When it comes to gaming for kids, especially 8-year-olds, the stakes are high. You want games that are not only fun but also age-appropriate and, ideally, educational.
The Nintendo Switch, with its versatile library and family-friendly design, is a fantastic console for young gamers. It offers a wide range of titles that cater to various interests and skill levels, making it a top choice for parents looking to introduce their kids to the world of gaming.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the best Nintendo Switch games for 8-year-olds, ensuring they’re entertained, engaged, and maybe even learning a thing or two along the way.
Criteria for Selection
Before we jump into the games, let’s talk about what makes a game suitable for an 8-year-old. Here are the key factors we considered:
- Age-Appropriate Content: We stuck to games rated E for Everyone or E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up. These ratings ensure the content is suitable for young players, with no inappropriate themes or violence.
- Engaging Gameplay: Kids have short attention spans, so the games need to be fun and captivating. We looked for titles with colorful visuals, interesting characters, and gameplay mechanics that keep kids coming back for more.
- Educational Value: While fun is important, we also considered games that offer some educational benefits. Whether it’s problem-solving, creativity, or strategic thinking, these games can help kids develop important skills while they play.
- Ease of Play: Young gamers are still developing their hand-eye coordination and gaming skills, so we prioritized games with simple controls and mechanics that are easy to pick up and play.
Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games for 8-Year-Olds
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the games! Here’s our curated list of the top 10 Nintendo Switch games that are perfect for 8-year-olds.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platformer that takes Mario on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. The game is packed with colorful worlds, creative challenges, and plenty of secrets to discover.
This game is a goldmine for problem-solving skills. Each world is filled with puzzles and hidden items that require players to think critically and explore every nook and cranny. It’s like a treasure hunt that keeps the brain engaged.
The game’s vibrant worlds and creative challenges are a feast for the eyes and mind. Whether it’s controlling Mario’s sentient hat, Cappy, to possess enemies and objects, or discovering hidden moons, there’s always something new to keep players entertained.
Suitability: Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up, so it’s slightly more advanced but still suitable for most 8-year-olds.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate racing game featuring beloved Nintendo characters. With a variety of tracks, karts, and power-ups, it’s a fun-filled experience for players of all ages.
Beyond the thrill of racing, this game encourages strategic thinking. Players need to decide when to use their power-ups, how to navigate tricky tracks, and how to outsmart their opponents. It’s also great for developing hand-eye coordination.
The multiplayer modes are where this game truly shines. Whether playing with friends or family, the competitive and cooperative modes provide endless replayability. Plus, the addition of the Smart Steering feature helps younger players stay on track (literally).
Suitability: Suitable for all ages, making it a perfect choice for family game nights.
3. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
These games are modern remakes of the classic Pokémon Yellow, featuring updated graphics and mechanics. Players can choose to partner with either Pikachu or Eevee as they embark on a journey to become Pokémon Masters.
Pokémon games are excellent for teaching strategy and planning. Players need to think about type advantages, move sets, and team composition to succeed in battles. It’s a great way to introduce kids to basic RPG mechanics.
The captivating storyline and the thrill of catching and training Pokémon are irresistible. The game also includes cooperative play, allowing a second player to join in on the adventure.
Suitability: Suitable for young players, with a gentle learning curve that’s perfect for newcomers to the series.
4. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is a charming platformer where Yoshi explores a world made entirely of everyday items like cardboard and paper. The game’s aesthetic is like playing through a child’s craft project.
This game stimulates creativity and problem-solving. Each level is filled with hidden items and secrets that require players to think outside the box. The flip-side mechanic, where you can play levels from a different perspective, adds an extra layer of challenge.
The adorable visuals and cooperative play options make this game a hit with kids. It’s also relatively easy, making it accessible for younger players.
Suitability: Suitable for all ages, with a gentle difficulty curve that’s perfect for beginners.
5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is Kirby’s first full 3D adventure. The game takes place in a mysterious world filled with abandoned structures and strange creatures. Kirby can inhale enemies to gain their abilities, adding a fun twist to the gameplay.
This game encourages exploration and adaptability. Players need to figure out how to use Kirby’s various abilities to navigate the environment and solve puzzles. It’s a great way to develop spatial awareness and critical thinking.
