join in right away.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Image credit: Nintendo
Platformer · out Jul 2025
Donkey Kong Bananza
For a nine-to-fourteen-year-old who likes jumping and exploring, this platform adventure makes a cheerful birthday present. Little reading is needed, so the fun starts right away.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Adventure · out Sep 2024
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
For a puzzle-loving child of nine to fourteen, this Zelda adventure makes a thoughtful end-of-school present. It has some reading along the way, so it suits a steady reader.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
See all 19 for ages 13–14
RPG · out Oct 2025
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Made for a Pokémon fan of nine to fourteen who reads well and enjoys a solo adventure on a rainy weekend. There is plenty of on-screen text to follow.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Building · out Jun 2018
Minecraft
Young builders aged nine to fourteen can shape blocky worlds side by side after dinner with the family. Little reading is needed, so a younger sibling can help too.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional shop in the game; parents can block purchases.
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Nov 2025
Kirby Air Riders
A Kirby fan of nine to fourteen who enjoys speedy racing gets a cheerful treat for the end of the school year. It asks for little reading, so racing starts quickly.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Image credit: Nintendo
Adventure · out May 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Made for a teen who likes Zelda and exploring on their own, it suits the end of school. A big open world to return to, with some reading along the way.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Nov 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Suits a Zelda fan of twelve to seventeen who enjoys action and adventure, and makes a lively birthday gift. Two can play together in couch co-op on one console.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Fighting · out Dec 2018
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A teen who likes Mario, Pokémon and Zelda can bring friends together at a birthday sleepover. Little reading is needed, so everyone jumps straight into the matches.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Action · out Dec 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
A teen of twelve to seventeen who enjoys exploring alone can sink into this action adventure once the school year ends. No internet is needed, though there is some reading.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: Nintendo
Sports · out Apr 2022
Nintendo Switch Sports
Rainy weekends turn active when a ten-year-old and their siblings play sports together in the living room. Little reading is needed, so the whole family can join in.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Image credit: SEGA
Platformer · out Oct 2024
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Running and jumping levels suit a Sonic fan aged nine to fourteen on a rainy weekend. Very little reading is needed, so a child who reads slowly can keep up.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Party · out Mar 2021
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Siblings who like teamwork, from a six-year-old to a young teen, can run a busy kitchen together after dinner. Hardly any reading, and everyone plays on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Jul 2026
Splatoon Raiders
Nine-to-fourteen-year-olds who like Splatoon can set off on a solo action adventure during a long car trip. Expect some reading along the way.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Life sim · out Oct 2017
Stardew Valley
For a twelve-year-old who reads well, tending a farm at their own pace makes a fitting end-of-school gift, and up to four can farm together on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Strategy · out Sep 2026
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
Teens who enjoy planning each move and read well can settle into this solo strategy adventure after school. There is plenty of reading, so it suits a patient player.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Action · out Apr 2022
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Siblings who love Star Wars can team up side by side on one console after dinner. It suits nine-to-fourteen-year-olds, and little reading is needed to follow along.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Sports · out Jun 2022
Mario Strikers: Battle League
For nine-to-fourteen-year-olds who like soccer and Mario, this suits a rainy weekend with friends over. Up to four can play on one console, and little reading is needed.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Ages 15–17: Switch games to give
*Paid link
For 15 to 17 year olds, start with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Everything here is rated ESRB T or lower.For 15 to 17 year olds, start with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Everything here is rated PEGI 12 or lower.
Image credit: Nintendo
Adventure · out May 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Made for a teen who likes Zelda and exploring on their own, it suits the end of school. A big open world to return to, with some reading along the way.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Nov 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Suits a Zelda fan of twelve to seventeen who enjoys action and adventure, and makes a lively birthday gift. Two can play together in couch co-op on one console.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Action · out Dec 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
A teen of twelve to seventeen who enjoys exploring alone can sink into this action adventure once the school year ends. No internet is needed, though there is some reading.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fighting · out Dec 2018
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A teen who likes Mario, Pokémon and Zelda can bring friends together at a birthday sleepover. Little reading is needed, so everyone jumps straight into the matches.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
See all 7 for ages 15–17
RPG · out Mar 2025
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Suits a fifteen-to-seventeen-year-old who reads well and loves exploring, a gift for the end of the school year. Plenty of reading; it plays solo, with optional online play.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Life sim · out Oct 2017
Stardew Valley
For a twelve-year-old who reads well, tending a farm at their own pace makes a fitting end-of-school gift, and up to four can farm together on one console.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Works on Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Strategy · out Sep 2026
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
Teens who enjoy planning each move and read well can settle into this solo strategy adventure after school. There is plenty of reading, so it suits a patient player.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Game in the box · No internet needed
Switch 2 only: won’t play on the first Switch
Optional extras for sale in the game
Which Switch games play on Switch 2?
Switch games play on Switch 2, apart from a few on Nintendo's list. We check each one. Games marked Switch 2 only don't work on the older Switch.
Some Switch 2 boxes hold a game-key card. That is a download, not the game. Every pick here has the game in the box.
Good extras for a Switch
*Paid link
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
A controller of their own from Nintendo, for a child who already has the console.
Fits Switch 2: yes. Fits Switch: no.
Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of 2)
A matching pair of Nintendo wheels, so two players each have one of their own.
Fits Switch 2: yes. Fits Switch: no.
Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip
Fits Switch 2: yes. Fits Switch: no.
PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock
Keeps the controllers charged and ready, so a sibling or friend never waits to join in.
Fits Switch 2: no. Fits Switch: yes.
How do I give a Switch game as a present?
A boxed game wraps flat and neat, so it is easy to hide. Our guide shows how to wrap a game box.
Giving a console too? Charge it and run the update the night before. Then set the parental controls in the free Nintendo app.
Before you buy a Switch game
Before you buy: Switch 2
Yes, for ages 5 to 12: families who play together on one sofa, and long trips in the car.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : yes
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible Nintendo Switch games, on cartridge or download; a few Switch games are not supported or have issues, so check Nintendo's list for an older game. Some Switch games need the original Switch Joy-Con to play (for example Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports). A game-key card does not hold the game: it is a key to download it over the internet, and the box says so (a key icon on the card). Switch 2 takes only microSD Express memory cards; a microSD card from the first Switch will not save or load games on it. The free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app sets a daily play time and which games can be played by ESRB rating; eShop spending is limited in the parent's Nintendo Account. Playing over the internet needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for many games; a few free games play online without it.
Other consoles? Which one to give ›
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
Before you buy: Switch
Yes, for under 9s and a big library of family games; the Lite is a handheld with built-in controls.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : yes
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
Nintendo Switch Lite does not play on the TV. Switch Lite plays the Switch games that support handheld mode; extra controllers connect wirelessly and are sold separately. Same parental controls app and online membership as Switch 2.
Other consoles? Which one to give ›
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
What Switch game should I get a 6-year-old?
Pick a game for two or more players that needs no reading and no internet. Look for the ESRB E rating. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party Jamboree are easy to share with a parent or a sibling.
Do these Switch games need the internet?
Most of them need no internet at all. Online play on Switch needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online plan, which a parent sets up. The parental controls app can turn off chat and spending.
Why are some big online games not on this list?
We skip games built on loot boxes or paid packs. If they love building worlds, try Minecraft or a LEGO game. For football, Mario Strikers: Battle League has the same feel.
A Pokémon fan? Our guide on Pokémon booster packs as a gift covers the cards, plush and decks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.