Remember the nights spent with a Game Boy in hand? The vacations where you played with siblings and cousins on the SNES?
Or the parties where you and your friends danced together or played sports titles on the Wii? You probably have plenty of fond memories associated with Nintendo consoles from your childhood or teenage years…
The latest console from Nintendo, the Switch, is the perfect system for the youngest gamers, and its library is full of excellent games for a family gaming night (including old, classic titles you played as a kid)!
Today, we’ll introduce you to some fun, family-friendly, multiplayer Switch games that you can successfully play with your kids. Educational games for the youngest, or something to interest a reluctant teenager in shared activities? Here’s a list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids of all ages – which will also appeal to your inner child!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mario Party Superstars | 2021-10-29 | Action | Nintendo |
 | Just Dance 2024 Edition | 2023-10-24 | Sport | Ubisoft Montpellier |
 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 2017-04-28 | Racing | Nintendo EPD |
 | Fire Emblem Three Houses | 2019-07-26 | Adventure | Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd. |
 | Animal Crossing New Horizons | 2020-03-20 | Simulation | Nintendo EPD |
 | Overcooked 2 | 2018-08-07 | Indie | Ghost Town Games |
 | Super Mario Maker 2 | 2019-06-28 | Puzzle | Nintendo EPD |
 | Luigis Mansion 3 | 2019-10-31 | Action | Next Level Games |
 | Splatoon 2 | 2017-07-21 | Action | Nintendo |
 | Super Smash Bros Ultimate | 2018-12-07 | Fighting | Sora |
 | Minecraft | 2011-11-18 | Sandbox | Mojang Studios |
 | Snipperclips Cut It Out Together | 2017-03-03 | Puzzle | Nintendo |
 | Mario Tennis Aces | 2018-06-22 | Sport | Camelot Software Planning |
Mario Party Superstars
| Release date: | 2021-10-29 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
Another, already the twelfth part of the party game series, which debuted on the Nintendo 64 and Game Cube consoles. This title was inspired by all previous installments and, of course, takes us to the universe of the moustachioed plumber brothers – Mario Bros.
The game offers us five (reminiscent of board game) levels known from previous installments, on which we can play up to a hundred different minigames – ranging from races, through puzzles, time tasks, to sports activities.
This title was created with multiplayer competition and co-op in mind, which can be played on the same console and over the network. It’s a great option for both spending a family evening with the Switch and playing with loved ones who live far away from us!
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Just Dance 2024 Edition
| Release date: | 2023-10-24 |
| Genre: | Sport |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montpellier |
This is another instalment of the rhythm game franchise developed by Ubisoft since 2009, perfect for parties and family gatherings. Feeling like some physical activity? Or maybe you want to learn to dance? This game will be the perfect choice!
The game is all about dancing – imitating the moves of virtual coaches to selected songs. Each part of the game introduces new choreographies and songs that will appeal to both parents and kids – there’s no shortage of tracks from the 80s, 90s, as well as the latest hits from popular artists.
During play on PS or Xbox, it is necessary to install the game-related app, but Nintendo Switch users don’t have to do this, thanks to the super sensitive Joy-Cons, which detect players’ movements!
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
| Release date: | 2017-04-28 |
| Genre: | Racing |
| Developer: | Nintendo EPD |
This is both another installment of the Mario Kart series and an enhanced and renewed version of the Mario Kart 8 game, which was released in 2014 on the Wii console. This title combines all the best elements of the previous parts and is undoubtedly one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.
In the game, we participate in various races, embodying characters known from the Mario Bros. universe. However, interestingly, we don’t just race in karts, but also on motorcycles or kites, known from Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7. This title also introduces sensational antigravity races!
The game allows up to 8 people to play simultaneously – both on a split screen and via the network.
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Fire Emblem: Three Houses
| Release date: | 2019-07-26 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd. |
Another proposal on our list breaks the convention a bit – it is a single-player game with a tactical combat system, combining elements of RPG and strategy. However, this is one of those titles that you can recommend to your kids if you want to introduce them to the world of slightly more serious games.
