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23 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 9-Year-Olds

Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch
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.
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In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, the most coveted gaming console for 90s kids everywhere. We made magic on those tiny 8-bit screens! But the things kids can do on the Nintendo Switch today would have blown our little minds just three short decades later. 

With a processing power unimaginable back then and hundreds of games on offer, many with intricate storylines, vast landscapes and breathtaking graphics, the Nintendo Switch offers a world of adventure. Kids today have it good!

Of course, when there are hundreds of games to choose from, you may need help deciding on a game to buy – which is what we’re here for. At age 9, many kids are sophisticated gamers. They want games with more expansive environments, challenges to overcome and ways to make the game their own. At the same time, they still love bright colors, fun characters and wacky scenarios, like high-tech paintball fights and vending-machine-swallowing Pokemon! 

However, by 9 years old, kids are becoming individuals, and one kid’s favorite Switch game could be another kid’s kryptonite. So you need to bring your knowledge of the 9-year-old in your life to our carefully curated list to find the perfect match. 

At least you can rest assured that all our selections are excellent games, as we have combed through hundreds of genuine reviews to present only those loved by kids and parents alike!

The Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 9-Year-Olds

Model
Best Budget Option
Best for Younger Kids
Preview
Minecraft (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - US Version
Recommended Age
7 years and up
3 years and up
10 years and up
Pros
Easy to get started and allows for limitless creativity
Includes a lot of new features, like the intelligent steering option for beginners
Extremely immersive open world with so much to discover
Cons
You need a Microsoft account to unlock features
Some of the tracks have to be purchased
The limitless options may be overwhelming for some kids
Price
$30.95
$39.99
$48.88
Best Budget Option
Model
Preview
Minecraft (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
Recommended Age
7 years and up
Pros
Easy to get started and allows for limitless creativity
Cons
You need a Microsoft account to unlock features
Price
$30.95
More information
Best for Younger Kids
Preview
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version
Recommended Age
3 years and up
Pros
Includes a lot of new features, like the intelligent steering option for beginners
Cons
Some of the tracks have to be purchased
Price
$39.99
More information
Best for Older Kids
Preview
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - US Version
Recommended Age
10 years and up
Pros
Extremely immersive open world with so much to discover
Cons
The limitless options may be overwhelming for some kids
Price
$48.88
More information

Those are our top three picks, but we recommend going through the complete list below before making your decision so that you can find the perfect option for your little gamer. We’ve divided the games into categories, so you can easily skip the games your kiddo isn’t into and go straight for the gold. 

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Best Puzzle & Strategy Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination
👁️ Reading

1. Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening

In this classic game with a twist, players explore a reimagined Koholint Island, collect instruments to awaken the Wind Fish and find a way home. Parents will love this game as it is a nostalgia hit with all the elements you remember from the original. Thankfully, kids will love it too, thanks to the engaging storyline, fun puzzles and all there is to discover!

Recommended age: 7 years and above 

The excellent soundtrack of this game helps bring Koholint island to life, as do the colorful graphics. Customers also loved that the map is easy to follow, and the controls are super intuitive.

What We Love:
❤️ All the fun of the original game with some significant updates 
❤️ Fantastic storyline and fun graphics and music
❤️ The map is easy to follow and the controls are intuitive

What We Don’t Love:
💔 It is quite pricey 
💔 The challenges are all quite similar

2. Overcooked! Special Edition + Overcooked! 2

If you’re looking for a family game that’s fast-paced, wacky and full of chaotic fun, Overcooked is the game for you. You must cook up various dishes in a series of high-pressure, unconventional kitchens. Whether playing in co-op or competitive mode, this game is always a blast to play with a group and will challenge your communication skills! 

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

As this deal comes with Overcooked and Overcooked 2, it is excellent value for money. Overcooked 2 includes some quirky lore and fun additions, like journeying back to the Onion Kingdom to assemble your team of chefs!

