Published on April 8, 2023
Updated on February 26, 2024

21 Best Nintendo Switch Family Games

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Nintendo’s consoles were always a go-to for family-friendly games. Developers knew how to capture the heart of gamers of all ages and bring them together with the most creative and innovative co-op ideas. The mighty Nintendo Switch was not an exception offering one of the greatest family-friendly libraries compared to PlayStation and Xbox.

From amazing Kart Racers to outstanding platformers the Nintendo Switch will always bring the family together with simple design and controls. Today we are here to offer you a list of the best family games on the system including multiple genres and a dozen of Nintendo’s first-party masterpieces.

Table of Contents

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury


2021 Content Update スーパーマリオ3Dワールド + フューリーワールド (Sūpā Mario 3D wārudo + fuyūrī wārudo)
About
Release Date
February 12, 2021
Initial Release: November 21, 2013
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
3D Platformer
Players
Co-Op, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2021-02-12

Super Mario 3D World is the perfect family-friendly game on the system. The game offers the full Wii u campaign with additional content and a whole new story under the name of Bowser’s Fury. Up to four players can join locally choosing from Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Blue Toad.

Alright let’s be honest here, developers didn’t try to reinvent the wheel by any means, instead, they perfected every aspect previously presented in the Mario universe. The 3D design is flawless, every level is interesting with so much to explore, and the control is extremely responsive and precise. If you want to enjoy some quality time with your family Mario 3D World will provide it for you and more.

1-2-Switch


2017
About
Release Date
March 03, 2017
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Party
Players
Couch Co-Op, Split-Screen PvP
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2017-03-03
2017-12-01

1-2 Switch is the perfect game for parties, the premise of the game is rather simple and pretty much anyone can engage in the mini-games without any prior knowledge of gaming basics. The game focuses on face-to-face play, with players engaging in eye contact, rather than looking at the screen, in order to determine their opponent’s move. The mini-games range from quick-draw duels to cow-milking and eating contests, with each game taking less than a minute to complete.

It Takes Two


2021
About
Release Date
March 25, 2021
Developer
Hazelight
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Genre
Action Adventure
Concept
Fantasy
Players
Online Co-Op, Split-Screen Co-Op
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Sweden
Switch Releases
2022-11-04

Despite the graphical downgrade on the Switch port, It Takes Two offers an amazing co-op experience that will be cherished among friends and family. The game throws you into the world of a married couple who are on the verge of a divorce. After some unfortunate events, the couple gets transformed into dolls by a mysterious book. With the help of the book, the couple must find a way to turn back to normal once again.

Players control one of the two characters and must work together to progress. The game features a variety of puzzles, challenges, and platforming levels that require both characters to work together in order to succeed. The game offers a huge array of levels mixing multiple genres under the umbrella of co-op play. While the Nintendo Switch port might be a bit inferior to another version the game is still an amazing experience on the Switch.

Pokémon™: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Pokémon™: Let's Go, Eevee!


2018 / 2018
About
Full Name
Pokémon™: Let's Go, Pikachu!
Release Date
November 16, 2018
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Pokémon™
Genre
JRPG
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Top-Down
Interaction
Turn-Based
Concept
Fantasy Creatures
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2018-11-16
About
Full Name
Pokémon™: Let's Go, Eevee!
Release Date
November 16, 2018
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Pokémon™
Genre
JRPG
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Top-Down
Interaction
Turn-Based
Concept
Fantasy Creatures
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2018-11-16

Both versions of Pokémon™: Let’s Go are yet another perfect opportunity to introduce the pokemon universe to young kids in the family. The game follows the same basic premise as the original Pokémon Yellow, with players taking the role of a young Pokémon trainer who sets out on a quest to capture and train wild Pokémon. The game features all 151 original Pokémon, as well as their Alolan forms from Pokémon Sun and Moon.

The player can explore the whole region of Kanto including all the previous gym leaders and locations from the previous classic Pokemon titles. The interface is very casual and friendly with simplistic controls and a manageable difficulty for the young audience. Overall, the game is a must-own for your kids or nephews or even adults, there is always room for a new pokemon fan.

Moving Out


2020
About
Release Date
April 28, 2020
Developer
SMG Studio
Publisher
Team17
Genre
Puzzle
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Third-Person
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Australia
Switch Releases
2020-04-28

Moving Out is specifically designed for casual evenings, the game can be played by anyone including both gamers and non-gamers. You assume the role of a furniture mover, the goal is to work out your way through houses moving out objects to a truck.

