15 Best Family Games For Nintendo Switch That The Whole Family Will Love

Danielle Outen
Dec 22, 2023 By Danielle Outen
Originally Published on Jul 05, 2021
Best Family Games For Nintendo Switch That The Whole Family Will Love.
Age: 3-18
Read time: 7.9 Min

It can be tough to find good games to play that are appropriate for the entire family, from young children to granny and grandad.  

Luckily, the Nintendo Switch is one of the best consoles around for balancing fun with accessibility. The console allows you to literally switch from a handheld console to a home TV console, and includes joy-con sticks that have motion technology making multiplayer switch games extra exciting.

Although it is up to you what age children can use the device, Nintendo recommends kids aged five and over can play games on Nintendo Switch. That being said, some games have age ratings of three years and over.

There are heaps of fun family games for Switch Nintendo that will provide entertainment around the sofa on your Saturday night. If you are looking for some great Nintendo family games, we have listed the best games on Switch. These Nintendo Switch family games are easy to learn and play without compromising on fun. We have also categorised the games so you can see there is a game on Nintendo Switch out there for everyone.

If your child is really into technology, how about getting them one of these kids' books about coding, or for more inspiration for electronic gifts, check out these smart watches for kids.

Kidadl's Top Pick

We have scoured through the top Nintendo Switch multiplayer games and decided on our favourite. We love all the games on our list but this is the top pick because of the amount of gameplay you get for the price alongside quality animations and its fun factor.

1. Super Smash Bros Ultimate‍

Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

This is a game appealing to all ages, with all your favourite characters fighting against each other to be the champion. There are endless opportunities for hours of fun with this game that includes 108 maps and 74 different characters.

Main Features

  • Price: £48
  • Age: 12+
  • Approachable controls
  • Up to 8 players
  • Heaps of gameplay options

Best For Families On A Budget

2. Overcooked! 2‍

Overcooked! 2.

The sequel to the popular and fun game where you have to prepare and serve food under time pressure before your customers leave. It requires teamwork and cooperation from the family to succeed. Overcooked has an adorable animated aesthetic and each level has its own original flair. All of this plus a reasonable price makes it the best value option.

Main Features

  • Price: £20
  • Age: 3+
  • Up to 4 players
  • Team building game

Best For Parties

3. Super Mario Party‍

Super Mario Party.

Super Mario Party is one of the most fun Nintendo Switch family friendly games and a great addition to any party. It is a collection of minigames within a game. You and your family compete to be the winner of a board game whilst along the way, completing minigames and challenges. The party mode allows you to play across four game boards with 80 minigames, making for an awesomely fun party.  

Main Features

  • Price: £50
  • Age: 5+
  • Can link 2 Nintendo Switch systems
  • Up to 4 players
  • Tonnes of minigames

Best For Two Players

4. 1 2 Switch‍

1 2 Switch.

A Nintendo Switch game isn't just for parties, this game is perfect for two players, whether that is friends, siblings or even parents! It includes 28 minigames from a wild west duel to sword fighting. It is unique in that the game involves eye contact with your opponent. You just detach the joy-con and enjoy its many functions and hilarious gameplay.

Main Features

  • Price: £34
  • Age: 3+
  • 28 minigames
  • 1-on-1 competition format
  • Simple rules make it accessible to all

Best Dance Game

5. Just Dance 2020‍

Just Dance 2020.

Exactly what it says on the tin. It includes 40 tracks to classic crowd favourites to current chart toppers. It is also a great form of exercise and you can track your calories burned. Playing this game is a hoot at any party. There are even eight choreographed dances just for children.

Main Features

  • Price: £29
  • Age: 3+
  • Form of home exercise
  • 40 music tracks
  • 8 dances for kids

Best Racing Game

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ‍

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart games have been some of the most popular multiplayer games for decades and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also now one of the best Nintendo Switch games. This version offers 48 different tracks including old favourites and new exciting races. You'll have access to all your favourite Mario Kart racers with new characters. It is also possible to play online with friends, making this one of the best multiplayer games on the market.

Main Features

  • Price: £53
  • Age: 3+
  • 48 tracks
  • A variety of tracks
  • Up to 12 players
  • Easy game format

Best Exploration Game

7. Pokémon: Let's Go! Pikachu‍

Pok\u00e9mon: Let's Go! Pikachu.

