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29 Best Nintendo Switch Puzzle Games To Exercise The Brain

Put on your thinking caps!

#29 Mario vs Donkey Kong

#28 super mario rpg, #27 hogwarts legacy, #26 pikmin 4, #25 unpacking, #24 far changing tides, #23 the gardens between, #22 the room series, #21 gorogoa, #20 bridge constructor portal, #19 unravel two, #18 the trine series, #17 baba is you, #16 the talos principle, #15 snipperclips: cut it out, together, #14 relicta, #12 little nightmares 2, #11 captain toad: treasure tracker, #10 12 minutes, #8 world of goo, #7 return of the obra dinn, #6 keep talking and nobody explodes, #5 the sexy brutale, #4 portal series, #3 puyo puyo tetris, #2 thimbleweed park, #1 tetris 99.

If you’ve been enjoying the Nintendo Switch, you’ll know that there are all sorts of genres for you to play on the system in great number. And if you like puzzles? Yeah, they got hat in droves as these games will show you.

Platform: Switch Release Date: February 16, 2024

If you never got the chance to play  Mario vs Donkey Kong  on the Nintendo DS, you’re in luck, as the game has been remade for the Nintendo Switch!

The game will put you in over 100 levels filled with challenges, all so you can get back the Mini-Mario toys that Donkey Kong has stolen! But it won’t be as easy as simply finding all the toys. You’ll need to work your way through various challenges to reach them, and then, you’ll need to get them to safety! Sometimes, you’ll even need to guide whole scores of Mini-Marios to the exit!

With new levels and challenges, now is the perfect time to jump in!

Platform: November 17, 2023 Release Date: Switch

You might not think that  Super Mario RPG  is a “puzzle game,” and it’s not in the overall, but there are puzzles in the world to solve.

Not to mention, you have to worry about the “puzzles” that await you in combat! The game will maintain its classic turn-based combat but will also feature plenty of challenges within it that’ll test your timing and skill in figuring out how to exploit the enemies within!

So, while it may be an RPG, that doesn’t mean you can’t put your puzzle brain to the test by playing it! After all, it’s a remake of a classic title. What’s not to love?

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S – February 10, 2023 | PS4 Xbox One – May 05, 2023 Release Date: Switch November 14, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo

Many people would say that the most important thing about being a witch or wizard is being able to use powerful spells and curses. But the wise ones among you will state that it’s about how you use those spells and whether you can use them to your advantage in multiple scenarios.

As you travel throughout the world of Hogwarts Legacy, you’ll have to face trials, not dangerous in nature but puzzling. So think like the educated student you are and use spells to move objects or erase obstacles from your path.

The more puzzles you solve, the further you’ll get to explore!

Platform: Switch Release Date: July 21, 2023

It’s easy to picture the Pikmin as just tools to use or beings to throw at foes to get them out of your way. But as  Pikmin 4  reminds you, you’ll need to use them and other entities wisely if you wish to get around the alien world you’ve crash landed upon.

At first, you’ll be restricted to certain areas, and you’ll need to use the Pikmin to open new paths, collect “treasures” to fix your ship, and fight off against familiar figures in Dandori battles to rescue your lost squad mates.

So don’t think of Pikmin as expendable. Instead, think of them as your most useful tool for getting out alive!

As the name suggests, this unique puzzle game tasks players with helping to unpack a person’s belongings after a move. Beginning in 1997, Unpacking follows the same person across several moves and many different years. From childhood to college to relationships, players will gain clues about the person’s life and experiences by looking at their belongings. Play casually to enjoy the story or search for all the hidden achievements for an added challenge.

A sequel of sorts to Far Lone Sails , Far Changing Tides puts you on a large boat, where a young man is trying to sail it in order to get to a new place for him to live in a world that has been nearly flooded.

The puzzles here lie in both the world around you, as you’ll need to activate certain things to open paths to get your boat through, as well as your ship itself. Dive deep into the vessel to figure out what it is all about, how to operate it correctly, and more.

It’s you and your ship against the world, and you’ll find that this adventure will take you to highs and lows while also giving you a unique atmospheric experience.

For a more lighthearted adventure, you might want to try out The Gardens Between . Because this single player title puts you in a story that focuses on “time, memory and friendship.”

You play as Arina and Frendt, two friends who fall into a “dream world”, and that world just so happens to be filled with relics from their time together as friends. Now, you’ll control the two friends and work together to solve puzzles to figure out more about their friendship, what they really mean to one another, and more.

It’s a very unique title that delves deep into its narrative, so you might just want to play it to see where the “bittersweet” story goes…and ends.

The Room Series is for those who like a deep approach to their puzzle titles while also twisting the perceptions of what those games can be. Because in the game, and the many that follow, you’ll be a person locked in a room, or dimensional space, and you’ll be left with nothing but puzzle boxes and clues as to what you need to do.

With each puzzle you solve, your “world” grows a little bigger, but then again, so does the mystery. You’ll learn about various sciences and dark practices and wonder how it’ll all going to end. More than likely…you won’t be able to guess…

With multiple games in the series, you’ll be able to try them on Switch and have plenty to do for a while.

There has long been an argument about whether “games are art”, and the answer is very obviously, “yes”. But if you want a game that very much proves that feeling, you need to look no further than Gorogoa .

Because in this game, you’ll be solving puzzles within a very special narrative, the twist is that these puzzles are tied to illustrations (thousands of them) that were made by a singular man: Jason Roberts. How you use these illustrations/art pieces will depend on the puzzle and what you’re trying to do.

The visual style here is truly unique, as is how you use it all gameplay-wise. So if you want a truly visual yet deep puzzle experience, here you go!

Combining elements from both the Portal universe and the Bridge Constructor series, Bridge Constructor Portal is an engineering puzzle game. As the name implies, players must construct bridges to transport trucks around Aperture Laboratories. Any bridge that withstands one truck passing over it will solve the challenge, but for a higher rating, all the trucks in the convoy must successfully cross. In addition, the cost of building each bridge is calculated, and players are challenged to keep their costs as low as possible.

After a shipwreck, two Yarnys (creatures whose bodies are made of wound-up yarn) connect their loose yarn ends. This binds the two together and creates a magical spark, which the players must chase. Using the yarn of their characters to climb, swing, and pull objects, players solve puzzles across the game’s island setting while uncovering a surprisingly dark story about children fleeing from abusive adults.

Set in a fantasy world, the Trine games focuses on a set of heroes who use an object known as the Trine in order to solve puzzles and fight evil. All so that they can save the kingdom they’re in.

The twist here is that unlike typical fantasy games, the combat and other elements are all tied to physics based puzzles. Each of the main characters for examples have skills that will affect things in a way that can solve puzzles or send objects at enemies to bust them up.

Because of the freedom and the skills of your characters, there are multiple ways to solve puzzles in the series. Plus, since there are 4 different games in the series, that’s a lot of puzzles to go and solve.

As an evil man once said, “True power is warping reality around you,” and that is a perfect lead-in to the title Baba Is You . Because in this game, every level you play you can change the rules of the game and the reality you play in.

That’s because the “rules” are displayed in blocks, if you change them, everything changes with it. And that means that anything and everything can happen depending on how you want to play things.

Plus, with 200+ levels for you to “bend the rules in”, that’s a lot of potential and possibility for chaos! In the fun way, of course.

So jump into Baba Is You and see just how you can change the world!

Sometimes the best puzzle games are the ones that make you ask the questions of all that is going on. In The Talos Principle , you are an entity in a world of ancient ruins…but also modern technology. The one who built you put you on a “mission” to solve over 120 puzzles scattered throughout the place.

But the question becomes…will you do it as your master wants? Or, will you try and solve the puzzles to learn more about yourself and then seek a way to escape?

The Talos Principle has a deep and twisting story that will ask a lot of big questions, all the while having you enjoy the puzzle-solving experience.

In this co-op puzzle game, players will snip and clip the paper bodies of their co-op partners to create different shapes to solve puzzles (for example, cutting a pointed shape to pop balloons). The game’s World mode allows one or two players, while the Blitz and Party modes allow up to four players. Party mode features puzzle challenges designed for more players. Blitz mode ups the ante with snipping deathmatches alongside games like basketball and hockey.

In this M-rated, first-person puzzle game, players will use magnetism and gravity to solve physics-based challenges. After being stranded on a moon base, a top-level physicist searches for her daughter while also confronting the truth behind her own research. Players can simply solve the puzzles or take their time exploring, fleshing out the story of this 22nd-century world and perhaps changing the destiny of humanity itself.

Arguably one of the best puzzle games ever made, Fez puts you in the role of Gomez, who is a 2D creature…that all of a sudden gets “revealed” the third dimension. Curious about what is going on, Gomez sets out on a journey to figure out the truth, leading to a large puzzle adventure you’ll enjoy.

Unlike many on this list, Fez doesn’t need “over the top” or even ‘super realistic” graphics to get things done. The visual style is simple for a reason, and it lends to the deep world that the game is trying to portray in its own way.

Trust me, the game is deeper than you realize, and so if you haven’t check this game out yet…you should.

There are some rather dark titles on this list as you’ve seen so far, and Little Nightmares 2 is another example of that.

In this sequel, you’ll play as Mono, who ends up in a nightmare world full of distortions and monsters. The reason for this is a signal tower, and it’s up to you and another named Six to reach the tower and figure out what is going on.

You’ll have to get the two characters to work together to not just solve puzzles, but fight off the various creatures that inhabit the dark and mysterious areas you’ll travel to.

This is definitely a title for those who prefer a very spooky element to their games. So try out Little Nightmares 2 is that fits your style.

It took us a while, but here indeed is a 1st-party puzzle game. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was first released on the Wii U, but ported to the Switch (like so many games before it…and after it…) so that more people could try it out. And you should absolutely do so.

You’ll play as…who else? Captain Toad! And in each level you’ll need to use all the camera angles and perspectives to figure out how to get from one spot to the next, get all the treasure, and avoid enemies and traps!

You can even play in co-op to have someone help you out with those enemies! It’s a lighthearted and simple title, but at times…isn’t that what we really need?

This top-down game boasts the voice talents of James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe. A husband and wife are celebrating the news that she is expecting their first child when a man claiming to be a cop arrives at the apartment. The man accuses the wife of murdering her father, and in the ensuing struggle, both the husband and wife are killed. The husband then wakes up moments before the man’s arrival. As the husband, players must use the time loop to save their wife and determine the truth about the death of the wife’s father.

It’s honestly hard to describe a game like Inside without diving deep into spoilers, so I’ll try and keep it light.

In this game, from the creative team of PlayDead, who made the equally dark and praised title Limbo , you’ll find yourself as a young boy who is drawn to a certain building where a “dark project” is being done.

What exactly is going on here? That’s for you to figure out in this narrative-driven puzzle title. You’ll have to make it through the confines of the building, solve puzzles, avoid detection, and learn the truth. But as these games like to show…sometimes it’s best if the truth…isn’t revealed at all.

Here’s another classic that was eventually brought over to the Switch. World of Goo puts you in control of living glob entities that you can both get and then place in order to build various things. Like what? Bridges, buildings, slingshots, and more. As long as you have the right structure, and amount of goo, you can make it.

Why do you need to do it? Because the game’s levels are all meant to do something specific, and you have to get your goo creatures to build the right kind of structure to complete the task.

It might sound simple, but it’s not. Each level is special, and can even have dangers for your goo creatures. So use them wisely, and get to the next challenge!

In 1803, the Obra Dinn set sail around the Cape of Good Hope with 60 people on board, but the ship never arrived at its destination. Five years later, it has mysteriously washed up at the port with all its passengers and crew either dead or missing. In this “1-bit” gorgeously-stylized, first-person game, players assume the role of an investigator and search the ship to try to determine what happened to the Obra Dinn . They are aided by the Memento Mortem, a device that lets them go back in time to witness a person’s final moments.

In this multiplayer puzzle game, communication is key. While one player (the Defuser) attempts to disarm a bomb, the others (the Experts) must read the instruction manual and convey the proper procedures for doing so. Neither party can see the other’s screen, so players are forced to rely on each other to disarm the bomb as a team. And if the bomb’s timer reaches zero, everyone explodes.

A party in a mansion has gone horribly wrong. All the party-goers are dead except for Lafcadio Boone, a preacher. Boone is stuck in a time loop, reliving the party over and over again, looking for a way to prevent the deaths of the party goers. In this single-player puzzle game, players must explore the mansion, gain new abilities, and decipher how to save the party guests. Along the way, they’ll uncover the truth about the guests, Boone, and the party itself.

…so, who wants some cake?

The Portal Series is indeed on Switch, and Switch players are lucky to have this title as it’s one of the most important puzzle franchises ever made.

In it, you are stuck in Aperture Labs, and an evil robotic entity known as GLaDOS is “guiding you” through the place in order to complete various tests. You won’t have a weapon in the game to help you though, all you have…is your portal gun.

The puzzles, creativity, and feel of this series is S-tier in every way, and that’s part of what makes it so great to play over and over again. And now that you can play it on the go…you have even more reason to try it out on Switch.

I’ll admit that I’m a little bias with this game because it’s something I found really fun even though I didn’t know what Puyo Puyo was.

Basically, this game is a fusion of two worlds of puzzle games complete with adorable and hilarious characters that interact with one another to try and save the universe! And naturally, you’ll save it by playing Puyo or Tetris against other characters and even against one another.

There’s a lot of depth in this game believe it or not, and that makes it all the more enjoyable to play not just the story modes, but all the other game modes.

There’s two games in the series on Switch, so don’t miss out!

Developed by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, this point-n-click puzzle game is a spiritual successor to Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island . A pair of FBI agents arrive in the town of Thimbleweed Park to investigate a murder, but not all is as it seems in Thimbleweed Park. Using commands like “pick up” and “talk to,” players navigate the town while collecting evidence and interviewing suspects to uncover the truth behind the murder and the town itself.

There are a lot of reasons why I’m putting Tetris 99 on top despite it not being a “typical puzzle game”. But in point of fact, Tetris as a whole IS a puzzle game. You’re trying to fit the pieces together (like a puzzle) in order to get points and keep going.

In Tetris 99 , the difficulty is ramped up because you’re going to be facing off against 98 other players who are trying to not just beat you, but bury you in Tetris blocks.

So you’ll have to play fast AND play smart so you can trip them up before they do it to you, as well as get out of any sticky situations you find yourself in.

Do well enough, and you’ll be No.1!

About Todd Black

• Console Gaming
• Nintendo Switch

The 16 Best Puzzle Games on Nintendo Switch, Ranked

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As a hybrid gaming console, the Nintendo Switch is perfect for pretty much every type of video game—especially puzzle games, when played in handheld mode.

If you've ever had a Game Boy, you know how many hours you can sink into a game like Tetris when you're on the couch, in the car, or wherever else. But there are hundreds of puzzle games of varying quality available for the Nintendo Switch!

So, which ones are worth your time? If you aren't sure where to start, here are my picks for the best Nintendo Switch puzzle games that are pretty great and worth checking out.

16. Watermelon Party

Watermelon Party is a pretty simple game, but it's also pretty cheap—significantly so if you can grab it on sale—and it's fun to break out every so often as a quick filler game between bigger ones.

The goal is to be the first to pick up all your watermelon slices, which you do by placing tiles on the ground. Your character will automatically move along the path you set, so the trick is to build the most effective road as quickly as you can.

It's definitely not your typical puzzle game, but that uniqueness helps set this one apart and make it worth trying.

15. Pack Master

You know how packing luggage into a case can feel like a puzzle? That's basically what Pack Master is, except this game is a lot more relaxing than shoving actual clothes and gadgets into a carry-on!

Every level in Pack Master is basically a set of objects of varying sizes and shapes, along with a case where they need to be fitted into. You'll need to rotate the objects and place them with precision if you want to get them all inside properly.

The solo mode is very relaxing and a great way to kill time—especially in handheld mode—but the versus mode is also fun as you rush to pack your case before anyone else can.

14. Tumblestone

Tumblestone is an action-puzzle game that's perfect for when you want a simple game that exercises both problem-solving skills and dexterity challenges. The quicker you are, the bigger the advantage!

In Tumblestone , each level is a set of colored blocks and your goal is to clear the blocks by removing one at a time. The catch? You can only pick from the blocks closest to you, and you always have to clear three of the same colored blocks at a time.

The campaign mode is a full-on take-your-time puzzle challenge, but the endless mode and versus mode both have you racing to see how quickly you can clear everything.

13. Lumines Remastered

The PlayStation Portable didn't make much of a dent in the sales of Nintendo's handhelds, but it did have its share of fantastic games, one of which was the mesmerizing Lumines .

This remastered take on that game is every bit as addictive as the original title was, and it's a must-play for Switch owners even remotely interested in puzzle games.

It's just a shame that there is no online multiplayer to let you face off with other players from around the globe.

12. Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut

Have you ever wondered what it would look like if you tried to make a puzzle game out of a slasher horror movie franchise?

Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut is the answer to that question. While it starts relatively stacked in favor of the player character, Skullface, you'll eventually face tougher levels that feature SWAT teams and other challenges to your reign of terror.

11. Art of Balance

Art of Balance is a physics-based puzzle game where you're given a set of strangely-shaped pieces and tasked with stacking them in such a way that they don't topple over.