What We Love:
❤️ Fun to play as a family whether in co-op or competitive mode
❤️ Great value for money as it comes with two games in one
❤️ Fast-paced and hilarious – and provides practice in communicating in stressful situations

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Some of the levels are easy to lose, so some kids might get frustrated
💔 Not as fun with fewer than 3 players

3. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

9-year-olds who enjoy puzzles and love Captain Toad will fall in love with this innovative little game. While the gameplay is simple, puzzles can be surprisingly tricky and addictive! It employs a few fun innovations to make things more interesting like you need to rotate the camera to see more of the screen and find hidden treasures.

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

As you’ve come to expect from Super Mario games, the world of Treasure Tracker is full of entertaining surprises and various kingdoms to explore. Whether solo or with a friend, this is a cute and fun game!

What We Love:
❤️ Lots of different puzzles plus extra fun objectives 
❤️ Great fun in both single-player and multiplayer mode
❤️ Simple gameplay in a very cute world

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not that many levels for the price
💔 The replay value is not very high

Best Action & Adventure Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination

4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Another option for Zelda lovers that is more breathtaking than cutesy is Breath of the Wild. This is an excellent option for kids playing a little above their age, as it is a challenging open-world game that unfolds nonlinearly as you explore. There are secrets to discover, puzzles to complete, enemies to defeat and a stunning environment to do it in!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

In Breath of the Wild, players forge their paths, living off the land, making choices and facing the consequences. This gives it excellent replay value, as you can always try a different strategy!

What We Love:
❤️ Extremely immersive open world with so much to discover
❤️ Story unfolds in a nonlinear fashion through exploration – this gives it fantastic replay value
❤️ Gorgeous graphics and super smooth controls

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The limitless options may be overwhelming for some kids
💔 The puzzles and battles are challenging so it’s not a game for beginners

💡 Already completed Zelda? Baldo: The Guardian Owls Three Fairies Edition is a great option if you’re looking for a new adventure.

5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Is your 9-year-old obsessed with the idea of abandoned malls and theme parks? Then they will love Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This unique 3D platforming adventure takes our favorite pink ball through an abandoned, overgrown land. The graphics are stunning, and there is so much to discover in this mysterious world!

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

Apart from the environment, what makes this game unforgettable is the incredible abilities you get to try out as Kirby. For example, you can copy enemy abilities, inhale real-world objects and use them to transform, such as shooting out cans after swallowing a vending machine!

What We Love:
❤️ There are ways to tweak it for different skill levels 
❤️ Highly evocative environment and vibrant graphics
❤️ Lots of hidden collectibles and secrets to discover that increase replay value

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Some of the levels are a bit repetitive
💔 2-player mode isn’t great as only one player can be Kirby

6. Super Mario Odyssey

If you’re after a 3D platforming game but would like something a bit more beginner and kid-friendly, Super Mario Odyssey is an excellent choice. This extensive sandbox-style game allows players to explore a range of bizarre, unknown lands. You never know what you’ll come across – toss your cap at discoveries to see how you can interact with them!

Recommended age: 7 years and above 

Super Mario Odyssey is clearly a carefully designed game, as it provides a gentle learning curve so kids will be challenged but not overwhelmed. Kids also tend to enjoy the catchy music and superb visuals!

What We Love:
❤️ Offers a gentle learning curve and so much to do
❤️ Lots of kingdoms to explore, each full of discoveries
❤️ Fantastic visuals and catchy music

What We Don’t Love:
💔 While there is a 2-player mode, the 2nd player can’t do much
💔 Experienced players may find it a bit repetitive

Best Platform / Jump ‘n Run Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Hand-eye coordination
👁️ Reading

7. Hollow Knight

Have you got an edgy 9-year-old who loves complex, challenging games? In that case, Hollow Knight could be perfect. While it is a classic side-scrolling game, it is so much more than that. There is extensive lore to uncover in a vast interconnected world of overgrown wilds and ruined cities. Choose your path through the open world of Hallownest and see where it takes you!

Recommended age: 7 years and above 

In this ever-exciting game, you evolve new abilities as you go, which you will need to face unexpected enemies! This game is pretty spectacular, particularly if you enjoy the cute-but-creepy aesthetic.

