Very few consoles in history have managed to capture a wide range of demographics to include everyone, from the kids up to the parents, Best Family Games Nintendo Switch is one of them.
Nintendo’s latest console entry has been tearing it up since its release in 2017. It’s helped that it has some of the best games of this generation as exclusives, including none other than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
But, more importantly, one thing that has helped Nintendo Switch carve out its own niche despite significantly being less powerful compared to the Sony PlayStation 4 and the Microsoft Xbox One is how family-friendly the console is. To say that the Nintendo Switch is the best current-generation gaming console for families is only fitting.
Filled with games that can be played by as many as eight players, most featuring intuitive controls, the Nintendo Switch is that one console that parents wish they would have bought to help them keep their kids busy when they are all off school.
To help give you a better idea, we decided to round up all the best family games on the Nintendo Switch. We made sure to include a wide variety of genres and gameplay to cater to varying tastes and preferences. Even though a couple of games on our list might not be right up your family’s alley, you’re sure to find out that is.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
10. Skylanders: SuperChargers
As part of the long-standing tradition of previous Skylanders games, the Skylanders: SuperChargers video game on the Nintendo Switch is a one-half toy and one-half game, allowing for a very unique interaction between real-life toys and video games.
As for the game itself, it’s a pretty straightforward platforming adventure game with a dash of racing and plenty of mini-games to keep players busy.
While Skylanders: SuperChargers might not be the first game that comes into your mind as far as games that the entire family can enjoy, it is a great middle-ground for kids who love playing video games, and yet still want to continue playing with traditional toys.
9. 1-2 Switch
Are you looking for a warm-up game for the rest of the family to try and get them hooked on playing video games?
Then 1-2 Switch is just the game for you.
A glorified collection of tech demos, the 28 mini-games that makeup 1-2 Switch are fairly basic, but they are fun. They’re also a great way to introduce the motion controls of the Nintendo Switch to folks who aren’t as familiar with video game controllers.
8. Overcooked! 2
You know a game is good for families when it wins the “Best Family Game” award at The Game Awards 2018.
7. Minecraft
If you’re a parent who’s looking to get your kids hooked on video games, then Minecraft is one of the best ways to go.
With multiple game modes available, including an adventure mode so players can explore other custom maps made by other players, Minecraft is the ideal game to play as a family.
There’s just nothing quite like watching your kids let their imagination loose as they build whatever it is their beautiful little brains came up with.
6. Just Dance 2019
Much like the Mario Kart franchise, the Just Dance series of games have entertained families for years, and the latest iteration, Just Dance 2019, is no exception.
Making parents feel like they’re much better dancers than they are, while letting the kids bust a move, Just Dance 2019 features franchise staples, such as fool-proof choreography and familiar tunes that cater to everyone in the family.
As a bonus, Just Dance 2019 is just the kind of game that you can subtly let your kids play so they end up wearing themselves out much, much earlier in the evening.
5. Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu / Eevee
The social aspect of the Pokemon games has been part of the franchise since its inception, but it wasn’t until the release of Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee in 2018 that the games made it possible for two players to play the same game at the same time.
Simply by shaking a second Joy-Con, another player can join in on the fun and start catching Pokemon with you.
While it’s not the sort of experience that the entire family can jump into at the same time, the Pokemon Let’s Go! Games on the Nintendo Switch do make for quite a fun way to bond for parents and children, as well as siblings.
4. Super Mario Party
If 1-2 Switch and the Mario franchise had a baby, then Super Mario Party would definitely be the outcome.
Featuring over 80 game modes and 4-player gameplay — you all can play against each other, or team up together as 2 v 2 or 3 v 1 — Super Mario Party will last you and your entire family an entire vacation, and then some, before it starts to get old.
3. Stardew Valley
But, the game does feature a four-player cooperative mode, which means that the entire family can lose hours together as you guys try and restore a dilapidated farm to its former glory.
For something less frenetic and competitive and more relaxing and calming, Stardew Valley might just be what the doctor ordered for your family.
2. Mario Tennis Aces
The game has a robust single-player mode and multiple challenges to complete whenever no one’s around to play with you. And, once the entire family’s there, you guys can play doubles to try and see which one has the better swing.
Even if you’re not a huge tennis fan, Mario Tennis Aces’ controls is intuitive enough that you’ll be swinging your way to the top in no time.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Heated arguments are par for the course when it comes to Mario Kart, and with, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, that certainly is no exception.
A remaster of Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the quintessential multiplayer game that every family should have. Because of its intuitive controls, it shouldn’t take too long for even beginners to learn how to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and start abusing every power-up that they can get their hands on.
Final Thoughts
The portable console’s family-friendly gaming library is just that robust and expansive.
We did make sure, however, that with our list, we included something that everyone, both young and old, can enjoy.
