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27 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 11-Year-Olds

Header 27 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 11 Year Olds
Paul Allen
Written by
Paul Allen
Written by
Paul Allen
From train sets to Tamagotchis, Paul would spend hours as a kid playing with anything he could get his hands on. Nowadays, he researches the latest and greatest toys featured on TheToyZone, while dividing his free time between his Playstation and his Nintendo Switch.
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Managing Editor
James loved anything Star Wars related as a kid! These days he uses the force to make sure TheToyZone is consistently publishing articles our readers will trust and find real value in. On his off days, you'll find him in the woods searching for Ewoks.
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TheToyZone is an independent publication with no ties with companies mentioned on the site. We don’t accept free products in exchange for glowing reviews. Instead, we report our own findings to help you make an informed decision.

Portable gaming has always enticed kids, from Game Boys to cell phone games to handheld consoles. And with the Nintendo Switch, kids can game on the go, online with friends, in TV mode with family and even get moving using motion controls! Plus, with hundreds of games, there’s always something fresh around the corner. 

Of course, this also makes it challenging to choose which games will be best for your 11-year-old. This is why we have made it our mission to go through all the options and weigh them based on genuine customer reviews (weeding out the fake ones along the way) so we can present you with the best of the bunch!

At 11, kids begin to develop the identities they’ll continue to forge throughout adolescence. They are curious and eager to learn new things and hone their skills and their games should reflect that. At the same time, they are still very much kids and enjoy wacky characters, a little silly humor and a lot of adventure. 

You’ll find games of all kinds in this list, from vast open-world experiences to high-octane platformers to brain-teasing puzzle games. It’s up to you to pick the perfect option for your little gamer, but rest assured; they have all been given a hearty thumbs up by kids and parents alike!

Top 3 Switch Games for 11-Year-Olds

Model
Best Budget Option
Best for Younger Kids
Best for Older Kids
Preview
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Nintendo Switch)
Kirby Star Allies - Nintendo Switch
Metroid Prime Remastered Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
Recommended Age
10 years and up
10 years and up
Teen
Pros
True to the movies with fun details and LEGO humor
Vibrant graphics in an evocative world
The remastered version is even more thrilling and immersive
Cons
It will be too easy for some 11-year-olds
There isn’t much for the second player to do in 2-player mode
Some parents may consider the game too violent
Price
$27.91
$38.86
$39.99
Best Budget Option
Preview
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Nintendo Switch)
Recommended Age
10 years and up
Pros
True to the movies with fun details and LEGO humor
Cons
It will be too easy for some 11-year-olds
Price
$27.91
More information
Best for Younger Kids
Preview
Kirby Star Allies - Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age
10 years and up
Pros
Vibrant graphics in an evocative world
Cons
There isn’t much for the second player to do in 2-player mode
Price
$38.86
More information
Best for Older Kids
Preview
Metroid Prime Remastered Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
Recommended Age
Teen
Pros
The remastered version is even more thrilling and immersive
Cons
Some parents may consider the game too violent
Price
$39.99
More information

If none of those strike you as the one, keep reading. 

In the list below, we’ve got options for 11-year-old gamers, from creative builders to button smashers to open-world explorers. No matter their interests or your budget, you can find the perfect addition to their Switch collection right now!

Best Puzzle & Strategy Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination
👁️ Reading

1. Minecraft

Want to build your dream home? Mine for materials so you can construct entire cities? Craft weapons and armor to fend off the menacing mobs? With Minecraft, you can do all that and more. There’s a reason this game is so popular among middle schoolers – it’s endlessly creative yet internally consistent, with a healthy dose of absurdity thrown in!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Whether you want to get lost in a world of your own making or go looking for adventure, Minecraft has got what you’re looking for. If your 11-year-old hasn’t tried this game yet, it is high time they do!

What We Love:

❤️ Great game for promoting creativity — limitless possibilities!
❤️ Lots of different play modes and things to do
❤️ Can be relaxing, action-packed, or completely absurd – it’s up to you

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Requires a subscription to play online
💔 A few customers found it a little glitchy

2. Kirby Star Allies

Everyone knows we’re better together, so in Star Allies, Kirby can hit anyone with a Friend Heart to recruit them into a 4-friend team. Fans of previous Kirby games will love seeing their old favorites and the best abilities from older games. Best of all, you can combine your friends’ abilities with Kirby’s copy abilities to make all new friend abilities!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

While the game is mostly about fast-paced fun, it’s good to think strategically, as certain bosses are weak to specific elemental attacks. 