What We Love:
❤️ You can choose your way through an expansive, open map
❤️ The extensive lore and suspenseful story makes this a captivating game
❤️ Evocative graphics and music

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not all kids will like the artsy aesthetic
💔 Requires a lot of patience and practice for less experienced gamers

8. Unravel 2

Another offering in the world of cute but slightly creepy platform games is Unravel 2. In this unique game, you play as a yarn character in a world of stunning natural landscapes. While you can play in single-player mode, co-op is where the gold is, as it requires genuine teamwork and problem-solving. This makes it a great game for siblings who need practice working together!

Recommended age: 7 years and above 

The storyline of Unravel 2 is wholesome but with a depth that is rare in video games. The characters are adorable and do a great job of reminding us of the importance of friendship!

What We Love:
❤️ Co-op mode is excellent as it requires real teamwork and problem-solving
❤️ The story is wholesome and entertaining
❤️ Lovely graphics and quirky characters

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The controls need quite a bit of dexterity
💔 Kids will finish the game pretty quickly

9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

If your kid has mastered all the Super Mario platforming games, it’s time to try out Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This is truly the ultimate battle game, requiring lightning-fast reflexes and smooth techniques. Luckily, the controls are amazingly responsive to keep up with your fast fingers! Another great feature is that you can play anywhere, in TV mode, tabletop, handheld and more.

Recommended age: 10 years and above 

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, literally everyone is here: all the fighters from previous editions as well as some new ones. There are also a whopping 100+ stages and several different modes to choose from!

What We Love:
❤️ Includes all characters from past Smash Bros games plus a bunch of new ones
❤️ So much fun content with the different modes and 100+ stages – great to play as a family
❤️ The mechanics are incredibly fluid, and the controls are responsive

What We Don’t Love:
💔 It can be overwhelming for beginners
💔 Not everyone enjoys the game’s frantic chaos 

Best First Person Action Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Decision making
👁️ Reading

10. Minecraft

Minecraft is a game that can appeal to an incredibly wide range of ages. However, the combination of creativity and adventure seems to hit a sweet spot for kids ages 8-12. The game is easy to start, so it isn’t too intimidating, but it allows for limitless creativity, weird and wonderful adventures and whatever bizarre action you want to try out!

Recommended age: 7 years and above 

Whether kids want to build their dream house, mine for resources or fend off dangerous mobs, there is so much to do! The blocks may seem unassuming, but their simplicity allows for boundless creativity.

What We Love:
❤️ Easy to get started and allows for limitless creativity
❤️ There is so much to do – it can be relaxing or adventurous
❤️ It’s fun to play in single or multiplayer mode, locally or online

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need a Microsoft account to unlock features
💔 Some of the character skins are behind a paywall

11. Overwatch Legendary Edition

We have tried to include games to appeal to 9-year-olds of all kinds, which means providing for kids who have already mastered games for their age group and want more of a challenge! Overwatch is perfect for advanced 9-year-olds who want to try first-person shooter games. It is a great entry point as it is simpler and more child-friendly than many other games.

Recommended age: 12 years and above 

Overwatch requires skill in battle and strategy as you build your team. Kids will love all the extraordinary heroes to choose from and the epic hero skins to unlock!

What We Love:
❤️ Requires strategy as you have to build a team that all have different abilities
❤️ Lots of extraordinary Heroes to choose from and cool skins to unlock
❤️ A grand entry into first-person shooter games

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not all parents will want their kids to play a shooting game
💔 You need a NIntendo Plus account to play. However, it comes with a free 3-month subscription

Best Role Playing Games (RPG)

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👌 Decision making
👁️ Reading

12. Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet Double Pack

If you’re looking for a Pokemon game for a 9-year-old, this double pack of Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet could be the way to go. These games capture the spirit of Pokemon with their vast landscapes to explore and Pokemon to catch, train and battle when you challenge different Gyms. While the game is open-world, you get some guidance as you go, so it’s not too overwhelming!

Recommended age: 3 years and above 

The Paldea Region is pretty majestic and makes a great backdrop to the unfolding narrative of the game. Kids will find all their favorite Pokemon there, some with cool new abilities!

