2022 Best Switch Games for young kids: Start your little one’s videogame conquest now!
Introduction
We have compiled a summary video of the best switch games for young kids below.
Some people may ask whether video games are too young for kids below 5 to play. Some may assume that videogames are way too complicated and difficult to play without parental help. The answer is both yes and no.
Playing video games does take time getting used too, especially when using controls and controllers. And especially if your child does not have the interest to play or natural liking for it. Furthermore, kids ages 2 and above are dealing with a lot of development areas and may not be able to focus well yet alone be able to complete a game on their own.
Thus when allowing your child to play videogames, they may be able to play some parts of the game but not all. They would also need more guidance and help in more difficult areas. Generally co-op games and computer assisted games are well recommended to provide further support for young kids.
In this article, we will cover the playable range of top games on the switch that are both kids and family friendly. This guide is an extensive one. We will go through a list of top current 2022 playable games for kids below 5 years old and a brief explanation of parts of the game that are playable for the little ones.
Is my child ready to play games?
It certainly depends on the family as a whole. How comfortable are you or your child with playing video games?
Of course, if parents are not gamers or do not want to expose their kids to videogames at such a young age then don’t. There are a whole lot more activities your child can do other than gaming.
One way to ascertain if your child is ready for videogames is to bring them to the arcade to try out new games or let them try their hand playing simple console games. Consoles games are games on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation or Xbox which are similar to arcade games.
In fact, you may save more money playing console games as compared to going to the arcade to play if you do frequent arcade games.
The recommended age kids can start to play switch games is from 3 and above. Reason being we don’t want to expose kids below ages 3 to too much screen time or get them addicted to video games at such an early age. However they can certainly play a little bit and in moderation with parents supervision and guidance.
Children 3 and above can certainly play videogames, once they are familiar with the controls. They can’t play all switch games but they can definitely play the easy ones or partial parts of the games. If they’re not able to play these games, they can still enjoy watching you playing them.
What are some benefits of the Nintendo Switch for young kids?
Other than allowing more family time together, it teaches young kids how to share or take turns (for turn based gameplay) when playing with family members. There’s also hand-eye coordination skills involved when young kids learn how to use the controller to play their favorite games. And there’s also the social interaction when playing games together with friends and family.
You may be surprised that there are quite a handful of educational games there are for young kids (3-5) in the market. Just to name a few here that are not in our Top 10 list of Nintendo switch games for young kids which can be purchased from Nintendo eShop.
- Abbie’s Farm for kids and toddlers for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
- Educational Games for Kids for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
- Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Why the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is a great family friendly console to add to your gaming collection. It has excellent parental controls. You can refer to the simple guide below on how to setup parental controls for your Nintendo Switch.
The gaming industry is booming and lots of new games for younger audiences have emerged.
Gaming Tips for young kids
If you’re a gamer yourself you may also want your child to play them. But before you start your child on a videogame conquest, look out for the tips below when supervising your child with videogames. Please note that this is just a rough guide based on personal experience and parents should be the one that decide what is age appropriate for their own child.
Setup Parental Controls
Parental controls help to protect kids from adult content and set time limits. You can either restrict this from the Nintendo Switch itself or via smartphone device using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
- Go to “System Settings” on the home screen.
- Go to “Parental Controls” > “Parental Controls Settings”
- Either select to use the app or press “X” to select “if you don’t have a smart device”
- Do note that if you choose that you don’t have a smart device, you will not be able to set certain features such as
– Set play time restrictions
– Receive summaries of play activity
– Restrict gameplay - Select the restriction level as “Young Child” and press “Next”
- Choose a PIN and remember it as you’ll need it to adjust setting.
If using a smart device first download and install Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app,
- Sign into account and select the user to link to Nintendo Switch console
- Enter Registration Code provided on the Nintendo Switch console and press “Link:
- Continue setting up on your smart device. You can set a daily play limit, use pre-made settings or custom settings for restrictions, and monitor their activity using the app.
Parental Guidance
Parental guidance is recommended especially for young kids. Ensure that your child plays games in a brightly lit room and sits away from the television and most of all in moderation and not extended hours. Ensure that you review the video games properly to ensure it’s suitability for young kids and that it does not contain mature or explicit content.
Practice & Familiarization
You probably need to teach young kids the controls for these simple games. Let them familiarized with the controls and try out playing on their own. Be patient and let kids explore the gameplay and control on their own. They may be smarter than you think!
Co-op
Play together with your kids and rule of thumb is to take it easy without too much stress!
2022 Best Switch Games for Young Kids
Let’s finally get right into the best Nintendo Switch Games to play for young kids.
1. Coloring Book (Free to download)
This game is introduced first in the list because it’s entirely free to download and play! There are limited number of pictures to color for kids as the rest of the content will need to be purchase. Nevertheless, young kids can easily do coloring using the touchscreen. It is also possible to create art on a blank canvas.
Go to Nintendo eShop and search the game ” Coloring Book”. If you don’t see it then you can filter Price Range as “Free”.
Game info
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/coloring-book-switch/
2. Animal Crossing New Horizons
Animal Crossing New Horizon is highly raved and a gem among all ages. It is harder to play independently but it provides a very relaxed feel of nature, animals, camping and wildlife where young kids can just take their time to do stuff.
