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Nintendo SwitchHelping You Find the Best
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Nintendo SwitchHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024 1
  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024 2
  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024 3
  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024 4
  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024 5

10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids UK 2024

Having started out as a toy and game manufacturer in the late 1800s, Nintendo knows a thing or two about entertaining youngsters. With family fun remaining one of their core values, you'll be spoiled for choice picking from the list of awe-inspiring Nintendo Switch games for kids!


Whether you're looking for a beginner title for nursery children and toddlers, or a more challenging one for older children, between Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Mario Kart 8, there's something for everyone! Finding a game for a 4-year-old can be hard if you are not well versed in the world of video games. But fret not, we've ranked 10 of the best kid-friendly picks all available to order to your door from Amazon, eBay, Argos, and Asda.

Last updated 25/03/2024

Quick List - Top Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

1

Game Freak

Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass
Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass

Collect and Train Monsters in the Timelessly Popular Series

2

Sega

Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition
Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition

Modern Day Theme Hospital

3

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Best Multiplayer Game for Kids

4

Team Ninja

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order

An Action RPG for Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

5

Ubisoft

Just Dance 2021
Just Dance 2021

An Upbeat Dancing Game for the Whole Family

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Nintendo Switch Game for Kids in the UK ― Buying Guide

Games that appeal to adults aren't always particularly interesting or appropriate for kids. But what exactly should you look for? In this buying guide, we've got some handy hints and tips to help you out!

1

Refer to the Packaging for Age Guidelines

Refer to the Packaging for Age Guidelines
Source:amazon.co.uk

While it may be too simple of a tip, the very first way you can start to identify video games for your child is by analysing the front or back of each one. Stated in colours ranging from green to red are the age ratings. All videogames in the UK are released with a PEGI rating corresponding to the ages 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18.


Bear in mind that just because the game is suitable for 3-year-olds, does not mean you cannot buy it for your child. In fact, think of the age ratings as 3 and up. That way you won't cross off any excellent video game titles! Some of the best video games are made for everyone.

2

Consider Gameplay Elements That Appeal to Kids

The best games for youngsters contain gameplay elements that keep them engaged and entertained. Video games for children need not just be for recreational purposes, but often help to teach them about life, the world and more. Here are some of the top options for young gamers! 

Adventure Games Let Children Explore Exciting Virtual Worlds

Adventure Games Let Children Explore Exciting Virtual Worlds
Source:amazon.co.uk

Adventure games take kids on a journey of exploration through exciting game worlds. These tend to be some of the best games in terms of captivating stories and engaging gameplay and usually incorporate many of the other gameplay elements, which we'll touch on later.


When choosing an adventure game for children, look for ones that take place in colourful fantasy settings. Gritty realism is best avoided as these games are often too dark or mature for younger audiences. 

Building Games Encourage Creativity

Building Games Encourage Creativity
Source:amazon.co.uk

Building is a fundamental aspect of play, whether that's the enduring popularity of Lego bricks or constructing dens in the garden. These days, there are plenty of video games that use these same principles to spark imagination and creativity.


These games provide a virtual framework that allows for fabrication on a grander scale than what's possible in real life, giving kids almost limitless potential! More often than not these types of games are great for all ages, so can be a fantastic way to bond with siblings or parents.

Collecting Adds an Extra Objective to Gameplay

Collecting Adds an Extra Objective to Gameplay
Source:amazon.co.uk

Cast your mind back to the playground crazes of your youth. If you too have vivid memories of hoarding football stickers, Tazos, Beanie Babies or whatever other pocket money novelty was in vogue at the time, you'll know kids love collecting things!


When it comes to games, collecting items adds an extra objective. Trying to max out your Pokédex or uncover every species of insect will certainly make the game last longer without running the risk of becoming boring.


What's even better is if your collection can be displayed or traded with other players to fill missing gaps and obtain rare finds, so keep an eye out for this. 

Elements of Combat and Competition Provide a Challenge

Elements of Combat and Competition Provide a Challenge
Source:amazon.co.uk

Video games sometimes get a bad reputation for violence, and we by no means suggest choosing a graphic beat 'em up for your 6-year-old. However, combat elements like monster battling and cartoon brawls are great, harmless fun and can even induce some friendly competition. 


Try to choose games that use fantasy weapons or magic rather than real-life armaments. You may even prefer to look for other challenging competition-based games that don't involve fighting, such as racing, dance or non-combative sports.

3

Seek out Games From Familiar Franchises

Seek out Games From Familiar Franchises
Source:amazon.co.uk

Nintendo sure has a knack for launching unforgettable franchises, and picking a game with recognisable characters is a great way to pique kids' interest right from the get-go!