What We Love:
❤️ The open world approach works great and makes for exciting narratives
❤️ The characters and Pokemon look awesome and have some cool new abilities
❤️ Comes with 200 poke balls

What We Don’t Love:
💔 A few customers experienced glitches here and there
💔 It is expensive

💡 New to the Pokémon game series and want more? Let’s Go, Eevee! and Legends Arceus make great games to add to collection.

13. Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy isn’t out yet, but it is the game that every Harry Potter superfan is waiting for. This is a must-buy if your kiddo likes HP and challenging open-world games! Players forge their path through the Wizarding World, freely exploring Hogwarts and surrounding areas and discovering various adventures.

Recommended age: Teen 

Hogwarts Legacy offers a new kind of adventure set many years before the Hogwarts we know. Players will experience the Wizarding World on their terms, getting sorted into a house, going through school life and facing mysterious dark forces!

What We Love:
❤️ Discover Hogwarts like never before as it is set generations before Harry and his friends
❤️ There are limitless ways to forge your path through the game
❤️ The open world offers so much to explore and discover

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Currently only available for pre-order as it will be released in April
💔 Rated Teen so it may be too complicated or overwhelming for some 9-year-olds

💡 Can’t wait for the latest Hogwarts game to come out? The Harry Potter Lego collection can be bought right away.

Best Party / Multiplayer Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

📖 Familiarity with game rules
👌 Hand-eye coordination

14. Splatoon 3

Imagine if paintball was a high-stakes battle involving cutting-edge weapons and robot technology, a futuristic landscape and paint splattering the whole city. That is Splatoon 3 in a nutshell! With its fast pace, rocky soundtrack and small but fierce characters, Splatoon is the perfect game for spunky kids! At the same time, many parents love that the game avoids violence.

Recommended age: 10 years and above

Splatoon offers loads of content in maps, weapons and character customizations. There are also multiple ways to play, including a highly engaging story mode. This 2022 winner of Best Multiplayer does not disappoint!

What We Love:
❤️ You can play in battle, co-op or story mode
❤️ Loads of maps, features, weapons and cool character customizations
❤️ A super fast-paced, action-packed, colorful gam

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need a Nintendo membership to play
💔 There aren’t that many new features compared to Splatoon 2

15. Super Mario Party

Super Mario Party is the gold standard of multiplayer games. It’s a game that almost anyone can enjoy and you can play it pretty much anywhere with anyone with a Joy-Con. The board game style gameplay is easy to get the hang of and adds suspense as you play. And with 20+ characters and over 80 mini-games, the fun never ends!

Recommended age: 3 years and above

For the first time, Super Mario Party offers a local wireless mode for up to two consoles so you can expand the playing field. This makes it a fantastic game for family vacations!

What We Love:
❤️ Features 20+ playable characters and 80+ mini-games
❤️ You can play with others on the go using multiple Joy-Cons
❤️ Truly fun for all ages, so it is a great family game

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can only play with Joy-Cons so you will need multiple for multiple players
💔 There aren’t that many different boards

16. Nintendo 1-2-Switch

With Nintendo 1-2-Switch, you can get kids moving and looking away from the screen and they won’t even notice because they’ll be having too much fun. In this unique take on Switch gaming, players compete in various one-on-one games that involve facing each other and moving their bodies in real time. Who will be the ultimate champion, from ping pong to sword fights to tricky puzzles?

Recommended age: 7 years and above

With high-end visuals and carefully polished gameplay, each game runs smoothly and is extremely fun. It’s also fun to watch, and as the games are short, they work excellent tournament style!

What We Love:
❤️ A super unique game that is fun for all ages — and fun to watch too
❤️ Gets kids off the couch and their eyes off the screen
❤️ Offers a wide range of games to suit everyone

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite pricey for the amount of content
💔 Some kids will find the games too simplistic

Best Music & Fitness Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

👌 Hand-eye coordination

17. Ring Fit Adventure

Another option, if you’re looking to get your kid off the couch, is Ring Fit Adventure. This game is perfect for active gamers who want a fun way to exercise indoors. It involves all the classic tropes from adventure games, from battling foes to traversing obstacles and collecting resources. But all the actions are performed by real movements, which are all carefully designed workout moves!