If you play co-op you must work in sync with your friends to move out the objects. The game features over 30 unique levels with plenty of furniture to move, each with its own unique challenge. The levels range from easy to extreme, giving everyone a chance to get involved and have some fun.

Super Bomberman R


2017
About
Release Date
March 03, 2017
Developer
Konami
Publisher
Konami
Genre
Puzzle
Players
PvP, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2017-03-03

Super Bomberman R continues the legacy of the classic Bomberman series holding the same formula while adding new visuals and online support. As always the player control one of the Bomberman moving out in a square map. The goal is to use bombs to clear your way while trying to avoid the other player’s attacks as well as your own explosions.

The game features new levels, powerups, and modes. Up to eight players can join the fun in battle mode, which makes this game perfect for family reunions or even parties. The game also adds a level editor where you can create your own levels to be played later with friends and family. While the game doesn’t differ away from its predecessor the Bomberman formula is already polished to be an extremely fun game both for hardcore and casual gamers of all ages.

Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe


2017 Enhanced Port
About
Release Date
April 28, 2017
Initial Release: May 29, 2014
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
Arcade Racing
Players
Co-Op, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2017-04-28
2020-03-16

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive kart racing game on the console. The game offers a fun and casual game that can be played by all family and friends. The Switch port is hugely enhanced with better visuals and framerate a ton of new content and over 40 playable characters.

The game also has a variety of game modes, such as Grand Prix, Time Trial, and Battle Mode. Up to four players can join the fun locally and much more can join the race online. On the whole, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect game to play with family or during parties, the game offers huge content, simple controls, and a casual design.

Overcooked!: All You Can Eat


2020
About
Release Date
November 10, 2020
Developer
Ghost Town Games
Publisher
Team17
Genre
Party
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Top-Down
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Couch Co-Op, Online Co-Op, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Switch Releases
2021-03-23
2021-07-21

Overcooked!: All You Can Eat is the kind of game that you would introduce to your mother or even your grandmother and they will be hooked immediately. Similar to titles like moving out the game is extremely simple with its controls and gameplay. Together with friends and family, the players must work jointly to prepare meals for hungry customers. While the game starts off simple the challenge lifts off with more content and gimmick along the way.

Up to 200 levels are available to play couch co-op or online with up to four players joining at the same time. the All You Can Eat version feature two overcooked games with enhanced visuals, audio, and full content. On the whole, this game is a blast to play around family, the control, gameplay, and witty art style blend all together into a nicely wrapped package that screams family friendly.

Ultimate Chicken Horse


2016
About
Release Date
March 04, 2016
Developer
Clever Endeavour Games
Publisher
Clever Endeavour Games
Genre
2D Platformer
Players
Multiplayer
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Canada
Switch Releases
2018-09-25

Ultimate Chicken Horse is a hilarious multiplayer 2d platformer. The game combines creative building elements with competitive 2d platforming and some mild puzzle features. Four players can join the fun, at the beginning of each stage the players must snatch the building part as fast as possible. These building parts can be crucial later on since you’ll need them to reach the finish line.

Once every player takes a building part the game throws you into a vast level where the goal is to reach the finish line marked by a red flag. However, reaching the finish line is not that simple. While you can place different building elements to help you reach the other ledge, you or the other player can also place various traps to keep the other players from reaching the finish line. Overall, Ultimate Chicken Horse is what I could call a chaotic fun game, if you have a couple of friends to play with, this game is a no-brainer.

Puyo Puyo Tetris


2014
About
Release Date
December 04, 2014
Developer
SEGA
Publisher
SEGA
Genre
Match 3
Players
Online PvP, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2017-03-03
2017-04-25
2017-04-27

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a fun yet challenging puzzle game. The game combines elements of classic Tetris and Sega’s hitting franchise Puyo Puyo. In the Puyo Puyo game mode, players must match four or more Puyos of the same color in order to clear them from the board. In the Tetris game mode, players must arrange blocks in order to form complete lines that can then be cleared from the board.

Up to four players can join locally in many game modes including Versus Mode, Party Mode, Swap Mode, Fusion Mode, and many more. While the game premise remains simple, the casual experience makes this title a perfect candidate for family nights or even parties.

