10 Best Nintendo Switch Games For 5-Year-Olds

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for gamers of all ages, but finding the perfect games for a 5-year-old can be a bit tricky. You want something engaging, age-appropriate, and, most importantly, fun! This guide will walk you through ten of the best Nintendo Switch games that are perfect for your little ones. We'll focus on games that are easy to pick up and play, have vibrant visuals, and offer plenty of replay value. So, let's dive in and discover some awesome games that will keep your 5-year-old entertained for hours!

1. Yoshi's Crafted World

When you're looking for Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds, Yoshi's Crafted World should be high on your list. This game is an absolute delight, featuring adorable visuals and gameplay that’s easy for young children to grasp. The game's premise revolves around Yoshi exploring a world made of cardboard and craft materials. This unique art style is not only visually appealing but also sparks creativity and imagination in young players. The levels are designed with hidden secrets and collectibles, encouraging exploration and problem-solving skills. Kids will love tossing eggs to uncover hidden items and pathways, making each level a new adventure. Moreover, the game supports cooperative play, allowing you to join your child in their adventure, making it a fantastic bonding experience. The difficulty is adjustable, ensuring that even the youngest players can enjoy the game without getting frustrated. The charming story and lovable characters make Yoshi's Crafted World a standout title that will keep your child engaged and entertained for hours. The game's gentle nature and lack of intense challenges make it an ideal choice for introducing young children to the world of video games. Plus, the sheer amount of content ensures that there's always something new to discover, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. Overall, Yoshi's Crafted World is a must-have for any parent looking for a fun, safe, and engaging game for their 5-year-old.

2. Kirby Star Allies

Kirby Star Allies is another excellent pick in the realm of Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds. This game is known for its simple controls and cooperative gameplay, making it perfect for young kids. Kirby has the unique ability to befriend enemies by throwing hearts at them, turning them into allies who fight alongside him. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy that's easy for kids to understand and enjoy. The game features vibrant and colorful graphics that are visually appealing, capturing the attention of young players and keeping them engaged. With its straightforward platforming and accessible combat, Kirby Star Allies is a breeze for little hands to pick up and play. The game also supports up to four players, so the whole family can join in on the fun. Whether they're inhaling enemies, copying abilities, or exploring the Dream Land, kids will have a blast with Kirby and his friends. The cooperative element encourages teamwork and communication, making it a valuable experience for young children. The levels are designed to be fun and engaging, with plenty of secrets and collectibles to discover. Kirby Star Allies is a fantastic choice for introducing your 5-year-old to the joy of cooperative gaming.

3. Paw Patrol: On a Roll!

For fans of the popular animated series, Paw Patrol: On a Roll! is an ideal choice when considering Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds. This game puts players in control of their favorite Paw Patrol pups as they embark on rescue missions throughout Adventure Bay. The gameplay is simple and straightforward, designed specifically for young children. Each pup has unique abilities that are needed to overcome obstacles and complete missions, encouraging kids to think strategically about which character to use in different situations. The game's bright and colorful graphics, coupled with familiar characters and locations, make it instantly appealing to young fans of the show. Paw Patrol: On a Roll! promotes problem-solving skills and teamwork, as players must work together to save the day. The game is also forgiving, with plenty of checkpoints to prevent frustration. With its focus on cooperation and age-appropriate challenges, Paw Patrol: On a Roll! is a great way to introduce your 5-year-old to the world of gaming while reinforcing positive values.

4. LEGO Games (e.g., LEGO City Undercover)

LEGO games, such as LEGO City Undercover, are fantastic options for Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds because they offer a blend of adventure, humor, and cooperative gameplay. These games are known for their accessible controls and engaging storylines, making them perfect for young children. LEGO City Undercover allows players to explore a vast open-world city, complete missions, and collect LEGO bricks. The game's slapstick humor and charming characters are sure to keep kids entertained. The cooperative mode allows you to join your child in their adventure, creating a fun and memorable bonding experience. LEGO games promote problem-solving skills, as players must figure out how to use different characters and abilities to overcome obstacles. The sheer amount of content and replay value in LEGO games ensures that there's always something new to discover. With their focus on fun and creativity, LEGO games are a great way to introduce your 5-year-old to the world of video games.

5. Super Mario Odyssey

While Super Mario Odyssey might seem a bit challenging, it is surprisingly accessible and enjoyable as Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds, especially with assistance from an older sibling or parent. Mario's latest adventure is filled with vibrant worlds, creative challenges, and plenty of collectibles. The game's assist mode provides helpful guidance and makes it easier for young players to navigate the environments. Cappy, Mario's new companion, adds a unique gameplay element, allowing players to capture enemies and objects to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. The game's colorful graphics and charming characters are sure to captivate young children. Super Mario Odyssey encourages exploration and problem-solving skills, as players must discover hidden secrets and figure out how to progress through each kingdom. With its focus on fun and creativity, Super Mario Odyssey is a great way to introduce your 5-year-old to the world of Mario.

6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a Nintendo Switch game for 5-year-olds that offers a relaxed and creative gaming experience. This game allows players to create their own virtual island paradise, complete with adorable animal villagers, customizable homes, and endless opportunities for crafting and collecting. The game's simple controls and non-violent gameplay make it perfect for young children. Animal Crossing: New Horizons promotes creativity, as players can design their own clothing, furniture, and island layouts. The game also encourages social interaction, as players can visit each other's islands and trade items. With its focus on relaxation and creativity, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a great way to introduce your 5-year-old to the world of gaming.

7. Go Vacation

Go Vacation is a collection of mini-games set on a tropical resort island and is a wonderful choice for Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds. This game features over 50 different activities, including sports, racing, and exploration. The game's simple controls and colorful graphics make it perfect for young children. Go Vacation promotes physical activity, as players can participate in virtual sports and outdoor adventures. The game also encourages social interaction, as players can compete against each other in mini-games. With its focus on fun and variety, Go Vacation is a great way to introduce your 5-year-old to the world of gaming.

8. Race With Ryan

For little racing fans, Race With Ryan is an excellent option among Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds. Based on the popular Ryan's World YouTube channel, this game features colorful tracks, easy controls, and familiar characters. Kids will love racing as Ryan and his friends, collecting surprise eggs, and unlocking new vehicles. The game's simple mechanics and forgiving gameplay make it perfect for young children who are new to racing games. Race With Ryan also includes a two-player mode, so you can race alongside your child for some quality bonding time.

9. Cars 3: Driven to Win

Another racing game that is family-friendly and makes the mark as one of the Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds is Cars 3: Driven to Win. Inspired by the Disney Pixar movie, this game allows players to race as Lightning McQueen and other beloved characters from the Cars franchise. The game features a variety of race modes, including stunt challenges and battle races. The controls are simple and easy to learn, making it accessible for young children. Cars 3: Driven to Win also includes a split-screen multiplayer mode, so you can race against your child for some friendly competition.

10. Just Dance Series

The Just Dance series is a fantastic option for Nintendo Switch games for 5-year-olds because it encourages physical activity and coordination. These games feature a wide variety of songs and dance routines that are easy to follow. Kids will love dancing along to their favorite tunes and learning new moves. The game's simple controls and forgiving gameplay make it perfect for young children. Just Dance also includes a Kids Mode, which features age-appropriate songs and simplified dance routines.

Choosing the right Nintendo Switch game for your 5-year-old can be a fun and rewarding experience. These ten games offer a variety of gameplay styles, ensuring that there's something for every child. Remember to consider your child's interests and abilities when making your selection. With the right game, your 5-year-old will be entertained for hours while developing important skills and having fun!