Recommended age: 7 years and above

With Ring Fit Adventure, kids can explore a fantasy world and defeat enemies using exercise. Plus, you can adjust the game to suit all fitness levels so the whole family can try it!

What We Love:
❤️ Kids can battle monsters while getting active
❤️ Can be adjusted to suit all fitness levels and goals
❤️ Story mode is engaging and involves combat, collecting resources, and more

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The graphics are pretty simplistic
💔 The game itself is a bit repetitive and may be disappointing for experienced gamer kids

18. Just Dance 2023 Edition

If your 9-year-old is constantly blasting BTS and Harry Styles in their room, Just Dance may be their best active Switch game. The 2023 edition of the game features hit tracks from the abovementioned artists, plus Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and more. It also boasts a new user-friendly interface so kids can spend less time searching and more time dancing!

Recommended age: 3 years and above

With Just Dance 2023, you can unlock custom-made sessions and customize them so anyone can dance, regardless of age or abilities. The graphics are also incredible and sure to get the whole family in the mood to groove!

What We Love:
❤️ Fun way for the whole family to get moving – especially as you can make it accessible to all
❤️ Features all the latest hits plus a few classics
❤️ The interface is highly user-friendly and the graphics are fantastic

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need to create a Ubisoft account to access online mode
💔 Only includes 40 songs unless you pay for a Just Dance + subscription

Best Sports & Racing Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

👌 Hand-eye coordination

19. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Whether your 9-year-old has played this classic racing game before, you can’t go wrong with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This edition has been called the most beautiful entry in the game series yet, with thrilling tracks, spectacular graphics and excellent racing vehicles. All your favorite characters are here, plus some new ones, including a guest appearance by the Inklings of Splatoon!

Recommended age: 3 years and above

Whether in racing or battle mode, the gameplay and controls of this game are flawless. It also boasts a new Smart Steering feature, which helps young kids and newbies stay on track and keep up!

What We Love:
❤️ Includes a lot of new features, like the smart steering option for beginners
❤️ Loads of unique tracks, characters and vehicles to choose from
❤️ Boasts excellent colorful graphics and fan-favorite gameplay features from previous editions

What We Don’t Love:
💔 Some of the tracks have to be purchased
💔 There isn’t much to unlock as everything is available from the start

💡 Prefer your racing games to appear more realistic? Check out Burnout Paradise or WRC 9 for the fastest races on four wheels.

20. Descenders

Seeking thrills of the more rugged and less cartoonish variety? Then try out Descenders, the quintessential game for daredevils of all ages. In this hair-raising game, players take part in extreme downhill mountain bike racing, trying to reach the bottom first and avoid wiping out, hopefully performing some sick stunts along the way! 

Recommended age: 3 years and above

Descenders feature procedurally generated worlds, which are breathtaking and make you feel like you are racing through magnificent mountain vistas. While the game is easy to pick up, it is hard to master, making it addictive and a must-buy for adrenaline junkie kids!

What We Love:
❤️ An adrenaline pumping game that also has some exploring elements
❤️ Awesome stunts and cool graphics
❤️ Easy to play but hard to master

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The game modes are a little limited for the price
💔 It might be frustrating for kids who are new to gaming

💡 If your kiddo can’t get enough of thrill-seeking games, check out Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands Day for more mountain fun.

21. Nintendo Switch Sports

This is another excellent option if you’re looking for a game to play as a family that will get everyone up and moving. Nintendo Switch Sports offers a choice of six sports to compete in, using real-world movements that model your actions in the game. It’s a simple concept, but well done and it can get extremely competitive when played with family!

Recommended age: 7 years and above

Nintendo Switch Sports includes popular sports like tennis and soccer, as well as more unknown ones like chambara (sword fighting)! You can also easily customize the games for different skill levels so the whole family can join in.