Of course, the game becomes deeper in later levels, especially when other types of objects are introduced—such as glass blocks that can only withstand a certain amount of weight on top—which force you to think on multiple levels for a solution.

While Art of Balance is a fine game for solo play, it shines with friends. You can play it cooperatively (taking turns placing blocks) or competitively (in a race to see who can finish first).

10. BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!

The titular characters in BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! can create boxes, hence their names. You, in turn, use these boxes to make your way around whatever obstacles the game throws at you.

Of course, it's never actually this simple. It's what you do with the boxes that matters, and this is where the complexity lies.

9. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

As the name implies, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a mash-up of the gameplay styles of the Puyo Puyo and Tetris franchises. You can play either game standalone, but the modes that combine them both are the reason to play this game or its sequel.

Pode is a brilliant, lovely, artistic, soft experience that's ultimately about two strangers—an orb of fire and a block of stone—who fall in love and must work together to navigate puzzle-laden levels.

On top of the solid puzzle gameplay, Pode stands out for its ambience and environmental storytelling that makes for a relaxing puzzle experience. You don't need much action-dexterity and you don't need to be a genius. You just need to work together!

7. Mr. Driller DrillLand

At it's core, the gameplay of Mr. Driller DrillLand is simple: drill downward through colored blocks, line up color combos, and make sure none of the falling blocks from above land on you.

That said, the balance of tension and action make this one of the more gripping puzzle games you'll find. This is a great one for puzzle fans looking for some twitch action.

6. What the Golf?

What the Golf? originally debuted on Apple Arcade, one of the few games that made the service feel worthwhile.

On the Switch the game is just as fun, and it doesn't feel like a mobile game carelessly ported to the Switch, it feels like this was the target system for the game all along.

5. Tricky Towers

Take Tetris , but take away the part where the blocks always align perfectly, and that's Tricky Towers in a nutshell. Building taller and taller towers in this game feels like a combination of Tetris and a 2D Jenga , and it's just as fun as that sounds.

4. Death Squared

Death Squared is a phenomenal cooperative puzzle game where players take on the roles of four different colored cubes, navigating through levels where each player can only interact with certain objects.

This means everyone needs to work together to solve the puzzle of each level, all while dodging and overcoming hazards (especially in the later levels). The 3D stage geometry leads to some really interesting solutions that force you to think outside the box.

While Death Squared is best played with friends, you can play it solo. It's a different experience, but still a solid one worth having.

3. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble!

Puzzle Bobble is far from the only old-school puzzle game on the Nintendo Switch, but a list of puzzle games wouldn't be complete without a bubble shooter like this one.

You know this game: you shoot bubbles and cluster them together to pop them, which drops everything that was clinging to them. The whole experience is surprisingly relaxing and satisfying.

Modern gamers will want to opt for Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! , a remake that takes the original gameplay and wraps it up in a co-op adventure that supports up to four players.

And when you're done with the story mode, you can keep playing in multiplayer mode, from 1v1 up to 2v2.

2. Picross S8

Nintendo handhelds and Picross have a long history together, and there are already plenty of games of this kind on the Nintendo Switch.

You can pick up and play any one of them and have fun, but this is the latest entry in the series, so it's as good a place to start as any other game in the series.

1. Tetris 99

Here's an idea: take Tetris and make it a battle royale. That may sound pretty terrible on paper, but for some reason it works...

...and the cherry on top is the fact that this game is free as long as you subscribe to Nintendo's Switch Online service.

There are optional paid add-ons, but you can have plenty of fun without paying an extra dime.

Pocket-lint

Best puzzle games on switch: get thinking with these clever games.

These games are the very best that the Switch has to offer if you're after clever puzzles.

The Nintendo Switch is a superb console for many reasons, not the least of which is that it plays host to a huge range of genres and types of game. If you're looking for a new title for the Switch and fancy a bit of a puzzle, this is the list for you.

We've gathered the very best options for the Switch if you want to have to think plenty before making a move, whether it's a pure puzzler or a devious adventure game. These are the top puzzles games on Switch.

Return of the Obra Dinn

The case of the golden idol, paradise killer, the excavation of hob's barrow, captain toad: treasure tracker, storyteller.

Incredibly inventive and mind-boggling to figure out to its full extent, this is a puzzling masteropiece.

• Beautiful visual style
• Incredible sense of discovery
• Leaves it all to you
• Seriously tough nut to crack

Return of the Obra Dinn is one of the most challenging games we've ever had to wrap our heads around, but that challenge is entirely cerebral. You play an insurance inspector making your way through a ship that lost all its hands on a long voyage, piecing together exactly what happened.

Your main tool is a timepiece that lets you view a snapshot of the death of any corpse you come across, and this turns into a marvellously complex operation that will have you following obscure threads to uncover a range of interesting twists in a patchwork story.

A brilliant puzzle game that leaves you to figure out what's going on, and tells a wickedly dark tale in the process.

• Doesn't hold your hand
• Smart hint system
• Very quickly gets super complex

The Case of the Golden Idol follows the story of a stolen treasure passed down through devious generations, each twist uncovered as you explore a frozen tableau figuring out who's there, who's died, and how.

If that sounds straightforward, it quickly becomes anything but, and you'll soon be flipping between rooms, comparing notes and scrambling to remember seemingly inconsequential details from prior scenes, all with the aim of figuring the next out.

Paradise Killer is a really fun look at how a detective game could work with multiple possible outcomes depending on how you build different cases.

• Loads of fun dialogue
• Game adapts to your conclusions
• Zippy, fun soundtrack
• Somewhat clunky controls

Paradise Killer is a really chilled-out exploration game that divvies up its puzzles into two main camps - talking to people, and exploring its huge island. You play a detective called in to figure out a bizarre supernatural crime in the titular paradisal island, with a baker's dozen of suspects to sift through.

Interrogations are sprightly and well-written, the game has loads of nooks and crannies to explore that yield further secrets, and all of its adapts to offer multiple satisfying endings, making for a really well-rounded but relaxed detective experience.

Hob's Barrow is a wonderful homage to a classic genre of games, and will have you puzzling your way to a truly memorable ending.

• Great story
• Terrific voice acting
• Lovely art style
• Some clunky controls
• Occasionally obtuse

If you've a hankering for a truly old-school adventure game (and the puzzles that automatically come with that territory), then you can't do much better than the superb Hob's Barrow, a creepy and folksy tale of dark secrets.

With a gorgeous art style and a tone that clearly pays homage to the likes of The Wicker Man, Hob's Barrow sees players guiding Thomasina Bateman through her attempts to excavate a rural gravesite - and it's just as eerie as that sounds.

A delightful puzzle game that makes amazing use of 3D spaces to create levels that beg to be rotated and explored.

• Lovely tone and style
• Family-friendly
• Great levels late on
• Pretty easy in early stages

Nintendo doesn't just leave puzzle games to indie studios, though - it also makes some of its own, and an early star of the Switch generation was Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker, a Wii U re-release that shines on newer hardware.

It lets you move Toad carefully through 3D diorama levels that hide clever secrets and loads of treasure, and is a perfect puzzle game for families and younger players.

This delightful puzzler is simple but makes the most of its short runtime with excellent, inventive applications of its clever premise.

• Good central premise
• Nice funny art
• Doesn't outstay its welcome
• Could still be longer

It took absolutely ages to make, and it might not be the longest game ever despite that, but Storyteller is a real treat that uses a simple system of swappable cards to create delightful conundrums.

It's all illustrated by fun cartoony art, and shows how simple formulae can make for satisfying puzzles even when you're familiar with how they all should work.

How we picked the best puzzle games on Switch

There's only one real way to figure out the best puzzle games for Switch, and that's to play a whole bunch of puzzle games on the Switch, which is exactly what we've done.

This has taken us through a bunch of sub-genres that you'll find reflected above, from point-and-click adventure games to first-person explorers and more, but all of them share the core facet that they make you stop and think about what you're meant to be doing next, or what you conclusions you can draw from what you've seen so far.

Each is an excellent game in its own right, but as a whole they make up a smorgasbord of puzzle choices for Switch gamers.

14 Best Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

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.

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As we all know, education is not exclusive to the classroom. We spend our lives learning new skills and acquiring more information until we gather enough wisdom to be as intelligent as the smartest people on the plane — Mom and Dad.

Gone are the days when video games were seen as corrupting our youth; now, they can teach us valuable math, sports, problem-solving and social skills. No other console promotes these types of games more than the Nintendo Switch . With their bright, colorful, fun releases, they have given us games that educate and entertain.

It’s crucial that screen time is used productively; that’s why these games are perfect for players of all ages. Most of the time, players don’t even realize they are learning.

So whatever educational game you’re looking for, you should be able to find it here.

The Top 3 Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

Those are my top three picks, but check out the rest of the list to find the perfect educational game for yourself or as a gift.

1. Best for Creativity: Minecraft

If you like your creativity mixed in with some action, we have the perfect educational game for you. Minecraft became an instant hit when it was released in 2011 and has solidified itself as a classic in the gaming world. Combining fun characters and vast worlds to build and explore, Minecraft’s longevity, creativity and educational value know no bounds.

What We Love:

❤️ You can build pretty much anything you want ❤️ You have to protect your environment from enemies ❤️ Building your own community with other players

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Building can take a while to get used to

2. Best for Problem-Solving: Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

When it comes to problem-solving, I believe it’s a lot more fun to battle against others, brain vs. brain. With this academic accolade, up to four players can pit their brain power against each other, testing memory, math and motor skills in various games involving speed and accuracy. 

Developing and training memory skills are essential in childhood as they lead to other skills they will learn. Studies have shown that a good memory takes you back to previous experiences and allows kids to retain information such as language, follow directions, learn routines and solve problems. It also has a big part in developing imaginative play. 

❤️ Each player can set their own difficulty level  ❤️ You can test yourself against scores from other players around the world ❤️ The use of split-screen mode when connected to a monitor

💔 It’s more fun in multiplayer mode than solo play

3. Best for Sports Education: Nintendo Switch Sports

Following on from the success of Wii Sports , Switch Sports features new games and some of the classics of its predecessor. Grow your skills while staying active as you play Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, Chambara and (my favorite) Golf. You navigate your character by swinging, kicking, spiking and putting your way to victory and maybe, if you’re successful, take those skills to the field in real life.

Taking part in sporting activities is not solely about fitness and fun; it can also promote academic success in children . Team sports can teach social skills, teamwork, discipline and leadership capabilities.

❤️ You can play against people at home or across the world online  ❤️ Includes a leg strap for soccer ❤️ Adjust the difficulty as your skills develop

💔 You need plenty of room to play

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Not all education is about arithmetic and spelling; humans must also learn about the community. One of the best games to promote social skills on the Switch is Animal Crossing, which focuses on building your home, decorating it and creating a community with other players. You can fish, hunt for fossils and plant your own garden, but most importantly, you must learn how to exist peacefully in your society.

There are plenty of activities in Animal Crossing that promote social-emotional learning that can develop skills such as personal responsibility, decision-making, generosity, money management and altruism — all critical life skills that, when taught at a young age, can benefit a person significantly.

❤️ The colors and animations are very child friendly ❤️ There is a vast land to explore ❤️ The seasons change over time

💔 Can become addictive, so you may need to limit screen time

5. My Friend Peppa Pig Complete Edition

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home, but this little Peppa Piggy has taken the world by storm with books, movies, theme parks and now, her very own video game. A new friend has come to play with Peppa, a character you have created. Explore the landscape, tidy up the home and sing songs with your new best friend as you learn and play.

Peppa Pig is bright, colorful, fun, and offers great educational value to younger kids. Peppa, as a character, is kind, thoughtful, polite and friendly, teaching social-emotional learning like learning to share, giving thanks, compassion and making new friends.

❤️ It’s fun to see your creation interact with Peppa ❤️ It’s incredibly bright and colorful ❤️ Learn new activities and songs

💔 It is more story than gameplay

6. Super Mario Maker 2

Have you ever imagined designing your very own video game? With Super Mario Maker 2 you can start by making custom Mario levels of your design. You can choose which blocks go where, add enemies to your liking and plot out brand new courses for Mario to navigate through.

We all know how important creativity is in a child’s development. Dr. Sandra Russ , a creativity and play expert, described creativity as “the ability to come up with original ideas; to put ideas or images or experiences together in new ways.” Super Mario Maker 2 promotes creativity and helps build valuable STEM skills as kids better understand basic video game coding .

❤️ You can choose which era in the Mario Saga you want to design ❤️ Learn which designs work and which don’t ❤️ The possibilities are endless

💔 It takes a lot of patience to design a level

7. My Universe – Pet Clinic: Cats & Dogs

Another important lesson is how to look after those around us, including our pets. This game allows you to run your own pet clinic, where you must learn how to care for animals and nurse them back to health. First comes the diagnosis; when you know what is wrong with each animal, you can treat them to make them better.

Although much is still to be learned about the educational values of simulation games, studies have shown that these types of games off great real-world experiences for children in a risk-free environment. Pet Clinic, in particular, teaches kids valuable lessons in compassion and empathy and developing their business skills.

❤️ Make a diagnosis by solving the puzzle of their symptoms ❤️ As you progress, you can upgrade your clinic ❤️ Treatments include; x-rays, bandages and preparing medicine

💔 You need a good grasp of reading to play

8. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

What better way to spend some downtime than to play a classic game with your friends/family? This release includes 51 classic games all in one place for you to develop your problem-solving and strategy skills and learn that important lesson; how to win and lose graciously. Including Chess, Checkers, Dominos, Darts, Bowling, Backgammon and solitaire, there is tons of fun to be had.

Problem-solving games such as these are a great tool in a child’s education. They encourage critical thinking, promote collaboration and competitiveness and provide opportunities to apply concepts they’ve already learned and learn new ones.

❤️ It’s ideal for long journeys ❤️ You can connect several Switchs’ together for multiplayer games ❤️ You can change difficulty settings

💔 You have to learn the rules for 51 games

9. Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training

If there’s any game in this list that exemplifies the expansion of your brain, it’s this. Test your existing skills and grow your brain power with this set of classic and new exercises. You can play alone or train with friends or family in the same room or online.

It may sound obvious, but studies show that brain training games can play a major role in improving cognitive functions in both children and adults. Benefits from these types of games can include; improved memory and recognition, increased attention span and enhanced cognition.

❤️ You can use the touchscreen or the controllers ❤️ It comes with a stylus  ❤️ Improves your memory

💔 If you’ve played the DS version, you may already know most of the puzzles

10. Snipper Clips Plus: Cut it out Together!

Snipper Clips Plus is pretty out there when it comes to solving puzzles in video games, but that’s what makes it so fun. Most of the time, you don’t realize that you are developing your problem-solving skills when playing. You don’t win “Family Game of the Year” at the 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards for being boring.

The benefits of these types of games are well-studied, and evidence shows how much of an asset they can be to our educational growth and development. As well as improving motor skills and promoting creativity, recent studies have shown that kids who play puzzle-solving video games show higher brain activity associated with memory and attention.

❤️ The main characters are adorable ❤️ Up to four players for co-op play ❤️ Each level is a different challenge

💔 The harder puzzles can get frustrating to solve

11. Game Builder Garage

Computer programming may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be with Game Builder Garage. Take your first steps into a new world by building your own video game using the step-by-step lessons. Not only will you learn new skills, but you can also let your imagination run wild with different designs.

No matter how you feel about computers, they’re here to stay, so learning coding early can have enormous benefits to a child’s development. The University of Texas states that learning coding at a young age can boost problem-solving skills, advance computational thinking and digital literacy, encourage persistence and improve confidence and communication skills.

❤️ You can test your skills between each lesson ❤️ You can share your games with others online  ❤️ You can play games created by others

💔 You need plenty of patience

12. Professor Rubik’s Brain Fitness

The Rubik’s cube has puzzled us for 50 years, flipping the colors around to make them match up. With this brain fitness video game, you test your speed, memory and logic skills in its twelve mini-games involving the famous cube.

The Rubik’s Cube is the ultimate brain teaser, but sticking with it (and not throwing it out the window in frustration) can lead to great benefits in our development. Enhancing problem-solving skills is the most obvious asset, but it also boosts cognitive power, improves memory, enhances brain-hand-eye coordination and instills confidence.

❤️ It tracks your activity to show your progress  ❤️ The difficulty heightens as you progress ❤️ It’s challenging and stimulating

💔 It encourages you to play everyday

13. Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! Bundle

They say music is the food of love, but it’s also food for your brain. This Drum ‘n’ Fun bundle keeps your mind active by memorizing patterns and following rhythms to over seventy iconic video game songs. Playing video games that involve rhythm and music can be an excellent way for kids to dance, sing and have fun, but they can also promote some key developmental skills.

The prestigious Kaufman Music Center in New York states that music training can strengthen a child’s decision-making network, encourage the ability to take instructions and improve focus and concentration.

❤️ Connect your Switch consoles together for multiplayer mode ❤️ Play as characters from the Nintendo universe like Kirby and Splatoon 2’s Squid ❤️ The drum is a fun accessory

💔 Banging the drum can be loud

14. Colors Live

One of my favorite classes in school was Art, so I had to include this colorful, creative title in our list. Colors Live lets your imagination run free with realistic painting and design. It features a pressure-sensitive painting to give it a real-life feel and lets you record your process to see how it all came together.

