Best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10

News
By
last updated

The best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch game
(Image credit: Nintendo)

Today's best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10 are fun, easy to understand and age appropriate. Kids as young as three years old are picking up game controllers and mashing buttons. 

Game ratings help parents choose the best content for their children's safety while playing games. Age ratings are based on elements found in the game software and are visible on its packaging. Content descriptors indicate if a game contains cartoon or fantasy violence, comic mischief, crude humor, blood and gore, drug references or profanity.

Within the United States and Canada, games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). If you're looking for Nintendo Switch games a 3 year old can play or Switch games for kids under 10, you'll want to stick with games rated E for everyone. Games rated E10+ recommended for ages 10 and older. 

In European countries, Pan European Game Information (PEGI) breaks down game ratings by age. For example, games rated with 3 are for ages 3+ whereas 7+ is suitable for kids age 7 and up. 

One of the best games for kids is Animal Crossing: New Horizons which is rated E for everyone. Rated PEGI 3 for children 3 and up, it's easy to understand, fun, educational and full of cute animal characters. In our Animal Crossing: New Horizon review, we loved its relaxing gameplay and refreshing new content. We also liked its positive moral lessons about kindness, hard work and dedication.

We gave Animal Crossing: New Horizons an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and our highly regarded Editor's Choice award. Although this game supports online multiplayer with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, interaction is limited. Kids can only play with existing Switch friends added by parents. The Nintendo Switch Console's parental controls app also lets parents limit interaction for all games.

So if you're the proud parent of a new Switch owner looking for the best kids games, we've got you covered. From a classic Pokemon remake to Big Brain Academy puzzle games, here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10.

Best Nintendo Switch games for kids 

Pac-Man World Re-Pac: $29 @ GameStop

Pac-Man World Re-Pac: $29 @ GameStop
Pac-Man World Re-Pac is one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids under 10. This reimagined classic features an upgraded user interface, precise mechanics and enhanced graphics. In this game, Pac-Man discovers the Ghosts have kidnapped his family and sets out to Ghost Island to rescue them. Kids can also play a collection of 3D mazes in Maze Mode and unlock the original Pac-Man game after completing Quest Mode. 

View Deal
New Pokémon Snap: was $59 @ Best Buy

New Pokémon Snap: was $59 @ Best Buy
Rated E for everyone, the Editor's Choice New Pokémon Snap is a great way to introduce younger children to Pokémon collecting. We gave Pokémon Snap an overall review rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its detailed visuals, relaxing gameplay and impressive playability. Fun editing and sharing tools makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids and adults alike. 

View Deal
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond: $59 @ Amazon  

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond: $59 @ Amazon
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond released is one of the best Nintendo Switch game for kids age 7 and up. This modern day remake of the 2006 Nintendo DS games is easy to understand and retains the original story. 

View Deal
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: $59 @ Amazon

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: $59 @ Amazon
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is rated E and is suitable for kids 7 and up. The game takes place after events of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. During his travels outside of Hyrule, Link finds himself shipwrecked on the mysterious Koholint island and learns that he must awaken the island's guardian to find his way home. 

View Deal
Animal Crossing: New Horizons: $49 @ Amazon

Animal Crossing: New Horizons: $49 @ Amazon
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is rated E for everyone and has a PEGI rating of 3 for kids age 3 and up. It's easy to understand, fun, educational and has an abundance of cute characters. This social simulation game lets players customize their character, home, decorations, and the landscape itself. In our Animal Crossing: New Horizon review, we loved its relaxing gameplay and refreshing new content. We gave it an overall rating rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and our Editor's Choice award thumbs up. 

View Deal
Mario Kart Deluxe 8: $59 @ Best Buy

Mario Kart Deluxe 8: $59 @ Best Buy
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must buy Nintendo Switch game for kids. Race with friends or battle them in battle mode on a variety of battle courses. This best-selling Mario game is an absolute blast and is rated E for everyone. It's recommended for ages 3+. 

View Deal
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe U: $59 @ Best Buy

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe U: $59 @ Best Buy
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe U is recommended for kids 7 and up. It has easy-to-use controls, adorable characters and delightful, colorful graphics. Kids can Join Mario, Luigi, and their gang of pals for single-player or multiplayer fun with Nintendo Switch Online support. 

View Deal
Paper Mario: The Origami King: $59 @ Amazon

Paper Mario: The Origami King: $59 @ Amazon
Free Princess Peach’s castle from the clutches of King Olly in Paper Mario: The Origami King. This comedy-filled adventure lets you join Mario and his new pal, Olivia to battle evil Folded Soldiers. This game is recommended for kids age 7 and older. 

View Deal
My Friend Peppa Pig: $39 @ Best Buy

My Friend Peppa Pig: $39 @ Best Buy
My Friend Peppa Pig is one of the best Nintendo Swtich Games for kids. This loveable little piggy loves games, dress up, and of course, jumping in muddy puddles. Players get to join Peppa on all her adventures, test their creativity and explore. This game is recommended for kids ages 3 and up. 

View Deal
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain: $29 @ Amazon

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain: $29 @ Amazon
Big Brain Academy Brain vs. Brain has an ESRB rating of E and a game the whole family can play. It includes fun, mind challenging games and puzzles. There are several levels for younger players and kids and parents can choose their own difficulty level. This game is rated E for  everyone.

View Deal
Hilda Scott
Hilda Scott

Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets from laptops to TVs and her bargain-shopping savvy to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and over a decade of experience in tech journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV series and combat sports.