Finding the right Nintendo Switch games for 8-year-olds can be tricky. Kids at this age are developing their gaming skills but still need content that’s age-appropriate and engaging. The Switch offers many family-friendly options from well-known franchises like Mario and Kirby that combine fun gameplay with appropriate content.
The best Nintendo Switch games for 8-year-olds balance accessibility with challenge, allowing children to enjoy gaming while developing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Many games like Super Mario Odyssey and Kirby and the Forgotten Land include helpful features such as assist modes that let kids enjoy the experience without getting stuck or frustrated. Parents can feel confident knowing Nintendo designs many of its games with younger players in mind.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey stands out as one of the best Nintendo Switch games for young players. This colorful 3D adventure lets kids explore vast worlds while collecting moons and saving Princess Peach from Bowser.
The game features an “assist mode” which makes it much easier for children to play and learn. Parents report that even kids as young as 3 years old enjoy playing with this helpful feature turned on.
What makes Odyssey special is Mario’s cap-throwing ability. Cappy allows Mario to “possess” different objects and enemies, giving him new powers. This mechanic is simple enough for kids to understand but offers plenty of creative gameplay options.
The focus on exploration rather than difficult combat makes this game perfect for 8-year-olds. Children can wander around the colorful kingdoms at their own pace without feeling rushed or frustrated.
Parents looking for games that encourage problem-solving will appreciate Odyssey. Each kingdom presents puzzles that challenge kids to think creatively without being too difficult.
The game also offers a two-player mode where one player controls Mario while the other controls Cappy. This makes it great for parents who want to play alongside their child or for siblings to enjoy together.
According to online discussions, Super Mario Odyssey is generally considered appropriate for 7-year-olds, which means 8-year-olds should have no trouble with it. Many parents note that their children have fun simply running around in the big levels.
Unlike some games with strict linear progression, Odyssey lets kids skip harder challenges and still make progress. This flexibility prevents frustration and keeps the fun going.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers an excellent gaming experience for 8-year-olds. Released on March 20, 2020, this game provides a relaxed, creative environment where children can explore at their own pace.
The game is rated E for Everyone with only mild Comic Mischief, making it perfectly suitable for younger players. There’s no violence or danger, which creates a safe space for children to enjoy.
Kids can create their own character and move to a deserted island where they build a community from scratch. They’ll collect bugs, fish, and fossils while making friends with animal villagers.
The gameplay teaches valuable skills like resource management, patience, and creativity. Children learn to save bells (the game’s currency) for house upgrades and village improvements.
Many families found Animal Crossing especially valuable during lockdown periods, with parents and children playing together. It creates opportunities for shared experiences and discussions about goals and achievements.
The game follows real-time seasons and celebrations, connecting virtual experiences to the real world. This helps children understand the passage of time and seasonal changes.
Reading skills are practiced through character dialogues and item descriptions. While some reading is required, the visual cues help younger players understand what’s happening.
Children who enjoy Minecraft or Kirby will likely feel comfortable with Animal Crossing’s open-ended structure. The difference is the slower, more relaxed pace without pressure or time limits.
Parents appreciate that the game encourages kindness and positive social interactions. Players learn to help neighbors, give gifts, and maintain their island environment.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of the most popular games for the Nintendo Switch. It’s perfect for 8-year-olds because it offers simple controls that children can quickly master.
The game features familiar Nintendo characters racing in karts across colorful, exciting tracks. Kids can choose from favorites like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and many others.
What makes this game especially good for young players is the built-in assist features. Auto-acceleration and steering guidance help beginners stay on track while they learn the basics.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers both single-player and multiplayer options. Children can practice alone or enjoy races with family and friends, making it a great bonding activity.
The game’s content is family-friendly, earning it an age 7+ rating from Common Sense Media. Parents won’t need to worry about inappropriate material.
With 48 race tracks and numerous game modes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides plenty of variety. The tracks range from simple to complex, giving kids room to grow their skills over time.
Battle modes add another layer of fun where players can pop balloons or collect coins. These shorter game sessions work well for children with limited attention spans.