What We Love:

❤️ Features the best abilities from older games 
❤️ Beautifully cinematic graphics
❤️ Includes loads of characters from the Kirby Universe to recruit

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The main story mode isn’t much of a challenge
💔 It’s quite a short game

💡 Tip: Want even more of this adorable but mighty pink sphere? Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is fun and features collaborative and competitive gameplay options. 

3. Among Us: Crewmate Edition

Among Us is a social deduction game in which you must prepare your spaceship for departure while trying to identify the imposter killing everyone. Or you might play as the imposter, sneaking around, causing chaos and framing innocent bystanders! This is a cute puzzle game with a fun whodunnit theme and this edition lets you play locally or online across different devices.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

A great feature of this game is that there are many opportunities to customize it depending on your skill level and preferences. Kids can experiment with adding more impostors and tasks, decreasing visibility and more!

What We Love:

❤️ An affordable game with lots of fun puzzles
❤️ The whodunnit narrative and spaceship setting are fun
❤️ Lots of ways to customize the gameplay and difficulty

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The graphics are very basic
💔 You need an online Switch account

Best Action & Adventure Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination

4. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has the perfect balance of familiarity and novelty for kids who already enjoy the Super Mario franchise. Players form a team of three out of nine options and set off to rescue the uncanny Sparks throughout the galaxy. Many strategies go into picking your team and the characters are wonderfully varied. Even the Sparks have their unique personalities and powers!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Compared with other Super Mario games, the story in this one is fascinatingly non-linear. You can set your own pace, explore wherever you want in the overworld and make all kinds of discoveries!

What We Love:

❤️ Great variety in the characters in your team and the Sparks you must save
❤️ Combat is well-designed and you can set your own pace
❤️ It’s fun to explore the overworld and make discoveries

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Not everyone enjoys the non-linear story mode
💔 There is no 2-player mode

💡 Tip: If your kid’s favorite character from the Super Mario universe is Luigi, they’ll love accompanying him through a haunted mansion in Luigi’s Mansion 3.

5. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Spyro is a classic game where you play as an adorable but fierce purple dragon. Now, it has been remastered and upgraded for Nintendo Switch! This is an excellent game for kids as it’s super fun to play as a dragon in a fantasy world, and if you’re a parent who played it in the past, you are sure to fall in love all over again.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

The updated graphics in this version are breathtaking and the controls are much smoother than in the original. Plus, with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, you get three games for the price of one!

What We Love:

❤️ A classic game with beautifully updated graphics
❤️ Great value for money as you get 3 games in 1
❤️ Smooth and simple gameplay with a fun storyline

What We Don’t Love:

💔 You have to download much of the content
💔 Takes a long time to save and load between levels

6. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

This is the perfect game for Star Wars fanatics, as you get to play through all nine Saga films and experience a galaxy far, far away, all for yourself! While the storyline follows the movie, the perspective is so new that it always feels varied. Plus, the humor from the LEGO pieces makes the familiar world feel fun and fresh.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

The Skywalker Saga includes so much extra content on top of the primary missions that kids will get loads of play. It differs from previous LEGO Star Wars games, which is fantastic if you’re prepared!

What We Love:

❤️ Packed with so much extra content to get lost in
❤️ Great blend of authentic Star Wars details and LEGO humor
❤️ Feels fresh compared to other LEGO Star Wars – it’s a new challenge but gives you enough guidance

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The story mode is quite perfunctory
💔 Some customers found it to be a little glitchy

Best Platform / Jump ‘n Run Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination
👁️ Reading

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Join Kirby in a mysterious abandoned land, collect objects and destroy enemies in this unique 3D platform game. Fans of previous Kirby games will love that her copy ability has returned, but even cooler is Mouthful Mode, which allows Kirby to inhale real-world objects and transform. For example, she can swallow a vending machine and then shoot out the cans!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

With its breathtaking graphics, the forgotten world comes alive in this game. It is all the fun of a classic platform game, but with all the secrets to uncover, it is so much more than that!

What We Love:

❤️ Vibrant graphics in an evocative world
❤️ Kirby can inhale real-world objects and transform, gaining incredible powers
❤️ Lots of collectibles and secrets to discover

What We Don’t Love:

💔 There isn’t much for the second player to do in 2-player mode
💔 Might be too easy for some 11-year-olds

8. Sonic Frontiers

It’s your favorite blue hedgehog, but he’s going on adventures unlike anything he’s done before. This game features five massive worlds to explore (speedily), each with unique challenges and secrets to uncover. As a genius blend of action and platforming, this game offers adrenaline in spades, a lot to discover and puzzles to solve along the way!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Sonic Frontiers has much more depth than previous Sonic games, a new battle system and many new skills to combine. Thankfully for beginners, you can adjust the difficulty level to suit your abilities!

