The Best Nintendo Switch Games for Holiday Gifts, Picked by Kids (and Their Parents)

Halloween is over and it’s time to start holiday shopping. Whether you have a kid at home who loves Nintendo Switch games or a kid at heart (or maybe Santa will get them for you this year), there are tons of new releases and classic titles to choose from. It may seem overwhelming.

We took it to our toughest critics: kids and their parents to find out which Switch games are the best to wrap up this year and put under the tree.

The Legend of Zelda: Echo of Wisdom

The new addition to the Zelda line is a big deal in the history of the franchise. Players will have an epic experience as they defeat villains, solve puzzles, and become Princess Zelda for the first time. “I like that there’s a logical aspect to it rather than just fighting monsters, and that I get to play as Zelda, which I’ve never done before,” says Sage, 10. “The animation style is so cute too!”

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Racing cars against each other or going head-to-head doesn’t get any more fun than a Mario Kart title. “I wasn’t a very good driver and would always fall off the course,” says Noah, “but I still loved racing on the track with my friends and parents.” “Now I can control the car pretty well and I still have a lot of fun playing this game, especially when I have friends over. It’s also fun to customize the car to find the fit I like best.”

Princess Peach: Showtime!

One of this year’s new Nintendo Switch releases, Princess Peach: Showtime! Kids can save the world as they play different versions of popular princesses, from bakers to figure skaters, ninjas, cowgirls, and more. Each “character” that Peach embodies has its own special set of skills that will keep you engaged.

“My favorite princess Peach is the baker. She loves making and decorating cakes,” said Ever, 6. “I love that Peach comes in so many different shapes that there are so many different versions to play depending on your mood,” said her 10-year-old sister Finley.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

This is that It’s the game everyone has been playing during the pandemic, and it’s still fascinating and popular today. My kids, now 7 and 9, absolutely loved this game during their time working from home, and my now 6-year-old plays it with his siblings, who are still checking out the island. Then dig up the bell.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In this melee of bop ’em, sock ’em combat, players can take on the role of one of dozens of popular Nintendo characters over the years, including Link, Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, and more, battling each other or together.

Session 9 Sean said, “I like various characters and adventure modes. My friends love coming here and playing together, and we always have a good time. “My sister and I also like playing together.”

nintendo switch sports

A fun and active game for the whole family, Nintendo Switch Sports allows up to four players to compete as a team or individually in a variety of sports like tennis, bowling, volleyball, and more. My 80-year-old father also enjoys trampling his grandchildren with bowling whenever he visits. Kids obviously love games too.

“I love playing badminton with my friends and cousins,” said Scarlett. The newly added basketball game is really fun and entertaining. “Especially when you can’t make a basket.”

Super Mario Party Jamboree

“We play Mario Party every family vacation and it’s a game that everyone from 5-year-olds to grandparents can enjoy,” says Eric, a father of three. The newly released version of the popular group game includes more new minigames, new boards, and new characters than ever before.

“My favorite minigame is arm wrestling with cars. I always beat my brother!” High praise for Grayson, 8 years old. “I also like that I can play it alone or with friends and family.”

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

For older children, this awesome Zelda game will be an epic journey that will keep them entertained for hours (within reason, of course). One parent we interviewed said the game was challenging for a 7-year-old: It’s a great opportunity to play with your parents on a particularly tricky section of the controller, and multiple family members can create a much more satisfying conclusion.

Kirby’s Dream Buffet

In this adorable party game, Kirby gets bigger and rounder as he moves through a variety of food-themed levels. Kids can play alone or with friends, and it’s easy to understand that younger family members can enjoy it too.

“This game is so fun and cute! You can customize Kirby. I like to dress them up to look like strawberries with whipped cream. I also like that we get to play with other people,” praises 9-year-old Zoe.

Boomerang Pooh

“We love using Switch as a fun way for our kids to get some screen time and socialize with other kids,” says Christina, a mom of three. “Boomerang Fu is a really fun game for kids to play with their friends. It requires teamwork, is easy to learn, and has lovable characters. Of course we cut each other, but if you think about it, we’re just chopping tomatoes.”

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