Art and creativity are an integral part of our social and emotional development . As well as the satisfaction and pride you get from creating something, it allows us to share our perspectives and learn to express ourselves. What makes art so special is that it can be used as an expression of our imaginations and feelings or as a fun activity to enjoy as a group.

❤️ Complete challenges to advance your skill ❤️ You can display your work online for all to see  ❤️ Comes with a Sonar Pen to draw and paint with

💔 The lessons are more for beginners

Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Games for Nintendo Switch

🤔 are educational switch games good for kids’ development.

Simple answer. Yes.

Video games are a fantastic way to carry on a child’s education outside the classroom. As we see it, they will want to play video games anyway, so why not sneak in some lessons to screen time while they do?

Nintendo has an MO of releasing bright, colorful, fun games for all the family, making their latest handheld console, the Switch, the ideal platform to bring educational games into the hands of younger players.

With so many titles on offer, the key is to find a suitable game that kids will engage with to get the most out of the lessons they’re learning while having fun.

🤔 How can video games contribute to kids’ education?  

Gaming has become a huge part of our society, and while some games are mindless fun, others can stimulate and expand key learning skills in a child’s development. 

Don’t just take my word for it; check out the results of this study into Children’s Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development from Harvard student Cheryl K. Olson.

The right educational video game can:

• Teach problem-solving skills
• Inspire interest in history and culture
• Develop social and competition skills
• Encourage exercise
• Spark creativity

So… What Educational Game Should I Get?

The great thing about kids is that they all have various interests, but sometimes they find it hard to engage with anything other than what they enjoy. The surefire way to find the right game is to discover their interests and what kind of games they enjoy playing.

If they’re big into sports, then Nintendo Switch Sports is the obvious choice. If they are a budding artist, you can’t go wrong with Colors Live . And for the academics out there, you can nurture their thirst for problem-solving with Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain .

If you’ve seen a Switch game that I haven’t included in this list and you think it should be, PLEASE send me a message so I can update and include it.

More from TheToyZone

Top 20 best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch

Updated by Ivan Spasojevic on December 22, 2023  - swapped 1 game. We have made a list of the top 20 best Switch puzzle games that you can get right now on the popular handheld console!

But, first things first, we need to answer this question: What exactly is considered to be a puzzle? It seems like the term 'puzzle game', is used to describe titles from different genres. From first-person adventures to platformers, simulations, and  Switch board games . The list goes on and on.

Well, the truth is, that puzzle games make up a very broad category, and they include various subgenres. So, in order to avoid getting too technical about this, let's just consider any title that has some puzzle-solving as a core mechanic to be a puzzler.

Picking the top 20 Switch puzzle games was harder than you think

1 baba is you.

Baba Is You is a single-player title with unique gameplay that allows players to change the rules of the game. By manipulating blocks, you can change the level mechanics, transform your character or even change the goal that you need to reach.

The trailer below illustrates the game's mechanics beautifully. When "wall is stop," a wall stops you from the level's goal. But what happens when you remove the "stop" from that statement? You change the world, and the wall fails to stop you. If the rule is "key is you" then you are no longer controlling Baba, but you're controlling the key. Simply "walk" into the door to complete the level. It's all up to you and the decisions that you are going to make! If you're looking for more detailed info, we have a Baba Is You review for Nintendo Switch .

2 Return of the Obra Dinn

Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person adventure that blends mystery and puzzle elements together. Take on the role of an insurance investigator who's working for the East India Company. Your objective is to figure out what in the world happened to the merchant ship Obra Dinn that suddenly drifted into London's port, five years after it was declared lost at sea. Use a mysterious pocket watch to turn back time and view each person's last moments.

Return of the Obra Dinn features an utterly unique art style that looks both retro and fresh, it uses a black-and-white "dithering" technique to create high-resolution visuals using one bit per pixel. Don't underestimate it though, because Return of the Obra Dinn is visually gorgeous.

3 Good Job!

Good Job! is an action Switch puzzle game that supports up to 2 players and offline gameplay. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you better be prepared to do whatever it takes! Your job duties will vary from fixing the office's internet connection to cleaning up the weird goo. With every puzzle you solve, you come one step closer to the executive suite!

Every puzzle is a hilarious exercise in "just how much chaos can I cause." Why carefully water the plants when you can flood the office? Why wheel the copier into a new room when you can risk lives by constructing a catapult with zero regard for doors, walls, and basic safety? It's brilliant, laugh-out-loud fun matched by a cartoony art style and slapstick humour.

4 Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game is another puzzle game for Switch that supports up to two players co-op in offline gameplay. You play as a loose goose that is about to bring chaos to a whole town. Steal hats, set up pranks, honk a lot, and do pretty much anything that you can to be super annoying and ruin everyone's day.

Following the quest objectives is only part of the fun. Sure, you can steal slippers, trap a terrified kid in a phone booth and drop garden tools in the pond ("rake in the lake" is our favourite quest objective ever) but part of the fun here is in experimentation and generally being horrible. It's great in single-player, but couch co-op makes puzzle-solving and chaos-worshipping even better. Therefore, we highly recommend you try this funny gameplay together with a friend. All hail the honk.

5 Catherine: Full Body

Vincent's love life is... complicated... to say the least. On top of that, he's starting to have weird nightmares that force him to climb for his life. Catherine: Full Body is a mature action-adventure puzzle with an intriguing storyline and challenging puzzles. Gorgeously animated in anime style, you'll alternate between daytime segments where you'll navigate Vincent's relationships with various girlfriends, and nightmare segments climbing a tower made of blocks that must be arranged to facilitate your escape.

Aside from the great story, daytime segments also allow you to purchase drinks which will help in the nightmare segments... but have too many drinks, and you'll make your escape that much harder. If you're looking for a more mature puzzler, this is for you.

INSIDE is an award-winning puzzle platformer by Playdead. It is known for its art style, a combination of dark visuals and audio that creates a cold, dystopian world. In its 2.5D monochromatic environment, you control a young boy without a name who has to solve a series of puzzles in order to stay alive. This clearly isn't the one for younger audiences.

INSIDE is atmospherically heavy and creepy, leaving the story open to your own interpretation as you sneak through its haunting halls and otherworldly environments. If you liked Playdead's previous game, Limbo , you'll love this.

7 Little Nightmares 2

Little Nightmares 2 is a single-player, 2.5D puzzle platformer. The story precedes the events of the original Little Nightmares. You play as Mono, a boy who's trapped in a distorted world, caused by a humming transmission coming from a tower far away. A girl named Six will be his guide as he sets out to explore the Signal Tower and uncover its secrets.

It's atmospheric, grotesque, and foreboding at every turn. A game with such a cute art style shouldn't be this scary, should it? If you are up for a horror adventure that has a lot of mind-bugging puzzles, Little Nightmares 2 is a must-try. If you have already played it, and looking for something similar, here we have a list of the best mobile games like Little Nightmares .

8 The Talos Principle

The Talos Principle is a single-player, puzzle adventure. You play as a robot, tasked by its creator to solve a series of increasingly complex puzzles in an ancient-looking world. Here you will find 120+ puzzles with different levels of complexity, so it actually might take quite a while to beat the game.

It's best to go into The Talos Principle knowing as little as possible about its story and its world, but excellent puzzle-solving experience, combined with a unique storyline, make this title a must-have for the fans of the genre. It'll stay with you for a long time after the final credits roll. Sounds interesting, right? To learn more about this exciting title, feel free to read our The Talos Principle review .

9 Machinarium

There are all sorts of Switch puzzle games. Block-based puzzlers, platformers, first-person, strategy, and the list goes on. Machinarium is a single-player, point-and-click adventure puzzler that was originally released for PC back in 2009. Prepare to solve a series of puzzles and brain-teasers.

The story follows Josef, a little robot who's trying to get back to the city and reconnect with his girlfriend after he was dumped in a scrapyard. Games are often criticised for being too "brown," but Machinarium has a unique, sketch-like art style and brown-toned colour wash that only adds to the impression of a cold, surreal robotic world. In case you want to know more about the title, feel free to read our Machinarium review for some additional information.

10 Human: Fall Flat

Human: Fall Flat is an excellent puzzle game with lots of challenging puzzles and entertaining gameplay. You will have to complete levels full of various obstacles, find items and figure out how to use them properly in order to beat the level. The very first task here is to learn how to control your character because it is pretty complicated.

Human: Fall Flat also has a multiplayer mode, therefore, we recommend you play it with friends because solving puzzles together with someone is even more exciting here than in any other similar title. It is definitely worth your attention, but if you are still having doubts about it, feel free to read our Human: Fall Flat review to learn more about this exciting game.

11 Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!

Snipperclips - Cut it out, together! is a unique action-puzzle game. If you are looking for a title to play with friends or family, then you should give this one a try. Snip and Clip must cut each other up in order to overcome tricky obstacles and match the outlined shapes. Or just for fun. Too tall? Take a little off the top. Even though the puzzles are easy at the start, they get increasingly more complex as you progress.

It's surprisingly pretty, too, with the characters reacting to each snip and cut with joy and laughter. If you have enough controllers, you can even play with four people on the one Switch, making this a fun, light-hearted party title. If you're not convinced yet, and looking to learn even more about it, we have a Snipperclips review !

12 Human Resource Machine

Another type of Switch puzzle game that blends strategy and simulation elements together is Human Resource Machine, a delight for 'expert' nerds. At every level, you have to program little office workers, to automate a task given to you by your boss. If you succeed, and you make your boss happy, well, you get promoted to the next stage.

At the start of the HRM, you can only use 2 commands to program your workers, but as you advance new commands become available, making it more complex. You don't need to know programming, either. You'll be automating the workplace in no time! An exciting title, isn't it?

Gorogoa is a narrative-driven puzzle game. Arrange and combine a series of beautifully illustrated panels in order to solve the puzzles. It may be short and might only take you less than two hours to complete. But, its absolutely amazing art style and unique gameplay make for a great gaming experience. It is a cute story about a young boy that makes you relax and enjoy the adventure.

What makes this more impressive is that it was created by one person, developer Jason Roberts, hand-drawn and written over a period of six years. Without a doubt, such efforts truly deserve admiration, and the title itself is so beautiful you cannot just skip it. If you want to know our detailed opinion about it, make sure to read our Gorogoa review , where we explain in detail why this puzzler is a masterpiece.

14 The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is a single-player puzzle adventure about two friends reliving their fond memories together. The game's time manipulation mechanics offer an interesting take on the indie puzzle genre, allowing you to reassemble parts of the environment that were previously impossible. It is a pretty short title, you can complete it in a few hours.

The island environments are bursting with detail, too; from flood-soaked rocks to falling autumnal leaves, the visuals are vibrant, beautiful, and storybook-like. With simple controls and a calm, ambient soundtrack, this is a world you'll love to get lost in.

15 Tetris 99

How do you make Tetris even better? You make it super competitive.

In this version of Tetris, you are not just competing against yourself, but you go up against 98 other players. That's right, it's Tetris meets Fortnite. Who knew the puzzle genre could work as a battle royale? You take part in large-scale online battles and defeat your opponents one by one in order to be the last player standing!

On top of being very entertaining, it's also totally free for Nintendo Switch Online members, making it a fantastic reason to join the service (in addition to everything else it offers, of course). If that was not enough to convince you to try the game, feel free to read our Tetris 99 review , and after that, destroy your opponents on Tetris battlefield!

16 Death Squared

Most puzzle games are single-player, but not Death Squared. This is a co-op puzzler, and even though it can be played solo, it was clearly made to be played by a group of people. Each player takes control of a robot, which they need to guide to a colour-coded goal. But, there's a catch. The path is full of deadly traps and hazards. For a team to survive, close observation and communication are key.

This is great to play at parties, but just don't blame us if you lose a few friendships or relationships along the way. Also, we're totally not advocating for sabotaging your friends. You won't clear the level that way... but it'll be really, really funny. And before you move to the next game on the list, make sure to check out our Death Squared review for more detailed information.

17 World of Goo

World of Goo is a physics-based puzzler where the player must use balls of goo to create bridges and various other large structures, in order to help other goo balls reach the endpoint of each stage.

You will have to overcome not only gravity but also various types of terrain. The challenge is to use as few balls as possible each time. Its strange, surreal levels and quirky designs just make this one even better. Indeed, the level design here is pretty interesting and unique, and on top of that, World of Goo has a simple but, at the same time, beautiful art style. Throughout the game, you will find many new goo balls that have various abilities that you should use wisely to beat the level. For detailed info, check out our review for World of Goo .

18 Super Bomberman R 2

Older players remember Super Bomberman as one of the first battle royale games, even before the genre existed officially. It was just known as a PVP game. Well, many years later, you can rejoice, as Bomberman 2 is out!

The essence of the game is rather simple, you have a limited ring where you need to blow up all other players in order to win. The gameplay is incredibly frenetic, as each player needs to destroy as many obstacles as possible and collect as many boosts as possible before going into a fight with another player. It's a combo between puzzle solving and quick reflexes, and it's fun as hell! Bomberman 2 brought a new Castle mode, where a player will have to defend his treasure against the rest of the team. We still think that the original gameplay is much more fun, as it will bring so much laughter.

19 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is an enhanced port of the action-puzzle game that was released for the Nintendo Wii U originally, and then ported to Nintendo Switch. Toad has never quite been the star of his own game quite like this. Take control of Toad and try to safely navigate through various obstacles to reach the endpoint of each level, rotating the levels to reveal hidden paths and avoid enemies. Even better, this port includes additional extra levels, and it also supports multiplayer gameplay.

We have a pretty detailed Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker review for those who want to learn more about the title.

20 Lumines Remastered

Lumines Remastered might initially look like a Tetris clone, but make no mistake: this title is its own addictive beast. Lumines has you dropping square blocks consisting of four smaller blocks and (often) two different colours. Match as many colours as possible before the timeline bar sweeps across the screen from left to right. When the bar touches your matched blocks, the combination will be counted and you'll be awarded your score. Then, rinse and repeat.

It's simple to explain, but fiendishly addictive in its execution. Couple that with the game's sleek design, colourful visuals, and pumping electronic tunes by Mondo Grosso, Lumines is hard to put down. When the song changes, the stage changes. You'll be returning to this one again, and again, tapping your foot to the rhythm of the bass.

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The 10 best puzzle games on Nintendo Switch

With the essential feature of handheld gameplay, the Nintendo Switch is a fitting platform to casually play puzzle games on. And the Switch has plenty to offer across a number of different puzzle subgenres, from falling block puzzle games, mysteries to solve, cooperative problem solving , and other general brainteasers. There are some obvious Nintendo-published standouts in the larger genre, including Snipperclips and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, but there are plenty of third-party gems to explore as well. These are 10 of just some of the best puzzle games for Nintendo Switch, in alphabetical order.

Baba Is You

Puzzle games are nothing without a sense of accomplishment and triumph once you solve them at the end, and Baba Is You is full of complicated puzzles that will make you feel like the smartest person around for cracking them. Starring a bunny-like creature named Baba, this indie game will have you moving around tiles that act as conditionals, changing the properties of objects on the field to get you into a winning state. It’s almost like a visual representation of programming, and like programming, it will surely lead to frustrating dead ends. The rules are yours to manipulate — you just have to know how to bend them.

BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!

The latest entry of the BoxBoy series adds a second player, with both Qbby and Qucy forming strings of boxes together to traverse levels. They’ll help each other out by creating platforms and bridges, all with a limited number of boxes that can be used at once for each stage. Even with a minimalist mostly black-and-white and square art style, the titular BoxBoy and BoxGirl elevate the charm of this puzzle platformer from Kirby developer HAL Laboratory.

The Gardens Between

Adventure game The Gardens Between is single player and has a focus on story, following the young duo of Arina and Frendt. The journey they take through a dreamlike garden is both an examination and a metaphor for their friendship, as they manipulate time, relive memories, and unlock secrets. With vibrant colors, lively animations, and a heartfelt story, The Gardens Between stands out for its hybrid of emotion and surrealism.

Originally a standout at the launch of Apple Arcade, Grindstone is a puzzle-battler game with over 200 levels and a distinct cartoon aesthetic. You’ll be slashing through monsters on a grid, using color matching and strategic movements to pull off combos. There are plenty of bosses to fight, resources to loot, and attempt to conquer leaderboards.

Lumines Remastered

Long before designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi fulfilled a career dream by producing Tetris Effect, Lumines was the music-based falling block puzzle game that he made, lacking the Tetris license at the time. But as its own original puzzle game, Lumines made a strong impression when it debuted on the PSP — Lumines requires you to create squares of the same color from 2×2 pieces, all with stunning visuals and addicting electronic music in the background. Lumines Remastered ended up being a perfect fit on the handheld Switch, with improved visual effects and even HD Rumble feedback to the rhythm of the music.