A toddler could learn to do simple things like just walking around and explore the surroundings. They could also do simple activities like catch insects, do some simple room decoration, draw on the bulletin board or visit the museum and take pictures. The animals are lovable and kids adore them!
Game info
Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Animal Crossing New Horizon Nintendo Switch
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If your child loves cars and racing then this is a really good beginner racing game to play! It has assisted mode that can be toggled on and off so that kids won’t steer too far out of the track.
Game Info
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, R2, Nintendo Switch
4. Super Mario Odyssey
If your child loves adventure then Super Mario Odyssey is a suitable 3D adventure game for ages 3 and above.
Mario travels across worlds, collecting moons to power his airship so that he can save Princess Peach. It also has assisted mode to help our little gamers, however more parental assistance is needed for this game.
It’s one of the best in the series and younger kids will love an out-of-this-world adventure. Some have even beaten the game all on their own!
Game Info
Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch
5. Paw Patrol On A Roll
Paw Patrol on the roll is tis the first in the series of Paw Patrol Nintendo Switch games and is well suited for kids ages 3 and above due to it’s simplicity. A 4 or 5 yr old can easily beat this game.
You can also check out the rest of the Paw Patrol Nintendo Switch game series here which are perfect and easy to play for kids ages 3 and above.
Paw Patrol On A Roll – Nintendo Switch
PAW Patrol Mighty Pups: Save Adventure Bay – Nintendo Switch
Paw Patrol The Movie Adventure City Calls (Nintendo Switch)
6. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is intended for young kids and is quite similar to Super Mario Odyssey. It has a relatively low difficulty level called Mellow Mode which young kids can enjoy. In this low difficulty, damage is reduced and the player can fly around.
You work through each level, eating or jumping on enemies while searching for hidden items and collectables. The game world looks handcrafted with an inviting explorative gameplay. Parents and children can work together in this mode that allows one player to carry the other. One of you can control movement while the other shoots.
Game info
Yoshi’s Crafted World for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Yoshi’s Crafted World (Nintendo Switch)
7. It’s spring again
It’s spring again is a very calming and soothing game suitable for preschooler from ages 2 to 4. It is an educational game that teaches about seasons and the weather. It may not be as exciting at the previous games introduced however it is a game that is intended to develop associational and logical thinking.
If you’re looking for something less thrilling and demanding, this would be a good starting point for preschoolers.
Game info
It’s Spring Again for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
8. Tangrams Deluxe
If your child likes puzzles and tangrams then this one is for you. The game has over 200 tangram puzzles to solve by dragging, moving and flipping shapes around. For those of you who are new to tangrams, they are a type of Chinese logic puzzle in which you need to flip 7 pieces into a target shape without overlapping.
Parent and child can work together to solve tangrams together. Your little one may be able to put a few pieces of the tangram together but will probably need help to solve the puzzles.
Game info
Tangrams Deluxe for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
9. Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies is one cute and unique game we would recommend kids to play. It is one of the rare co-op games that are actually fun to play with kids.
Gather friends by throwing hearts on enemies with abilities to turn them to your side. You can then mix and match elements with weapons like a fire sword, electric bombs, curling rocks. There are lots of special abilities making the game incredibly fun and the visuals are great.
Game Info
Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Kirby Star Allies Nintendo Switch Game
10. Lego Games
Lego’s open world gameplay is great for exploration. Lego City Undercover is a family-friendly adventure for all ages. As daunting as it may sound, it is a kid and family friendly version of GTA (Grand Theft Auto). It is one of the best selling titles in the series and well rated.
Do not that if you’re wary of your child’s exposure to “cartoon violence” then this would not be a suitable game to play for young kids as the game involves arresting gangs, punching people with martial arts and so on.
For the Lego Series games such as Lego Worlds, Lego Marvel Super Heroes or Lego DC Super-Villains and the rest in the series all have some extent of “cartoon violence” in them which involves shooting, bombing, smashing etc. and would be more suitable for older kids above 10 especially if parents are mindful of violence in games. Although they are actually considered easy to play for a 4 years old and above.
However if you’re looking for a non-violent, educational switch game then do give this one a miss.
Game Info
LEGO® CITY Undercover for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
LEGO Worlds for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
LEGO® Marvel™ Super Heroes for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
LEGO DC Super-Villains for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
LEGO Harry Potter Collection for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
LEGO® Jurassic World for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Game Details
Lego City Undercover Nintendo Switch Game
Lego Worlds Nintendo Switch Game
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes – Nintendo Switch
LEGO DC Super-Villains – Nintendo Switch
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame (Nintendo Switch)
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Nintendo Switch)
LEGO Jurassic World – Nintendo Switch
Conclusion
For slightly older kids there are definitely much more choices in the market like Pokemon Let’s Go, Pokemon Snap, Legend of Zelda, Snipper Clips, Minecraft are more complicated and are more suitable for older kids.
It does not matter if your child can only play parts of the game without completing the game properly. Based on you and your child’s comfort level, the most important is to enjoy and have fun without too much stress!
What’s the best game on Switch for young kids? Share your views in the comments below!
If you’re looking for other toddler activity ideas, you can visit the site’s section on Toddler Activity Ideas.
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