The best board games for kids to add to your next family night
By Emma KalkaNov 28, 2023
Need to refresh your selection for family game night? Check out our picks for fun children's board games that everyone can get into.
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The best Nintendo Switch games for all types of gamers
Dive into the thrill of gaming with our curated list of the best Nintendo Switch games this year. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newbie, we have you covered!
Video games are a universal language spoken and understood by millions across the globe. In this ever-evolving world of technology, Nintendo Switch has carved a niche for itself, offering a portable gaming experience unlike any other.
If you’re looking for new games to add to your collection, we have the best Nintendo Switch games this year listed.
Each game has been s selected for its unique gameplay, intriguing storyline and stunning graphics. So, whether you're a die-hard Zelda fan or a Mario Kart enthusiast, we have something for everyone.
Let's power up and dive into the world of gaming!
Read more: Improve your gaming skills with these Xbox controllers
Browse Nintendo games
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Stardew Valley
Hollow Knights
Breath of The Wild
A top-notch addition to any roster of games, "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" will surely fascinate every gaming enthusiast. With adventure and excitement woven into its narrative, this will keep you engaged for hours. Its innovative features put it squarely among the best games on Nintendo Switch.
The game boasts a vast and intricately designed open world, filled with puzzles, dungeons, and hidden secrets, inviting players to embark on an epic journey. It draws players into the enchanting realm of Hyrule with its charming characters and memorable landscapes.
Additionally, the intuitive controls and creative use of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities, such as motion controls and HD Rumble, enhance your overall gaming experience.
This game could be your ticket to joy, and it's undeniably one of the best Switch games 2024 has to offer.
“Stardew Valley”offers you an open-ended country-life RPG. Inherit your grandfather's old farm plot and start your new life with just hand-me-down tools and a few coins. This popular Nintendo Switch game lets you turn overgrown fields into a thriving home.
Get the chance to create the farm of your dreams, master your ranching skills, and become a part of the local community. With over 30 residents in Pelican Town, you can interact with all of them. Customize your farmer from hundreds of character customization options and even start a family with any of the 12 characters you can date and marry.
Explore vast, mysterious caves and encounter dangerous monsters and valuable treasures. Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the local fishing spots. The waters are teeming with seasonal varieties of delicious fish, and with over 100 cooking and crafting recipes, you’ll have a wide variety of items to create.
If you love life simulation games with a hint of adventure, “Stardew Valley” is one of the top-rated Switch games you should consider.
As one of the best games on the Switch, ”Hollow Knights” offers more than just the classic side-scrolling action with all the modern trimmings. What makes it stand out is the freedom it offers. You can forge your own path in the expansive world of Hallownest. Choose your battles, find your way, and evolve with powerful new skills and abilities.
With over 140 enemies and 30 epic bosses, you'll face along your journey, it will surely get you engaged. “Hollow Knight” also offers unique character customization through ancient relics known as Charms. These give you bizarre new powers and abilities and you can tailor your journey to your preferences.
Adding more depth, “Hollow Knight” comes alive with a cast of both cute and creepy characters, all animated traditionally in 2D frame-by-frame. Plus, an intimate, haunting score by Christopher Larkin accompanies you on your adventure, enhancing the immersive experience.
“Breath of Wild” redefines the popular Nintendo Switch games landscape with its innovative approach to gameplay and exploration. As part of the acclaimed “Legend of Zelda” series, “Breath of The Wild” brings a new level of freedom to your journey, making it a top choice among the best games on Nintendo Switch.
Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure as you traverse vast fields, forests, and mountain peaks. Set in the kingdom of Hyrule, the game features stunning open-air adventure aspects.
The game encourages ingenuity and survival instincts, challenging you with dynamic puzzles and offering multiple solutions. Surprises await around every corner as you scavenge for weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more.
The in-game Sheikah Slate controls objects and enemies in fun ways, and the gear system is distinct with many weapons and armor having unique stats, resistances, effects and durability. The hundreds of clever challenges in the shrines will even surprise Legend of Zelda series veterans.