Anyone with an appreciation for both puzzle games and especially public transit systems will certainly take an interest in Mini Metro from Dinosaur Polo Club. The premise is simple, but Mini Metro certainly presents a challenge, as players create transit maps in real time and attempt to juggle the needs of commuters. The levels are loosely based on real cities, but the stations and passengers themselves, represented by shapes, are procedurally generated. The Switch version features an exclusive multiplayer mode, for transportation enthusiasts who want to try their hand at handling the needs of simulated metro communities.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

Following up from Sega’s hybrid of Tetris and their tile-matching Puyo Puyo series is Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, a sequel that expands on the original in several ways. Players can face off against each other, regardless of which falling block puzzle game they’re playing, or even compete in a combination Fusion mode that challenges everything they know about either game. Like the first game, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 has a fully voice acted single player story mode, with quirky characters and dialogue helping to justify the unexpected marriage of these two game modes. Skill Battles add an unexpected RPG element to the game, with characters offering skills for players to use on the board. And Sega being Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog himself is playable as a character after a post-launch update.

Return of the Obra Dinn

Papers, Please developer Lucas Pope eventually brought Return of the Obra Dinn to Nintendo Switch — this mystery game is one based entirely on observation and deduction. You play as an insurance agent investigating the reappearance of an abandoned ship, and using a special pocket watch called the Memento Mortem, you are able to observe the deaths of the crew members and passengers at a limited capacity. The devil is in the details, and you’ll use the limited dialogue and frozen images in time to determine the identity of all on board, who (or what) killed them, and what everyone’s final fate was. Return of the Obra Dinn sports a monochromatic Macintosh art style, and is rounded out by its excellent audio design.

Tangle Tower

Snipperclips developers SFB Games brought back a legacy character of theirs, Detective Grimoire, for this cartoony murder mystery. Grimoire and his assistant Sally are on the case of Freya Fellow, a young girl found seemingly murdered while painting. Players will observe rooms to search for clues and evidence, and they will have to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower by solving Professor Layton-like puzzles. Additionally, you as Grimoire will interrogate the eccentric family members at this tower, putting pieces of evidence together to come up with some far-fetched answers behind this bizarre killing.

Tricky Towers

In this twisted fantasy take on Tetris, Tricky Towers has players stacking up falling blocks, but not to clear lines — instead, players are competing to build the tallest and most stable towers. Players can also cast spells on each other to alter the situation to their advantage, with powers either helping yourself or hindering others by altering physics. At some point, Tricky Towers looks less like Tetris and more like Jenga.

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Every free puzzle game on nintendo switch, ranked.

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The puzzle genre has become popular on the Nintendo Switch, with massive hits like the Untitled Goose Game and Donut County keeping players busy solving entertaining levels. Switch owners who want to test their skills and try out a puzzle game don’t have to spend a single penny as there are quite a few of them available on the eShop for free.

RELATED:  15 Best Co-Op Games For Switch, Ranked By Metacritic

Out of over 70 free-to-play and free-to-start titles to choose from, there are seven free puzzle games that players can download at any time. Some of these games have great mechanics, complex puzzles, and entertaining levels that make them worth checking out.

Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade

Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade is a bunny-flinging puzzle game where players have to figure out the best ways to demolish structures and crush foxes in each level. The physics-based demolition game has over 150 levels, designed to become increasingly complex as the player progresses.

Angry Bunnies is a funny game for the Switch , but it’s an obvious revamp of the more popular and humorous Angry Birds games. It doesn’t really add anything new to the formula as it mostly just replaces birds and pigs with bunnies and foxes. The puzzles aren’t too challenging to figure out, and the bunnies’ special abilities do little to add excitement to the gameplay. It might be fun for players who have never tried anything from the genre before, but the game's uninspired levels are a pale imitation of the original, which is also free to download on any smartphone.

Lost Lands: Dark Overlord

After Susan takes a phone call and turns away from her son for a split second, Jimmy is suddenly pulled into a mysterious portal, which closes before his mother could reach him. Lost Lands: Dark Overlord follows Susan through this magical dark world, where she must solve puzzles and look for clues to figure out how to get her son back.

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The game has beautiful hand-drawn visuals, which is pleasantly surprising for a free title. Its soundtrack adds to the magical atmosphere of the hidden world. The puzzles aren’t too exciting, as they’re nothing players haven’t seen before. For instance, there are puzzles where players have to turn over tiles to match images and others that require them to light up bulbs to form constellations. On the other hand, the clue-finding aspect is fun, as there are a ton of overstuffed rooms for players to sift through. It’s worth checking out for players who want an easy puzzle game with stunning visuals.

Gems Of War

Gems of War is a fun puzzle game on the Switch that tasks players with matching gems and skulls to power their characters and defeat their enemies. It incorporates RPG elements, as players have to level up troops and equip them with armor and weapons, while also discovering new attacks and spells along the way. There are also various quests, guild activities, fight modes, and events for players to enjoy.

Gems of War is an interesting take on the genre, as it combines all the fun elements of RPGs but combines them with puzzles. It requires players to be strategic about using their mana, as it’s easy to run out of it after enough matches against other skilled players. The biggest issue with this game is that it’s extremely difficult to level up characters without buying better gear or upgrading abilities through microtransactions. If players are willing to grind for hours to gain a few ingots in the game, Gems of War can be a rewarding experience with a good number of quests and other entertaining activities to do.

Hexceed is a challenging but also relaxing Switch game that puts a spin on the classic title it’s based on ( Minesweeper ). Instead of a dull gray grid, it features creatively designed levels filled with hexagons for players to uncover. Like the classic game, each hexagon will reveal how many dangers are hidden around, allowing players to strategize about their next move.

The game has some fun level designs, with one of them even made to look like a map. Hexceed doesn’t try to innovate on Minesweeper ’s core elements, but it does improve them by making the gameplay more exciting through brilliant design. The pastel color palette and relaxing soundtrack are an added bonus.

The most relaxing game that’s free on the eShop is undoubtedly Color Zen . The objective given to the player is simple – just keep combining shapes with the same color until only one fills the screen. The level designs become increasingly complex, eventually forcing the player to strategize (at least a little bit) to clear each one.

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Even on the hardest levels, this game never becomes frustrating. It’s almost impossible to get annoyed when there’s a meditative soundtrack and relaxing sound effects that accompany every move. The simplicity of the shapes and the overall gameplay make it a charming game for players who want to relax for a few hours.

Nintendo’s Tetris 99 is another  classic game made with better graphics with a multiplayer twist. Just like its name suggests, players are pitted against 98 other users in a thrilling Tetris battle that ends with only one winner. During the battle royale-style matches, players can send out Garbage Blocks to opponents, which will slightly obscure their screen.

Having 99 Tetris games all at once is an ambitious concept for a game, but it works amazingly well. Players have to be strategic not just about their own game, but about who to target next. The excitement and tension are only intensified as more and more players are knocked out. It’s also ridiculously difficult to win against so many other players, but the thrill of trying makes it worth playing over and over again.

Pokémon Café Mix

Pokémon Café Mix is a feel-good game that tasks players with running a café with an adorable staff. Familiar Pokémon like Charmander and Togepi help the player churn out tasty-looking treats like Eevee cakes and Diglett sandwiches. The more puzzles players complete, the more food and drinks they can serve – the café can even be expanded to attract more customers.

One of the most thrilling parts of the game is the Pokémon customers that come to dine in the café. Minccino can just walk in and order decaf – if it’s good enough, he might even join the staff! The actual puzzles aren’t difficult at all, as it’s easy enough to link Pokémon faces together to clear the levels. This isn’t surprising, as the playful art style and relaxed café environment suggest that the game isn’t mean to be hard. It’s a fun and easy puzzle game for players who aren't really looking for anything challenging.

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Best Switch Puzzle Games

It's time to leave the crossword and word search books at home. Playing brain-teasing puzzle games on the go, has never been more stimulatingly fun and addicting.

From falling block and adventure puzzles, to challenging physics-based and cooperative problem solving puzzles, these games are the perfect brain teasers for a handheld console. Here's a list of some of the best Switch puzzle games.

Mario's Super Picross

What would a list of Nintendo games be without a Super Mario Bros. cameo? This puzzle game of logic is like a cross between the games, Paint by Numbers and Crossword. Players must use a rock-hammer and chisel to dig up and reveal pictures. Uncovered pictures reveal number clues to show the amount of squares that should go in each column or row. Mario's Super Picross draws players in slowly with its simplicity , then ultimately challenges them, as each level progresses and grows more complex .

Tricky Towers

Tricky Towers feels like a tricky take on Tetris and Jenga. Stack up falling blocks to build the tallest and strongest tower, while competing against others. Players can cast spells on their opponents, or on themselves ; by choosing to use these powers to either hinder their enemies or to help change the physics of each round and alter the game in their favor. Tricky Towers is great to play with friends, and can become a very competitive and addicting game!

Boxboy! + Boxgirl!

This cute and charming strategy puzzle game allows players to create platforms and bridges with Qbby and Qucy, by forming strings of boxes in order to traverse levels. Boxboy! + Boxgirl! is a puzzle game with a minimalist square-art style feel, that's just perfect for passing time.

Related: Best Switch Exclusives

Lumines Remastered

Made by the creator of Tetris, before Tetris; Lumines Remastered is new and improved, making it a perfect fit for the Switch . Create squares with the falling blocks of the same color, from 2x2 pieces. With stunning visuals and HD rumble feedback to the rhythm of some very addicting music, Lumines Remastered is a great puzzle game, that's easy for players to get lost in while playing.

The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is an adventure puzzle game , with a metaphoric take on friendship, that's teeming with surreal heartfelt emotion. Players will journey as Arina and Frendt through a surreal dreamlike garden; unlocking secrets, reliving past memories, and manipulating time to solve puzzles . This single player puzzle game tests logic and observation , with lively animations and strikingly vibrant color visuals.

Think classic Tetris , with a Battle Royale twist . Somehow, it just works. Tetris 99 requires problem solving , concentration, and training in order to defeat 98 players in its multiplayer battle mode. The tetriminos cleared by players will transfer to their opponents at random, or players can manually select which enemy will get their left overs. Tetris 99 also has a variety of solo challenges , reviving this classic puzzle game to its ultimate potential.

World of Goo

World of Goo is a multi award winning, physics-based , puzzle/ construction game. As millions of delicious Goo Balls curiously explore, completely oblivious to the fact that they are in a video game; players must drag and drop these lively globs of goo to build structures , bridges, cannonballs, and giant tongues. Each level is dangerously enchanting and introduces new areas and puzzle challenges to overcome. World of Goo oozes a fairytale of love, conspiracy, and discovery of dangerous beauty in the third dimension.

Related: Nintendo Switch Error Codes List — And How to Fix Them

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Filled with a series of charmingly smart puzzles and brilliantly designed mazes , this adventure puzzle game allows players to cheerfully hunt for treasures as Toad and Toadette. Waddle through traditional 3D Super Mario Bros. themed levels to collect the golden star and discover buried objects, hidden inside dense challenging mazes along the way. With more than 70 aesthetically themed levels , that establish their own unique schemes overtime; Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is perfect some classic Super Mario Bros. fun, with a brain-teasing twist.

Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together!

One of the best strategy puzzle games on the Switch, is Snipperclips . Cut the paper characters, Snip and Clip into the correct shapes, in order to solve compelling puzzles in colorful challenges. Explore a variety of activities in an addicting world, full of creativity and imagination. This simple, yet artful puzzle game was designed with a strikingly balanced visual approach, that is meant to be experienced socially . Requiring two or more players, Snipperclips is the ultimate puzzler to play with friends.

Puyo Puyo 2

Sega's crossbreed of its Puyo Puyo series, and Tetris; a falling block puzzle game containing skill battles, that gives a Role Playing feel to the fun. Compete against other players, no matter which falling block game they are currently playing. This not only challenge the players knowledge of the block game they are playing, but it will test the knowledge of the block games their opponents are playing . Puyo Puyo 2 is another classic puzzle game, successfully revived and transformed for the new age gamers.

Need more Switch games to play and connect with friends on? Take a look at this list of the Best Switch Multiplayer Games.

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The Best Problem-solving Games for Nintendo Switch

• Fortress Building Puzzle - Galaxy Cube Tower Simulator Game
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qomp2 (2024)

An artful reimagining of Pong. Control a Pong ball aching to break free of its life stuck between two paddles. Explore a dangerous, minimalist world, armed with simple two button controls.

• problem-solving
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Fortress Building Puzzle - Galaxy Cube Tower Simulator Game (2023)

Fortress Building Puzzle is a puzzle game where you need to strategically remove all the cubes to bring your castle to the ground. You must carefully consider which cubes to remove and in what order, as the structure must maintain its balance or else it will topple over prematurely.

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The 10 Best Educational Switch Games

Em is an RPG fanatic from the UK with a love for all things cute, witchy, and spooky. Their favorite games include World of Warcraft, Animal Crossing, and Pokémon.

Video games might not be everyone’s first thought when it comes to educational tools, but they can be a great way to help people learn about new concepts and push themselves.

They’re not just for kids, either.

If you’re looking to learn about a new topic or concept, picking up an educational game could be a great move, especially if you’re someone who’s no longer in the education system.

To help you sort through the massive amount of games available on the Nintendo Switch store, I’ve handpicked the 10 best educational Switch games for you to download and try today. I’ve picked a wide range, to suit multiple age groups and subjects.

Game Builder Garage

If you have any younger family members that are looking to get into game development and coding, this is a fantastic game to pick up for them.

Game Builder Garage is a brilliant addition to the world of educational games on the Switch. In this game, you can work your way through a handful of lessons to make structured games and projects, or play through in a free play mode to make your own projects.

This is a game that’s geared towards younger players, so it’s great to see that it’s been made accessible and easy to engage with. There’s clear and consistent guidance throughout the lessons, a log to help keep people on track, and no penalties for making any mistakes.

It’s also very colorful and visually engaging.

Game Builder Garage plays well on the Switch, with a pleasant user interface and decent controls. There’s the option to use a USB mouse and keyboard, too. There are no performance issues to note, and the audio pairs well with the visual style.

While some elements of this game could have done with a little fleshing out (like the ability to browse other people’s creations or change the theme of your game drastically), this is still a superb entry into the world of game development.

It’s unique, fun, and a great way to help younger gamers learn a new skill.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain is a fun game with an educational theme that’s suitable for players of all experience levels and ages.

This game offers both a single player and a multiplayer mode, with single player consisting of 5 different disciplines to train your brain in. Each discipline has a series of mini games, and you can progress through them in ascending difficulty using the league system in the game.

The single player mode is a lot of fun and genuinely challenging in places, but multiplayer mode is where this game truly shines.

There’s a great local multiplayer option for up to four players at a time, making for an excellent quiz-style party game , and an online mode where you can go against the ghost data of other players from around the world.

This game is a budget-friendly gem and it offers plenty of value for money. It might not be the most complex educational game on the Nintendo Switch, but it certainly is interesting and there’s a handful of accessibility tools to make it suitable for players of all levels.

Trancelation

If you’re working on learning a language at the moment, Trancelation is a fun game that could be a great supporting tool for your studies. It’s not the most complex language learning game or app on the market, but it is a great way to brush up on basic vocabulary and sentences.

This game has an arcade style of play where you have to match up words from your chosen languages and complete objectives like matching a few words successfully in a row. It’s a dazzling, neon-soaked game, complete with techno music in the background.

There are modes available in Trancelation, including some wicked challenge modes. The game is simple to pick up, and it plays well on the Nintendo Switch too. The music is fun and matches the neon vibe nicely, and I could not find any issues to report.

While you’re almost certainly not going to learn a new language just by playing Trancelation alone, you may be able to boost your skills and get in some practice in a new, exciting way by checking it out. It’s a fun and unique language tool, and it stands out from lots of the other educational games on the Nintendo Switch.

While True: Learn ()

As noted in the introduction, educational games on the Switch aren’t just for kids.

‘While True: Learn ()’ is one of the most interesting puzzle games on the Switch , and it’s also one of the most effective tools for helping people to learn about coding.

The general premise in this game is that you’re a fairly mediocre programmer with a cat who happens to be a programming genius. Your character sets out on an adventure to translate cat-speak into English, and the game unfolds from there.

The story is very entertaining and it’s packed full of great coding puzzles to solve. They ramp up in difficulty steadily, giving you a chance to learn the mechanics in time but still pushing you to try your best and develop your skills.

There are a few technical quirks in this game when it comes to screen size and lag, but there’s nothing game-breaking. The game looks good and combines entertainment with education nicely.

If you can look past a few hiccups with regards to performance, you’re sure to get a lot out of this game. It’s creative and offers a lot of intriguing content.

This game is an educational, science-themed title aimed at helping younger players learn more about the human body. It’s simplistic and easy to pick up, and packed full of content to help young people expand their knowledge in a fun and laid back way.

In BodyQuest, you play as a medical team trying to combat an evil virus that has stolen a nanobot and infected one of your patients. You’ll need to shrink down to the same size and pursue the virus in order to save the patient. The game gets you to chase the virus, while doing quizzes throughout the body in order to repair each part.

The gameplay and quiz elements are well balanced, making for a fun and educational experience. The quiz difficulty ramps up steadily and fairly, and the controls are easy to get to grips with. It looks great on the Switch, and there are no performance issues to report.

Something that I was not happy to see in this game was a spelling mistake in one of the quizzes. It’s a small thing for sure, but disappointing nonetheless.