Choosing a game from an already established franchise usually gives you an idea of the tone and style of gameplay to expect. Additionally, kids will enjoy playing as their favourite characters and we're sure some re-imaginings of beloved classic series' will make a few parents feel nostalgic too!

4

Choose Games With the Right Level of Difficulty

Choose Games With the Right Level of Difficulty
Source:amazon.co.uk

Be aware that the aforementioned PEGI ratings only refer to content, not difficulty. Just because a game doesn't contain anything inappropriate for younger audiences, it may still be a bit too complex in terms of game mechanics and controls.


Each game requires a different level of coordination and skill to grapple with, which is one reason why many kid-friendly games appeal to audiences of all ages. Ideally, it should be challenging enough without being overly hard.


While we've provided a rough guideline to help you out, it's difficult to know prior to playing how difficult a game will be. So, you may want to look for reviews, promotional videos and playthroughs online to get a better idea.

5

Multiplayer Options Let You Share the Fun With Family and Friends

Multiplayer Options Let You Share the Fun With Family and Friends
Source:amazon.co.uk

Games with multiplayer options are ideal for families, parties, and visiting friends, and provides you with an enjoyable way to monitor playtime. According to Nintendo, ‘sharing fun with family and friends’ is a key focus of the Switch. Therefore, there are plenty of different multiplayer games to choose from. 


You can play locally via one system using the Joy-Con controllers, or by linking together multiple consoles in the same room. Some games also feature online multiplayer options which vary from game to game. However, we advise discretion and adult supervision when allowing kids to play online.

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Top 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids in the UK

It was a tough decision to make with all the quality titles out there, but here in ranking order are the top 10 best Nintendo Switch games for kids to buy online in the UK! 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Game Freak

Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass

Game Freak Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass 1

Collect and Train Monsters in the Timelessly Popular Series

2

Sega

Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition

Sega Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition 1

Modern Day Theme Hospital

3

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe  1

Best Multiplayer Game for Kids

4

Team Ninja

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order

Team Ninja Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order 1

An Action RPG for Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

5

Ubisoft

Just Dance 2021

Ubisoft Just Dance 2021 1

An Upbeat Dancing Game for the Whole Family

6

Nintendo

Super Smash Bros - Ultimate

Nintendo Super Smash Bros - Ultimate  1

A Fast-Paced Cartoon Brawl Featuring a Host of Familiar Faces

7

Nintendo

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nintendo Animal Crossing: New Horizons 1

Befriend Cute Animals in a Customisable Island Paradise

8

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 1

The Perfect Adventure Game for Older Children

9

Nintendo

Splatoon 2

Nintendo Splatoon 2  1

An Ink-Slinging 4-On-4 Turf War

10

Mojang

Minecraft

Mojang Minecraft 1

The Best Building Game for Kids

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Game Freak
Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass

Pokémon Shield + Expansion Pass 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£62.99
High
Reference price
£62.99
High

Collect and Train Monsters in the Timelessly Popular Series

Popular with kids since the 1990s, with each generation the Pokémon games just keep getting better! In Shield, young trainers journey across the new Galan region. Sside from catching and training monsters, players can now customise their avatar's clothes and hairdo and battle Pokémon in their powerful Gigantamax form.


What's more, the accompanying game, Pokémon Sword + Expansion Pass is also available to further add content, fun times and wholehearted lore into the gaming world. This is how you fall in love with gaming!

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No.2

Sega
Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition

Two Point Hospital Jumbo Edition 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£26.04
Low Mid
Reference price
£26.04
Low Mid

Modern Day Theme Hospital

You know the name. That fabulous hospital simulator when you were a kid? Yeah, it's back for the next generation to enjoy in the form of Two Point Hospital. A perfect game for kids who like to plan, create and sometimes... destroy


Certainly one of the harder games on our list, but one to be played for many years to come. Simulation games such as this are great to play together or alone - a real fun treat for everyone involved, aside from the sickly patients!

No.3

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Reference price
£36.99
Mid

Best Multiplayer Game for Kids

One of the best multiplayer games of all time, Mario Kart had to make the list! 'Deluxe; is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, with 48 high octane race courses, 42 playable characters and 23 power ups to help you beat the competition and be the first to cross the finish line!


We love that each course is designed to be unique and exciting, perfectly fitting with the vibrant tone and general zaniness of the game. For fans of Splatoon, keep your eyes peeled for guest appearances from the inklings!

No.4

Team Ninja
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order 3
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£39.99
Mid

An Action RPG for Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order is guaranteed to be a hit with kids who are fans of the superpower movies in Marvel's Cinematic Universe. With a brand new story, this game lets kids assemble their ultimate dream team of heroes to thwart Thanos and The Black Order in this action-packed RPG!


Bringing together a massive cast of characters from Spiderman, X-Men, the Avengers and more. What's more, you can be sure to expect gorgeous graphics and a thrilling storyline with gameplay that will keep your child engaged to the end.