What We Love:

❤️ 5 huge and unique overworlds to explore
❤️ Features various difficulty modes, all with fluid mechanics
❤️ Story mode has much more depth than previous Sonic games

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The controls take some getting used to
💔 Gameplay can be a bit repetitive

9. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

The wild and turbo-charged Bandicoot is back in this fantastic deal of three upgraded games in one. The N. Sane Trilogy includes the original and Crash Bandicoot 2 and Crash Bandicoot Warped, all offering hours of heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping fun! Note that these are all older games, but they have been upgraded for the Switch to feature improved graphics and new content.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Kids who love fast-paced, action-packed games will have a blast and a half with Crash. Spin, jump and jump your way to victory — but be prepared to fall flat before you do!

What We Love:

❤️ A fast-paced, truly adrenaline-pumping game
❤️ Great value as you get three games in one
❤️ All the fun and challenge of the original with some great upgrades

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Can be frustrating as the jumps are tough to make
💔 The controls are a bit clunky

Best First Person Action Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Decision making
👁️ Reading

10. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has been updated for Nintendo Switch, and if your kiddo hasn’t played any Zelda games before, this could be a great one to start with. Kids will love exploring epic landscapes, dungeons and the skies on their quest. And if they have played other games in the series, they will enjoy learning more about Link and Zelda’s backstory!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

This version features vastly improved motion controls but also has the option to use motion controls. With over 100 hours of adventure, discovery and puzzles to solve, this is a game you can get lost in!

What We Love:

❤️ Features improved motion controls and the option to use button controls
❤️ You get to see loads of character development and backstory
❤️ It’s a highly immersive adventure and rich in content

What We Don’t Love:

💔 More linear than newer Zelda games
💔 Quite pricey, considering it is a remastering of an older game

11. Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime is a critically acclaimed adventure game set in an eerily beautiful alien world. The remastered version is even more thrilling than the original and the stunning graphics are matched by highly atmospheric music and sound effects. This isn’t a game for beginners or kids who are easily scared, but those who love complex first-person action games will be obsessed!

Recommended age: Teen 

This game is packed with bosses to fight, challenges to overcome and mysteries to uncover and solve as you play. There are also multiple control options and routes to take, so it’s a very replayable game.

What We Love:

❤️ The remastered version is even more thrilling and immersive
❤️ Packed with bosses to fight, puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover
❤️ Extremely atmospheric world with graphics and music to match

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some parents may consider the game too violent
💔 The game progression is quire linear

12. Hogwarts Legacy

Harry Potter fans, get ready – it’s time to explore the wizarding world as you’ve never seen it before, as Hogwarts Legacy occurs generations before Harry was born. Fans of open-world games will love exploring the expansive map of Hogwarts and its surroundings and charting their own way. From learning skills to building relationships to unearthing unsettling truths, there are many paths to go down!

Recommended age: Teen 

Everything about this game is well crafted — the graphics and voice acting are spectacular. You will feel like you are right there! If your 11-year-old is a Potterhead, this is a must-buy.

What We Love:

❤️ Huge open world to explore packed with authentic details
❤️ Forge your own path in a Wizarding World as you’ve never seen it before
❤️ Gorgeous graphics make things like broom riding so much fun

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The characters are a little one dimensional
💔 Combat mechanics can be slightly choppy

Best Role Playing Games (RPG)

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Decision making
👁️ Reading

13. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

BOTW is one of the top-rated games ever, and it’s not hard to see why. Everything about it feels natural, from the sunset catching the rippling grass to the fact that you must live off the land. Of course, you’ll face challenges in the form of enemies and puzzles, but you’ll also need to ensure you have enough food, weapons and elixirs to survive!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

There are multiple ways to approach the game and strategies to try, which beginners may find overwhelming. However, kids ready to delve into a limitless open world will fall in love!

What We Love:

❤️ Set in a truly open world filled with realistic details and challenges
❤️ You can approach the game however you like, giving it fantastic replay value
❤️ Breathtaking graphics meld perfectly with the real-world sounds and smooth gameplay

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Might be too challenging for less experienced gamers
💔 Your weapons can break pretty easily

💡 Tip: If your kiddo is a die-hard Zelda fan, they may enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion full of original artwork, sketches, commentary and lore from the creators of the game.

