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27 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 8-Year-Olds

Header Best Nintendo Switch Games for 8 Year Olds
Jesse Lennox
Written by
Jesse Lennox
Written by
Jesse Lennox
Jesse is too busy pretending to be a kid to have any yet. If he isn’t playing video games, he’s either writing or talking about them. He writes video game reviews and guides for Digital Trends, Gamepur, and ClassicNerd.
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When it came out in 2017, the Nintendo Switch was an instant hit with players of all ages. Adults and kids love that you can play on the go without losing any fun or excellent graphics. At 8 years old, kids are all about games with customizable characters, fast-paced excitement and things to discover. 

That said, at age 8 kids are coming into their own identities and kids at this age will be into different types of games. Some want to explore and figure out puzzles, others can’t get enough creative world-building games and others are looking for action and adventure!

For that reason, we have put together a list of 27 fun and suitable games for 8-year-olds of all kinds. We’ve got a wide variety of games here, so whatever your kid is into and however advanced they are with their Switch, you’ll find something that will make them squeal in excitement! 

What Did We Look For When Shortlisting Switch Games For 8-Year-Olds?

To make sure we chose the best, we took recommendations from parents who were delighted with their purchases and had glowing reviews from the kids. LEGO dinosaurs, racing plumbers, islands populated with animals and even annoying geese – the possibilities are endless! 

Remember that the age designation of a game is just a suggestion – games rated 3 and up can be fun for adults too, and some 8-year-olds are advanced enough to play games rated for teens. 

Remember to consider your own child’s interests and abilities and make sure the game doesn’t have any inappropriate content if you pick a game rated older than 8. 

The Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 8-Year-Olds

Game Title
Best Budget Option
Best for Younger Kids
Best for Older Kids
Preview
Lego Jurassic World NSW (Nintendo Switch)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
No Man's Sky - Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age
7 years and up
3 years and up
12 years and up
Pros
Includes the fun of doing puzzles and smashing them
Extremely fast controls and great graphics
Each world has its own unique atmosphere
Cons
May be too challenging for some 8-year-olds
Many of the tracks are the same as earlier games
It will be too overwhelming for some 8-year-olds
Price
$25.89
$49.98
$34.95
Best Budget Option
Game Title
Preview
Lego Jurassic World NSW (Nintendo Switch)
Recommended Age
7 years and up
Pros
Includes the fun of doing puzzles and smashing them
Cons
May be too challenging for some 8-year-olds
Price
$25.89
More information
Best for Younger Kids
Game Title
Preview
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
Recommended Age
3 years and up
Pros
Extremely fast controls and great graphics
Cons
Many of the tracks are the same as earlier games
Price
$49.98
More information
Best for Older Kids
Game Title
Preview
No Man's Sky - Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age
12 years and up
Pros
Each world has its own unique atmosphere
Cons
It will be too overwhelming for some 8-year-olds
Price
$34.95
More information

Now that we’ve covered that and shown you our top picks, let’s get into the full list so you can find the best game for your little Switcher!

Best Puzzle & Strategy Games 

Skills it develops: 
✅ Problem-solving
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Reading

1. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

If your kid is already a seasoned Super Mario player, Captain Toad may seem a bit simple. However, this adorable game featuring everyone’s favorite mushroom is the perfect way to introduce kids to the Super Mario Bros universe. The game starts simple, and the levels increase in difficulty gradually. And with 70 short stories packed with fun puzzles, it is enjoyable for kids and adults alike!

The Switch edition of Captain Toad includes new stages based on all the kingdoms in the Super Mario Odyssey game. Gameplay is fun, solo or with a friend or parent helping out!

What We Love:
❤️ Fun for both kids and adults
❤️ Over 70 short levels each with fun puzzles to complete 
❤️ The levels are a gentle learning curve, getting gradually more challenging

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Gameplay may be too simple for some
💔 Not very much replay value

2. Snipperclips Plus – Cut It Out, Together!

Who knew cutting shapes out of virtual paper could be so addictive? While Snipperclips may seem a bit simple at first glance, when you play it, you realize it is surprisingly challenging. Some puzzles can be solved in multiple ways, making it fun for all ages. Plus, the game requires both logical and creative thinking, which is great for developing brains!

Snipperclips can be played alone or with 2-4 players, and there’s also the option to up the pace and competition in Blitz mode. With all the different options, it’s hard to get tired of this game!