BodyQuest is a fun, informative game for kids that helps to break down topics like the nervous system and human anatomy in digestible chunks. It has a decent amount of content in it, including collectibles to hunt down, and it’s worth having a look at.

7 Billion Humans

7 Billion Humans is a game that’s ideal for gamers who are looking to learn more about coding. In a similar fashion to While True: Learn (), this game uses an interesting story and aesthetic to help people learn more about coding basics.

The general premise here is that you’re an office manager working with robots and data cubes. You’ll have to use coding exercises and techniques to solve the puzzles and carry out office tasks, using your robotic colleagues as vessels for your programming genius. There are over 60 puzzles to work through, each ascending in difficulty.

The writing here is fantastic, and it’s admirable to see how the developers have managed to remove a lot of the frustration from learning a new skill without losing any of the challenge. The controls work without a hitch on the Switch and the overall art style looks amazing too.

7 Billion Humans is a brilliant addition to the roster of educational games on the Nintendo Switch and I highly recommend checking out. It’s an approachable and enjoyable title, packed full of equal measures education and entertainment.

Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia

Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia is a beautiful game that helps to teach people about different kinds of plants and creatures in the world. It’s more of an interactive tool than a game admittedly, but it’s absolutely worth including on this list for the value and style alone.

In this game, you control a watercolor mouse as she explores the world around her. You’ll be able to check out different areas of the world and learn about the different plants and fauna that you come across as you go by accessing their Encyclopedia entries.

The art style for this game is stunning and it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The game itself plays well, with no performance issues to note. The mechanics are very simple to pick up, and they work with both the touchscreen and regular controls.

Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia is a great educational Switch game for younger players to look through with an older sibling or parent. There aren’t too many gameplay elements to it, but it’s educational and has plenty of content to keep people busy.

MathLand is a simple, colorful platformer game with an isometric style that aims to help younger gamers get to grips with math.

In MathLand, you’ll need to work your way through colorful platformer levels and collect telescopes to be able to progress to later stages. Collecting telescopes is simply a case of solving math problems, which are all scaled appropriately to suit the player’s age.

MathLand has a very child-friendly aesthetic and it looks decent on the Switch. It plays well, with no technical issues to note.

The controls and user interface are simple, although much younger players may struggle a little with the isometric style of play instead of a standard 2D platformer.

If you’re on the hunt for a Switch game to teach younger people in your life about math and how to solve problems, MathLand could be the perfect pick for you. It may not be the most enthralling for older gamers but the simplistic setup and scaled difficulty for the problems makes this one of the best educational games on the Switch.

Scribblenauts Mega Pack

Searching for an educational Switch game to help with problem solving and spelling? Scribblenauts Mega Pack combines two great games (Scribblenauts Unlimited and Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure) and offers up one handy collection.

Both Scribblenauts games are puzzle games which follow the character Maxwell and his magical notebook. His sister, Lily, has an equally magical globe and tags along for a lot of the adventures. Players will need to help Maxwell and Lily solve various puzzles using the notebook to scribble things into existence and the globe to travel.

There’s not just one solution for a puzzle in Scribblenauts, either. The game encourages you to try out different strategies for the puzzles, and pushes you to solve problems creatively. There is a hint system in place for younger players if they get stuck, though.

Visually, this game is a gem. The cartoonish art style is charming and fits the console well, and there are no performance issues to note. The controls are easy enough to pick up and there’s touchscreen support in place.

This game offers great value for money and it’s a great way for younger gamers to improve their spelling and problem solving skills without feeling like they’re under too much pressure.

Letter Quest Remastered

Letter Quest Remastered is a combination of an educational spelling themed game and a fun, fantasy oriented RPG. It’s a unique addition to the world of educational games on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s worth checking out.

In this game, players will need to battle opponents and traverse dungeons, using their spelling skills to deal damage to their foes. It’s a fun and whimsical take on a spelling game, and there’s plenty of variety to the levels and enemies on offer. There’s multiple game modes to work through too, offering plenty of content to tackle.

The game looks great on the Switch, and you can pick between two different soundtracks to use during the game too. There are no technical issues or quirks to note, other than a few minor issues with button sensitivity. Nothing game breaking, but worth noting regardless.

Letter Quest Remastered is a stylish addition to the educational genre on the Switch, and it’s suitable for learners of all ages and skill levels too.

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The Best Co-Operative Puzzle Games

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Although it's fun gaming solo, sometimes you want to get someone else in on the action with you, whether it be a close friend, partner, or complete stranger. Luckily, cooperative games seem to be on the up, with some amazing new additions finding their way onto shelves and digital libraries in the last few years.

The Top 30 Puzzle Games On Steam

The best puzzle games can hook even the most resilient players, and these puzzlers on Steam are some of the best ones available.

Many of these cooperative adventures contain puzzle-solving elements, requiring you to work together and communicate well to reach your end goal. So whether you're looking to escape a frightening labyrinth, work out a gravity-defying world, or even play as two geese waddling their way to village overlords, here are some of the best cooperative puzzle-solving games out there, all fantastic for an evening on the sofa together.

Updated on January 25, 2024, by Jouanna Bondakji: Gaming by yourself is fun, but being able to share that joy with others makes it all the better. Neither you nor your friend(s) need to be video game experts to enjoy cooperative puzzle games. We've added even more entries for you and your loved ones to enjoy together.

23 Never Alone

Lots of co-op puzzle games focus on the funny hijinks you and your co-op buddy can get into, but Never Alone is a bit different. You play as a young Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and her fox companion as you venture to put an end to an eternal blizzard that threatens her village.

The developers collaborated with members of the Iñupiat to bring the game's story and environment to life, and it shows. Not only is the gameplay itself immersive and challenging, but you'll learn a lot about the Iñupiaq along the way.

22 Boxboy + Boxgirl

Part of the Boxboy series and at least as good as the other games, Boxboy + Boxgirl is a co-op puzzle platformer where you create boxes to overcome obstacles and complete levels. The catch is that you can't make as many boxes as you please; every level has a certain limit on the amount you can create.

You and your co-op partner will have to put your heads together to figure out how to make the best possible use of the boxes you can make. And if you like collecting things, good news: you can collect crowns to purchase power-ups, accessories, and even bonus levels that up the challenge.

21 Heave Ho

If you're looking for something you can play with a group in gatherings, Heave Ho fits the bill. It's a silly platforming game with one goal: don't fall. The puzzle aspect comes from finding out how to best move along the level while being attached to three other people. The platforms you stick to come in all shapes and sizes, from hooks to boulders to see-saws, and some even have spikes you can't touch.

The levels aren't easy, but the humor factor will make you and your friends laugh out loud instead of yelling in frustration. You can customize your characters to more easily differentiate who each person is supposed to be (and to look cool), but that won't totally save you from plummeting to your deaths more times than you can count.

20 Very Very Valet

Very Very Valet is a wacky party puzzle game that is dripping with off-the-wall shenanigans. If you haven't guessed from the game's title, you play as a valet driver. Your chosen cartoony valet driver works diligently to wrangle up as many cars as possible to park them and eventually retrieve them for your patrons.

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These are the best co-op games to play on PC for free.

While that setup may sound undeniably simple and even mundane, nothing could be farther from the truth, especially when playing this one in zany co-op. Adding two or more players to the mix really makes this game a blast as you work with your chosen co-op partner to drive around the vehicles, which end up basically being puzzles since you have to navigate them through specific stage-based hazards and scenarios.

19 Good Job!

If you haven't played the downright hilarious puzzle adventure game Good Job!, you should be sure to remedy that right away. It's equal parts fun and hilarious, especially in co-op. In this game, you play as the heir to a successful CEO, and it's now up to you to work your way to the top, literally and figuratively.

Good Job! relishes in physics-based mayhem where your goal is to move through different stages of a large office building, solving environmental puzzles, interacting with objects, and, of course, causing tons of destruction. While the game is fun solo, adding a friend to the mix turns this game from a simple puzzle experience to a bonkers one.

18 39 Days To Mars

This Kickstarter-funded project by It's Anecdotal finally came to fruition after years in limbo, flying under the radar as a particularly innovative indie puzzler. The charming co-op game forces two players to work together through a series of creative brain-busters as they embark on a short but memorable trip to Mars by airship.

These 19th-century explorers must scramble to solve problems on board so they can reach their destination in one piece. Whimsical themes and stylized, hand-drawn visuals add a sense of character to the experience, engrossing you as you tinker with clever puzzles to maintain the ship. Tasks range from churning mechanical contraptions to assembling maps—and even the simple act of making tea.

17 Shift Happens

Shift Happens is a puzzle-platformer game. It's really best experienced with two people, but the developers also ensured there was a single-player mode available

The two creatures that the players control (named Bismo and Plom) are made out of jelly, which allows them to do chaotic and creative things! One of the main mechanics is "shifting," which allows you to trade jelly to adjust your size between a big version and a small version of your jelly creature. There are four worlds to explore, each requiring your unique talents.

16 Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together

This delightful puzzler channels that feeling of playing around in elementary school art class. Similar to that experience—just about anything goes in Snipperclips, as two players must use intuition and improvisation on the spot to solve crafty puzzles.

8 Hardest Video Game Puzzles Ever

These puzzles are so difficult that they're more frustrating than fun.

The game's puzzles revolve around rotating and overlapping controllable shapes to snip out new ones, which are used to transport or otherwise interact with other objects. Communication is key here, as both players will be working through a slew of random scenarios on the spot with little to no guidance. This colorful co-op romp makes for a fun little diversion that's good for some laughs.

15 Death Squared

Released by SMG Studio in early 2017, this mechanical game harkens back to the old-school puzzler feel, standing out in an era when bigger and more bombastic seemingly equals better. But while this blocky title seems simple on the surface, Death Squared offers some deceptively tricky tasks that keep folks coming back for more.

Two players will need to be precise and work in synchronicity to progress through the dozens of unique block mazes. This includes clearing obstacles and platforms by triggering contraptions and matching with switches of the same color.

14 Human Fall Flat

Fumbling through these courses may seem counter-productive and silly due to the clumsy ragdoll physics—but in No Brakes Games' co-op journey, this is the point. The aptly named Human Fall Flat drops loads of online players into a set of progressively tricky stages. From there, they'll hop, stumble, and crawl their way through various puzzles while dealing with impeding obstacles, mostly themselves and each other.

One can imagine the laughs this goofy experience brings—with the blend of drunken physics, bustling crowds, and the relative precision the game demands to progress. Something as simple as dropping a plank for a bridge and scurrying across can be a tough, treacherous act.

13 A Way Out

Those seeking a cooperative game with a slightly grittier, cinematic blend should look no further than this 2018 effort from Hazelight Studios and EA. Though more action-adventure than a straight-up puzzle game, A Way Out tasks you with coming up with solutions and working through tasks together in order to progress.

It's a fun and intense experience with much on the line—as you must work together to sneak, fight, and maneuver your way out of prison while steering clear of the authorities. Uniquely, this memorable game stresses local split-screen play , as many of these actions require discussion and knowledge about what your fellow prisoner is currently up to.

12 Labyrinthine

One for horror fans, Labyrinthine is unique. It combines fan-favorite survival horror with some classic puzzle-solving as you seek to escape a creepy children's hedge-maze together and hopefully survive the bloodcurdling horrors calling it home.

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Labyrinthine was built for cooperative play between four players and plays like a classic puzzle-solver. Everyone must know what they're doing and work together to uncover the dark secrets lurking around every corner and escape the maze in one piece.

A journey for two players, Dyo has you assume the role of two Minotaurs both trapped on either side of a split-screen who must work together to escape the cursed labyrinth they've been trapped within.

You each need to control your Minotaur and use your ability to hop over the split-screen to mix up and manipulate levels, working together to solve platforming puzzles and carve out a path to your freedom. There are no enemies and no time limits, so sit back, get puzzling, and try not to yell at each other as you both attempt to solve this maze's tricks and traps together.

10 Tick Tock: A Tale For Two

Tick Tock: A Tale For Two is a game where playing solo is not an option, as you'll need both of you working in unison to escape this escape room-style game together.

The story is based on Scandinavian folklore, creating a beautiful, if not slightly eerie, setting. The key to freedom is in cooperation, with you both needing to share information to get the full picture of what's going on and solve the story's mysteries in tandem.

9 We Were Here Series

We Were Here is unique, having you and your partner separated and needing to work on puzzles both independently and together through your communicative walkie-talkies in order to work out your locations and (hopefully) escape.

We Were Here plays as an immersive first-person cooperative adventure, with both of you needing to discover useful items and communicate well in order to solve each other's puzzles and reach the end. It's great for those looking for a short escape room style of adventure game, and with a trilogy and fourth game due to be released, there's no time like the present to be picking this title up.

An older entry in the cooperative puzzle genre, but one still going strong as a two-player co-op adventure for you and a friend to spend hours upon hours puzzling over.

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Portal 2 's cooperative mode offers an entirely separate campaign mode with a unique story, portal mechanics, and two new characters to play as. The trick to success is teamwork, as in working together, you'll discover new ways to use portals and hopefully create a means of escape from the test chambers before Glados turns you against one another.

7 Ibb and Obb

Ibb and Obb is a delightfully cute and creative cooperative puzzle game using gravity-changing mechanics to have you working together to move past obstacles and have some innovative level-solving fun.

With stylish art and sound, it's great for an easy game to play together on the couch , and will keep you coming back again and again with some tough and challenging puzzles - but nothing your teamwork can't solve.

6 Unravel 2

Unravel 2 is arguably perfection in couch co-op, needing you and another player to solve platforming puzzles in order to progress through the stages and save two children running away from unreliable adults looking to hurt them.

The game is beautiful, with breathtaking scenery and gameplay surrounding a sad but enlightening tale. The puzzles featured in the game vary from needing to escape a crazed pheasant, using objects to get to hard-to-reach places, and most of all, making sure to never leave one another behind.

5 Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies is a wonderful game about space exploration where you play as cosmonauts! (Did you know that a person who travels to space from America or the rest of the western world is known as an astronaut, while one who travels from the Soviet or Russian space programs are known as cosmonauts? If they were launched from China, they're called taikonauts.)

In space, you'll need to help people on the ground by installing and maintaining solar arrays, doing research, and building telescopes, among other things! It's not quite like any other game you've played before; the physics in space are unfamiliar and you're performing fairly precise tasks, so it'll take some practice before you're perfect.

4 Untitled Goose Game

The world's (least) favorite goose is back, and this time he's got company. The incredible open-world cooperative game for two players, Untitled Goose Game co-op allows for two geese to travel through the village's story together; solving problems, chasing villagers and of course, endlessly honking.

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Animal Crossing isn't the only chill and relaxing game you can play on your Nintendo Switch.

This is a great relaxing game for two, with you able to work together to solve your list of errands without a time limit. So whether it be chasing a boy into a phone box, wearing a fancy bow, or stealing an old man's slipper - why not do it together? Just don't forget to HONK.

• Triple-A Games

• It Takes Two

20 Best Puzzle Games To Play With A Partner Or Friend

Whether playing cooperatively or alone, puzzle games can offer a great, intellectually challenging opportunity for gamers.

Video games are best when the experience is shared, but depending on what type of gamer a person is, this may not always be the case. Co-op games that rely on communication and teamwork can be stressful for people who like to be in control. However, if a team makes it through the game, their bond will only become stronger.

Co-op puzzle games fit this category perfectly. Some co-op puzzle games rely extensively on communication between the players, while others could technically be solved alone if only the other player would stop touching things. The ebbs and flows of co-op games often make the experience worthwhile. Puzzle co-op games are sure to test any relationship, whether it be with a partner or a friend, and will leave players laughing and sighing with frustration all at once.

Updated on February 29, 2024, by Guillermo Kurten: While co-op titles in general aren't as prevalent in the modern gaming scene as in past decades, there will always be a place for them. Particularly in the indie gaming scene, there are plenty of puzzle-focused co-op games to play with a companion. This list is being updated to streamline the available info on the games, as well as providing release info and their critical receptions.

20 Unrailed! Is A Frantic Race To Build Train Tracks

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Unrailed! is a race against time as players frantically work to build train tracks for a moving train. Players will have to amass resources from the environment and build as they go, which makes the Minecraft -like aesthetic fit all the more perfectly. Players need to work together to manage resources and clear out room for the slow-moving train. At every train station, players can make upgrades to improve efficiency.

To anyone concerned the novelty will wear off quickly, rest assured that Unrailed! utilizes procedurally generated maps, so the experience never ends . Unrailed! also features numerous settings, so players can find the right difficulty and speed to best suit their group.

19 Shift Happens Is An Entertaining Puzzle/Platformer Hybrid

Shift Happens is a fun two-player puzzle game where each player can shift their character's size from big to small and back. Players will need to figure out when to be big and when to be small as they try to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles across numerous thematic worlds.

Shift Happens takes plenty of cues from LittleBigPlanet in its puzzles, platforming, and floaty jumping controls. Not to mention the fun backstabbing hilarity of "accidentally" pulling the wrong lever. Shift Happens is fun enough while playing alone, but it really shines with its two-player co-op, especially locally.