14. LEGO Harry Potter Collection

If your kiddo is an HP fan but you think they aren’t quite ready for Hogwarts Legacy, the LEGO Harry Potter Collection is a great alternative. This set is great value for money, as you get two games in one – and they are both action-packed and full of delightful details! These aren’t the most challenging games, but they’re perfect for when you want some simple, relaxing fun.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

These games take you through all seven years of Harry’s time at Hogwarts, so players experience the adventure first-hand. And as with all LEGO games, there’s a lot of quirky humor too!

What We Love:

❤️ True to the movies with fun details and LEGO humor
❤️ You get two games in one cartridge
❤️ Gameplay is simple but fun – great for beginners or when you want to relax

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It will be too easy for some 11-year-olds
💔 Some customers found it to be a little glitchy

💡 Tip: Want more LEGO movie fun? LEGO Jurassic World is a delightful romp through all 4 of the dino films.

15. Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx

Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx is a cute little game that fans of the TV show will love. Voiced by the actual actors from the show, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the world of Ladybug and Cat Noir and play through an original story. Co-op mode is especially fun; players must collaborate to battle villains!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Featuring new villains and familiar ones like Hawk Moth, Weredad and Mr. Pigeon, plus the story behind our heroes’ alter-egos, this game has lots to discover and recognize. It’s also a great budget-friendly option!

What We Love:

❤️ An adventure-packed game that fans of the TV show will love
❤️ It’s voiced by the real actors from the show
❤️ Co-op mode requires actual teamwork 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The background music is the same throughout
💔 Only includes seven levels

Best Party / Multiplayer Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

📖 Familiarity with game rules
👌 Hand-eye coordination

16. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Kids who already enjoy Super Smash Bros. and newcomers alike will love this Ultimate version – every fighter from previous versions is here, plus several new ones! There are also loads of new stages, music, combat techniques and more, so you’re looking at 100s of hours of button-smashing fun. Plus, you can play handheld, online or even with GameCube controllers, so there’s never a reason not to play! 

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

The combat mechanics of this game are wonderfully sharp and fluid, so you can fight faster and smarter than ever before. And as it can accommodate eight players, this is the ultimate party game! 

What We Love:

❤️ Features new characters plus all the ones from previous Smash Bros. games
❤️ Combat mechanics are amazingly crisp and fluid
❤️ Offers 100s of hours of fun 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The online version doesn’t work as well as local
💔 Some kids may find it too chaotic and overwhelming

17. Splatoon 2

Small but fierce, the Inklings and Octolings are back in Splatoon 2. If you aren’t familiar with Splatoon, it’s all about battling for turf in the city, using the best weapon of all – paint! Join these colorful and non-violent street fighters in the same 4-on-4 battles from the original, plus lots of new stages and weapons. Kids who enjoy lighthearted combat games will love these eclectic paint warriors!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

With Splatoon 2, kids can amp up the fun using Joy-Cons to aim their ink using motion controls! But if you don’t have a Joy-Con, don’t worry – it works with ordinary controllers too.

What We Love:

❤️ It is lots of fun to customize your characters and weapons
❤️ This version has lots of great new features and there are often updates to add
❤️ Fast-paced and exciting yet non-violent gameplay

What We Don’t Love:

💔 You can’t play with another player on one Switch
💔 If you live in the U.S., note that this is the European version which makes it incompatible with expansion packs downloaded from the Nintendo store

💡 Tip: Ink it up even further with Splatoon 3, packed with new styles, maneuvers and a new region called the Splatlands!

18. ARMS

Does your kid love combat games but is itching for something new? Then try ARMS, a unique boxing game in which each player has spring-loaded, extendible arms! The control system is unusual yet intuitive, combining motion and button controls. Though it’s a relatively simple game, the extendible arm feature makes things interesting, and a lot of strategy goes into choosing the right arms.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

ARMS has a surprising depth with many different fighters, arenas, and extra content to explore. It’s a fun way to get kids off the couch and a fresh angle on arena games!