One of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe", is the ultimate racing experience you can have on the console. This popular Nintendo Switch game brings you all the fun of racing with your favorite characters, including the Inklings, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
The excitement doesn't end with the racing. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” also offers a revised battle mode where you can challenge your friends on new and returning battle courses. This game is a glorious return of all the tracks from the Wii U version, including the DLCs. If you loved those, you'd surely enjoy the thrill of playing them on the Switch. It's no wonder “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is considered one of the top-rated Switch games.
The game also comes with a free seven-day trial of the Nintendo Switch Online membership.
If you love playing with your friends, the “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” is a game you need to try.
The game introduces the Inklings as all-new guest characters, alongside returning favorites like King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. With the new Smart Steering feature, driving and staying on track is easy, even at 200cc
The game also supports up to four players in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. All tracks from the Wii U version, including DLC, make a glorious return, ensuring it remains one of Nintendo Switch's most popular games.
Earning its spot in the top-rated Switch games, “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” is a must-have for any Nintendo fan.
One of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time, you can build your community from scratch on a deserted island that's brimming with possibilities with “Animal Crossing New Horizons”. With this game, you get to create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations and even the landscape itself.
It has a unique blend of open-ended gameplay and charming design that appeals to players of all ages. You can collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools, giving your island a personal touch.
What sets “Animal Crossing New Horizons” apart from other games is that it matches the time of day and seasons to real life—even your hemisphere! This feature brings an element of realism to the game. Whether you're getting to know the island residents, gardening, fishing, decorating or hunting for fossils, you’ll find yourself surprised and entertained with each move you make.
In “Luigi’s Mansion 3”, you’ll be immersed in a captivating adventure where Luigi’s mission is to save his friends from the towering Last Resort hotel. It’ll have you glued to your Switch.
With the all-new Poltergust G-00, you can slam, blow away, and vacuum up ghosts as you explore each uniquely themed hotel floor. And that’s not all, with multi-player options, you can team up with friends in the ScareScraper for eight-player local wireless or online-coop gameplay.
Whether you prefer playing solo or with companions, “Luigi's Mansion 3” gives you rewarding gameplay that incorporates problem-solving and strategy. Experience the thrill of catching ghosts, solving puzzles and clearing objectives within set timeframes. It's a great game that you can enjoy alone or with friends.
“Sonic Mania” will take you back to the golden era of gaming. With all-new levels and fully reimagined classics radiating the charm of SEGA's iconic 2D platformer game, the game delivers a fresh take on your mission to stop Dr. Eggman's evil plans.
Playing as Sonic, Tails or Knuckles, each character boasts unique abilities, which you can use to overcome evil Dr. Eggman's robots with tact and strategy. The game also supports multiplayer, making it fun to team up with friends and play
“Sonic Mania” holds hidden paths and secrets that will keep you entertained and engaged, all while preserving the nostalgia of classic games during your childhood.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, you’ll love what “Sonic Mania” has to offer.
In “Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker” each level is a new puzzle to solve. Seamlessly blending action, adventure and puzzle-solving, it’s a compelling and mesmerizing option for those who love treasure hunts.
Not only does this game bring you into a world brimming with life and danger, but it also displays a range of tricky platforms, nasty traps, and secrets to uncover. As Captain Toad, one explores a variety of levels, digging for hidden gems, coins, and power-ups in the quest to complete each stage.
What makes it unique is its added twist on two-player gaming. While one player controls Captain Toad, the other assists with aspects such as turnip cover fire. The stage design, inspired visually and thematically by the various Kingdoms in the “Super Mario Odyssey” game, is also an eye-catching feature.
If you’re looking for challenge, entertainment and a full gaming experience, don’t miss out on on “Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker”!
Every gamer's den needs “Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition”
Packaged in one single purchase are three unique, iconic narratives set in three different cities. Each one revolves around a powerful crime storyline that has made “Grand Theft Auto” a household name among avid gamers
The remaster presents these timeless games with updated elements such as radiant new lighting, environmental upgrades, detailed high-resolution textures and expanded draw distances. These aspects bring to life the city landscapes in a way you could only imagine previously.
Moreover, the Grand Theft Auto V-style controls and targeting take your gaming experience to the next level. Beyond anything else, it is the thrilling storyline that brings immersive and engaging gameplay making it one of the top-rated Switch games everyone should experience.
If you love a game with mystery and intrigue, you can't go past “Detective Pikachu Returns”. This game cleverly integrates the feeling of being both a sleuth and a Pokemon fan.