What We Love:
❤️ A unique game that is fun for all ages
❤️ A relaxing yet surprisingly challenging game
❤️ Helps develop logical thinking and communication skills

What We Don’t Love:
💔 A bit expensive for what it is
💔 Not as fun to play alone

3. Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game is nothing if not unique, and it is perfect for kids who love silly humor and being annoying. The premise is simple: you play as a horrible goose making your way around town, causing as much chaos and wreaking as much havoc as possible! There’s even a dedicated honk button whenever you need to make your goose voice heard.

Untitled Goose Game is sure to have the whole family rolling around the floor laughing. Aside from the hilarious premise, the game also increases in difficulty at a reasonable speed and has cute and unique graphics!

What We Love:
❤️ A silly and hilarious game
❤️ Cute graphics and fun sound effects and music
❤️ Difficulty increases at a good speed

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite a short game
💔 A bit repetitive at times

💡 If you enjoyed Untitled Goose Game, check out Moving Out, another hilarious game that involves throwing refrigerators through windows, smuggling giraffes out of the zoo and more!

Best Action & Adventure Games 

Skills it develops: 
✅ Problem-solving
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Reading

4. LEGO Jurassic World

If your kiddo loves playing Switch games, LEGO and dinosaurs, too, this is an absolute must-buy. Kids get to relive moments from all four Jurassic films and complete fun LEGO-based puzzles. Once complete, they can then smash these puzzles with their dinosaurs! If your 8-year-old can’t wait to knock over their LEGO creations as soon as they are built, this is the game for them.

LEGO Jurassic World has excellent replay value as many dinosaurs, and other items are available to collect and customize. The game is funny, entertaining, challenging and highly varied – what’s not to like?

What We Love:
❤️ An entertaining game with some great comedic additions
❤️ Includes the fun of doing puzzles and smashing them
❤️ Great replay value as there is so much to collect

What We Don’t Love:
💔 May be too challenging for some 8-year-olds
💔 The characters can get stuck if they jump through something they aren’t supposed to

💡 For kids more into Harry Potter than Jurassic Park, check out this awesome LEGO Harry Potter game set.

5. Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

If you’re looking for a narrative, exploratory game that you and your kiddo can enjoy together, Link’s Awakening is a great choice. This game retains the spirit of the original but with much-improved graphics, smooth gameplay and content. From exploring dungeons to completing puzzles to learning the secrets of Koholint Island, you will never run out of things to do!

Link’s Awakening is highly evocative, and the story development is top-notch. The whole thing unfolds at a good pace, and there are always discoveries and challenges to complete. You and your kid will both be hooked!

What We Love:
❤️ Fantastic story development
❤️ Fun for kids and nostalgic adults
❤️ Pleasing graphics and smooth gameplay

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite pricey
💔 Some parts of the game are a bit repetitive

6. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

This game is likely to appeal to nostalgic parents, and once kids start playing, they are likely to fall in love too! However, this isn’t a game for total beginners as it is pretty complex. Shovel Knight comes with four campaigns that are highly varied and full of adventure – battle foes, discover treasures, brew potions, climb walls, dig into the ground, and so much more!

While this game is pretty challenging, the controls are intuitive, and it is easy to help kids out in multiplayer mode. If your kid enjoys fantasy narratives and battle games, give this one a try!

What We Love:
❤️ Great graphics and controls
❤️ Comes with four extensive campaigns and the possibility of getting expansions
❤️ Fun in single-player and multiplayer mode

What We Don’t Love:
💔 May be too challenging for some kids
💔 The pixel graphics won’t appeal to all

Best Platform Games 

Skills it develops: 
✅ Problem solving
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Reading

7. Super Mario 3D All-Stars

If you’d like to introduce your 8-year-old to the Super Mario universe via some classic games, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a great way to do so. With Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy included, this is a great deal! The games are optimized for Nintendo Switch and the controls are intuitive, so kids should have no issue learning the ropes.

These are the same games you know, and love, but the graphics are updated and compatible with Joy-Con controls. These games are perfect for family nights as they are fun for all ages!

What We Love:
❤️ Three great Mario games in one
❤️ Lots of fun to play as a family
❤️ Smooth gameplay and intuitive controls

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The older games may be unappealing to kids used to newer graphics
💔 Some of the levels are a bit hard for kids

💡 If you want to spend a little less, you can get Super Mario Odyssey by itself here.

8. Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack

Another excellent package deal, this purchase gets you Sonic Mania plus Team Sonic Racing in one. Both games have been upgraded with excellent graphics, a variety of new zones, and some old favorites from Sonic 1, 2 and 3. Whether kids want to play alone or with friends or family, they will have a blast!

When kids first get into this game, chances are they will enjoy Team Sonic Racing best with its modern graphics and more straightforward gameplay. However, as time passes and they improve their skills, they may begin to enjoy Mania even more!

What We Love:
❤️ Two great upgraded Sonic games in one
❤️ Fun in single player and multiplayer mode
❤️ Packed with action and entertainment

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Mania can be quite challenging
💔 Not all kids will like Mania’s pixel graphics

💡 For even more Sonic fun, check out Sonic Frontiers, where you get to race across 5 massive fantastical worlds.

9. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

If the child you are buying for enjoys exploratory games and loves Kirby, this may be the game for them. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, kids play as the powerful pink puffball and explore a mysterious abandoned world. It is perfect for kids who enjoy the idea of exploring abandoned civilizations!

This game’s strength is its exquisitely detailed graphics and wonderfully varied content. It features various levels, weapons, friends and foes and a range of secret mini-games! However, the gameplay is simple, so it is ideal for beginner gamers.

What We Love:
❤️ Lots of fun for kids to play alone or with parents
❤️ Huge variety of levels, characters, weapons and secret mini-games 
❤️ Beautiful graphics and loads of fantastic details

What We Don’t Love:
💔 May be a bit too easy for experienced gamers

💡 If your kid’s favorite Super Mario character is Yoshi, they might prefer to play Yoshi’s Crafted World.

Best First-Person Action Games 

Skills it develops: 
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Spacial awareness

10. Bugsnax

Bugsnax is a highly innovative game that will appeal to kids who love quirky stories about weird and wonderful worlds. Gameplay is simple enough for kids, but there is enough depth that adults will enjoy it too. The characters and Bugsnax are highly creative and the world is exceptionally detailed and immersive. This game is endlessly captivating and never predictable! 

Part hunting game and part mystery, the game involves capturing a variety of Bugsnax and exploring Snaktooth Island to track down the inhabitants of Snaxburg. And if you feed your new friends enough Bugsnax you can customize their looks!

What We Love:
❤️ Extremely captivating and unpredictable game
❤️ Fantastic worldbuilding and highly creative creatures
❤️ The excellent writing makes you care about the characters

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Some parts of the game have a horror theme that could be scary for kids
💔 Can be repetitive at times

11. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky is not for beginner gamers. Instead, it’s for 8-year-olds who have graduated from simple, quick-play games and want something truly epic. In this game, you are a space explorer with an entire universe to discover! This open-world game encourages you to find your destiny and make your own way.

Some kids will find all the choices overwhelming, but others will love the open-ended format. There is so much to do and explore, and this version includes six years of updates! Reviewers were constantly amazed at how much content the developers fit into a Nintendo Switch game.

What We Love:
❤️ So much to do and explore
❤️ Each world has its own unique atmosphere
❤️ Great storyline and impressive mechanics

What We Don’t Love:
💔 It will be too overwhelming for some 8-year-olds
💔 Nintendo Switch graphics do not do this game justice

12. Nerf Legends

For kids who enjoy challenging Nerf gun battles, this game will give them what they want and more. With 19 single-player levels, including tournament courses, Nerf Legends has players fighting various enemy robots across multiple challenges. Plus, it also includes puzzles, trick shots and navigation challenges! There are also two multiplayer mode options for when kids want to play with family or friends.

As players progress through the levels, they unlock new Nerf guns to add to their inventory. Kids will also enjoy the customization options and all the fantastic locations!

What We Love:
❤️ Nice mix of nerf battles, puzzles and platforming
❤️ You can join battles online or start your own
❤️ You get to obtain new Nerf guns in each level

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The multiplayer function has a couple of bugs
💔 A bit difficult for some 8-year-olds

Best Role-Playing Games (RPG)

Skills it develops: 
✅Reading
✅ Problem solving
✅ Planning

13. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Kids fans of Pokemon who have mastered the existing Pokemon games are sure to love Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Described as action meets RPG, this game has players exploring the ancient world and uncovering the secrets of the Pokemon mythos while catching and battling unexpected foes. One highlight of the game is the smooth mechanics, particularly the streamlined battle moves!

