Video games are great for brining the family together in a fun, competitive way. While they are another source of screen time, they also provide joy and stress relief to your kids. Finding the best video games for kids isn’t always easy — there’s so many options to chose from. It can also be challenging to scope out which are the best age-appropriate ones for your child. We made the search easier for you by carefully considering age recommendations, material, game ratings, value, and system type when reviewing products.
Our list includes 5 games for 3 different consoles, although most of these are available for each (except for a couple Nintendo Switch games.) Did your favorite make it?
Nitendo Switch Games
Nintendo has always been a family-driven company. Most of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises are both approachable and appropriate for kids of all ages. And the Nintendo Switch is home to some of the very best first-party games in gaming history. Here’s our top Nintendo games picks:
#1) Fall Guys
Fall Guys released back in 2020 for PC and Playstation but it’s now being added to the Nintendo Switch and XBOX consoles, so everyone can join the fun.
This sixty-player, competitive battle royale game is designed to be fun, chaotic, and a bit frustrating thanks to the minimal amount of moves your little bean can use. You run, dive, and grab your way through various wild and wacky events to get to the golden crown.The best part about Fall Guys? It’s FREE on all consoles!
#2.) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart has been the number one racing game for decades and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a step above the rest for incorporating tracks from previous versions and remastering them. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a wonderful racing game that is ideal for both kids and adults. It’s an enjoyable experience whether you’re playing solo or against family and friends. The remaining tracks on the Booster Course Pass is set to release at the end of 2023.
#3.) Overcooked: All You Can Eat
This game is sure to start some family arguments that may carry over from real life, like, who’s doing the dishes? The cooking simulator, which is more of a party game, is hilariously hectic fun for up to four players. Move your way around a wacky kitchen to prepare dishes by retrieving meats, veggies, toppings, and more from designated bins and send orders out to (invisible) customers.
This game can be pretty fast paced once you start advancing levels, so it may be better suited for young teens rather than little ones.
#4.) Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon games are must for the whole family, but this game is vastly different than the rest. The goal remains to same: to catch ’em all however this time you’re exploring wide open areas and simply tossing Poke Balls at the many different types of Pokémon you’ll find roaming. There are still classic battles like in previous Pokémon games, but if you’re looking for more exploration, this is the one for you.
#5.) Kirby and the Forgotten Land
What makes this game so special is that it’s the first 3D Kirby adventure, making the colors and level design unreal! Kirby and the Forgotten Land excels as a single-player platformer, but it’s also a great game to play with your children in local co-op, as long as you’re okay with playing as Bandana Waddle Dee.
Playstation Games
Playstation may not be the first console you think of that suited for kids games, but they have plenty of options for kids and teens! So if you plan on buying a new PS5 for your little gamer, be sure to review these games to get them started!
#1.) Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Spyro is back and is looking better than ever. If you played this as a kid then your child will be sure to love it too! Rekindle the fire with the original three games, Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. Relive all the scaly action and fiery personalities in this remastered tale that you and your little one are sure to love.
#2.) Rocket League
Rocket League combines the fun of soccer and the intensity of high powered racing. This 1-4 player game is fun for the whole family. It sounds easy but there are definitely skills needed to advance to more competitive matches and win tournament trophies. Training and local matches may be suited best when playing with young kids.
#3.) Minecraft
Minecraft has become and icon in the gaming world. It’s great for kids because it encourages them to get creative and the play never stops. You can also explore the environments, fight monsters, and strategize how you’ll keep going deeper. It’s a modern classic that gives kids the opportunity to create, grow and play together.
#4.) Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
While Nintendo has the racing scene locked down with Mario Kart, Playstation decided to remake the classic 1999 Crash Bandicoot trilogy. On top of the original game modes, characters, and tracks from the original, this game also brings in a new challenge system, online multiplayer, kart customization, and two new adventure modes. Play as a family with four-player local multiplayer and face off against each other, or to team up depending on which of the racing or arena modes you go for.
#5.) Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Who doesn’t love intergalactic adventure games? Your kids will get hooked on this galaxy saving series! Ratchet and Clank are back to take on Dr. Nefarious and his new empire by battling hordes of robotic troopers in a galactic expedition across dimensions. This isn’t a co-op game so it gives your kid the freedom to play however they like!
XBOX Games
Xbox doesn’t lack any family friendly games! These titles aren’t going to shock or disturb little ones with violent graphics, and they won’t be exposed to online harassment, just fun and entertainment!
#1.) Kingdom Hearts III
If you and your family loves Disney and all things fantasy then this game is a must have for you. Join the Keyblade wielder Sora as he travels across the Disney/Pixar universe with Donald and Goofy and meet familiar faces across familiar places in order to fight against the Heartless and darkness brought forth by Master Xehanort. If the whole family loves Disney then this is the game for you.
#2.) Fortnite (Xbox One)
This one probably needs no introduction. If you’re little one is starting to show interest in gaming then this is an absolute must-play. There’s always some event or other happening, a new season, cool new characters, new skins and collectibles, and it’s all wrapped up in a wonderfully colorful and clever battle royale genre. The best part about Fortnite? It’s FREE to download (player customizations cost $)
#3.) Sonic Mania Plus
Probably a close tie with Mario in popularity, Sonic the Hedgehog is back on XBOX and hasn’t changed a thing. While 3D is on the rise, Sonic stuck to it’s 90’s roots and stayed with a 2D design. It features everything that made the classic Sonic games great, tons of well-designed and creative levels to blaze a trail through. And challenging boss fights that will surprise even veteran Sonic fans. Play co-op with your kid to quickly advance levels and defeat the evil Dr. Eggman.
#4.) Roblox
Roblox is a creative platform developed and published by the Roblox Corporation that allows gamers to craft their own video games. This game allows players to customize their own character and battle with players around the world in virtual playgrounds. From fashion shows, to creating your own theme park, there’s so many options for your family to play. If your kid’s not the creative type, they can still play enjoy the games created by the community, and chat with their friends.
#5.) LEGO Marvel Collection
If your kid loves the LEGO movie franchise AND superheroes then look no further for the perfect game. Get all three LEGO Marvel games with this collection. Choose between over 130 characters like Wolverine, Spiderman and Deadpool, each character brings special abilities to explore. This is a fun, colorful experience for up to two players.