You'll find yourself partnering with a hard-boiled, coffee-addicted Pikachu to investigate odd occurrences happening around Ryme City. From jewel heists to the disappearance of Tim Goodman's father, an array of mysteries beg to be solved.
In “Detective Pikachu Returns”, you’ll be able to interact directly with Pokemon, collect clues, explore scenes and utilize your case notebook to make sensible deductions.
As well as being one of the best games on Nintendo Switch for sleuthing fans, “Detective Pikachu Returns” is also a fantastic method for delving a little deeper into Pokemon lore and seeing these creatures in a new light. It's an excellent choice for both Pokemon enthusiasts and lovers of thrillers, ensuring its spot among the best games for Switch this year.
Everyone cherishes the ecstatic feeling that comes from scoring a big win in our favorite sports. Imagine being able to swing, spike, kick and bowl all in the comfort of your living room. Apt for all ages, “Nintendo Switch Sports” offers you the thrill of seven different sports.
Whether it's soccer, volleyball, or bowling, each game is designed to encapsulate a real-world experience into your Nintendo Switch. Incorporating motion controls, your actual movements are converted into in-game motions, adding a fun and engaging aspect to your gaming experience.
Thanks to the multiplayer functionality, you can venture to challenge your family and friends locally or online in a friendly competition. What's even more exciting is that two players can unite on the same system to compete with other teams online.
“Nintendo Switch Sports” also serves robust online capabilities. You can challenge opponents globally and strive to achieve the Pro League in each sport. Every online match you play includes potential rewards - gear, outfits, sports accessories and more for your avatar.
If you're a sports enthusiast, “Nintendo Switch Sports” is a great choice because it brings you the best of action-packed sports gaming, right on your couch.
The “Nickelodeon Kart Races” takes you on a joyride of slime-filled race tracks with some of Nickelodeon's most loved characters. From SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks, Leonardo, and Donatello to the memorable characters of Hey Arnold and Rugrats, this game will keep you on your toes and ensure endless hours of fun.
Customizable karts with multiple power-ups and special attacks add spice to the action and adventure n. Whether you are looking at engaging in co-op or enjoying local multiplayer, there are 24 different slimed-themed tracks and notable characters that will add joy to your gameplay.
Disclaimer: The Entertainment Software Rating Board has given it an ‘Everyone’ rating, with a content description of Mild Cartoon Violence.
"Monster Jam Steel Titans 2" is arguably a top choice if you thrive on the thrill of competition and the rush of speed. The sequel boasts a roster of 38 trucks, with fan favorites like “Higher Education”, “Sparkle Smash” and “Grave Digger”.
The five all-new Monster Jam Worlds allow players to explore and uncover secrets of the Monster Jam universe. You can also compete like a champion in 12 authentic stadiums and game modes inspired by real-world shows.
This title brings some crucial improvements in physics, career, and exploration, providing players with an enhanced gaming experience. So, if you crave the adrenaline of performing stunts like Bicycles, Stoppies, Moonwalks, Walk Its and Back-Flips, “Monster Jam Steel Titans 2” should be your next pick
Are all Nintendo Switch games suitable for kids?
While Nintendo Switch is known for its family-friendly games, not all games are suitable for kids. Games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), and it's crucial to check these ratings before purchasing. They provide information about the game's content and can help determine whether it's age-appropriate for your child.
How can I play multiplayer games on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Switch offers several ways to play multiplayer games. If you're in the same location, you can play with multiple Joy-Con controllers or Nintendo Switch Pro controllers. For online multiplayer games, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Some games also support local wireless multiplayer, allowing multiple Nintendo Switch systems to connect directly.
Which Nintendo Switch games get our stamp of approval?
In the vast sea of gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Stardew Valley get our stamp of approval.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stands out with its innovative UltraHand ability and time-reversal feature, promising a riveting adventure.
Stardew Valley, with its open-ended country-life RPG, allows you to transform overgrown fields into a thriving home, offering an immersive gaming experience.
Both games are a testament to the quality and fun you can expect from the best Nintendo Switch games.
Are you ready to switch up your gaming experience? The power is in your hands!
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Prices updated on 01/23/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Afina Najib
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
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