Pokémon games are usually one player but this Pokémon game for Nintendo Switch allows you and your family to catch 'em all together. You can battle against each other or work together to expand your Pokémon collection. If you don't want Pikachu as your sidekick, this game also has a version called 'Pokémon: Let's Go! Evee', where you play with Evee by your side which you can purchase separately from Nintendo.

Main Features

  • Price: £49
  • Age: 7+
  • Attractive animations
  • Great gameplay mode
  • Up to 2 players

Best Game For Relaxing

8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons‍

Animal Crossing New Horizons - Currys PC World.

Work together with the family to build an island community with this Nintendo Switch version of the classic game. You have a chance to explore your Animal Crossing universe by fishing, collecting items, and decorating your homes. This game is no Battle Royale: it is a calming and totally adorable family game that is fun for all ages.  

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: 3+
  • Simple gameplay
  • Cute animations
  • Up to 4 players

Best For Strategy Fans

9. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Games‍

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Games.

This is a collection of classic and retro games that are fun for all ages and a fantastic family activity. There are over 50 games here so you are really spoiled for choice, including solitaire, bowling and four in a row. Many of these games are strategy games so playing this game is a really great way to develop problem solving skills as a family.

Main Features

  • Price: £28
  • Age: 12+
  • 51 classic games
  • Up to 4 players

Best Tennis Game

10. Mario Tennis Aces‍

Mario Tennis Aces.

Yet another family friendly Super Mario game that is great for tennis lovers and couch potatoes alike. Simply pick your favourite character from the Mario universe and swing to win the tournament. It also includes a story mode complete with missions and minigames.

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: 3+
  • Includes online mode
  • Swing mode motion technology
  • Up to 4 players

Best Sports Game

11. Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020‍

Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

This is one of the most competitive, sporty and fun multiplayer games for Nintendo Switch around. Compete with your family and go for gold in the many Olympic events with some of your favourite Nintendo characters.  Just some of the sports you can play include javelin, karate, and surfing. You can also go online and compete with other players.

Main Features

  • Price: £38
  • Age: 7+
  • Includes online mode
  • Makes the most of motion technology
  • Up to 8 players

Best For Creative Minds

12. Super Mario Maker 2‍

Super Mario Maker 2\u200d.

If you're looking for something to get creative, this is it. Its a game-design course meets multiplayer platform game that has endless hours of creative fun. You get to make your own Mario course and play them using your favourite Nintendo characters.

Main Features

  • Price: £50
  • Age: 3+
  • Up to 4 players
  • Attractive animations

Best For Adventure

13. Luigi's Mansion 3‍

Luigi's Mansion 3.

A spooky but family friendly game with heaps of minigames and adventure. This is Nintendo's answer to 'Ghostbusters'. You can work together as a family to complete the missions and there are also games in party mode that are suitable for up to eight players.

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: 7+
  • Fun animations
  • 2 player co-op mode

Best Platform Game

14. Yoshi's Crafted World‍

Yoshi's Crafted World.

This is an adorable puzzle platformer game featuring our favourite cute dinosaur, Yoshi. Lead Yoshi to explore his universe as a family with the two player feature. You can also enjoy this game on the go, so it is great for keeping the family entertained when out and about.

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: 3+
  • 2 player mode
  • Cute animations
  • Good for on the go

Best Competitive Game

15. Splatoon 2‍

Splatoon 2.

This is a family friendly paint shooter game that is super exciting for kids. The aim of the gain is to hit as many opponents as you can without your turf getting damaged. The winner hits the opponent's turf with the most paint. The game works on both the TV and portably on the Switch console.

Main Features

  • Price: £40
  • Age: 7+
  • Up to 4 players
  • Has online mode
  • Colourful graphics

Kidadl Best Buys selects the top, parent recommended products for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best microscopes for kids then take a look at our top ten list of great robot toys, or, if you're after outdoors fun, why not try this list of amazing garden toys.

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Written by Danielle Outen

Bachelor's degree specializing in Economics, Master's degree specializing in Development Management

Danielle Outen picture

Danielle OutenBachelor's degree specializing in Economics, Master's degree specializing in Development Management

Growing up in London, Danielle has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Southampton and a Master's degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She has always been surrounded by a big family and loves outdoor activities and adventurous experiences. She has traveled the world in search of new waves to surf. Danielle enjoys discovering new and fun activities to share with her relatives.

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