What are the best Children’s games on the Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 are both great, family-friendly consoles with so many brilliant games for children and big kids alike.

With a lot of crossover between the two consoles, you can play most Switch games on the Switch 2, which is faster and has sharper graphics, while the Switch remains very popular and cheaper than its successor.  Here’s a handful of some great games for children out on Nintendo consoles right now.

10. Minecraft

Console:  Switch (and backwards compatible with Switch 2)

The worldwide smash hit that is Minecraft has inevitably found its way onto the Nintendo Switch, and you can create your own awesome worlds via your console. Navigate randomly generated worlds of blocks and then build whatever your imagination can conjure up, think of it as a bit like playing with LEGO but in a virtual setting.

Mine resources, farm animals, and keep an eye out for destructive enemies whilst building a home away from home. The further you dig though, the more mysteries await you.

9. The Legend of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom

Console:  Switch and Switch 2

The Legend of Zelda franchise has long seen the hero Link rescuing the Princess Zelda from many perils, but Echoes of Wisdom flips the script and this time Zelda must save Link.

A brilliant and cutesy romp through the Kingdom of Hyrule that sees you able to use unique copy abilities to defeat enemies, it has all the classic elements of a Zelda game (adventure, magic, a vast kingdom to explore) but with a comforting vibe and a magical twist.

8. Pokémon Pokopia

Console: Switch 2

A sort of Pokémon version of Animal Crossing (also another fab game for children that you can pick up on Switch and Switch 2), build houses, farm crops and shape the landscape for a cosy life set in a world full of quirky Pokémon neighbours and friends.

Use unique powers to get the results you need then share what you’ve built with others, showing off the resources you’ve found and swapping ideas for an imaginative take on world building.

7.  Super Mario Wonder

Console:  Switch and Switch 2

A modern take on the classic Super Mario side-scrollers, use magical new powers to navigate through a world of rhythm as old and new combine. Jump, spin and climb your way to new places with challenges galore.

With a soundtrack that will have you dancing all day, and an array of colourful characters to play with, combine your skills with friends or fly solo to find the wonder seeds and save the day.

6. Sonic Mania

Console:  Switch (and backwards compatible with Switch 2)

A nostalgic nod to the original 2D Sonic the Hedgehog games, this lovingly crafted game has all the fast-paced fun of the originals but with new levels, new bosses and new characters.

Unbelievably beautiful in its rendering of the old art style but optimised for newer consoles, parents who loved Sonic from way back will enjoy it for the nostalgia, children who are new to the franchise will love the characters, adventure and stunning animations.

5. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

Console:  Switch and Switch 2

The sequel to the groundbreaking Breath of The Wild game, you don’t need to have experienced the first to fall in love with the second. Explore on open-world Hyrule but beware of what evil lurks underground or soar into the skies to discover mystical and mythical powers and technology to help you on your quest.

So immensely expansive, this game will keep any player occupied for a long, long time. It has some spooky bits though, so be mindful it’s perhaps not best for very young children.

4. Pokémon Legends Z-A

Console: Switch and Switch 2

The latest Pokémon adventure where you explore the streets of Lumiose city and try to turn it into a place where Pokémon and people can live in harmony. Battle other trainers for supremacy or explore the wilds to discover new creatures.

Take part in real-time battles with new mechanics, new Pokémon and new evolutions that will all have an impact on the outcome of battles, and your story.

3. Kirby and the Forgottten Land

Console: Switch and Switch 2

Kirby is sucked into a mysteriously abandoned land but so are his classic enemies. Discovering a world in decay whilst also rescuing his adorable Waddle Dee friends who have been captured, Kirby must unravel why he has been brought here.

A beautiful, rich world with cutesy characters and fun, shape-shifting abilities, this is one of the best platformers released in recent years.

2. Donkey Kong Bananza

Console: Switch 2

A Switch 2 launch title, it was designed to show off all that the machine is capable of and it does that really well! Donkey Kong (DK) is pulled into an adventure where he was to plunge to the very centre of the planet, battling new and old enemies alike with his new companion Pauline.

Smash almost everything in the game and tear up terrain to unlock secrets and shape the pathway so you can get through. Pauline’s singing lets DK transform into other animal forms with new and unique powers.

1.Super Mario Odyssey

Console: Switch and Switch 2

A globe-trotting adventure that sees Mario whisked away to strange and far-off lands as he uses his hat to capture and embody enemies to use their powers to discover new places. A real love letter to platform gaming, this is Mario at his colourful and brilliant best.

With so many worlds to explore, this game is action-packed with secrets and surprises that it’ll have children and grown-ups constantly coming back for more.

What is the Highest Selling Switch Game?

Without a doubt, the biggest selling Switch game is Mariokart 8 Deluxe with nearly 47 million units being sold (as of writing). Mariokart is a much-loved franchise that brings beloved characters, thrilling racing, and quirky visuals together all wrapped up in a competitive package. It’s great for children and adults alike with so many tracks, karts and characters to choose from that it really is a sensational experience.

What Nintendo Switch Games Can a Four- or Five-Year-Old Play?

There are a few games out there for children of this age range with Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer and Care Bears all getting in on the action. However, the best way to see if a game is suitable for younger players is to check the age rating.

Read more about PEGI ratings in our blog here: https://www.thetoyshop.com/childhood-adventures/video-game-pegi-ratings

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