Kids who enjoy battle games will love playing this unique take on Pokemon, while kids who enjoy immersive storylines and exploratory games will also have a blast. However, this game is best reserved for kids with some gaming expertise.

What We Love:
❤️ Excellent mechanics, particularly the streamlined battles
❤️ Tons of monsters to catch plus side quests
❤️ Highly immersive storyline and worldbuilding

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite challenging compared to other Pokemon games
💔 The environment looks a bit sparse

💡 For a slightly simpler Pokemon Switch RPG that is just as immersive, check out Pokemon Sword.

14. Miitopia

Miitopia is a fun and fantastical adventure game aimed at kids who enjoy all things silly and bizarre. One of the game’s highlights is that kids get to create avatars that look just like them and their families or anything they like. The characters all have unique personalities and interact in hilarious ways. Half the fun of the game is simply watching how your creations interact! 

Miitopia is a good option for beginner Switch players, as combat is turn-based and gameplay is simple. It is also endlessly entertaining and packed with strange locations and bizarre adversaries!

What We Love:
❤️ Kids can create heroes based on themselves, friends and family
❤️ The characters have their own personalities and interact in hilarious ways
❤️ Fun fantastical adventure game interspersed with silly jokes and bizarre locations

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite expensive considering its simplicity
💔 Not that many additions to the original

15. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Whether you’re already a fan of Luigi’s Mansion or not, the 3rd edition is a great purchase thanks to the improved graphics, additional moves and range of environments to explore. There are puzzles to solve, obstacles to maneuver and enemies to defeat. But never fear – Luigi’s green doppelganger Gooigi is here to help him by slipping through tight spaces and traversing treacherous surfaces!

In single-player mode, kids can toggle between Luigi and Gooigi, co-op mode is the most fun as the two can team up. Kids who enjoy haunted houses and classic Super Mario games will love this one!

What We Love:
❤️ Gameplay is fun for all ages, especially co-op mode
❤️ Graphics are great and an improvement on 1 and 2
❤️ Lots of environments to explore and puzzles to solve

What We Don’t Love:
💔 May be a bit challenging for some 8-year-olds
💔 Can be a little scary

Best Party/Multiplayer Games

Skills it develops: 
✅Teamwork
✅ hand-eye coordination

16. Mario Party Superstars

Looking for a game the whole family can play at once, even if some members are on the other side of the world? Mario Party Superstars is the classic Mario Party game as it includes all the best Mario Party challenges and boards. It also contains a whopping 100 mini-games and has an online mode for playing with those near and far.

Adults will love this game thanks to its nostalgia, while kids will get lost in Mario’s madcap world and all it has to offer! They should also pick it up quickly, thanks to its intuitive gameplay.

What We Love:
❤️ Includes all the best Mario Party games and boards
❤️ Great for playing with family and friends, even those on the other side of the world
❤️ Comes with 100 mini games

What We Don’t Love:
💔 There could be more boards
💔 There aren’t that many characters to choose from

17. Just Dance 2023

If your 8-year-old is already bopping to the latest pop songs, Just Dance 2023 is sure to be a winner. In this game, kids can learn dance routines to all of today’s top hits and a few classics. Some of the songs include BTS’ “Dynamite”, Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the cast of Encanto. 

Just Dance is a great way to get young music fans active, as the moves are easy enough to follow along with, and the graphics are lots of fun. The improved user interface is also highly intuitive.

What We Love:
❤️ Accommodates 6 players and includes great songs
❤️ Easy to follow along and includes in-game rewards for hitting goals
❤️ A super fun way to get active

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need a subscription to get more songs
💔 Requires a Ubisoft account

18. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

This is truly the Ultimate Super Smash Bros. game. Not only does it include ALL the characters from past games, but it introduces a range of new ones too! It also features new moves and a fun morphing stages mode, in which the stage you are playing on morphs into a different one as you play. 

This edition includes everything you love about Super Smash Bros, but it has a lot of upgrades and improvements. It may be a bit overwhelming if kids haven’t played Smash Bros before, but those who are fans will be obsessed!

What We Love:
❤️ Includes ALL characters from past Smash Bros. games plus new ones
❤️ Super fun progression system and morphing stages
❤️ Lots of upgrades and improvements in this version

What We Don’t Love:
💔 It may be overwhelming for kids new to Smash Bros
💔 It takes time to unlock all the characters

Best Music & Fitness Games

Skills it develops: 
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Timing

19. Ringfit Adventure

If your kid is always bouncing off the walls with too much energy or needs a reason to get active, Ringfit Adventure could be just the ticket. It isn’t necessarily the best game for seasoned gamers, as gameplay is pretty simple. However, 8-year-olds will enjoy defeating enemies, completing many side quests and discovering endless content to unlock. 