18 The Escapists 2 Tasks Players With Escaping Prison

The Escapists series is among some of the deepest strategy games around, but it's still a fun strategy series for beginners . Players will coordinate their escape from a maximum security prison. Players spend each and every day going through their daily schedule, building relationships, and amassing resources in order to plot their escape. While first The Escapists doesn't have multiplayer, its sequel does.

The Escapists 2 is very open-ended in how players approach their escape. It also rewards co-op players with an even greater amount of options and strategies. Whether playing with two, three, or four players, The Escapists 2 offers plenty of replayability with new and fresh ways to play based on the number of players.

17 Biped Will Test Coordination For The Simplest Tasks

Biped is a cute co-op game where plays play as two bipedal robots. Players control each of their respective robots with the left and right analog sticks. The left analog stick moves the left leg while the right analog stick moves the right leg. Even simply walking can be an adventure.

Biped features a variety of different puzzles and environments that require the utmost coordination, both in the co-op sense and in the hand-eye coordination sense. Along the way, players collect coins, which they can use to purchase adorable hats to customize their robots.

16 Death Squared Tasks Players To Overcome Increasingly Complex Obstacles

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Death Squared may seem simple on the surface, but its puzzles involve a lot of experimentation and trial and error. In Death Squared , players control a colored cube. Their goal is to reach an endpoint that shares the same color as their cube.

Of course, this isn't always easy as obstacles will steadily be added as players progress levels. An example of this can be a level where a player who, as a green-colored cube, can spawn spikes when they're at its endpoint that knocks out other cubes when they go over it. So the green-cubed player will need to step off their endpoint so other cubes can pass.

15 Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together! Should Make The Cut For Charming Cooperation

The Nintendo Switch is one of the best places to play any sort of co-op game. Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together was one of the Switch's earliest puzzle co-op games released as a launch title in 2017. In the craft-like Snipperclips , players each control a shaped character.

Up to four players will need to work together to clip each character to an appropriate shape to solve each level. To make these precise cuts, characters will need to overlap their bodies. Then, one player snips another throughout the overlapped section. Snipperclips is adorable and fun without being overly complex.

14 BoxBoy + BoxGirl! Adds Co-Op To An Unexpected Nintendo Success Story

BoxBoy! is one of Nintendo's most surprising success stories. Developed by Hal Laboratory, the BoxBoy! series initially began as an experiment during the development of Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby and the Rainbow Curse . Nintendo later green-lit full development of this minimalistic puzzle series, which has since spawned three sequels, mostly on the Nintendo 3DS.

The latest in the BoxBoy! series is BoxBoy + BoxGirl! , which adds a co-op layer to BoxBoy!'s box-chaining gameplay. BoxBoy + BoxGirl! shows that two boxes are better than one with engaging puzzles that previously weren't possible in solo BoxBoy! outings. BoxBoy + BoxGirl! is the first, and so far only, BoxBoy! entry released for the Switch.

13 Heave Ho Is A Hilarious Game That Isn't As Simple As It Looks

Trial and error is a staple of puzzle games, and in few games is this more prevalent than Heave Ho . Released for PC and Switch in 2019, Heave Ho tasks players with making it from point A to point B. That sounds all well and good, but Heave Ho's physics and controls make reaching the end goal a complex and hilarious experience.

In Heave Ho , players only control their character's arms and hands. Heave Ho's level design often leads to intense scenarios where a player can't remember which button goes with which hand, especially when holding onto another character. Heave Ho is a great game that is sure to provide no shortage of laughs as players try to plot out their pathway to the end.

12 Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes Is A True Test Of Communication

10 single-player games that should've been co-op.

Communication is key, and no game tests a pair's communicative abilities like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes . In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes , one player faces a ticking time bomb. The other player has an instruction book. The player with the bomb must describe to the other player the inner workings of the bomb, while the other must frantically find the solution to each puzzle and relay that to the bomb defuser.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes was originally released as a VR game in 2015. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes eventually made its way to non-VR systems. VR is still the most engrossing way to experience this explosive title, but it's an amazing experience regardless of the system.

11 Never Alone Is A Masterclass Of Puzzles And Education

Never Alone , or Kisima Inŋitchuŋa (meaning "I am not alone"), is a rare game that educates players just as much as it tests them. Based on the Iñupiat story "Kunuuksaayuka," Never Alone was developed as an opportunity to highlight the Alaskan Native culture, which is severely underutilized in gaming and other media. Never Alone also includes behind-the-scenes documentary videos for players eager to learn more.

In Never Alone , co-op players control Nuna, an Iñupiat girl, or they control an Arctic fox as they make their way through a treacherous and snowy journey. Never Alone later received an expansion DLC titled Never Alone: Foxtales and a sequel was announced in 2022.

10 Escape First 3 Can Be A Competitive Or Casual Escape Room

Escape First 3 is the third installment in the series by OnSkull Games, known for its very affordable escape room games . Escape First 3 has improved upon the first two installments, and it isn't necessary to play those before enjoying the third game.

Escape First 3 can be played alone or with up to six people. It even has a versus mode where players are locked in rooms alone and must escape before the others do. There are three escape rooms to choose from and all have a slight horror atmosphere, which adds a little extra fun for those playing the game in VR. While Escape First 3's gameplay may be a little clunky, its puzzles aren't.

9 Ibb & Obb Sees Players Take Turns Being Upside Down

Grab player two's virtual hand and bring them along in Ibb & Obb , a two-player cooperative online game by Sparpweed. In Ibb & Obb , players will find themselves in control of the titular Ibb and Obb, two little blobs with feet, who each view gravity differently at times.

Ibb & Obb starts simply enough, but as the challenges grow, so does the frustration. As players navigate the terrain, they'll want to keep an eye out for the secret rooms. Ibb & Obb is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, PlayStation, and Switch.

8 Curious Cases Is A Detective Game Where Players Test Their Sleuthing Skills

Curious Cases is another OnSkull Games puzzle game and continues OnSkull's escape room style. This time, players find themselves to be detectives solving curious cases no other detective can solve. Similar to other OnSkull games, Curious Cases can be played alone or with up to six players and includes a versus mode. Fans of true crime and detective games should give Curious Cases a whirl.

Curious Cases puzzles are challenging but far from impossible to solve, making them perfectly suitable for casual puzzle players. Like other OnSkull games, Curious Cases is available for both desktop and VR, as well as on the Nintendo Switch.

7 Human: Fall Flat Will Have Players Fighting Physics And Their Own Laughter

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Fall flat with friends in this light-hearted puzzle platformer that can be played solo or with up to eight players. In Human: Fall Flat , teamwork makes the dream work. Puzzles often have multiple solutions as diverse people come up with diverse solutions to the obstacles presented in the game.

Laughter is almost guaranteed when setting out on the journey of getting each character to do what players intend, as the characters at times can feel like they lack bones. Solving the puzzles in Human: Fall Flat is rewarding and encourages players to be creative.

6 Unravel Two Is A Beautiful And Positive Experience

Unravel Two is different from what most people think when hearing co-op because it's only available for local co-op or single-player, and online players can't use PlayStation's Share Play feature. Made by the Swedish studio Coldwood Interactive, Unravel Two is inspired by real Scandinavian locations.

Featuring beautiful scenery while players try to figure out the challenges and how to progress, Unravel Two includes more storytelling than typical puzzle games and focuses on positivity when faced with challenges and uncertainty. Unravel Two is available on Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

5 Trine: Enchanted Edition Has Three Heroes For Players To Play As

Trine: Enchanted Edition is the first game in a series of four by Frozenbyte, which are all highly recommended. Trine is not only a beautiful medieval fantasy-inspired world, but it also has enjoyable physics-based puzzles that rely on cooperation between the three playable characters.

The Trine series can be played either alone or with up to three players, and it is possible to swap between characters should another skill set be needed to solve the puzzle. As cooperation is important in the Trine series, it's easy to become frustrated when the team's wizard keeps conjuring boxes when planks are actually what's needed.

4 Escape Simulator Brings The Escape Room Experience To The Living Room

Escape Simulator is a first-person puzzler by Pine Studio. A keen eye is needed to discover all the hidden items in order to escape. One can play alone or online with a partner or friend, but Pine Studio recommends 2-3 players. However, more players are supported.

Escape Simulator will put to the test each of your unique skills and points of view to escape all 20 rooms designed by real-life escape room operators. The puzzles are interactive and should players run out of things to do, the Steam Workshop Community keeps designing new puzzles for everyone to enjoy, making Escape Simulator quite replayable.

3 Tick Tock: A Tale For Two Will Have Players Talking Things Through Wherever They Are

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two stands out from other co-op puzzle games. It can't be played alone, but an online connection to each other isn't required. All that's needed is for two players to have a copy of the game. It doesn't even have to be on the same platform. All players need is an open line of communication with each other.

One player can play Tick Tock: A Tale for Two on an iPad and the other on a laptop as long as they can talk to each other. Each player has a different perspective and the puzzles are impossible to solve without talking to each other. Time is of the essence in the relatively short but very eerie and enjoyable world of Tick Tock: A Tale for Two .

2 Portal 2's Co-op Mode Is A Triumph

The Portal series comprises some of the two most enjoyable puzzle games in the 21st century. Thankfully, Portal 2 includes an amazing co-op mode. With advanced physics and increasingly harder challenges that require players to have perfect timing and be in sync with each other, Portal 2 remains one of the best multiplayer puzzle games available.

Portal 2 's two-player version has its own entirely separate campaign from the single-player version, so even if someone has played alone, the co-op experience won't be ruined. Portal 2 is a co-op experience no puzzle gamer should miss out on.

1 We Were Here Requires Heavy Communication

We Were Here is the first in a series of four games that rely heavily on communication between the two players. In the first game, which is free on Steam, the two individuals are split up inside an abandoned castle and the only tool available is a walkie-talkie to communicate with each other.

As players try to navigate through the castle, We Were Here tests the strength of any relationship because each player has the hints to solve other puzzles but not their own. Only time will tell which player will end up with the achievement of "Worst Friend Forever."

Great Nintendo Switch Games For Casual Gamers

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6 Games That Are Surprisingly Thought-Provoking

15 games you should play before you sleep, the best wii u games ever made, ranked.

Nintendo has always been a good friend to the casual gamer, offering a wide range of titles like Mario and The Legend of Zelda that don't have competitive play and often let players go at their own speed. The Nintendo Switch has become an immensely popular and successful console, with hundreds of games available in its store.

The Switch has a massive number of non-Nintendo games featured on its platform, which has been great for the casual gaming scene. It has allowed smaller developers to be seen by more people, and the Switch’s TV link abilities have given a boost to local co-op games . Whether casual gamers are looking for peaceful environments, easy controls, or low-stakes puzzle-solving, the Nintendo Switch has the perfect solution.

Updated April 16, 2024, by Alexandra O'Leary: Nintendo is no stranger to the casual gaming scene. As one of the first console companies to successfully make gaming a family-wide activity, Nintendo has been catering to a broad audience for decades. From the Wii, to the DS, to the Switch, there's a game for everyone. Some casual gamers look for good vibes and minimal gameplay, while others prefer more lighthearted and whimsical titles. Not every game needs to be gritty and challenging, and not every gamer has to spend hours grinding away to make any progress. For those who like to pick up a game in their spare time and jump straight into the fun, the Nintendo Switch has endless choices.

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19 Dave the Diver

Diver by day, sushi chef extraordinaire by night, dave the diver.

Dave the Diver came swimming onto the indie gaming scene out of nowhere, and became a huge hit with all kinds of gamers. It combines exploration and adventure with management and simulation, resulting in a genre-defying, unbelievably fun game.

By day, go diving in the sparkling blue sea of the Blue Hole. By night, serve imaginative sushi to an array of customers. There's little more to ask for in this idyllic, entertaining game. Even several hours into the game, players will still be unlocking new content and mini-games to keep them entertained. Ultimately, players will be able to manage their sushi restaurant, grow their own crops, farm fish, explore multiple different areas of the sea, participate in festivals and cooking shows — all while restoring an ancient race of sea people. For those who love mellow, charming games with a little bit of challenge here and there, Dave the Diver is a must-play.

18 WarioWare: Move It!

Kooky, chaotic party games, warioware: move it.

WarioWare: Move It! is the second WarioWare game released for the Nintendo Switch, and the eleventh in this fan-favorite party game series. Known for its ridiculous, nonsensical mini-games that are bound to leave players laughing, WarioWare has become immensely popular as a go-to choice for parties and groups.

While it's not always the best option for single-player, the fast-paced and frantic nature makes for oodles of fun in a group setting. The mini-games (or microgames, as WarioWare calls them) are highly entertaining. With low stakes and minimal challenge, it's a super accessible choice for those who only dip into the video game world occasionally, and is great for all kinds of people.

17 Princess Peach Showtime

Fanciful fun and easy gameplay, princess peach: showtime.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is the long-awaited, second-ever Princess Peach fronted Nintendo game. After several long years, players finally have another chance to play as Peach , who is front and center for all the action. Showtime definitely has a different energy from other Mario spin-offs. While Wario found his stride with wacky party games, Peach's niche is switching up her outfits and becoming a jack-of-all-trades.

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Princess Peach: Showtime! is reminiscent of the Paper Mario series, with a similar style of villain and a more theatrical plot. It's not as challenging as many other Mario games, which makes it an easy choice for the casual gamer. Still full of fun and creativity, it's an easy way in to the franchise for gamers who don't go for platformers and would prefer some action-adventure.

16 Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

A cozy, cute adventure.

• Released: 2024
• Developer: Hyper Games
• Genre: Adventure

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a cozy adventure game based on the longstanding world of Moomin . Surrounded by the whimsical and Nordic Moominvalley, players explore the map as Snufkin searches for Moomintroll, who has mysteriously gone missing after winter.

This adorable game is brimming with heart and beauty. At its core is a lesson about respecting the Earth and spreading kindness, and the atmosphere, puzzles, and art-style all perfectly capture that message. While it might not be the most challenging or stressful game, those who want a fun and fanciful jaunt with their favorite childhood characters will absolutely adore Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley.

15 Fall Guys

Colorful and casual battle royale.

Fall Guys was initially released in 2020 with sweeping success. Its massive multiplayer battle-royale style made it a perfect option for gamers during lockdown, and its diverse, fun games have kept it popular since. The game was acquired by Epic Games in 2022 and was ported to most major platforms. Fall Guys is a great, casual battle royale with silly skins and game show mini-games like obstacle courses and last-person-standing levels.

Each round will eliminate a certain number of players until one person is finally victorious, making it competitive but relatively low-stakes - although players might find themselves wanting that crown after a few losses. In-game, players can interact with each other by grabbing or knocking one another over in order to stunt progress. There are multiplayer options that allow groups of friends to play together, as well as team rounds for ultimate hilarity. It's by far the best battle-royale game for cozy or casual gamers, thanks to its adorable art and limited PvP.

14 Mario Party Superstars

Virtual board game with fun, easy mechanics, mario party superstars.

Mario Party Superstars is the latest installment in the Mario Party franchise and features the best of the best in terms of boards and mini-games. It's essentially a virtual board game where players roll dice and move around a map, interacting with various spaces and competing in relatively simple mini-games. These mini-games can range anywhere from jumping in front of a camera to counting goombas as they run by.

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Mario Party Superstars compiles several remastered boards from the first three N64 games as well as most of the mini-games from previous Mario Party titles. Any gamers familiar with the original games will feel nostalgic and right at home with the classic but updated boards, and new players will get to experience all the fun for the first time. This franchise has always been popular with families and casual gamers thanks to its easy-to-understand premise and player-friendly system.

Cozy Introduction to MMOs

Palia is a cozy MMO (massively multiplayer online) game that combines the life simulation of games like Animal Crossing with the social interactivity of games like Runescape . With multiple NPC villagers to meet and befriend - each with their own backstories and roles, players can customize their living space and learn to live off the land.

It's a friendly introduction to MMO games, one that appears a lot less intimidating than a lot of other classic games in the genre. The servers aren't quite as vast as some, so if players feel unsure about the MMO aspect - they aren't likely to run into too many people and can easily plan to play with friends. One of the biggest draws for any newer gamers is that it's free to play, making it a great choice to try out this style of game.

12 Overcooked 2

Hilarious co-op cooking, overcooked 2.

Overcooked 2 is a crazy, hectic co-op cooking game that sets up players as chefs in a busy kitchen. The game uses simple controls (essentially pick up, throw, slice, and cook) that are easy to learn, which makes it accessible to almost anyone. At its core, it's a creatively fun cooking game with adorable customization options and wacky levels.

The challenge in Overcooked 2 comes from the timer and bustling environments - players can find themselves floating above the world in a hot air balloon or running across busy roads holding boiled rice. Anything goes in Overcooked 2 , and that's part of what makes it so fun. The game has local and online co-op, so gamers can play with their friends anywhere in the world.

11 Nintendo Switch Sports

Fun sports simulator with classic mechanics, nintendo switch sports.

Nintendo Switch Sports might look familiar to some Nintendo gamers, and although it doesn't quite have the same ring to it as Wii Sports , it has all the fun. Nintendo Switch Sports combines some classic games from the series, like bowling and tennis, with a few new ones, including soccer and volleyball.