Kirby Star Allies


2018 星のカービィ スターアライズ (Hoshi no Kābyi Sutā Araizu)
About
Release Date
March 16, 2018
Developer
HAL Laboratory
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Kirby
Genre
2D Platformer
Players
Multiplayer, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2018-03-16

While Kirby Star Allies stick to the same formula as the previous Kirby games, featuring Kirby trademark copy abilities, the same world, and enemies layout. What sets this game apart is its focus on cooperative play, with the ability to combine powers with other players to create powerful new moves. 

Up to four players can join at the same time venturing into a new planet. Playable characters feature our beloved Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee, Bandana Waddle Dee, Different Kirby species, and more. Each character can acquire different abilities over the course of the game. These abilities can be later combined into new moves with the help of other allies. Overall, this game is an excellent candidate for people who are looking for a good family-friendly co-op game. The unique and fun gameplay can be appreciated by gamers of all ages or even newbies.

Super Mario Party™


2018
About
Release Date
October 05, 2018
Developer
NDcube
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
Party
Players
Co-Op, Multiplayer, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2018-10-05

Super Mario Party is the latest title in the long-running Mario Party series. The game is known for its family-friendly themes offering a fun casual party board game full of Mario-themed mini-games. Mario Party features several different gameboards, each with its own unique set of minigames and rules.

Players take control of one of the series’ iconic characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and many more. Together, they compete in a variety of minigames, either against computer-controlled characters or other players. The game also features a new “Partner Party” mode, where players can team up with another character and work together to complete minigames. Overall, the game is a must-own for anyone who is looking for a family-friendly party game.

Luigi's Mansion 3


2019
About
Release Date
October 31, 2019
Developer
Next Level Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
Adventure
Players
Co-Op, Multiplayer, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2019-10-31

Luigi Mansion 3 continues the legacy of the Luigi Mansion series with upgraded visuals, enhanced audio, and taking full advantage of the unique Nintendo Switch hardware. The game follows Luigi, who is invited to a hotel called The Last Resort, but soon discovers that the resort has been taken over by ghosts. Luigi must explore the hotel and capture the ghosts in order to restore the hotel to its former glory.

While the game can be fully approached solo, the co-op mode is where this title shines more and more. up to two players can join at the same time with Luigi and the Gooigi combining forces to clear the hotel from ghosts. Each floor offers a different theme where you must collaborate with the other player to solve various puzzles and defeat many creepy ghosts across the rooms. While the game is clearly horror-themed which can push you off since you are looking for a family game. Nintendo made sure to ease up the horror tone with a cartoony art style and some silly moments.

New Super Mario Bros.™ U Deluxe


2019 Complete Edition New スーパーマリオブラザーズ U デラックス (Nyū Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Yū Derakkusu)
About
Release Date
January 11, 2019
Initial Release: November 18, 2012
Developer
Nintendo EAD
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
2D Platformer
Players
Couch Co-Op, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2019-01-11
2019-12-10

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is the perfect game to introduce anyone to the Mario franchise. The game is a love letter both for old fans and new players. Up to four players can join the game venturing into nine different worlds. Similar to the classic Mario title the goal is to reach from one point to the other while trying to overcome obstacles, beat down enemies, and gather various collectibles.

The game offers a different-themed world with a huge variety of enemies and bosses. New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe also offers a good balance targeting both veterans and new players. For example, changing characters can be a huge help for new players if things get hard. The Nintendo Switch version also adds more to the package compared to the Wii U version with new playable characters, a full Luigi campaign, and many more.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled


2019 Remake
About
Release Date
June 21, 2019
Initial Release: September 30, 1999
Developer
Beenox
Publisher
Activision
Franchise
Crash Bandicoot
Genre
Arcade Racing
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2019-06-21

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is what I would call a perfect remake. The game is a full remake of the well-known Crash Team Racing game previously released on the mighty PlayStation 1. Nitro-Fueled support up to four players’ split screen at the same time. As always all kart racing elements are here, the goal of each race is to reach the finish line first while avoiding enemy attacks and skillfully managing and collecting power-ups and attacks on the racing tracks.

Up to 56 playable characters from the Crash universe are available and also countless skins and customization can be done for each one of these characters. The karts are also fully customizable with different paint jobs, wheels, frames, and engines. The game is totally family friendly with simple yet hard-to-master controls and a goofy cartoony art style that will definitely please the young audience.

Heave Ho


2019
About
Release Date
August 29, 2019
Developer
Le Cartel Studio
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Genre
Puzzle
Graphics
2D
Perspective
Side Scroller
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Couch Co-Op, Online Co-Op, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
France
Switch Releases
2019-08-29

Heave Ho is a fun physics-based puzzle game. The game encourages four players to work together across many levels by grabbing each other, throwing, and leaping to various platforms. As the game progresses the levels get more complicated with challenging puzzles. Despite the simplistic idea, Heave Ho offers an amazing opportunity for people who are looking for a grab-and-play game during parties or even with families.

