10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in 2022 (Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and More)

Pros:

• Simple controls designed for anyone to use
• Plenty of additional content once you beat the game
• Allows the play to explore various planets
• Contains memorable music and characters
• Offers gorgeous graphics with a cartoony style
• Lets two players go through the campaign together

Cons:

• Lacks voice acting, so the player has to read
• Online play doesn't involve playing with other players

This game has you play as Mario, one of the most beloved characters in the world. You must visit various worlds with your new companion, Cappy, as you save Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches.

A few reviewers felt the game would get boring or monotonous after they played it for a while. However, loads of reviewers appreciated how this Mario game took an open-world approach rather than playing through levels. They also found the graphics gorgeous to look at.

Pros:

• Lets you play online or locally
• Can play as characters from Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing
• Lets you adjust your vehicle to change its stats
• Incorporates flying and zero-gravity into the race tracks
• Can play with up to 12 friends online

Cons:

• Each player needs their Switch if you want to play more than four players locally

This racing game gives you access to dozens of courses along with various characters from Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing. You can play split-screen at home or online with your friends as you race down the tracks.

A couple of reviewers didn't appreciate that the courses were shorter and easier than other ones in the series. On the bright side, various reviewers were impressed with how much fun they had while playing the multiplayer mode. They also liked the addition of online play.

Pros:

• Allows players to create buildings and landscapes
• Can play co-op locally or online
• Encourages them to gather materials and work together
• Includes multiple difficulty settings
• Supports cross-platform play
• Can create new worlds for endless gameplay

Cons:

• Some kids may have a hard time learning how to play the game

This is the highest-selling game of all time and allows players to create and build their worlds. It encourages creativity and allows players to work together, so they can fight off monsters and build creations.

A few reviewers said they ran into issues getting the online to work on their consoles. However, plenty of reviewers loved how they could make, create, and build their ideas in the game. They also appreciated how this version came with skins of Mario characters. 

Pros:

• The game has no technical end, so kids can keep playing it
• You can visit people's islands online and play locally
• Can customize furniture, decorations, character, and more
• Enjoy various activities including fossil hunting, fishing, and bug catching
• Time in-game matches real life

Cons:

• Only the initial part of the game has goals; after that, it's open-ended
• Real-time play means you might miss fun in-game events

Animal Crossing allows players to customize an entire island, house, and more while participating in tons of fun activities and events. They can also interact and meet new residents on the island as they play, and stores in-game are constantly updated with new merchandise.

Some reviewers didn't like how the game only allowed them to have one island per console. Nevertheless, plenty of reviewers loved how they could customize the island and their homes. They also appreciated how there were endless activities for them to enjoy on the island.

Pros:

• A remake of a classic game with modern 3D graphics
• Lets the player explore an island and have an adventure
• Sticks with simple controls children can easily learn
• Ability to create a dungeon
• Includes various characters for the player to talk with

Cons:

• Only offers a single-player mode
• Doesn't have voice acting

This is a modern remake of a Zelda game originally released on the Game Boy Color. The game has you explore an island as Link and go through dungeons while you solve puzzles and fight enemies.

A few reviewers claimed the game dropped frames when they played it, making it slow down. Nevertheless, loads of reviewers loved the art style and graphics of this remake. They also felt the game had good controls, solid puzzles, and enjoyable boss fights.

Pros:

• Includes a story mode you can play through
• Allows up to eight players to play on a single console
• Offers over 70 characters from gaming history
• Enjoy over 100 stages with unique designs and hazards
• Online play offers casual and competitive modes based on what your children want to do
• Lets you make custom characters and stages

Cons:

• You need to purchase DLC if you want all the characters and stages
• Some people post inappropriate content online

This game allows you to play over 70 playable characters through Nintendo's history along with characters from other companies. It includes many game modes including Smashdown, Tournament mode, and Squad Strike. There are also plenty of customization options!

A few reviewers weren't impressed with the game's online since they would experience input lag. Despite that point, a plethora of reviewers loved how the game contained tons of content including characters and stages. They were also impressed with the game's local multiplayer.

Pros:

• Includes local and online multiplayer
• Collect over 150 unique creatures
• Pokémon appear on the screen instead of randomly appearing
  
• Follow a new storyline that takes place years after the events of Pokémon Red and Blue
• Give your Pikachu and Trainer unique clothing

Cons:

• Doesn't have voice acting, so the player needs to read
• Requires motion controls or touchscreen controls to play

This game lets you go on an adventure with the popular Pokémon Pikachu, though you can also buy a version with Eevee as your partner. You can travel the world, catch Pokémon, and become the champion.

Some reviewers didn't like how it didn't have wild Pokémon battles. On the other hand, more than a few reviewers enjoyed that the Pokémon appeared on the screen instead of randomly attacking them. They also liked how this game added a two-player co-op mode.

Pros:

• Includes a story mode for kids to learn the basics
• Plenty of fun online game modes
• Lets you customize and dress your squid
• Includes a variety of paint-related weapons
• Offers optional motion controls for people who prefer to aim with them
• Includes both competitive and co-op online multiplayer

Cons:

• Doesn't have local multiplayer

Most shooters have realistic graphics and involve shooting people, but this one involves squid-kids and paint. This makes it a colorful and fun game for kids interested in shooters without all the violence. There are plenty of ways for them to play, too, like in story mode or online mode.

A couple of reviewers were disappointed this game lacked local multiplayer. Despite that point, many more reviewers loved how this game had unique paint mechanics compared to other shooting games. They also enjoyed the online play since they could play with others.

Pros:

• Encourages kids to exercise in a fun way and create routines
• Keeps track of distance traveled and calories burned
• Utilizes both hand and feet accessories to track exercises
• Has a story mode and other modes to encourage more playtime
• Includes a multitask mode, so kids can do other things while exercising

Cons:

• Requires motion controls to play
• No options for co-op or multiplayer at the same time

This game has you run, perform different poses, and exercise as you play through the game. It has you fight enemies in turn-based combat, so it encourages kids to work out while they play through the game.

A couple of reviewers said the gameplay and exercises would get repetitive. On the other hand, quite a few reviewers said the game helped them lose weight. They also felt the role-playing aspects encouraged them to keep playing and exercising.

Pros:

• Includes 100 mini-games
• Has remade versions of classic Mario Party boards
• Lets you play the boards online with friends
• Has competitive online leaderboards to encourage improvement
• Doesn't require motion controls like the previous Mario Party
• Includes local multiplayer

Cons:

• Removed some features from the previous game such as unique dice and fewer characters

This game allows your children to play board games and mini-games with their friends. It also includes those same boards and mini-games online, so your kids can easily play with their friends from around the world.

Some players didn't like how this version didn't have character-specific dice along with no unlockable characters. On the bright side, multiple reviewers loved the designs for the boards in this game. They also loved the various mini-games included in it.