Using the Nintendo Switch joycons, players can physically take part in a variety of sports and compete against others to win. Anybody who was a fan of the original series will love the Switch adaptation, which lets gamers compete with dozens of others all around the world. It's also a great game to play with friends, both locally and online - once again proving itself a great way to finally get good at sports.

10 Disney Dreamlight Valley

Magical adventure game with familiar faces, disney dreamlight valley.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a life simulation and adventure game, combining the best of Disney's storytelling with the ability to have a vivid player character in the middle of the magical world. It's another great choice for cozy gamers who want a more calm and exploration-based gaming experience. The game takes place in real-time, so whenever players decide to hop on, they'll find the in-game time the same - which can be great for immersion.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a fantastic game for casual games since it features the familiar faces of beloved Disney and Pixar characters, and although it's non-linear, it has a great selection of adventures for players to go on. The world is so fun to experience, with characters taking up fitting roles throughout Dreamlight Valley and providing Disney at its most immersive level so far.

9 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Easy controls and a variety of games modes, mario kart 8 deluxe.

It's no surprise that Mario Kart has made its way onto this list. The spin-off game featuring beloved Mario characters has been incredibly successful ever since its first iteration on the SNES and has now expanded to feature familiar faces from The Legend of Zelda , Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and more.

This classic title is the perfect choice for players looking for a fun game with easy controls and different modes. Solo gamers can rise through the ranks by playing Grand Prix style or find out who's the best racer by playing with friends. If players get tired of classic mode, they can always try their luck with Battles that offer new stakes and tactics. Similarly to the Wii, the Switch is a fantastic console for local multiplayer, and Mario Kart is the perfect party game.

Forgiving, Linear Game with Simple Gameplay

This may seem like a strange choice; after all, Inside is - to some degree - a horror game. It's true that there are stakes to Inside —its monochromatic appearance and minimal sound make it very easy for players to become overwhelmingly protective of the main character, a young boy clearly on the run from something.

These games may not immediately strike players as philosophically deep, but they do have many thought-provoking themes.

However, Inside is forgiving of mistakes and will respawn players at the most recent checkpoint if they happen to die during their journey. The game is predominantly puzzle-driven, and the controls are relatively simple, which makes it accessible to most gamers. Although some might not find the dark essence of the game appealing, it would be a shame to miss out on such a creative indie game . Inside is also a fantastic game to watch and can easily become a shared immersive experience.

7 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Friendly and accessible social sim, animal crossing: new horizons.

Animal Crossing is renowned for being a friendly, comforting game. Its release at the very beginning of the pandemic was monumental for its sales. As a social simulation game, it provided players with much-needed interaction - especially since it allows players to visit friends' islands.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an adorably pleasant game that asks players to help Tom Nook and Isabelle build a brand-new village on a luscious island. Players can build their own cute avatar and run around the island collecting resources, chatting with various anthropomorphic villagers , and deciding everything from the location of homes to the style of pathways. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an easy choice for any casual gamer looking for a peaceful game with low stakes since it allows players to go completely at their own pace.

6 Stardew Valley

Peaceful farming sim with no time limits, stardew valley.

Stardew Valley is perhaps one of the most successful independent games of all time, initially developed entirely by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). Not dissimilar to Animal Crossing , although very aesthetically different, Stardew Valley is a farming simulation RPG that allows players to experience the tranquility of village life while completing various daily chores.

Stardew Valley has very simple controls, arguably even easier on the Switch, and does not require fast-paced responses unless players are specifically in combat. As they work to rebuild the derelict town center, players can farm, forage, fish, and mine their way to a perfect life. The enemies in the game can be found in the mines, where players can defeat relatively un-threatening monsters to gain resources. However, the easy-to-use co-op mode is perfect for splitting up tasks, meaning players who prefer to fish quietly can do so while their partners scurry down the mines in search of battle.

5 Snipperclips

Silly co-op puzzle solving, snipperclips: cut it out together.

Snipperclips is a co-op puzzle launch title for the Switch. It involves two pieces of paper - Snip and Clip - running around a paper world and cutting themselves into various shapes in order to complete puzzles. The co-op element is that Snip and Clip can only cut each other out, meaning players will have to communicate well in order to progress.

Snipperclips does a great job of introducing its mechanics to players and is increasingly creative with its puzzles and solutions. This is the perfect game for two people looking for a simple, fun game and hoping for some laughs. It may occasionally stump players, but the game is nonetheless endearing enough to keep interest. The only stakes in this game are the ones players place upon themselves, otherwise creating the perfect environment for a casual gamer.

4 Untitled Goose Game

Chaotic gameplay with simple controls, untitled goose game.

Untitled Goose Game is likely wildly different from any other game players may have encountered before. This peculiar game puts players in the position of a pesky goose , intent on wreaking havoc everywhere it goes. With both single-player and multiplayer options, this game is hilarious and charming.

Untitled Goose Game requires players to walk, run, quack, and grab, meaning the controls are simple and easy to master. Therefore, players can focus on waddling around various environments and completing the list of tasks assigned, which will be crossed off as and when they are achieved. Any players looking for a silly, incredibly fun, and satisfying game will absolutely adore Untitled Goose Game.

Adorable Puzzle Solving with Pikmin

Pikmin is another of Nintendo's long-standing, recognizable titles. Although it isn't a household name quite to the extent that Mario might be, it is nevertheless an adorably fun and unique game filled with charming details. Released ten years after its last main installment on the Wii-U, Pikmin 4 puts players in charge of a whole horde of Pikmin and must use them to cleverly complete puzzles.

From Stardew Valley to Flower, these wonderful games might just help you unwind and de-stress from your day.

Pikmin 4 focuses on a vibrant and charming world and therefore places minimal pressure on players to execute tasks perfectly. Although it is a real-time puzzle game, Pikmin 4 does a wonderful job of introducing players to creative problem-solving and mainly requires them to choose carefully between the types of Pikmin - who have individual skills based on their color. An added perk of this edition is that players can create their own Pikmin to play as, only adding to the fun and imaginative world.

2 Unravel Two

Endearing platformer with friendly co-op, unravel two.

Unravel Two is a platform puzzle game designed to be single-player or local multiplayer. It follows two endearing bundles of yarn - Yarnys - on a big quest. The game takes place in the foreground of a story that predominantly happens around the Yarnys and takes some darker turns at certain points.

The game has relatively simple controls, and its stunning art is enough to win most gamers' hearts. It's the perfect game to play with a friend and has a great combination of story and gameplay. Like Inside , Unravel Two is just as fun to watch, and the endearing Yarnys will have players invested in no time.

1 Sea of Stars

Nostalgic rpg with no time pressure, sea of stars.

Sea of Stars is a turn-based combat, retro RPG with carefully created, nostalgic art that will appeal to all gamers. With charming art, music, and characters, Sea of Stars is an overwhelmingly appealing game that evokes genuine joy. Players can make their way through this delightful world wielding elemental powers and foraging for resources in order to make tasty snacks.

The turn-based element of this game makes it perfect for casual gamers since it doesn't require quick reflexes or stressful combat encounters. Players can take their time while in battle and can otherwise happily explore the charming world to find new friends and adventures. The game offers side-quests, endearing dialogue, and puzzles, perfect for any gamer looking for an enjoyable addition to their collection.

Owners of the Wii U had several fun games to choose from despite eventually being overshadowed by the Nintendo Switch.

Best educational Nintendo Switch games for kids 2024

Your kids can learn while they play these Nintendo Switch titles.

Game Builder Garage

Eat Your Letters

Little Mouse's Encyclopedia

Abbie's Farm for kids and toddlers

Educational Games for Kids

Memory Lane

while True: learn()

TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live!

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Colors Live

Planet Quiz: Learn & Discover

The Nintendo Switch is a great console for kids. Aside from setting your child's console up with one of the best Switch cases to keep it protected, the next best thing is to set it up with some educational games for Switch. That way, your kids can play in a way that's good for their brain instead of just traveling a fantasy land saving a princess, although that is fun too. With the best educational games for Switch, your kids will have so much fun that they won't even know they're learning. Here are a few we recommend.

This science-based game is for kids age 6+ with different content for age groups 6-7, 8-9, and 10+. Players are trying to save their friend Finn from an evil infection! They are shrunk down to fight off bacteria and viruses. Along the way, they learn about the musculoskeletal, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Finn caught an infection! Luckily for him, you are able to shrink down to the bacteria's size and fight off the virus while learning about the body.

Buy from: Nintendo

Learn what it takes to make a game with this visual, step-by-step guide to programming and game design. Through fun, game-like lessons, players will be able to create their own games and play them when they're complete! This is a fun option for middle school kids, parents, and grandparents alike to enjoy some time together learning a new skill. Bring the game of your dreams to life for the whole family to enjoy.

Build a game and get a taste of game design life! After you build it, test it out and see how great of a game you're able to create.

Buy at: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart

Teaching kids to clean their plates and how to look for words in letters all in one! This cute game is all about figuring out how many words you can spell when given a select few letters. Find them all to get to the next level! There is a selection of difficulty levels, so both younger and older children will get just the right level of challenge in the 540 available levels.

In this fun food-based game there are puzzles where you have to find all the words in letters to clean your plate. Choose a difficulty level and dig in!

Buy at: Nintendo

Explore nature as Little Mouse! While you find new things in nature, a new encyclopedia page with all kinds of information on the plants, animals, and other items you discover is created. Interact with the things nearby to choose what you'd like to learn about. This children's-book-illustration-style world has four fun areas to see.

An interactive encyclopedia where players go through the pages as a little mouse, learning about the nature around him along the way.

Being on the farm includes a lot of chores that involve everyday learning! Kids will have a great time learning about animals, how to grow food, counting and cooking in the kitchen, and more. Join Abbie throughout the day and see just how many opportunities life gives you to learn. These simple games are easy and fun for little kids to play and learn.

Abbie takes kids on a journey of learning through daily activities. Help her out around the farm and in the kitchen and learn about every step along the way.

This game offers 20 different games for kids ages 3-11. Playing these games will help kids learn math, logic, reflexes, memory, and more. Keep things simple and relaxing with a jigsaw puzzle, test your knowledge with a world geography game, and get musical by playing around with instruments. This game will even keep track of your child's progress so you can see what they're learning.

Enjoy 20 activities available for kids from ages 3-11. Track progress along the way and see how far your child comes from the beginning!

A great game for all ages, Memory Lane is a simple test of memory. Cards are laid out across beautiful, peaceful backgrounds with a match to each card. Select two and find the one that matches. Remember where you found the matching pair and clear the board!

A memory game for players of all ages! There are beautiful cards and backgrounds to choose from while you try to find the matching pairs.

In this cute coding game, you play as a coder whose cat is also good at coding. Build a cat-to-human speech recognition system so you can talk to your cat! This silly game actually teaches kids about coding and programming and how machine learning works. The best part is it's beginner-friendly, no experience needed. 

Cuteness, cats, and coding all come together in while True: learn(). Learn coding while you try to build a system that will allow you to talk to your coding cat.

Jeopardy! is a long-time family favorite TV game show with trivia in many areas. Get everyone involved with Family Mode, adapted for family play. Think fast and test your overall knowledge across several categories. Each question is worth a different amount of money based on the difficulty level, and the person with the most money at the end wins! 

Bring a game show favorite into your own home for your family to join in on. Test your trivia skills and earn the most points to win!

Buy at: Best Buy  

Another classic trivia option with family mode is TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live! There are six general categories throughout the game. You can choose which categories you want to play, the way your questions and answers are entered, and even the difficulty level with a special kid-friendly difficulty setting. Up to four players can join in on the fun. 

Adjust your trivia categories to fit for little kids, or keep it traditional for an adult game night. This gives your trivia game some options!

Buy at: Amazon | Best Buy

Train your brain with a variety of games and watch your Big Brain Brawn score rise. Choose to focus on building a specific skill or do a variety of activities to get some well-rounded play. You can play together as a family, each with your own score and difficulty level, or play online against other players in Ghost Clash. As you play you even get to customize your avatar with items you unlock by completing goals!

A series of games and activities designed to strengthen your brain. Play as a family with each member playing at the difficulty level that matches you.

Make education creative with Colors Live! Follow the color quests to create different images based on the prompts and learn how to use the different tools together. Participate in weekly challenges to grow your skills even more. This game comes with a special pen to use with your Switch to draw on it.

Creativity on the go! Colors Live comes with a special pen to make drawings and follow color quests that teach you how to use your tools. 

From cultures to animals, agriculture, and more, Planet Quiz tests your knowledge of all things planet Earth. There is also a complete edition of this game that comes with additional questions about oceans. Choose from four modes: tournament, quizpedia, quick play, and campaign. Although it doesn't allow you to customize the difficulty level for each player, as a group you may choose to do easy, medium, or hard.

Check your knowledge on a variety of topics about our home, Earth! Play a quick mode or enjoy a whole tournament.

Fun for everyone

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These video games help give kids something fun and educational to do on the Nintendo Switch . Our favorite is Game Builder Garage, as it shows the behind-the-scenes of the games they enjoy playing. Another option for behind-the-scenes tech is while True: learn(), plus it has the bonus of having a cat in the game; who doesn't want to talk to their pet? For more traditional topics get into BodyQuest and have them learn about their body inside and out!

If you are looking for something for a younger audience, get a case on your Switch and check out Abbie's Farm for Kids and Toddlers for simple gameplay that's educational and easy to learn. Or get the whole family involved with the classics, Jeopardy! and TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live! These show that learning can be fun, and video games don't have to be mindless. Your kids are sure to enjoy learning as they play.

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Alex has been working with iMore as a Freelance Gaming Writer for three years. You can also find a few articles of hers on Android Central and Windows Central. She regularly covers Nintendo Switch games and accessories as well as iOS game apps. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, you may also find her playing on the PlayStation and PC. When she doesn’t have a controller in hand she likes to spend her time with her husband, son, and dogs, exploring new places, or hiding away with a book (or comic book). A few of her favorite games include the Zelda franchise, Little Nightmares, and Animal Crossing.

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The most common Nintendo Switch problems, and how to fix them

How to prevent the nintendo switch's most common hardware problems.

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular consoles on the market (and one of the consoles that is going to be on sale during Black Friday thanks to Nintendo Switch deals )– with great exclusive Switch games like Super Mario Odyssey and Splatoon 2 — but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to technical problems.

The dock scratches the screen

The joy-cons disconnect for no reason, the console bends over time.

• The console’s casing cracks

The screen randomly freezes, or flashes

The screen has dead pixels, the battery life is too short, the joy-con controllers drift, error code 2801-7180, issues posting images to facebook.

From relatively minor cosmetic damage that can largely be ignored to serious issues that have rendered players’ systems useless, we’ve compiled a list of the most common problems that have befallen Switch owners. When applicable, we’ve also included possible solutions, though we must stress that anything involving taking apart a piece of your console could potentially make the problems worse or void your warranty. If you’ve encountered a problem, follow our guide below and we’ll have you playing your favorite Nintendo Switch games again in no time.

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Moving the Nintendo Switch from its portable configuration into the dock is a process that takes only seconds. If you don’t put the console in perfectly straight, however, it’s quite easy for the dock to leave permanent damage on the outside of your screen. The damage seems to be caused by two pieces of plastic protruding inside the dock, which will make contact with the outside bezel of the Switch at either end of the console when it’s dropped into place.

A Nintendo Switch screen protector  is a must-have accessory, as any damage done by the dock will be to the removable protector and not the console itself. However, early, flexible screen protector kits released for the system, including the “ official ” PDP product, were cut incorrectly, causing bubbles. Tempered glass covers shouldn’t suffer from this problem. It’s advised to wait about 24 hours before docking your system after using a tempered glass protector, however, as the adhesive could melt if not allowed to set.

In the meantime, users have taped microfiber cloths  to the inside of the dock to cover up the two plastic protrusions, as well as small foam pads that cover the dock’s internal nubs. If you can stand spending $8 on something that you’ll remove in a few weeks once your tempered glass protector arrives, you might still want to temporarily install one of the plastic ones.

Should you want your Switch to be protected inside the dock and look absolutely adorable , there is another option that will eliminate the need to use a screen protector altogether, assuming you won’t be traveling with the system. Etsy user TinckoyMakesitSew sells several Switch dock cozies, with themes like Mario, Zelda, classic Nintendo Entertainment System, and Pokémon, as well as several solid colors.

Provided that you have a little extra room for the Switch to sit on your shelf, a slightly more complicated option involves leaving the Switch out of the dock entirely. By connecting an additional USB-C cable to both the dock and the Switch — and placing the Switch on a separate stand so its vents have enough room — the console can still project its image to a television and draw power as if it were sitting in the dock directly. It’s an imperfect solution that could lead to some disconnections, so we recommend experimenting with several cables in order to get a tight fit.

The most notorious of the Nintendo Switch’s issues thus far, disconnecting left Joy-Con controller, appears to be a fairly widespread problem. The Joy-Con can disconnect with the console, seemingly at random, which can be extra frustrating if it leads to being killed during a good run in Breath of the Wild . Squeezing the controller, placing it behind one’s back, and covering the front of it with a hand all appear to exacerbate the problem.

According to multiple reports and user teardowns, the problem appears to stem from Nintendo’s decision to put the left controller’s Bluetooth antenna inside the circuit board, rather than using a discrete component, which could be positioned optimally.