What We Love:
❤️ Offers a variety of sports that get you up and moving
❤️ A great family game thanks to its simple gameplay and competitive nature
❤️ You can customize your player and skill level

What We Don’t Love:
💔 It would be nice if there were more games
💔 Badminton and tennis are a bit too similar

💡 Looking to turbo-charge your sports gaming? This 12-piece accessory kit will help you nail every turn with tailor-made, ergonomic controller adapters.

Best Simulation Games

Skills promoted by this type of video game:

🧩 Problem-solving
👁️ Reading

22. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If your kiddo loves real-time simulation games and animals and they haven’t played Animal Crossing yet, they are missing out! In this creative game, players start on a deserted island and get to build it into a bustling community from scratch. You can customize everything from your home to the landscape, creating your own paradise!

Recommended age: 3 years and above

In this relaxing but possibility-filled game, the time and seasons match real life, and each day holds the potential for discoveries. Spend your time fishing, gardening, hunting for fossils or getting to know the quirky, four-legged island residents!

What We Love:
❤️ Kids can build their island and customize it how they like
❤️ Features cute animal NPCs with unique personalities
❤️ There is so much to do and collect, but you can play at your own pace

What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can only have one island per console, so it’s not great if you have multiple kids
💔 The game operates in real-time so it’s not ideal for kids who want a faster pace

23. Two Point Hospital

Kids who dream of becoming doctors might prefer Two Point Hospital, an innovative simulation game where you build your own hospital from scratch. Players get total control when designing their hospital, down to when the trash gets taken out! This may be overwhelming for some kids, but others will relish the extensive detail and possibilities.

Recommended age: 3 years and above

Kids will find the ailments in Two Point Hospital hilarious – instead of the usual complaints, they suffer from light-headedness and cubism! Eventually, players will have cured everyone in the hospital of such afflictions, and then it’s time to take on a more significant challenge.

What We Love:
❤️ Gives you total control to design your own hospital and the gameplay itself
❤️ Fluid controls and gameplay that gradually increases in complexity
❤️ Features funny, bizarre ailments 

What We Don’t Love:
💔 The level of detail may be a bit too intense for some kids
💔 The levels are not very different from each other


Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Games for 9-Year-Olds

🙋🏻Is Nintendo Switch suitable for a 9-year old?

Nintendo Switch is suitable for a 9-year-old. The youngest age rating on games offered by Nintendo Switch is 3+ and there are loads of preschoolers out there who can’t get enough of their Switch! 

Of course, not everyone agrees with letting 3-year-olds play Switch, but most agree that kids have all the requisite skills to play by elementary school age. If they play in moderation, there’s nothing wrong with letting them enjoy this awesome gaming console. Of course, assessing the games they play is important to ensure their content is age-appropriate.

🙋🏻What is the best Pokemon Nintendo Switch game for a 9-year-old?

In our opinion, the best Pokemon Nintendo Switch games for a 9-year-old are Pokemon Scarlet / Pokemon Violet, two very similar games which differ only in which legendary Pokemon you get to meet. 

These adventure games take place in an open world, so the narrative has myriad possibilities for action and different ways to unfold. At the same time, the map is easy to follow, and the game offers a fair amount of guidance, so it isn’t too overwhelming. Kids will have loads of fun exploring the Paldea region and building their own team of battle-ready Pokemon!

🙋🏻Are Nintendo Switch games good for kids?

Nintendo Switch games can be good for kids if they play them in moderation. Playing video games can have significant benefits for kids, as it allows them to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Some games, such as puzzle games like Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, can have as educational value as creative games like Minecraft. 

Playing Switch games as a family can also be a great way to bond and have fun, which is always good! Of course, giving kids daily screen time limits is important, as too much screen time can be pretty damaging. 

So… What Nintendo Switch Game Should I Get?

Unfortunately, we can’t give you a universal answer to that. Not all 9-year-olds are the same, so they won’t all like the same games! For example, if your kiddo loves high-octane battle games, go for Super Smash Bros. or Splatoon 3 for something different. If, on the other hand, they prefer more relaxed games that allow for creativity and exploration, a world-building game like Minecraft or Animal Crossing could be ideal.

Choosing a wide enough range of games to cover all 9-year-olds was tricky, but we did our best. However, if you think we left anything out, let us know!

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