Buzz
Bluey: The Videogame, inspired by the wildly popular Disney Junior series featuring a family of animated dogs, launched recently and is expected to be a hit gift for young gamers this holiday season. If it’s your child’s first experience with video games, they’ll probably want to explore similar options. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent and budget-friendly games to consider.
Little Mouse's Encyclopedia
Featuring visuals reminiscent of an Eric Carle picture book, this visually stunning title is less of a traditional game and more of an interactive exploration of nature through the eyes of a tiny mouse. With a simple button press, users can access detailed information about various plants and animals. The game is available in multiple versions, including one bundled with Under Leaves, another exploration-based game from the same developer.
Super Mario Maker 2
I initially considered adding this game to my list of top Nintendo Switch games for young children that excluded Mario, but since it stars the famous plumber, I decided against it. However, similar to Game Builder Garage, which made the list, this game allows players to design their own side-scrolling levels for others to enjoy. In World Maker mode, they can even craft an entire game using assets from earlier Mario titles.
S.U.M. - Slay Uncool Monsters
As hinted by the mnemonic in the title, players use fundamental math skills to defeat monsters, with challenges growing tougher as they progress through dungeons. Ideal for elementary-aged children, this digital-only game offers a vibrant nod to the educational software once common in school computer labs.
Nintendo Labo
These kits utilize cardboard sheets, combined with fundamental principles of physics, engineering, and programming, to transform your Nintendo Switch into a remote-controlled car, piano, or motorbike. This provides LEGO-loving children with another creative avenue to apply their building skills.
Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire's Conspiracy
Originally a hit on the Nintendo 3DS, this game was revamped for the Switch a few years back, though its core concept remains unchanged. Players step into the shoes of a renowned detective’s daughter, solving math and logic-based puzzles to crack cases involving seven wealthy individuals. Attention to detail is crucial, as missing clues can hinder progress.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
A spin-off from Super Mario 3D World, this game challenges players to manipulate the environment of each level to assist Captain Toad in collecting coins and treasures while dodging dangers. (Mushrooms, it seems, can’t jump.) With its emphasis on creativity and spatial reasoning, it’s an engaging game suitable for players of all ages.
Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Quest Builders is a spin-off title that shares similarities with Minecraft. Players must strategize and manage resources to accomplish construction objectives. The game challenges memory as villagers assign quests requiring material gathering. With no voice acting, reading comprehension is also essential.
Snipperclips Plus
If your young child enjoys using scissors as much as mine, this game is an ideal choice. The concept involves two paper characters solving puzzles by snipping themselves into new forms. For instance, to burst a balloon, players must reshape themselves into a pointed object. While it may frustrate younger players at times, it encourages emotional regulation and adaptability as challenges evolve.
Calculation Castle
As the name suggests, this digital-only game series helps kids master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to unlock doors, fight ghosts, and collect treasure needed to confront Greco—who might just be a demon. Honestly, it’s hard to say.
Letter Quest Remastered
Combining elements of word puzzles and RPGs, players must form words to vanquish enemies blocking Grimm, the pizza-loving scythe-wielding protagonist. Despite its seemingly dark premise, this digital game features adorable characters like ghosts and mischievous bunnies, making it more charming than frightening.
Numbala
You may recognize this digital game from its app version. Created by neuroscientists, it’s a space-themed shooter designed to teach math concepts to kids. It’s as educational as it gets.
Island Saver
This digital rescue game stands out for its environmental theme. Players explore various islands—jungle, desert, and icy terrains—using a Trash Blaster to clean up litter and restore the environment.