Sales numbers suggest this game is incredibly popular – PCMag notes that “basically everyone who owns a Switch already picked up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.”
The game teaches light competition and good sportsmanship. Winning isn’t always easy with items like shells and banana peels that can change a race’s outcome in seconds.
For an 8-year-old just starting with Switch games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an ideal mix of accessibility and challenge. It grows with them as they develop better coordination and racing strategies.
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is an excellent choice for 8-year-olds who enjoy light spooky adventures. Kids can help Luigi rescue Mario and friends from a haunted hotel using his trusty Poltergust vacuum to catch ghosts.
The game features puzzle-solving that’s perfect for a 6-year-old, so an 8-year-old should find it enjoyable without being too challenging. The puzzles offer just enough difficulty to be fun without causing frustration.
Luigi’s sidekick Gooigi adds a fun co-op element. Parents and children can play together, with one controlling Luigi and the other controlling his gooey clone. This makes it a great bonding experience.
Despite being ghost-themed, the game isn’t truly scary. The cartoon-style ghosts and silly situations keep things lighthearted and appropriate for children. The game has some really difficult optional content at the end, but the main story stays kid-friendly.
Each floor of the hotel has a unique theme, from a garden level to a movie set. This variety keeps children engaged as they explore new environments with different challenges.
The controls are easy to use, making it accessible for younger players. Children quickly learn to vacuum up ghosts and interact with the environment.
Many parents report that Luigi’s Mansion 3 is highly recommended and ranks among the best Switch games like Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game strikes a good balance between challenge and accessibility.
The graphics are impressive and better than previous games in the series. Kids will appreciate the colorful visuals and detailed environments as they help Luigi overcome his fears and save the day.
5. Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 stands out as a colorful, ink-based shooter game that’s perfect for younger players. Instead of bullets, players shoot bright ink at surfaces and opponents, making it a kid-friendly alternative to traditional shooters.
The game offers simple controls that children can quickly learn. Most eight-year-olds pick up the basics after just a few play sessions, according to parent reviews on Common Sense Media.
There’s no violence or blood in Splatoon 2. When players are defeated, they simply respawn into the game, keeping the experience light and fun for kids.
The multiplayer mode lets children team up with friends to complete objectives. Teams work together to cover the most ground with their color ink, teaching cooperation and strategy in a playful way.
Single-player campaigns provide hours of entertainment too. Kids can enjoy the game’s story mode alone if they’re not ready for competitive online play.
Parents appreciate the game’s incredible graphics and ease of play once children understand the mechanics. The bright visuals and upbeat music create an engaging atmosphere.
For fashion-minded kids, the game includes customizable characters with different outfits and gear. This adds another layer of fun as they create their own unique squid kid.
While Splatoon 3 is now available, Splatoon 2 remains a solid choice for younger players. It has plenty of content but isn’t overwhelming for newcomers to the series.
6. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World stands out as an excellent choice for 8-year-old gamers. The game features a colorful world made of fabric, cardboard, and other craft materials that instantly appeals to younger players.
The gameplay is straightforward enough for children to understand. Players control Yoshi as he navigates through handcrafted levels, collecting items and solving simple puzzles. The game has been especially made for children while still being fun for adults.
Parents looking for appropriate content will appreciate that this title is very child-friendly. Just one look at the game shows why it’s perfect for kids – the cute green dinosaur exploring vibrant, creative environments feels welcoming and safe.
The game offers a relaxed pace that works well for younger players. Children can take their time exploring without feeling rushed, which helps build confidence as they play.
Many Reddit users recommend this game for children. One commenter specifically mentioned that Yoshi’s Crafted World would be great for an 8-year-old, along with Mario Party and Mario Kart.
The co-op feature allows parents or siblings to join in the fun. Two players can work together to complete levels, making this a wonderful option for family gaming sessions.
It should be noted that while most of the game maintains its cheerful tone, there is one level called “Be Afraid of the Dark” that some parents found surprisingly spooky. This level might frighten more sensitive children, though most kids handle it fine.