As kids enter the fantasy world of Ringfit Adventure, they won’t even realize they are exercising. This is the perfect way to keep kids active on rainy days or during vacation! Plus, the included Ring-Con is exceptionally sturdy and ergonomically designed.

What We Love:
❤️ Kids can get active through fun games
❤️ Packed with side quests and content to unlock
❤️ The Ring-Con is and very sturdy and ergonomic

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The Ring-Con makes it expensive
💔 There isn’t much variation between levels

20. Tetris Effect: Connected

Tetris Effect: Connected is Tetris like you’ve never seen it before. The basic mechanics are the same, but the evolving levels, fun surprises, stellar graphics and excellent soundtrack are more than enough to keep kids entertained. Each level has its own graphical style that evolves as you play and truly takes you into another world. Kids who enjoy abstract games and puzzles are sure to get hooked!

Tetris Effect: Connected also has a great range of competitive and co-op modes for when you’re enticed to play too. Plus, the online multiplayer mode lets you play with players worldwide!

What We Love:
❤️ A fun way to keep kids’ brains active
❤️ Easy to learn but hard to master
❤️ Fantastic graphics and music

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Later levels may be too challenging for 8-year-olds
💔 Not all kids will find the game engaging

💡 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 brings you more Tetris fun, this time with cute anime graphics and a more affordable price tag.

21. Nintendo Switch Sports

If you like the active aspect of Ringfit Adventure, but you think your kiddo would prefer actual sports, then Nintendo Switch Sports is for you. This game offers not one or two but seven different sports, including Chambara (swordplay)! Instead of simply pressing controls, you have to perform the moves to succeed – it even comes with a leg strap accessory for kicking the ball in soccer.

Nintendo Switch Sports is the perfect game for family night and another fantastic way to get kids off the couch. It also has a great online mode for those who can’t be there in person.

What We Love:
❤️ Super fun and easy family game with online option
❤️ Keeps kids and adults active
❤️ Great graphics and customizable avatars

What We Don’t Love:
💔 There could be more sports to choose from
💔 Customizations for characters are locked behind playing online

Best Sports & Racing Games

Skills it develops: 
✅ Hand-eye coordination
✅ Critical thinking
✅ Sportsmanship

22. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Whether your 8-year-old has played Mario Kart before or not, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is certain to be a hit. Mario Kart is known to be a fantastic family game, as it is easy to play, supports several players and is extremely exhilarating. This game has everything you love about Mario Kart, but with a range of awesome new features like multiplayer battle modes, new tracks and new characters!

With 48 tracks and over 40 characters, this is the most extensive version of Mario Kart. The tracks are also super varied, and the controls are amazingly responsive!

What We Love:
❤️ Easy to play and fun for the whole family
❤️ Extremely fast controls and great graphics
❤️ Includes lots of awesome and varied tracks

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite pricey for what it is
💔 Many of the tracks are the same as earlier games

23. Hot Wheels Unleashed

This game is perfect for fans of racing games or kids whose Hot Wheels cars still hold pride of place in their toy collection. Hot Wheels Unleashed is similar to any racing game, except the cars are die-cast toys and the miniature track loops around a human-sized world! Other fun aspects of this game are the customizable vehicles and the fact that you can build your own tracks.

In Hot Wheels Unleashed, each car has its own personality, style, abilities and rarity levels. In addition, the highly detailed themed tracks and superb graphics make this a highly immersive experience!

What We Love:
❤️ You can build your own tracks and customize vehicles
❤️ Great variety of cars and fun challenges
❤️ Fantastic graphics and lots of cool details

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The controls are a bit tricky
💔 Requires a lot of in-game currency to “buy” levels

24. Monster Truck Championship

This is another great racing game for kids obsessed with Monster Trucks. The gameplay is pretty simple, but there are loads of different arenas to race. There are also 18 different trucks to choose from that kids get to unleash their creativity on and customize as much as they like! The fantastic graphics put you right in the middle of the action.

As well as all the different arenas, this game offers three monster truck leagues to compete in. Kids can play by themselves or with friends or family and up to seven friends online!

