Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
The Nintendo Switch offers a robust and diverse library of games that provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family. Whether you want competitive multiplayer action or cooperative experiences to share together on the couch, the Switch has excellent options. In this article, we’ll explore 9 of the very best Switch games for family-friendly fun.
The Nintendo Switch was designed from the ground up with both solo and shared gaming experiences in mind. Its versatility – able to be played on your TV or packed up and enjoyed anywhere – makes it an ideal platform for family-friendly titles. With so many great choices on the system, it can be hard to determine which games will keep kids and parents entertained alike. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to 9 of the very best options for all-ages enjoyment and bonding over gameplay. Whether you prefer sporting adventures, creative open worlds or party games full of silly mini-games, there’s a terrific Switch title on this list for every family.
Table of Content
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
It’s hard to find a more universally beloved multiplayer game than Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings the fun arcade racing gameplay of the Wii U original to the Nintendo Switch with all DLC tracks included. Up to 8 players can compete locally or online across 48 courses, choosing from over 40 characters. Items like Bananas, Green Shells and Bob-ombs add an element of mayhem to keep races exciting. With adjustable assists, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is accessible for young kids yet challenging enough for experienced racers. Its pick-up-and-play fun makes it a quintessential party game for family game nights.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a masterclass in 3D platforming that entertains both children and parents with its imaginative worlds and abundance of secrets to uncover. As Mario, you’ll explore expansive sand kingdoms, wooded areas, metropolitan cities and more, each with their own distinctive terrain, obstacles and power-ups to discover. The game introduces Cappy, Mario’s new ally who can possess and control certain enemies and objects. This opens up puzzling and enhances Mario’s moves, creating one of his most free-form and creative adventures yet. While challenging for all ages at points, Odyssey offers so much to see and do that both kids and adults can appreciate its creativity and nostalgic Nintendo charm.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the biggest and most feature-packed entry yet in the iconic franchise. Featuring a massive roster of over 80 characters from across the gaming realm, it’s the ultimate playground for kids and families to test their skills in frantic platform fighting. Both casual and competitive players will find a lot to enjoy whether battling it out locally with friends and family or online. Newcomers and kids can start with easier rules before gradually increasing the chaos. Thanks to its pick-up-and-play fun, Smash offers endless entertainment as new strategists emerge or outrageous KOs are pulled off. Its “Everyone is Here” approach gives something for fans of all styles and eras.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus breathed new life into the long-running franchise with an open-world approach. Set in the past Hisui region (which would become Sinnoh), you’re a young Pokémon trainer taking part in the first Pokédex. Freely exploring vast natural landscapes, you’ll spot and catch wild Pokémon everywhere. Research tasks encourage discovering your surroundings and peacefully engaging the Pokémon within. While battling still plays a role, Arceus’ focus on observation, real-time catching and crafting creates a gentle experience even young Pokémon fans can appreciate. Cooperative research expeditions are also possible, making it a wonderful single or shared playing experience.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a calming virtual world where families and friends can share the experience of customizing their island getaway. With no direct losing conditions, New Horizons invites casual, stress-free play whether decorating your character’s home and surroundings, completing DIY crafting projects or simply socializing with the charming animal villagers. You’re free to set your own goals such as collecting all fish, bugs and fossils or decorating your island paradise. Multiplayer features let family members visit each other’s islands for cooperative enjoyment or competing in fun mini-games together. New Horizons exemplifies the heartwarming and creative spirit of the Animal Crossing series.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a charming single-player and co-op adventure through a haunted hotel. Using Luigi’s upgraded ghost-busting Poltergust G-00 vacuum, players work cooperatively with Gooigi to stun, trap and remove ghosts floor-by-floor. Clever puzzles, hidden gems to find, and various ghost types add variety. Young players will love vacuuming up items and busting doors open, while cooperation is key in boss battles. The kid-friendly eerie atmosphere and visual humor hit just the right notes to entertain all ages alike. With offline co-op and online multiplayer modes, multiple family members can join Luigi on his spooky escapades anytime, anywhere.
Pokkén Tournament DX
Pokkén Tournament DX blends traditional Pokémon battling with arcade fighting gameplay for an exciting multiplayer experience. Players choose a Pokémon like Braixen, Garchomp or Lucario and battle one-on-one using melee attacks, Pokémon moves and Hyper Moves. adjustable difficulty settings ensure it can be enjoyed competitively or casually. Both local wireless and online play are supported. Though more complex than most Pokémon games, its intuitive controls and visual style appeal widely. Beginners may stick to casual fun while more experienced players can thrive in online leagues. With Pokémon franchises already so beloved, Pokkén Tournament DX offers a new twist families and friends of all skill levels can appreciate.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker charms with creative 3D puzzles and exploration in bite-sized levels. Players guide the ever curious Captain Toad through lush environments, collecting gems and searching high and low. Each brightly colored stage presents new interactive obstacles to overcome Solo or in two-player co-op mode. Rely on teammates’ unique abilities to scope out gems, activate switches or work together to progress. With accessible yet engaging puzzles, Treasure Tracker entertains both younger puzzle fans or families together on family game nights. Its variety, brevity and vibrant visuals create a feel-good adventure for all ages.
Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 amps up the chaos of cooperative cooking even further. Up to 4 players take on the role of chefs preparing orders simultaneously across various silly kitchen scenarios, from haunted houses to space stations. Players must work together seamlessly – chopping, cooking and serving within time limits. Advanced kitchens add moving elements that demand split-second communication. Though stressful, its pick-up-and-play challenges and visual humor make Overcooked 2 a blast for competitive families, whether you cooperate smoothly or descend into playful arguments! With online play too, the manic kitchen action is never-ending.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch library contains so many wonderful games for families and multi-generations to bond over. Whether looking for lighthearted platforming, lively party games, or cooperative adventures, there are titles here for every type of family and style of play. Its pick-up-and-play flexibility across TV and handheld modes makes the Switch a top choice for bringing people together in shared gaming experiences. We hope this overview of 9 terrific options gave you some great ideas to spark family fun with the console. Now get playing – and may the best player win!