The game’s difficulty strikes a good balance. It starts easy but gradually introduces more challenging elements, helping children develop problem-solving skills while staying engaged.
7. Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Pikmin 3 Deluxe brings a unique strategy adventure to the Nintendo Switch that’s perfect for 8-year-olds. Kids control tiny astronauts who command even tinier plant-like creatures called Pikmin to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
The game is suitable for younger players while still offering engaging challenges. It teaches kids about teamwork, resource management, and planning in a colorful, non-violent setting.
Children especially love the Pikmin themselves – small creatures with different abilities based on their colors. Red Pikmin resist fire, blue Pikmin can swim, and yellow Pikmin conduct electricity. This variety adds depth to the gameplay without being too complex.
This deluxe version improves on the original with added features like co-op play in the main story mode. Parents can join their children to help them through trickier sections, making it an excellent family gaming option.
According to reviews from parents, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an absolute delight from start to finish. The characters are unique, and the Pikmin are full of charm that appeals to kids.
The game also includes side missions featuring characters Olimar and Louie, plus all DLC from the original release. This extra content extends the play value considerably.
While some parts can be challenging, the game teaches valuable lessons about dealing with setbacks and perseverance. Eight-year-olds might need occasional help but will enjoy the satisfaction of solving problems on their own.
The mix of strategy, exploration, and cute characters makes Pikmin 3 Deluxe a standout choice for Switch-owning families with 8-year-olds.
8. Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies is a fun platformer that works well for 8-year-olds. This colorful adventure lets players control the pink puffball Kirby as he explores Dream Land with friends.
The game stands out because it features co-op play, allowing up to four people to join the fun. Parents can help younger children through tougher sections, making it perfect for family game nights.
Kirby’s main ability involves inhaling enemies and copying their powers. Kids can mix these abilities with friends to create powerful combo moves. This system is easy to understand but has enough depth to keep children engaged.
The difficulty level is well-balanced for younger players. Many parents consider it an excellent introduction to platformers and video games in general. Kids won’t face too much frustration while learning the controls.
Content-wise, Kirby Star Allies remains kid-friendly throughout. The game promotes friendship with its pink hearts theme, though some final boss designs might look slightly scary to very sensitive children.
The cheerful music and bright visuals appeal to children. Every level feels distinct and memorable. The game’s pacing gives kids time to explore without rushing them through the experience.
One key advantage is how Nintendo designed the game with polish and quality. The controls respond well, and the game rarely confuses players about what to do next.
The story remains simple enough for children to follow. Kirby must save Dream Land from a new threat by making friends along the way. This straightforward plot keeps kids focused on the gameplay.
Age-Appropriate Game Features
When choosing Nintendo Switch games for 8-year-olds, certain features help ensure children have fun while staying safe. Parents should look for games with learning opportunities and utilize the system’s built-in protections.
Educational Value
Many Switch games blend entertainment with learning in ways kids won’t even notice. Popular franchises like Lego games offer problem-solving challenges through familiar characters from Batman, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Games like Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain test memory, logic, and visualization with quick mental exercises that sharpen thinking skills. Children can play alone or compete with family members.
Nintendo Labo kits transform cardboard into interactive toys while teaching basic engineering concepts. Kids build fishing rods, pianos, or robots, then use them in mini-games.
Snipperclips encourages teamwork as players cut paper characters into shapes to solve puzzles together. This cooperative play helps develop communication skills and strategic thinking.
Look for games with reading components that support literacy development through adventure stories or character dialogue.
Parental Controls and Safety
Nintendo Switch offers robust family-friendly controls through the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Parents can:
- Set daily play time limits
- Monitor which games children play
- Restrict games by age rating
- Limit online communication features
- Control in-game purchases
The ESRB rating system helps identify appropriate content. For 8-year-olds, look for games rated E (Everyone) or E10+ (Everyone 10+). These ratings appear on physical game boxes and in the digital store.
Consider games with adjustable difficulty settings. This feature allows children to progress at their own pace without becoming frustrated. Many Nintendo first-party titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe include “auto-steering” options for younger players.