In this title, we move to the continent named Fódlan, ruled by three powerful political factions, with the Church of Seiros guarding the peace in the world. It is the church that owns the monastery and the Garreg Mach academy, where the most talented cadets of the three powers are trained. They learn not only useful martial arts but also cooperation at the political level.
In the game, we play as a teacher whose task is to take care of one of the three houses in the school. The gameplay involves both helping students solve their problems and preparing them for combat clashes.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons
| Release date: | 2020-03-20 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Nintendo EPD |
This pleasant, family-friendly, cosy game is another installment of the series that began in 2002, and has been popular and acclaimed by players for over 20 years.
This title allows for multiplayer gameplay on one system for up to 4 players, while the online mode allows for gameplay with up to 8 people. In the game, we embody a created-by-ourselves, adorable character (somewhat resembling a prettier version of a Mii avatar), who moves to a picturesque island inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
The game offers a slow pace and a broad variety of tasks and activities to perform – from minor quests and helping residents; through arranging a house, growing plants, and fishing; to diving in the nearby waters searching for treasures!
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Overcooked
| Release date: | 2018-08-07 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Ghost Town Games |
Although this is not a rhythm or sports game, you can break a sweat with it! Overcooked is a fun game that has already received a sequel (2018) and a Collection Edition of both installments (2020) expanded with new chefs and boards.
Narratively, the Onion Kingdom is threatened by an ancient, evil entity that, to defeat it… needs to be eaten! To achieve this, the world’s wise men gathered the most perfect chefs in one place. Now they must train preparing various meals for demanding customers, thus gaining skills to defeat the forces of darkness.
Although cooking may not seem too exciting, Overcooked proves otherwise. While preparing meals, we must stick to strict recipes and work under time pressure. The task is made more difficult by the fact that each level is set in a different, dynamically changing environment – sometimes the kitchen is a calm and spacious place, while at other times it is reduced to a platform moving between icebergs!
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Super Mario Maker 2
| Release date: | 2019-06-28 |
| Genre: | Side-scroll |
| Developer: | Nintendo EPD |
Do you remember the hours spent playing Super Mario Bros. on the NES in the 90s? You probably know all the levels by heart… But what if we told you that you could create your own and play through them too? Super Mario Maker 2 gives you that opportunity!
Super Mario Maker 2 is the second installment of the game series, where you play as an architect whose task is to design and then test entirely new levels known from the Mario Bros. games. These levels can be designed in several graphical styles to match the different eras of the Mario franchise.
Although the game is available in single-player mode, created levels can be shared with the community, and family gameplay can be conducted in such a way that one person designs the level while others have to complete it!
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Luigi’s Mansion 3
| Release date: | 2019-10-31 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Next Level Games |
Another game from the most popular franchise for Nintendo – Mario. This time, however, you play as his less brave brother, Luigi, who explores a huge, 17-floor haunted hotel and captures the ghosts roaming the premises.
Although the game has a horror feel, it is maintained in the classic, humorous, and colourful aesthetic of the franchise, making it a great choice for kids. Since this is one of the multiplayer Switch games, two player cooperative gameplay is possible, as well as various team matches for up to 8 players (locally or online).
The story focuses on Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, and their friends going on holiday to the luxurious hotel, The Last Resort. One night, the green-clad plumber wakes up to discover that the place has changed beyond recognition, and his family has disappeared. His task is to find them!
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Splatoon 2
| Release date: | 2017-07-21 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
A sequel to the warmly received, unconventional shooter from 2015 – Splatoon, designed primarily for multiplayer fun.
In this title, you play as the cute Inklings (octopus-people) who battle each other using guns that shoot colourful ink (basically a softer version of paintball). However, the ink guns are not only used to defeat enemies but also to paint the map, which is one of the objectives of the game.
