Hey there, fellow parent-emulator enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you want your tiny human to have fun with games and sneak in some learning without exposing them to chaos (looking at you, Call of Duty).
The Nintendo Switch is a goldmine for kid-friendly titles, but sifting through the eShop can feel like herding cats.
Let’s break down the 9 best Switch games for 4-year-olds that balance simplicity, education, and pure joy.
Why Age-Appropriate Games Matter for Tiny Gamers
Four-year-olds are basically sponges with legs. Their brains are wired for exploration, pattern recognition, and motor skill development. The right games can boost hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills.
But let’s be real: if the controls require a PhD in button combos, your kid’s gonna faceplant into frustration.
That’s why we’re focusing on games with simple mechanics, zero violence, and bright, engaging visuals. Oh, and co-op modes so you can join the fun (or sneak in a coffee break).
How We Picked These Games
- Controls a Toddler Can Handle: Single-button actions, touchscreen support, or joystick-only movement.
- Secretly Educational: Think memory games, puzzles, or creativity boosters disguised as play.
- Visuals That Pop: Cute animals, bold colors, and happy sounds = instant toddler magnet.
- Zero Scary Stuff: No combat, jump scares, or existential crises. Just good vibes.
The 9 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 4-Year-Olds
1. Crayola Scoot
What’s the Deal? A vibrant mix of racing and art! Kids zoom around on scooters, spraying colorful trails and completing tricks.
Why It’s Great: Combines creativity with movement. No combat, just rainbows and wheelies.
How to Play:
- Press ZL to accelerate and B to jump.
- Tilt the Joy-Con to perform mid-air spins (no complex combos needed).
- Unlock new colors by completing races. Pro tip: Let them “draw” on the track for bonus points!
Buy It Here: Crayola Scoot on Nintendo eShop
2. Snipperclips – Cut It Out, Together!
What’s the Deal? A cooperative puzzle game where players snip each other into shapes to solve challenges (like fitting through a keyhole).
Why It’s Great: Teams up kids and parents—no reading required, just silly teamwork.
How to Play:
- Grab a Joy-Con each.
- Use the right stick to rotate your character.
- Press A to “snip” parts of your friend’s shape.
- Laugh when Dad accidentally becomes a fork.
Buy It Here: Snipperclips on Nintendo eShop
3. Part Time UFO
What’s the Deal? A UFO with a claw arm stacks objects (like penguins, tacos, or even cows) in wacky scenarios.
Why It’s Great: Teaches precision and patience. Failure = hilarious chaos.
How to Play:
- Move the UFO with the joystick.
- Press A to grab objects.
- Stack ’em high without toppling. Bonus: The game cheers even if everything falls.
Buy It Here: Part Time UFO on Nintendo eShop
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
What’s the Deal? Iconic racing with a kiddo-friendly twist: Auto-Steer and Auto-Accelerate prevent falls and let kids focus on fun.
Why It’s Great: Builds confidence with easy wins. Rainbow Road is way less scary now.
How to Play:
- Enable Smart Steering in the pause menu.
- Hold A to go—no need to press anything else!
- Toss shells with L. Pro tip: Let them play as Bowser Jr. for villainous giggles.
Buy It Here: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo eShop
5. Good Job!
What’s the Deal? Complete office tasks… by any means necessary. Launch printers down elevators? Approved!
Why It’s Great: Encourages creative problem-solving. Zero consequences for chaos.
How to Play:
- Move with the joystick.
- Grab objects with ZR.
- Throw, smash, or rocket-launch your way to success.
Buy It Here: Good Job! on Nintendo eShop
6. Lego Builder’s Journey
What’s the Deal? A serene puzzle game where kids stack Lego blocks to build bridges, paths, and mini-worlds.
Why It’s Great: No time limits or stress—just creativity and spatial awareness.
How to Play:
- Drag and snap bricks with the touchscreen.
- Rotate the camera to spot hidden solutions.
- Celebrate when the tiny Lego person finally crosses the river!
Buy It Here: Lego Builder’s Journey on Nintendo eShop
7. Just Dance 2023
What’s the Deal? Dance along to hits like “Baby Shark” and Disney tracks. Even toddlers can wiggle their way to high scores!
Why It’s Great: Burns energy and teaches rhythm. Parental hips optional but encouraged.
How to Play:
- Hold a Joy-Con in each hand.
- Mirror the dancer on-screen.
- Flail wildly. Accuracy is overrated.
Buy It Here: Just Dance 2023 on Nintendo eShop
8. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
What’s the Deal? A pint-sized explorer solves 3D puzzles by rotating levels, avoiding enemies, and collecting gems.
Why It’s Great: Encourages critical thinking. Captain Toad can’t jump, so it’s all about strategy!
How to Play:
- Move with the joystick.
- Interact with objects using A.
- Rotate the camera to find hidden paths.
Buy It Here: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on Nintendo eShop
9. Donut County
What’s the Deal? Control a hole that swallows everything from donuts to entire buildings. Absurdly fun physics!
Why It’s Great: Teaches cause-and-effect. Plus, who doesn’t love a raccoon mayor?
How to Play:
- Move the hole with the joystick.
- Swallow objects to grow bigger.
- Watch the story unfold through hilarious character chats.
Buy It Here: Donut County on Nintendo eShop
Pro Tips for Parents
- Time Limits Are Your Friend: Use the Switch’s built-in Parental Controls app to cap playtime (30 mins/day works for us).
- Demo First: Download free eShop demos to test games risk-free.
- Parental Controls 101:
- Open System Settings > Parental Controls.
- Link the app to your phone for remote management.
- Restrict games by age rating (set to EC for Early Childhood).
There you have it! Now go forth and game responsibly (and maybe steal the Switch for Zelda after bedtime). 😉
These picks aren’t just about keeping kids busy—they’re tools for growth (and maybe 20 minutes of peace). Always prioritize games that feel like play first, learning second. And hey, join in! Your kid will love showing off their “1337 gamer skills” to you.