Password-protect the Nintendo eShop to prevent unauthorized purchases or downloading inappropriate content.
Benefits of Gaming for Young Children
Video games offer more than just entertainment for 8-year-olds. They can help kids learn and grow in ways that might surprise parents.
Cognitive Skills Development
Playing video games can boost a child’s brain power. Studies show that video games have a positive effect on cognitive skills like impulse control and working memory. This helps kids think faster and solve problems better.
Research from Sweden found that children who played video games increased their intelligence more than those who didn’t play. Many Switch games require kids to think critically and plan ahead.
Games like puzzle adventures teach kids to:
- Solve complex problems
- Plan strategies
- Make quick decisions
- Improve hand-eye coordination
Memory games help children practice focus and attention. Action games can improve visual processing speed. These skills transfer to schoolwork and daily activities.
Social Interaction through Gaming
The Nintendo Switch offers many ways for children to connect with others. Social gaming can stimulate conversation skills and help kids learn to work together.
Many Switch games feature multiplayer options where kids can:
- Take turns
- Work as a team
- Practice good sportsmanship
- Learn to win and lose gracefully
Games like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. teach children to play fair and respect rules. They learn patience while waiting for their turn.
Family game nights with the Switch can strengthen bonds between parents and children. These shared experiences give everyone something fun to talk about. Kids often practice reading during gaming to understand instructions or follow storylines, especially when they want to win games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions about choosing the right Nintendo Switch games for their 8-year-olds. Here are answers to common questions about age-appropriate games that balance fun with suitable content.
What are the top-rated Nintendo Switch games suitable for 8-year-old players?
Several highly-rated games stand out for 8-year-old players. Super Mario Odyssey offers a fun adventure with simple controls and colorful worlds.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides exciting racing that’s easy to learn but offers depth as skills improve. Kids can adjust difficulty settings to match their abilities.
Other excellent choices include Animal Crossing: New Horizons for creative play and Luigi’s Mansion 3 for lighthearted spooky fun.
Which Nintendo Switch games are appropriate for both 8-year-old girls and boys?
Most Nintendo games appeal to all children regardless of gender. Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets kids express creativity through island design and character customization.
Yoshi’s Crafted World features adorable characters and cooperative play that appeals broadly. Splatoon 2 offers colorful team-based action without realistic violence.
Kirby games are another excellent option with friendly characters and accessible gameplay that children of all genders enjoy.
Are there any educational Nintendo Switch games recommended for 8-year-olds?
Yes! Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain offers fun puzzles that build critical thinking skills through mini-games. It adjusts difficulty based on player performance.
Nintendo Labo combines physical building with digital play, teaching basic engineering concepts. Kids construct cardboard creations that interact with the Switch.
Minecraft also offers educational value through problem-solving, resource management, and creativity, though parents may want to monitor online interactions.
Can you suggest family-friendly multiplayer Nintendo Switch games for children around the age of 8?
Super Mario Party features mini-games that the whole family can enjoy together. It allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes features to help younger players stay competitive, like steering assistance and acceleration help. Up to four people can play locally.
Overcooked 2 encourages teamwork as players coordinate to prepare meals. It’s chaotic fun that teaches cooperation and communication.
What are some popular Nintendo Switch titles that are easy to learn for 8-year-olds?
Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers forgiving gameplay with simple controls. The copy ability mechanic is intuitive and fun to explore.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes auto-steering options perfect for beginners. This helps kids enjoy racing without frustration while they develop skills.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has no fail states and allows kids to progress at their own pace. Its relaxed style makes it perfect for new gamers.
How do I choose age-appropriate Nintendo Switch games for an 8-year-old?
Check game ratings from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Look for games rated E (Everyone) or E10+ (Everyone 10+) for appropriate content.
Consider your child’s interests and abilities. Some 8-year-olds may handle more complex games while others prefer simpler experiences. Reading requirements vary between games.
Review gameplay videos together before purchasing. This helps you assess difficulty and content while getting your child excited about new games.