The vibrant environments and unique abilities keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game also includes a co-op mode, allowing a second player to join as Bandana Waddle Dee.
Suitability: Suitable for young players, with a forgiving difficulty level that’s perfect for kids.
6. Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition
Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore infinite worlds made of blocks. The game offers both creative and survival modes, catering to different playstyles.
Minecraft is a powerhouse of creativity and learning. It fosters creativity through building, teaches resource management in survival mode, and even introduces basic programming concepts through Redstone mechanics. It’s like a digital LEGO set with endless possibilities.
The endless possibilities keep players engaged for hours. Whether it’s building a castle, exploring caves, or farming, there’s always something to do. The game also supports multiplayer, allowing kids to play with friends.
Suitability: Suitable for all ages, with a variety of settings to customize the experience.
7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game where players create and manage their own island paradise. The game runs in real-time, with seasons and events that change daily.
This game teaches time management, planning, and social interaction. Players need to manage resources, plan their island layout, and interact with villagers. It’s a great way to introduce kids to basic life skills in a fun and relaxing way.
The relaxing gameplay and daily activities make this game a joy to play. The ability to customize your island and home adds a creative element that keeps players coming back.
Suitability: Suitable for all ages, with a slow-paced gameplay style that’s perfect for unwinding.
8. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a spooky (but not too scary) adventure where Luigi explores a haunted hotel to rescue his friends. The game features puzzle-solving, ghost-catching, and plenty of humor.
This game enhances problem-solving and critical thinking. Players need to figure out how to navigate the hotel, solve puzzles, and capture ghosts using Luigi’s Poltergust G-00. It’s a great way to develop logical thinking and spatial awareness.
The humorous and spooky elements appeal to kids, and the game’s co-op mode allows a second player to join as Gooigi, Luigi’s gooey doppelganger.
Suitability: Suitable for young players, with a light-hearted tone that keeps the scares to a minimum.
9. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle game where Captain Toad searches for treasure in various levels. The game features isometric levels that require players to rotate the camera to find hidden paths and items.
This game develops spatial awareness and logical thinking. Players need to figure out how to navigate the levels, avoid enemies, and collect all the treasures. It’s a great way to introduce kids to puzzle-solving in a fun and engaging way.
The charming visuals and clever puzzles keep players entertained. The game also includes co-op mode, allowing a second player to join in on the treasure hunt.
Suitability: Suitable for all ages, with a gentle difficulty curve that’s perfect for beginners.
10. Lost in Play
Lost in Play is a point-and-click adventure game that follows two siblings on a whimsical journey through a fantasy world. The game features hand-drawn visuals and a captivating storyline.
This game encourages creativity and problem-solving. Players need to figure out how to solve puzzles and progress through the story. It’s a great way to develop critical thinking and attention to detail.
The cartoon-like visuals and engaging storyline make this game a joy to play. The puzzles are challenging but not frustrating, making it a great choice for young players.
Suitability: Suitable for young players, with a gentle learning curve that’s perfect for newcomers to the genre.
Tips for Parents
Now that we’ve covered the games, here are some tips for parents to ensure a positive gaming experience for their kids:
- Utilize Parental Controls: The Nintendo Switch has robust parental controls that allow you to manage screen time, set playtime limits, and restrict access to certain games. Take advantage of these features to ensure your child is gaming responsibly.
- Play Together: Consider playing games with your child. Not only does this enhance the gaming experience, but it also allows you to monitor the content and guide them through any challenging parts. Plus, it’s a great way to bond!
- Encourage Balance: While gaming can be a fun and educational activity, it’s important to encourage a balance between gaming and other activities like outdoor play, reading, and family time. Set clear boundaries and encourage a healthy routine.
Selecting age-appropriate games for 8-year-olds is crucial for ensuring they have a positive and enriching gaming experience. The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse library of games that cater to young gamers, providing a mix of entertainment, education, and creativity.
From the adventurous worlds of Super Mario Odyssey to the creative sandbox of Minecraft, there’s something for every young gamer to enjoy.
By following our tips and recommendations, you can help your child get the most out of their gaming experience while ensuring they’re playing games that are both fun and beneficial.