What We Love:

❤️ Super innovative combat game with plenty of extra content
❤️ There is a surprising amount of depth and strategy
❤️ The unique combination of motion and button controls works great

What We Don’t Love:

💔 While the controls work well, they are a pretty steep learning curve
💔 Gameplay can get a bit repetitive

Best Music & Fitness Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

👌 Hand-eye coordination

19. Just Dance 2023

Whether your 11-year-old has played Just Dance before or if they are music and dancing-obsessed, you must buy them this game. The 2023 version is packed with current chart toppers from artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, BTS and more, plus a decent helping of older classics. Plus, you can unlock custom-made sessions and songs tailored just for you!

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

Just Dance 2023 also features a much more intuitive user interface, so you can go from picking up the controller to dancing in record time. This game lets the whole family move and delight your little pop star!

What We Love:

❤️ Includes loads of the latest hits, including a generous dose of K-pop
❤️ Great way to get the whole family up and moving
❤️ You can unlock custom-made sessions and songs 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Requires a strong internet connection
💔 The song selection is limited without a subscription

20. Hatsune Miku Project DIVA MEGA39’s (Mega Mix)

Is your kiddo more into J-pop than the latest US hits? If so, Hatsune Miku Project Diva Mega Mix could be perfect. If you aren’t familiar with Hatsune Miku, she is a Japanese virtual pop star with a vast repertoire of original songs, dances and outfits. In Project Diva, players join her in a rhythm action game – think Guitar Hero if it was set in a Japanese idol anime!

Recommended age: Teen 

This 10th-anniversary edition features 100s of familiar and new songs. The graphics have been updated with a cute anime style, and there are so many ways to customize your play experience!

What We Love:

❤️ A fun rhythm game where you can also customize the characters 
❤️ Comes with 100 catchy songs and lots of cute costumes
❤️ Offers a range of difficulty modes

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It’s only in Japanese, which takes some time to get used to
💔 You need a Nintendo account based out of Japan if you want to unlock some extra content

21. Ring Fit Adventure

Looking for a way to entice your 11-year-old to get active? Ring Fit Adventure could be just the ticket. This unique game is both a workout and an action-packed adventure. Players explore a fantasy world, traversing obstacles and battling foes, all while using actual exercise moves. Who knew your living room was the most fun setting for a workout?!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

No need to worry about whether your kid will manage the moves, as the game adjusts according to your strength and fitness levels. This might be the most compelling workout game yet, with all the different play modes and worlds to discover!

What We Love:

❤️ A great way to entice kids to exercise
❤️ There are multiple game modes, but Adventure Mode is the most fun as you advance through different worlds and defeat enemies
❤️ Adjusts based on your fitness and strength

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some customers found that the leg strap tends to slip off
💔 Experienced gamers may find the storyline a bit boring

💡 Tip: Don’t have a set of Joy-Cons yet? You can pick them up here.

Best Sports & Racing Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

👌 Hand-eye coordination

22. Nintendo Switch Sports

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, gimmick-free sports game you can play as a family, look no further! Nintendo Switch Sports is a lot like Wii Sports but made just for the Switch. There are seven sports to play, including Golf, Tennis, Volleyball and Chambara (swordplay)! You use real-world motions to control your avatar, even using the leg strap to track your soccer kicks.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Nintendo Switch Sports offers many customization options, from the difficulty level to your character’s outfit. There’s also the option to compete online or team up with friends to take on other teams!

What We Love:

❤️ Like Wii Sports but with significantly upgraded graphics and gameplay
❤️ Gets you active but is also accessible for folks with disabilities
❤️ Lots of fun to play as a family or online with friends

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some of the games are a bit too similar
💔 The price is quite steep, considering there are no mini-games

23. Mario Strikers: Battle League

The only rule in Mario Strikers: Battle League is to rule the pitch! While the game is based on soccer, you can use tackles, Hyper Strikes and items to score and even use gear to bump up your stats and show your opponents who’s boss. This will surely be a winner for kids who play soccer and enjoy Super Mario games!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

As up to 8 players can play locally, this is a great party game. You can join an online Strikers Club with up to 20 players and try to come out on top each season!

What We Love:

❤️ A highly competitive game soccer players will love
❤️ Accommodates up to eight players 
❤️ Gameplay is smooth, the graphics are cinematic and the humor is on point

What We Don’t Love:

💔 There aren’t that many game modes or characters
💔 Online mode can be a bit laggy

24. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

This game is all the thrill of the Olympics. Still, instead of boring humans, it features your favorite characters from the Super Mario and Sonic universes. There are tons of sports and loads of characters to play, so there’s always something new to try. Plus, the mini-games are great for hangouts where people want to be able to drop in and out!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

With a retro version that offers a window into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this game allows you to travel in space and time. The colorful graphics and lively atmosphere make it a blast every time!

