The Nintendo Switch is the perfect console for family fun. There are tons of games that are not just good for kids in tone, but also in how easy they are to learn and play. Plus, these games are often appropriate for all ages. Many of its games can support up to four people, and they can easily join in by using Joy-Cons as little gaming controllers. If you're considering a Nintendo Switch for family fun, these are the games that need to be on your radar.
★ Featured favorite
Over 70 of gaming's most iconic characters from Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, Square Enix, and more have been packed into the same game, and they're all looking for a fight. Up to eight people can battle in this party brawler for the ages.
Catch 'Em All
Pokemon has always been a social game, but only for people trading and battling each other. With the launch of Pokemon: Let's Go, those games let you and your loved ones catch them all together.
I'll Race Ya!
Few games are as synonymous with "family fun" as Mario Kart is. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers the fun kart-racing experience we all know and love with updated visuals and a windfall of new content.
Party Time!
This is the ultimate family game. Super Mario Party is back with over 80 game modes that up to four people can enjoy. You can play 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 2, or have a full-on 4-player battle royale in a collection of mini-games that never seem to get old.
It's-a Me!
Super Mario Odyssey isn't a family game in the same sense as most other games on this list. It has limited co-operative gameplay for up to two people but is mostly a single-player affair. That doesn't stop it from being perfect for the family, though, with plenty of puzzles and levels that your loved ones can help each other through.
An eggscellent adventure
Yoshi's Crafted World is an adorable puzzle platformer adventure that's friendly enough for the entire family to enjoy. Take control of Yoshi and friends as they search a beautiful world made of everyday crafting materials, such as cardboard boxes and paper cups, for clues to a fabled artefact. There is even a two-player co-op mode, so two people in the family can play and enjoy together.
Classic Mario style
Have some spare Joy-Cons laying around? Then up to four other people can join the fun in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe! There are over 164 classic platforming stages to get through in two main game modes, and the replay value is high with even more game modes to unlock. Pick your favourite Mario character and use their unique abilities and traits that affect gameplay to make it to the end of each level. It's perfect family fun for everyone.
Like a star
Up to four people can play Kirby Star Allies at a time, so this is a great game for the entire family to play together. Control Kirby and use friend hearts to charm foes, and they'll fight alongside you, giving you access to their own unique Copy abilities too. You can even combine some abilities with elements, giving you an edge in battle against some bosses who are weak to certain elements. It's up to you and your friends to find out what those weaknesses are!
Turf war
Splatoon 2 is a family-friendly shooter that will even appeal to people who don't like shooters. Rather than have the objective be getting as many kills as possible, it's mostly about inking your turf. Whichever team paints in the most turf in a match will win, and the kills on the other team are just a bonus. There is also a single-player campaign and other game modes to check out. Splatoon 2 is a family-friendly shooter that is super cute and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.
Ultimate family fun
Family games on Nintendo Switch might as well be an endless list. There is something for everyone, young and old. Our picks all deliver loads of fun for everyone gathered around the TV. They're perfect for all ages, and just as with anything in life, they get better the more people you add! There are a lot of family-friendly titles on the Nintendo Switch, but these are just some of the best ones that you can get.
If we were to make any recommendations, our absolute favourite is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It features a roster of every fighter that's been available in past Smash games, and there are dozens of stages to boot. Plus, there are several game modes to enjoy, along with the ever-popular online mode against other players from the globe, so you can see who is the best Smash fighter.
Another great choice is Super Mario Odyssey because it's a fresh new Mario game where you can explore brand new worlds. Plus, Cappy makes it possible to take control of various things in the environment, which leads to cool discoveries.
Finally, we highly recommend Yoshi's Crafted World. Mostly because Yoshi is cute as heck, but the world made from everyday crafting materials is stunning to look at. Plus, there are a ton of secrets to discover as you search for the collectable artefact, and the replay value is high.
