Parents looking to introduce their kids to the wonderful world of video games have the Nintendo Switch as one of the best platforms for them to play on. Not only is the console portable and small enough for children to hold, but Nintendo itself has a collection of games designed for younger audiences. Are you thinking of games you can let young ones — as young as four — play? Here’s a short list of the best Nintendo Switch games for four year olds.
The Best Nintendo Switch Games Four Year Olds Can Enjoy
Bluey: The Videogame
- The official Switch tie-in game of the worldwide animated phenomenon
- Four-player multiplayer mode
- Low-intensity gameplay and stakes
The Australian animated series Bluey has become one of the biggest animated properties in the world, charming younger viewers and their parents since 2018. The 2023 video game adaptation Bluey: The Videogame faithfully recreates the look and feel of the animated series, while offering four-player multiplayer to let the whole family play along. Some might balk at the game’s short length but, for those tired of having their kids watch the same Bluey episodes ad nauseum, the game provides a welcome respite.
Little Friends: Dogs & Cats
- Cute, light-hearted presentation
- Teaches players the basics of pet care
- Offers a variety of activities to avoid stale gameplay
This cute game teaches kids the basics of pet care without the risks and costs associated with raising real-life animals. It lets them play with and pet different dog and cat breeds. They can even take their pets on walks in different in-game locations. It’s the perfect pet simulator that kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Simple presentation and gameplay mechanics
- Two-player cooperative play
- Gameplay focusing on puzzle-solving over platforming
It took nearly 30 years, but Toad finally got his own starring video game with 2014’s Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which was ported to the Switch in 2018. This version contains a two-player cooperative multiplayer mode while retaining what made the original game such an overlooked gem on the Wii U. Focusing on puzzle-solving and simple platforming, Captain Toad is a low-stakes blast for fans of all ages.
Disney Illusion Island
- Simple side-scrolling gameplay
- Four-player multiplayer modes
- Invincibility mode available for struggling players
Whereas the licensed Disney games from the 16-bit era were notoriously difficult, modern Disney titles are more accessible to players of all ages and difficulty preferences. 2023’s Disney Illusion Island is a prime example of this, pitting the classic Disney quartet of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with Donald Duck and Goofy on a side-scrolling adventure. Players can adjust the number of lives they receive or turn on invincibility if they’re just looking to cruise through the game at their leisure.
Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee
- Strongly influenced by the anime series
- Emphasizes exploration and collection over combat
- Streamlines the classic original games in the franchise
Everyone remembers their first Pokemon game and with Nintendo’s best-selling franchise populated by a nigh-limitless menagerie of cute animals, it’s perfect for children of early ages. 2018’s Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee is a loose reimagining of Pokemon Yellow, keeping it to the original 151 Pocket Monsters and drawing visible influence from the long-running anime series. Placing the gameplay emphasis more on exploration and collection than combat, this is a good primer for those looking for an easy introduction to the franchise.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Variety of game modes, including low-stakes trial mode
- Most content in a single Mario Kart game to date
- Accessible and intuitive racing mechanics
Nintendo designed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to cater to kids as young as two. You can enable options like “auto driving” and “auto steering” so they can drive their karts on their own. It also features content safe enough for young minds to consume.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
- Imaginative art style
- Low difficulty level
- Two-player cooperative play
Mario’s adorable dinosaur is made even more adorable in this game for kids. Yoshi’s Crafted World features easy game mechanics and is designed primarily for two-player gaming. This could be one of the best Nintendo Switch games that can help you introduce your kids to video games, including four year olds.
Kirby Star Allies
- Allow up to four-player cooperative play
- The more early-age friendly of the Kirby games on Switch
- Low difficulty level
Kirby gains the power to make friends out of enemies in this cute game. You and up to three other players — like your kids — can join forces to rescue Planet Popstar from baddies invading it. This means even the youngest of players can be part of the team that will save the day.
Minecraft
- Creative Mode offers easier stakes for younger players
- A complete virtual playground for gamers who want to build
- Wealth of content already available
Mojang’s masterpiece is more than just a sandbox for grown-ups. It’s also a safe game that lets kids learn how to build and express their imagination in a way that only video games can. Survival Mode might be challenging for younger kids, so let them play in Creative Mode instead. There’s a reason why Minecraft is so extremely popular with players of all ages.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Cutesy presentation and characters
- Revolves around a solid daily routine that never feels tedious
- Low-stakes and easygoing tone throughout
Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets up to four players build their dream island paradise. There’s no fighting in this game, which means all players have to do is work together to create a place where people can hang out. And since there’s no time limit, they can work at their own pace, too. This is a great game to teach kids the basics of cooperation and friendly relationships. Of course, you will have to help kids with some of the reading.
And there you have it for our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for four-year-olds or kids around that age. There are other games out there, but we recommend these for their easy gameplay and adorable designs.
Related: Best Performance Settings for Minecraft on Nintendo Switch on Attack of the Fanboy
The above article was updated on April 7, 2024, by Escapist Editorial to include new game entries and images.