The game can be played solo against AI-controlled opponents, as well as in two player mode, and even in groups of up to 8 people. This title makes great use of the gyroscopic features in Joy-Cons, which helps with aiming.
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Ring Fit Adventure
| Release date: | 2019-10-18 |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Developer: | Nintendo EPD |
Ring Fit Adventure is an interesting title that is a unique combination of several seemingly unrelated genres. It includes elements of RPG, action, sports/rhythm games, adventure, and skill-based games. It also requires the Ring-Con set (a ring and a leg strap).
In this title, you play as a noble hero (or heroes) whose task is to save a magical fantasy land from… a bodybuilding dragon and his minions. The game mechanically utilizes all the features offered by Joy-Cons and the Ring-Con set, so control is done through body movements.
In addition to the adventure campaign, the game also offers the Sets Mode focusing on exercises, as well as a variety of multiplayer mini-games for numerous players.
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
| Release date: | 2018-12-07 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Sora |
There have been platformers, adventures, and even shooters… now it’s time for a fighting game! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is another instalment of the Super Smash Bros. series that started in 1999, focusing on battles between characters known from Nintendo console games, but not only!
In this instalment, besides, of course, characters from the Mario Bros. franchise, we will also see those known from Zelda, Animal Crossing, the aforementioned Splatoon, as well as from the Street Fighter, Pokémon, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, and many other iconic games. Battles take place on multi-level arenas (typical elements of platformers) and can be truly spectacular!
The game allows gameplay for up to 8 players at once, and, interestingly, is compatible with Amiibo figurines as well as… the Nintendo Game Cube controller!
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Minecraft
| Release date: | 2011-11-18 |
| Genre: | Sandbox |
| Developer: | Mojang Studios |
This sandbox game is difficult to classify into a specific genre because it includes elements of adventure, simulation, action, and survival. The game debuted on PC, but due to its popularity, it quickly made its way to other platforms.
In the game, you play as a character you create and… you can basically do whatever you want. Depending on the chosen game mode, you can explore a huge world, build various objects, engage in animal breeding and crop cultivation, crafting, or fight hostile mobs. The fun you have depends solely on your imagination.
Although the game offers fairly simple graphics, and the world is made up of blocks (so-called voxels), boredom is not an option here. You can successfully play this title even with the youngest family members.
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Snipperclips: Cut it out, together
| Release date: | 2017-03-03 |
| Genre: | Puzzle |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
This is one of the multiplayer Switch games designed for the youngest players. This title consists of a series of diverse puzzles and mini-games that require players to not only be smart, but also cooperate.
In this game, players must help each other because seemingly simple tasks (such as popping balloons, navigating mazes, or getting a ball into a basket) usually require team work and coordination of actions. The game allows gameplay for up to 4 people at once.
It’s a great game even for very young, beginner players. Snipperclips: Cut it out, together teaches kids logical and creative thinking, patience, and cooperation.
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Mario Tennis Aces
| Release date: | 2018-06-22 |
| Genre: | Sport |
| Developer: | Camelot Software Planning |
Another game from the Mario Bros. universe on our list, but this time focusing on physical activity, specifically: tennis matches. This is a title that can be played both in classic mode and fully utilize the motion technology offered by Joy-Cons.
In the game, you play as characters known from the franchise and play tennis matches against each other and against AI-controlled opponents. Story-wise, Wario and Waluigi have obtained a cursed tennis racket that provides its owners with tremendous power but slowly takes over their minds. The artifact threatens both Mario’s cousins and his brother, Luigi, who has been kidnapped by the possessed Wario and Waluigi.
The game also provides a story campaign, which includes exploration elements, as well as the ability to play via the network against live opponents.
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Conclusion
These are just a few examples of Nintendo Switch games for kids and the whole family.
Whether you’re into racing, party games, or cooperative simulations, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get ready to spend some quality time gaming with your loved ones!