Nintendo Switch Games For 7-Year-Olds: Top Picks!
Choosing the right Nintendo Switch games for a 7-year-old can feel like navigating a maze, right? You want something engaging, fun, and age-appropriate, but with so many options, where do you even begin? Don't worry, this guide is here to help! We've compiled a list of top Nintendo Switch games perfect for kids around the age of seven, ensuring they have a blast while also developing important skills. Let's dive in!
Why Nintendo Switch is Great for 7-Year-Olds
The Nintendo Switch is an awesome console for kids, and especially for 7-year-olds, for a bunch of reasons. First off, it's super versatile. You can hook it up to the TV for some family fun on the big screen, or you can pop it into handheld mode for gaming on the go. This is perfect for car rides, waiting at the doctor's office, or just chilling in bed. Plus, the controllers are designed to be easy for little hands to use, which means less frustration and more fun!
Educational Benefits: Beyond just being entertaining, many Nintendo Switch games can actually help kids learn and develop important skills. Games can boost problem-solving abilities, improve hand-eye coordination, and even encourage creativity. You might not even realize your kid is learning while they're having a blast playing!
Social Interaction: The Nintendo Switch also offers opportunities for social interaction. Many games have multiplayer modes, allowing kids to play with friends and family. This can help them learn how to cooperate, communicate, and work together as a team. Gaming can be a really social activity, especially when playing with others in the same room.
Active Play: And let's not forget about the active games! The Switch has some titles that get kids up and moving, which is a great way to burn off some energy. These games can help improve gross motor skills and get kids excited about physical activity. It’s a win-win!
Considerations When Choosing Games
Before we jump into specific game recommendations, let's talk about a few things to keep in mind when choosing games for your 7-year-old. First and foremost, you'll want to check the ESRB rating. This rating system provides guidance on the age-appropriateness of the game's content. Look for games rated E (for Everyone) or E10+ (for Everyone 10 and older), depending on your comfort level and your child's maturity.
Genre: Consider what type of games your child enjoys. Are they into action-adventure games, puzzle games, or racing games? Thinking about their preferences can help you narrow down your options and choose games they're more likely to enjoy.
Difficulty Level: You'll also want to think about the difficulty level of the game. Some games can be quite challenging, which might be frustrating for a younger player. Look for games that offer adjustable difficulty settings or are known for being relatively easy to pick up and play.
Parental Controls: Don't forget to explore the parental control settings on the Nintendo Switch. These settings allow you to restrict access to certain games, limit online interactions, and set time limits for gameplay. This can help you create a safe and healthy gaming environment for your child.
Top Nintendo Switch Games for 7-Year-Olds
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games for 7-year-olds, broken down by category:
Adventure Games
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: This is a fantastic adventure game that's perfect for younger players. It's a remake of the classic Game Boy title, with charming visuals and a captivating story. Players explore a mysterious island, solve puzzles, and battle monsters. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers enough depth to keep kids engaged for hours.
Minecraft: This is a global phenomenon for a reason! Minecraft allows kids to build, explore, and create anything they can imagine. It's a sandbox game, which means there are no set objectives or rules. Kids can simply let their creativity run wild. Minecraft is also a great game for developing problem-solving skills and encouraging teamwork.
Yoshi's Crafted World: If you're looking for a charming and visually stunning adventure game, Yoshi's Crafted World is a great choice. The game features a unique art style, with everything made to look like it's crafted from cardboard and other everyday materials. Players explore colorful worlds, solve puzzles, and collect hidden items. It's a great game for kids who enjoy exploration and creativity.
Platformer Games
Super Mario Odyssey: This is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. Super Mario Odyssey is a joyful and imaginative platformer that's perfect for kids of all ages. Players explore a variety of unique kingdoms, collect Power Moons, and team up with a new companion named Cappy. The game is packed with secrets and surprises, and it's sure to keep kids entertained for hours.
Kirby Star Allies: Kirby Star Allies is a fun and accessible platformer that's perfect for younger players. Players can team up with up to three friends to take on enemies and solve puzzles. The game features a variety of colorful and imaginative levels, and it's easy to pick up and play.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: This is a classic 2D platformer that's been updated for the Nintendo Switch. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features over 160 levels to explore, and it supports up to four players in local multiplayer. It's a great game for families to play together.
Puzzle Games
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: This is a charming puzzle game that's perfect for younger players. Players control Captain Toad as he explores a variety of diorama-like levels, solving puzzles and collecting treasures. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers enough challenge to keep kids engaged.
Puyo Puyo Tetris: This is a fun and addictive puzzle game that combines two classic puzzle games: Puyo Puyo and Tetris. Players compete against each other to clear their boards by matching colors or creating lines. The game is easy to learn, but it's difficult to master.
Racing Games
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: This is the ultimate kart racing game for the Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a variety of colorful tracks, a wide selection of characters, and tons of customization options. The game supports up to four players in local multiplayer, making it perfect for family game nights.
Team Sonic Racing: If your child is a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, Team Sonic Racing is a great choice. This kart racing game features a variety of characters from the Sonic universe, as well as team-based gameplay. Players work together to help their team win races.
Sports Games
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: This is a fun and family-friendly sports game that features a variety of Olympic events. Players can compete as Mario, Sonic, and other popular characters in events like running, swimming, and gymnastics. The game supports motion controls, which makes it even more engaging.
Just Dance 2023 Edition: Get your groove on with Just Dance 2023 Edition! This game is perfect for getting kids up and moving. With a huge library of songs and easy-to-follow dance moves, Just Dance is a fun way to burn some energy and learn some new dance steps.
Tips for Parents
Okay, parents, here are a few extra tips to make sure your 7-year-old has a great gaming experience:
- Set Time Limits: It's important to set time limits for gameplay to prevent kids from spending too much time in front of the screen. Use the parental control settings on the Nintendo Switch to set daily or weekly time limits.
- Encourage Breaks: Remind your child to take breaks from gaming to stretch, move around, and rest their eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is a good one to follow: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Monitor Content: Keep an eye on the games your child is playing to make sure they're age-appropriate and engaging in a positive way. Read game reviews and watch gameplay videos to get a better understanding of the content.
- Play Together: Gaming can be a great way to bond with your child. Consider playing games together as a family. It's a fun way to spend time together and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
Finding the right Nintendo Switch games for a 7-year-old doesn't have to be a headache. By considering their interests, checking ESRB ratings, and using parental controls, you can create a safe and fun gaming environment. With the awesome games listed here, your child is sure to have hours of entertainment and maybe even learn a thing or two along the way! Happy gaming, guys!