What We Love:
❤️ The trucks are fully customizable
❤️ Loads of different arenas to race in
❤️ Great graphics 

What We Don’t Love:
💔 There is no local multiplayer mode
💔 You can’t do a lot of the tricks that the Monster Trucks do

💡 Kids who love vehicle stunts and tricks will have a blast with ATV Drifts & Tricks, making it a great companion purchase.

Best Simulation Games

Skills it develops: 
✅ Reading
✅ Problem solving
✅ Following instructions

25. FIFA 23 Legacy Edition

Fans of the FIFA Switch games will love getting their hands on this as it features fully up-to-date and top women’s club teams. The graphics are also much improved from previous editions. Even if they haven’t played FIFA before, kids who love soccer will surely get a kick out of playing the sport as their favorite players!

FIFA 23 Legacy Edition includes several new stadiums and the latest kits, clubs and squads from some of the world’s top leagues. This is a visually stunning game that is ideal for soccer fans!

What We Love:
❤️ Includes up to date teams plus the women’s teams
❤️ Graphics look amazing
❤️ Hours of entertainment for soccer fans

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not very different from previous editions
💔 There is no World Cup mode 

26. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

While 8-year-olds often love fast-paced, action-packed games, sometimes they need something slower and more relaxing. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest version of the island-building game that rocketed in popularity during the pandemic. Kids get to build their own island community from scratch, interact with the idiosyncratic animal inhabitants and do whatever they like on their very own island paradise!

Creative kids and those who love open-ended games won’t be able to get enough of this game. From building, gardening, fishing, decorating, hunting for fossils and socializing, there is no end to the things you can do!

What We Love:
❤️ Kids get to design their own island 
❤️ Fun and relaxing game with so much to do and discover
❤️ Follows real-time and seasons

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t have more than one island per console
💔 The 2nd player is very limited

27. Rollercoaster Tycoon: Adventures

Rollercoaster Tycoon is another world-building game, except this time, you are building your own theme park and going on adventures inside it! This is the Switch version of the older PC game, packed with upgrades and additional content. This game is perfect for creative kiddos, as you customize everything about your rollercoasters and park down to the minor details.

Rollercoaster Tycoon: Adventures features three different modes and a brand new event system which leads to many unpredictable adventures! The game is also straightforward to learn, with highly intuitive controls.

What We Love:
❤️ Easy to learn and great fun for theme park fans
❤️ Same great game with lots of upgrades and new content
❤️ You can customize everything down to small details

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Loads more slowly when your park gets large
💔 The controls take time to get the hang of


Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Games For 8-Year-Olds

🙋Is Nintendo Switch suitable for 8-Year-Olds?

There are a wealth of Nintendo Switch games out there that are suitable for 8-year-olds. It’s one of the most age-inclusive consoles on the market, as most games are suitable for players aged 3-8. Many of Nintendo’s titles are fun for all ages and have extensive multiplayer options so families can play together. 

That said, it is important to ensure your child is playing age-appropriate games and limiting their screen time so that they aren’t attached to their Switch all hours of the day.

🙋Is my kid too young for a Switch? 

If you’re buying the Switch just for your kids, they are likely to get the most use out of it from around 6 years old, as many of the games are a bit difficult for younger kids. That said, kids as young as 3 can have fun playing simpler titles, especially if they are good with technology! 

You know your kiddo best, so you are best positioned to decide what they will enjoy and what they can handle. In general, it’s fine to let young kids play games rated ‘Everyone’ as long as you are careful about limiting daily screen time and applying parental controls.

🙋Is the Nintendo Switch worth it in 2023?

The Nintendo Switch came out in 2017 and instantly became the hottest gaming console. But in the 6 years since then, a whole generation of portable consoles has been released – so is the Switch still worth it? Overall, our answer is yes. It may lack 4K support and inadequate online infrastructure, but the Switch has an extensive game library that other consoles can’t compete with. 

It is also a top-quality portable console that provides first-party support, worthwhile subscription benefits and an affordable price tag. And if you want better resolution and more storage space, you can always splurge on the Switch OLED.

So… What Nintendo Switch Game Should I Get?

We don’t have a single answer for you – any of the above games could be best for the 8-year-old in your life! If your kid has a need for speed, one of the racing games could be best, but if they are more into being creative, Animal Crossing is probably more suited to them. 

We have tried to select various games to suit all skill levels, interests and budgets. However, if we missed out on your 8-year-old’s favorite Switch game, let us know!

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