Nintendo Switch Sports


2022
About
Release Date
April 29, 2022
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Nintendo Sports
Genre
Sports
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2022-04-29

Nintendo Switch Sports continues the legacy of the hugely popular Wii Sports video game. The game takes full advantage of the unique Switch hardware with over six sports mini-games to choose from. Up to eight players can join a room both locally or online and compete in different sports.

For example, the player can swing the joy-con as a sword and battle in a sword showdown or even use the joy-con as a racket playing tennis. Overall, Switch Sports is a must-own for anyone who wants to enjoy some quality family gaming time. The controls are simple and the mini-games are very enjoyable.

Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate


2018
About
Release Date
December 07, 2018
Developer
Bandai Namco
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Super Smash Bros.
Genre
2D Fighting
Players
Multiplayer, Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2018-12-07

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is an action-packed Nintendo-themed video game. The game continues the legacy of its predecessor with an extended cast and many new features. It is the largest Smash Bros. game in terms of content, with over 80 playable characters, 103 stages, and 900 music tracks.

Players can battle in a variety of ways, including 1-on-1 battles, team battles, and 8-player battles. Up to four players can compete against each other locally choosing from a huge variety of playable fighters. In addition to the classic modes, the game adds new characters to the roaster including Inkling from Splatoon, Ridley from Metroid, King K from Donkey Kong, and many more. Overall, this is a solid entry in the franchise and can act as an amazing presentation to new players who want to discover the Super Smash world.

Mario Strikers: Battle League


2022 マリオストライカーズ: バトルリーグ (Mario Sutoraikāzu: Batoru Rīgu)
About
Release Date
June 10, 2022
Developer
Next Level Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Franchise
Mario
Genre
Soccer
Players
Single Player
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Japan
Switch Releases
2022-06-10

Mario Strikers: Battle League is an over-the-top arcade soccer game starring our beloved Mario and his friends from the Mushroom Kingdom. Similar to previous games in the series the player contends in a mini-soccer match where two teams of five players compete against each other. The goal is to move the ball and put it inside the opponent’s goal.

Batlle League adds more depth with unique powerups and special attacks that can be triggered by various characters including Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, and many more. Over eight players can join the fun using different systems both locally or online which makes this game the perfect choice for parties and during family time.

LEGO Star Wars™ The Skywalker Saga


2022
About
Release Date
April 05, 2022
Developer
Traveller's Tales
Publisher
Warner Bros Games
Franchise
LEGO®
Genre
Action Adventure
Graphics
3D
Perspective
Third-Person
Interaction
Real-Time
Concept
Sci-Fi
Players
Couch Co-Op, Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
United States
Switch Releases
2022-04-05

Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga would be the perfect opportunity to introduce the Star Wars universe to your family, especially the young audience. The player can venture into the Star Wars universe reliving the story of the Skywalker Saga choosing from different chapters. Players explore various planets and locations from the Star Wars universe, complete missions, and battle iconic villains. 

The game features more than 300 playable characters, including iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Rey, and many more. The title also supports couch co-op where the player can enjoy the whole campaign with another player. The Nintendo Switch port is fairly decent with okay visuals a solid framerate, and the ability to enjoy the game on the go.

Tricky Towers


2016
About
Release Date
August 02, 2016
Developer
WeirdBeard
Publisher
WeirdBeard
Genre
Puzzle
Graphics
2D
Interaction
Real-Time
Players
Online PvP, Single Player, Split-Screen PvP
Monetization
Buy to Play
Country of Origin
Netherlands

Tricky Towers turn your typical Tetris video game into a physics-based tower-building game. The goal of each stage is to stack up Tetris-shaped pieces in order to build a tower that reaches a specific height. The player can also use different abilities and powerups to keep the tower stable and stop it from collapsing.

Up to four players can join the fun either in versus modes where the players compete against each other, or cooperatively where you can build a tower together. The game also adds a full-blown single-player mode where you can sharpen your skills and engage in different challenges. With the simple control and the casual approach, the game is hugely family-friendly and can be a ton of fun both with kids and adults alike.

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Freecs

A casual gamer who loves everything Nintendo, and swears by arcade racers, platformers, and hack 'n slash games.

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