No.5

Ubisoft
Just Dance 2021

Just Dance 2021 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£28.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£28.99
Low Mid

An Upbeat Dancing Game for the Whole Family

It's time to get off the sofa and Just Dance, with the 11th installation in this series of toe-tapping games! One of our favourite games to get the whole family up and moving together, dance along to mega hits from the likes of Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK and Lizzo.


To help little ones keep up, Just Dance 2021 features a Kids Mode where you can find a range of adapted and new songs with kid-friendly choreography. This is a must have for any aspiring dance superstars!

No.6

Nintendo
Super Smash Bros - Ultimate

Super Smash Bros - Ultimate  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Super Smash Bros - Ultimate  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Super Smash Bros - Ultimate  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£46.00
High Mid
Reference price
£46.00
High Mid

A Fast-Paced Cartoon Brawl Featuring a Host of Familiar Faces

If you've ever wondered who'd win in a fight between Kirby and Donkey Kong, now is your chance to find out! Super Smash Bros. lets you choose from an ever-expanding roster of Nintendo characters and battle it out in this bonkers brawl!


As an introduction to the fighting games, you can't go wrong with this one. It's fast-paced and cartoonish enough for young'uns, with enough modes and movesets to rival other established games in the genre.

No.7

Nintendo
Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Reference price
£36.00
Mid

Befriend Cute Animals in a Customisable Island Paradise

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, kick back, relax and befriend cute animal villagers on your own private island paradise. Despite its laid back tone, there's plenty to keep young players occupied from catching bugs, collecting fruit and building homes! But you may find interest tapers off once they've built their islands and the novelty wears off. 


With almost unlimited options, you can gradually customise your island and then show it off to family and friends using the online and offline multiplayer features! A sweet and gentle game; it's purely wholesome fun with nothing violent or scary, apart from a few spiders!

No.8

Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Reference price
£47.99
High Mid

The Perfect Adventure Game for Older Children

With previous games in the series having already set the bar pretty high, Breath of the Wild has had a lot to live up to. An absolute masterpiece, this game arguably surpasses its predecessors for a truly breathtaking experience.


If you're looking for an adventure game to captivate older children, we highly recommend this title. With a vast, picturesque open world and a myriad of complex quests that require both problem solving and skill, there's enough here to keep them coming back again and again! But if you have kids with short attention spans, it may not be money well spent.

No.9

Nintendo
Splatoon 2

Reference price
£37.99
Mid

An Ink-Slinging 4-On-4 Turf War

Splatoon 2 expands upon the ink-based turf war excitement of the original, with all new modes and co-op capers. Players can compete in frantic 4-on-4 paintball-esque matches to see who can cover the most ground in colourful ink before the timer runs out, or team up alongside friends to collect golden eggs while fighting off waves of enemy Salmonids!


If you're looking to limit screen time, each ink-slinging battle only lasts 3 minutes. So though it might not captivate for hours, they can get a few rounds in before dinner time!

No.10

Mojang
Minecraft

Reference price
£19.99
Low

The Best Building Game for Kids

A surprise hit of the last several years, those uninitiated may be wondering, "Why on earth is Minecraft so popular?". In short, the pixelated design and simplified commands let kids' imaginations run wild. Minecraft gives players the freedom to create their own block-based structures with the added challenge of gathering resources and defending from nocturnal monsters!


If they already have the game on another platform, we do not recommend also buying this version as, aside from portability, it doesn't offer enough unique gameplay features

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe While Gaming

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe While Gaming

Games can be addictive, and as hard as it can be to tear them away, it’s important to establish safe behaviours early on. Try to limit playtime and encourage them to take regular breaks from the screen. A good way to do this is by setting clear guidelines ahead of time as to when they can game, and how long each session will last.


Always supervise online play! Many games allow for social features so make sure they know the potential dangers of talking to strangers online and giving out personal information. Empower them to block anyone who bullies or harasses them and let them know it's OK to alert a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.


Remember, kids are tech-savvy these days so don't be afraid to utilise parental controls. The Nintendo Switch has some great parental controls that let you customise and set restrictions remotely via an app to save you having to constantly peek over your shoulder.

Summary

Whether you consider yourself a gamer or not, once you've decided on which Nintendo Switch game is right for your child, find some time to play it with them. Joining in on Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. provides a good opportunity to get to know the things they like and share in a fun activity together!


Author: Wren Mann

Top 5 Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

No. 1: Game FreakPokémon Shield + Expansion Pass

No. 2: SegaTwo Point Hospital Jumbo Edition

No. 3: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

No. 4: Team NinjaMarvel Ultimate Alliance 3: the Black Order

No. 5: UbisoftJust Dance 2021

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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