Nintendo Switch games for kids: gift picks by age
The short answer
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is our first pick for ages 6 to 8. Every game we link to comes in the box, carries an age rating and is not built on loot boxes or paid packs.
No games match these choices. Try another age, console or interest.
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Apr 2017
Ages 3–12Ages 3–11
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
Ages 3–14
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: Outright Games
Adventure · out Nov 2023
Ages 3–8
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: Outright Games
Adventure · out Sep 2023
Ages 3–8
PAW Patrol World
A PAW Patrol fan aged three to eight can team up with a parent or grandparent on a slow 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Life sim · out Mar 2020
Ages 6–14
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Suits a nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and likes animals and building. A thoughtful gift 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Party · out Oct 2024
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: SEGA
Racing · out Sep 2025
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Six-to-eleven-year-olds who know Sonic can race friends 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Platformer · out Jul 2025
Ages 10–14
Donkey Kong Bananza
For a ten-to-fourteen-year-old who likes jumping and exploring, this platform adventure makes a cheerful gift. 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
Action · out Mar 2024
Ages 10–12Ages 10–11
Princess Peach: Showtime!
A good gift for a child of ten 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
Image credit: Nintendo
Sports · out Apr 2022
Ages 10–14
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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: PlayStation
Action · out Nov 2024
Ages 10–12Ages 10–11
LEGO Horizon Adventures
For a ten-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
Image credit: SEGA
Platformer · out Oct 2024
Ages 10–14
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Running and jumping levels suit a Sonic fan aged ten 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out Oct 2023
Ages 3–12Ages 3–11
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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out Oct 2025
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Platformer · out Jan 2025
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Life sim · out Mar 2026
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon-loving builders of six to eleven can shape a cozy world at their own pace, a gentle gift. 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
Sports · out Feb 2026
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out May 2026
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Party · out Mar 2021
Ages 6–14
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
Platformer · out Feb 2021
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Party · out Sep 2025
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
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
Life sim · out Jan 2025
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
A Hello Kitty fan aged six to eleven can settle into a life-sim adventure on a slow 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
Adventure · out Jun 2024
Ages 6–12Ages 6–11
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
A good gift for a six-to-eleven-year-old who likes Mario and solving puzzles. 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Platformer · out Mar 2022
Ages 10–12Ages 10–11
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
A ten-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
Adventure · out Sep 2024
Ages 10–14
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
For a puzzle-loving child of ten to fourteen, this Zelda adventure makes a thoughtful gift. 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
RPG · out Nov 2024
Ages 9–12Ages 9–11
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
Building · out Jun 2018
Ages 10–14
Minecraft
Young builders aged ten to fourteen can shape blocky worlds side by side after dinner with the family. Little reading is needed, so a brother or sister can help too.
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional shop in the game; parents can block purchases.
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Strategy · out Jul 2023
Ages 10–12Ages 10–11
Pikmin 4
A ten-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 May 2024
Ages 9–12Ages 9–11
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
Action · out Jul 2026
Ages 10–14
Splatoon Raiders
Ten-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
Action · out Apr 2022
Ages 10–14
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Siblings who love Star Wars can team up side by side on one console after dinner. It suits ten-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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Sports · out Jun 2022
Ages 10–14
Mario Strikers: Battle League
For ten-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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Nov 2025
Ages 13–17
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Suits a Zelda fan of thirteen to seventeen who enjoys action and adventure, and makes a lively 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
Ages 13–17Ages 12–17
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A teen who likes Mario, Pokémon and Zelda can bring friends together on the sofa. 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Strategy · out Sep 2026
Ages 13–17
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
Teens who enjoy planning each move and read well can settle into this solo strategy adventure for weeks. 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
Life sim · out Oct 2017
Ages 13–17Ages 12–17
Stardew Valley
For a twelve-year-old who reads well, tending a farm at their own pace makes a fitting 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
RPG · out Mar 2025
Ages 15–17
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Suits a fifteen-to-seventeen-year-old who reads well and loves exploring, a gift with a huge world to get lost in. 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Image credit: Nintendo
Racing · out Nov 2025
Ages 10–14
Kirby Air Riders
A Kirby fan of ten to fourteen who enjoys speedy racing gets a cheerful gift. 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
Ages 13–17Ages 12–17
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Made for a teen who likes Zelda and exploring on their own. A big open world to return to again and again, 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
RPG · out Oct 2025
Ages 10–14
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Made for a Pokémon fan of ten 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · Internet for some modes
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
RPG · out Nov 2022
Ages 9–12Ages 9–11
Pokémon Scarlet
A nine-to-eleven-year-old who reads well and loves Pokémon can explore 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
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Action · out Dec 2025
Ages 13–17
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
A teen of thirteen to seventeen who enjoys exploring alone can sink into this action adventure for hours. No internet is needed, though there is some reading.
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Game in the box · No internet needed
Optional extras for sale in the game
Fits: Switch 2 yes · Switch yes
Check the rating and console on the box before buying.
New to video games? 6 quick answers
- Which Switch do they have?
- Ask a parent if you are not sure. Then pick a game marked ✓ for both: it plays on a Switch and a Switch 2. A Switch Lite plays in the hand only, not on the TV. Compare Switch models
- Is it right for their age?
- Each card shows the ages it suits and the official age rating from the box, so you can match the game to the child.
- Will it cost more later?
- Every game here is complete in the box and not built on loot boxes or paid packs. Parents can set daily play time in the free Parental Controls app and limit spending in their Nintendo Account.
- Does it need the internet?
- Each card says. Playing online with friends often needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online plan; playing together on one console does not.
- Can the family play together?
- Each card shows how many can play. Many games here let two to four play on one console, so you can join in too.
- What should I avoid?
- A “game-key card” box holds only a download key, not the game. Every pick here has the game in the box. Game-key cards
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 (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue
A spare pair of controllers in bright red and blue, handy for family game nights.
Fits Switch 2: no. Fits Switch: yes.
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector
Gives the console its own carrying case, with a screen protector to help guard against scratches.
Fits Switch 2: yes. Fits Switch: no.
Nintendo Switch Carrying Case & Screen Protector
Lets a child take the console on car trips and sleepovers, screen kept safe from scratches.
Fits Switch 2: no. Fits Switch: yes.
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.
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.
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.