What We Love:

❤️ Loads of games to play and characters to play as
❤️ All the short mini-games are great for hangouts with family or friends
❤️ A lively game with bright, colorful graphics

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The storyline is a bit boring
💔 Many of the games don’t have a left-handed option

Best Simulation Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👁️ Reading

25. Goat Simulator: The Goaty

Think your kid would enjoy something truly unruly and just plain weird? Then you should give Goat Simulator a try. In The Goaty, you are a goat whose only goal is to wreck as much as possible in style! There are over 100 worlds and mini-games, each more bizarre than the last. But you’re always a goat and an agent of chaos.

Recommended age: 12 years and above 

In The Goaty, the gameplay is what you make of it, but it’s always utterly absurd. The controls are deliberately crude, as the goat’s weird movements and clumsiness are part of the fun! 

What We Love:

❤️ Delightfully chaotic and hilarious game
❤️ Includes a whopping 101 levels plus lots of content to unlock
❤️ Gameplay is what you make of it, and utterly absurd

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It’s good for a laugh, but it’s pretty insubstantial
💔 The mechanics are deliberately crude, which can get old after a while

💡 Tip: Check out Untitled Goose Game for a similarly absurd, chaotic and perhaps more relaxing experience.

26. Construction 2 + 3

With this bundle deal, you can get 2 Construction simulation games in one so kids can see what it’s like to drive a LIEBHERR excavator, a CAT loader and many more. From repairing crumbling roads to building a railway bridge, there are over 100 construction challenges. Construction enthusiasts will love getting to experience these majestic machines from the inside!

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

Both games feature such realistic graphics that you’ll want to reach out and grab the steering wheel. Plus, with European and American versions on one cartridge, you can experience locales on either side of the Atlantic!

What We Love:

❤️ Two games for the price of one, each packed with different challenges
❤️ Perfect for kids who are into mechanics
❤️ Easy to pick up but hard to master

What We Don’t Love:

💔 You can’t walk outside of your vehicle
💔 Some minor bugs here and there

27. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Ah Animal Crossing – the feel-good island game that saved millions during the pandemic. This cozy game is perfect for kids looking for something relaxing with many things to do and discover. The game follows in real time, even down to the seasons of your hemisphere! You can drop in any time to work on your island, visit friends virtually on theirs, or interact with the quirky animal residents.

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

With Animal Crossing: New Horizons, kids build their own island paradise from scratch. Find fossils, grow vegetables, explore the seashore, collect resources and craft your dream getaway!

What We Love:

❤️ Create your own relaxing island getaway that matches the time and seasons
❤️ There is so much to do and discover every day
❤️ You can visit friends on their islands 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 You can’t have more than one island on one Switch
💔 Not all kids will enjoy the lack of direction/purpose


Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Games for 11-Year-Olds

🙋‍♂️Is Nintendo Switch good for an 11-year-old?

Nintendo Switch can be suitable for an 11-year-old, but it depends on how they play.  As a parent, there are some things you can do to ensure your child is playing healthily. 

First, enable parental controls – these prevent your child from accessing inappropriate games and being contacted by strangers online. Next, set limits on your kids’ screen time per day, as too much of this is pretty harmful. 

Lastly, pay attention to age ratings, but also check reviews and trailers so you can form your own opinion on what’s appropriate. The Switch is one of the best consoles for kids, as most games are suitable for younger players!

🙋‍♂️Why is Nintendo Switch so popular?

Nintendo Switch is the most popular gaming console on the market, as well as the third most popular of all time. But why? The Switch isn’t vastly different from its competitors regarding technical specs or graphics. 

But the Switch stands out because of its user-friendliness – it’s easy to set up and features clean and intuitive menus. It also offers the best selection of games when it comes to age inclusiveness, which is excellent for families looking to save money. It means you don’t need a separate device for every family member, and it’s easy to find games to enjoy together!

So… What Nintendo Switch Game Should I Get?

The perfect Switch game is on this list, but I’m afraid it’s up to you to make the final call. Think about the kid you’re buying for – are they all about getting lost in an expansive fantasy world? Then The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild could be perfect. Are they looking for a party game to play with friends? Then perhaps Super Smash Bros. Ultimate it is. Would they prefer something calming and creative? Go for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Every 11-year-old is different, so even though we did our best to provide a balanced range of options, chances are we should have noticed something. So if your kiddo’s favorite game didn’t make the list, let us know!

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