Nintendo hasn’t publicized it, but the manufacturer seems to have created a passable DIY hack for early adopters. After sending in a faulty Joy-Con to be repaired by Nintendo, CNET’s Sean Hollister discovered that a small piece of conductive foam was placed over the controller’s internal antenna. It seems too easy, but the simple addition reportedly fixed the controller’s synchronization problem.

Conductive foam, which helps to protect against interference, is relatively inexpensive , especially compared to the cost of a replacement Joy-Con controller . You only need a tiny square of the foam for the fix, so you can easily open up several Joy-Con controllers and apply the foam without having to buy more. Alternatively, you can contact Nintendo and send in the controller for repair. This issue has supposedly been resolved in later iterations of the Switch and Joy-Con controllers; however, those with the original version of the console could still experience some issues.

After leaving your Nintendo Switch running in its dock for an extended period of time, you may find that the system has actually warped or bent very slightly backward on one side. If the problem is severe enough, you could even encounter trouble attempting to remove it from or place it in the dock again.

To test whether or not your Switch has warped, take off both Joy-Con controllers and place the system screen-side down on a completely flat table. If it has warped at all, you will be able to rock it back and forth.

This particular issue doesn’t necessarily have any negative effect on your play experience, and we’ve seen some users report their Switch systems were slightly uneven out of the box. However, if the issue is bothering you, Nintendo is accepting the console for repairs.

The console’s casing cracks

It isn’t as widespread as some of the other issues users have faced with the Switch, but a number of people have still reported finding small cracks on the top of the console’s casing. Typically, the cracks are found near the game card slot or in the bars going across the top vents.

It isn’t clear what causes the cracks to form, but some of those affected claim that they have not treated their system particularly roughly, so it’s possible the issue is linked to the warping problems other users have encountered. If you’re traveling with the Switch in a backpack or purse, we suggest putting it into a sturdy carrying case, as well, as the plastic is remarkably soft for a portable system.

If cracks have formed in your Switch’s casing, your only real option will be to either live with it or, if it has grown worse or spread to other areas of the console, send it to Nintendo for repairs.

In addition to controller issues and problems related to the physical construction of the Nintendo Switch and its dock, a number of users have also experienced screen freezes, as well as horrible Switch seizures that cause the system to blare a high pitched squeal while lights flash faster than an ecstasy-fueled rave. Some users have also experienced temporary freezes that result in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild crashing, potentially losing their progress.

The only short-term solution that has worked thus far has been to do a “hard reset” of the Switch — holding down the power button for 15 seconds until it completely shuts down, then turning it back on. Though this fixes the issue briefly , affected Switch owners have claimed the issue returns shortly afterward and won’t even be fixed with a factory reset of the system .

Nintendo’s consoles carry a one-year warranty, and we would advise not wasting your time with do-it-yourself fixes for a problem this severe. Instead, contact the company to get a replacement unit sent out as quickly as possible. After spending $300 on a system in addition to games and accessories, you deserve to have it work as intended.

Dead pixels are annoying on any device, especially portable screens, where they tend to be the focus of all your attention, mocking you for wanting a screen free of imperfections. In the Nintendo Switch’s case, it only works to harm your immersion, but it’s also the only major issue thus far that cannot currently be solved.

Nintendo, on its support website, describes dead pixels as “a characteristic of LCD screens” and says that they should “not be considered a defect.” That means Nintendo will not be fixing them through warranty claims and that you could be stuck with your defective screen — and it is defective — for good.

As Eurogamer points out , however, the company did fix original DS systems over a decade ago that suffered from dead pixels, so it’s possible that Nintendo will reverse its stance at some point in the future.

Due to the horsepower Nintendo has managed to pack into the tiny Switch console, you’ll likely notice the battery life is short when you play the most graphically impressive games. After just a couple hours of handheld play in a game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Doom , the console will need to be recharged. As you likely have the AC adapter that came with your system hooked up to the dock, you either have to go behind your setup and remove it, let the Switch charge in the dock, or purchase a second AC adapter .

There is another option! Third-party accessories manufacturers have created their own Switch charging cases that allow you to play the system for more than twice as long as the standard battery would let you.

We’ve personally tested the SwitchCharge, which released in 2018 after a crowdfunding campaign. The charging case not only more than doubles the amount of time you can play the system on the go, but it also includes a much better kickstand and slots to hold two Switch cartridges. If you have a phone in need of a recharge, the SwitchCharge can even charge that, and you can recharge the case’s battery by plugging it into the Switch’s dock when not in use.

Another option is an external battery pack, like that you’d use for a smartphone or tablet. Be warned, however, that many batteries designed for smartphones don’t output enough juice to charge the Switch while you play it. You’ll see best results from battery packs that can dish out at least 18 watts of power. These packs use a USB Type-C standard called USB Type C with USB Power Delivery, or USB-PD. You’ll also need to keep this in mind when shopping for a backup or portable AC adapter.

More than two years into the console’s lifespan, an issue has begun popping up with surprising regularity: Joy-Con “drift.” The issue  occurs in the controllers’ analog sticks, which register movement when they are not being used — it’s an issue typically seen on worn controllers across various consoles, but it prevalence on the Switch is nearly unprecedented.

Until now, if your controllers started to act up, you’d have to try and fix it yourself, pay Nintendo to fix them, or replace them by buying entirely new controllers. However, Nintendo will reportedly repair Joy-Cons for free if you’re suffering from the issue.

Contact the Nintendo team using the information we listed in the table at the beginning of this article. If all goes well, you should be able to obtain replacement Joy-Cons without any problems. If you’re someone who has gone through the repair process previously for your Joy-Cons, it should be relatively easy for you to request a full refund from Nintendo.

One of the best parts about playing Switch games is how simply you can share your successes and accomplishments on your social media pages. Regrettably, a Facebook error often prevents direct posts from the Switch platform, creating a problematic host for sharing through this method. This error is known through the designation Error Code 2801-7180, and it has left far too many Switch users exasperated for months now while the Switch team works to find a solution. 

Nintendo has not solved this error just yet, leaving users waiting patiently (or not so much) for the issue to get the necessary fix. We suggest keeping a close eye on the Nintendo server status page that provides daily announcements on all identified dilemmas. This is where they will post the solution once they figure it out. Since this is an issue between Nintendo and Facebook, this is one obstacle that you can’t solve on your own.

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Like any other consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S aren't without issues. Even after several years on the market giving Microsoft time to push out updates and fixes, there are still some issues that can crop up.

In this guide, we're going to cover the most common Xbox Series X problems, as well as how to fix them, including:

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers vanished from the eShop in 2019, but they've since made a triumphant return. Though they won't be perfect for everyone, these vouchers are ideal for folks interested in playing multiple Switch games throughout the year and looking to save a few bucks on their purchase. After buying a voucher, you'll be able to browse an ever-growing selection of digital Switch games -- including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom -- and snag them at a discount.

Curious about the Nintendo Switch Game Voucher program? Here's everything you need to know about the unique program. How Nintendo Switch Vouchers work

Much like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the Nintendo Switch makes it easy to jump online and play with friends. The service, known simply as Nintendo Switch Online, has seen big changes over the years, and it now offers plenty more than access to online multiplayer. One of the biggest draws is its growing collection of games from N64, NES, and other iconic platforms -- making Nintendo Switch Online a great way to access the best titles from past generations.

Nintendo offers a few different options when it comes to paying for Nintendo Switch Online, with both individual accounts and family accounts up for grabs. From its library of retro games to a smartphone application and special offers, here's a complete look at Nintendo Switch Online. Individual/family subscription models

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The Best Nintendo Switch Games That Are Fun, Engaging, and Educational for Kids

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

It used to be that parents let kids play video games despite their assumptions that it would somehow turn them into mindless potatoes. But now we have evidence to the contrary—both from living through a pandemic and from studies that show gaming may actually give children a boost in cognitive development and impulse control . That means even the skeptics can begin to feel good about searching for the best Nintendo Switch games for kids .

Of course, we’re not suggesting that your 5-year-old take up the latest realistic war game. This is a safe and fun pastime only with certain parameters in place . One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch is that a great deal of the games developed for this portable device are appropriate for children .

We narrowed down the options for this list using the games’ ratings from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and considering their educational benefits and entertainment value . Then we got some hot tips from children and their parents. In addition, a pediatric psychologist on our Medical Review Board reviewed our article to ensure the quality and reliability of our content.

• Types of Games

There are too many different genres and subgenres of video games to list in this space, but if you’re not a gamer and are about to start shopping, you may want to familiarize yourself with some common terms used to describe them.

• Platform Game: The old-fashioned style of game, like Super Mario , where players move from one platform to the next in a set order, usually after they’ve completed certain tasks or defeated a “boss” (bad guy).
• Role-Playing Game (RPG): These are adventure games in which the player’s character is part of a story and gains power and abilities as they move through a world, often trying to complete some kind of quest. The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet fall into this category. Many of these games involve a lot of reading, so they can be difficult for younger kids to get into, but they also wind up encouraging kids to read more.
• First-Person Shooter (FPS): Exactly what it sounds like, a game in which the player sees everything through the eyes of their avatar and has to shoot enemies to survive. There are also third-person shooters, like Splatoon 3 , in which the player’s perspective is slightly removed from their avatar, and can see their whole body as they control it.
• Battle Royale: Games like Fortnite , in which every player has to fight for survival and kill their opponents, and the last person standing wins.
• Sandbox: This is a term for games like Minecraft and Animal Crossing , where the player has freedom and creative control, and there’s no set goal. There are consequences to their actions, but they can simply hang out, build, and interact with elements of the game in whatever way is most fun to them. 
• Open World: A style of adventure game in which players can move in any direction and do things in any order. Unlike sandbox games, an open world game may still have stories and goals, but they’re not necessarily linear. The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have open worlds.
• How We Selected

Our Experts

• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Family

Best overall, nintendo mario kart 8 deluxe.

Easy to play

Fun for multiple generations

Can be played by up to 12 online

Limited number of courses do grow old eventually

Just about anyone can take to the Mario Kart racetrack and enjoy themselves, from 5-year-olds just getting the hang of those motor skills to older siblings who’ve been at this for years, not to mention their parents who haven’t picked up a controller since their Gameboy days. The Joy-Con controller acts as your steering wheel through the outlandish racecourses where you compete against various characters from the Mario and Nintendo universe, collecting coins that increase your speed and blasting through blocks that contain power-ups that can be used for more speed or sabotaging the others on the course.

This game is great for kids because beginners can use smart steering , so they don’t have to be frustrated by veering off the track. But it won’t get boring later on because the latest Deluxe version offers so many levels and creative ways for experienced gamers to compete with each other. If you have additional controllers, up to eight players can race together locally . And if you have a Nintendo Switch Online account, up to 12 people can connect to compete . 

• ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
• Format: Digital and physical

Best for the Whole Family

Ubisoft just dance 2023.

Encourages physical activity

Great for groups

Allows private online multiplayer modes

Limited number of songs without subscription

Even non-gamers agree that Just Dance , in any iteration since the days of Wii, is a highly effective way to get the whole family (multiple generations included) to gather around , dance, compete, and wind up in a pile of giggles on the floor. Joy-Cons, with their wrist straps firmly attached , are your new dance partner as you follow the moves of your onscreen “coach,” choreographed to the hits of today mixed in with some select oldies. The scoring is based solely on what your right hand does, but it’s a whole lot more fun when you get into it and learn that fancy footwork, too. 

The 2023 edition has an updated look that’s been called more realistic, though we think it’s actually more cartoonish compared to the classic style that didn’t show the dancers’ faces. Another addition is a kind of story mode, a playlist with a vague plot woven into the dance videos . Really, most people are here to dance, though, and it becomes quite a workout . The best part about this for kids is that the competition doesn’t have to be the focus: You’ll have just as much fun earning a handful of points as you do getting thousands, no one is ever “out,” and there are no confusing buttons or commands involved . There are also songs with very easy choreography that allow beginners to get the hang of it .

Just Dance 2023, which is a digital-only game , comes with 44 songs , which you’ll be able to dance to while connected to the internet or if you’ve chosen to download all of the songs for offline play. With a Ubisoft account, you can also play along with strangers online or create private groups to compete with friends in their homes. To access more songs , you’ll also need a new Just Dance+ account (free trial month included, then $4 a month or $25 a year), and that will get you 150 songs to start, plus many more promised in the future.

• Format: Digital only

Best Creative

Mojang minecraft: nintendo switch edition.

Courtesy of Amazon

Encourages creativity

Nonviolent mode available

Requires problem-solving skills

Lack of goals/storyline isn’t for everyone

While many adults may scratch their heads wondering why kids find it more fun to build with virtual blocks of rock and metal than, say, building things in the real world, we can at least be happy that this game has some educational value. Players can mine and build in “creative” mode, meaning their characters face no real dangers in their pixelated world . Or they can play in survival mode , where they’ll have to create weapons and shelter to protect themselves from angry mobs. Either way, this game encourages creativity and problem-solving, and players gradually learn a lot about three-dimensional design . 

Minecraft is also available on various platforms beyond Nintendo Switch and in a number of variations, such as the  Dungeons Ultimate Edition . The game allows for multiplayer mode on the same Switch, or you can sign up for a Microsoft account to connect to friends elsewhere and play with them.

• ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for fantasy violence and interactive options)

Best Non-Competitive

Animal crossing: new horizons.

Family-friendly

Teaches about animals and plants

Safe multiplayer mode

Requires a lot of reading 

Animal Crossing allows for a friendlier—not to mention rounder —type of world building than Minecraft. Players get to craft their own island from scratch , doing everything from building homes and planting gardens to designing textiles. You can interact with the happy animal residents within the game, as well as with up to four players locally. With a connection to Nintendo Switch Online, you can also connect to other players and visit their islands—but only by sharing a special individual code , so no kids will be accidentally visiting with strangers. This game has been around for decades, but New Horizons really gained fame in the early days of the pandemic, when adults were using it as much as their kids were to escape the confines of their homes. 

Rachel, a mom of two, shares that New Horizons has had a benefit far beyond escapism for her eldest daughter Lucy, who is 8 now. “I got the newest Animal Crossing before Lucy could read, and she would watch me play,” Rachel says. “I told her I would make a character for her once she could read, so she could play it on her own, and that was actually a big motivator for her to learn to read. She’s picked up the bug and fish species so well that she was able to correctly identify a beetle to a park ranger once, just from her knowledge from the game.”

Best for Soccer Fans

Ea sports fifa 23 - nintendo switch.

Amazingly realistic graphics

Multiple modes to play

Includes women’s teams

Similar gameplay from previous editions

Soccer fans familiar with the FIFA Switch games will notice some fun and exciting cosmetic updates to this year’s competition. The amazingly realistic graphics showcase this year's latest soccer kits, clubs, teams, and players . Also new this year–the game includes some of the top women’s teams and showcases some of the world’s most famous stadiums . The graphics are so good that you’ll almost feel like you are watching a live game. 

The gameplay stays the same as in previous editions, but players have many more options. We love that there are both single-player and multiplayer options , so this game is fun alone or with a buddy. Online, gamers can play with two to eight others. Along with standard soccer games, there are squad-building challenges, tournaments, skills games, and more. For soccer fans, the updated teams and familiar tasks are likely a fun update.

• ESRB Rating : E (Everyone)

Best for Mario Fans

Nintendo super mario bros. wonder.

Familiar characters

Options for beginners

Online play with up to 12 players

Limited characters

Fans of Mario and Luigi will love getting the gang back together to play this new game. A classic “side-scrolling” game , this new version will be familiar until players interact with the Wonder Flowers that cause game-changing excitement. We love that this game takes all the familiar characters that players love and still can add challenges and twists to the gameplay. 

Besides loving the familiar cast, we appreciate the array of options with this game. Beginners can be Yoshis or Nabbit, characters that won’t transform but can’t get damaged . More advanced players will love the Power Up options that’ll mix things up, including an all-new Elephant Mario and his mighty trunk. Play at home with up to four players or go online, and the online gameplay opens up to 12 players at a time. 

Best for Kids 6 Years Old and Younger

Nintendo switch pokémon snap.

Appropriate for younger kids

Easy to learn

Encourages exploration

Not very challenging

Rather than letting very young kids play shoot-’em-up style video games, you can let them enjoy the satisfaction of pointing and shooting virtual cameras. The object of this game (which originated on Nintendo 64) is to “snap” images of the Pokémon critters they encounter while exploring various worlds, gradually creating their own Photodex collection. Each image is then scored based on the rarity of the Pokémon behavior they captured. 

Anthony Bean, PhD, a Texas-based licensed clinical depth psychologist who works with gamers, says that the best Nintendo games for kids ages 6 and under are “ cartoon-styled games that can help them to bring a sense of accomplishment but [are] not heavily competitive.” Based on the praise we’ve heard from young kids, New Pokémon Snap fits the bill.

Best for Kids 8 Years Old and Up

Nintendo kirby and the forgotten land.

Requires strategic thinking

Violence is not graphic

Involves shooting and explosions

Another character with his origins in the ‘90s, Kirby is a delightful alien blob who also happens to be a pretty effective hero—mostly because he can inhale other creatures and inanimate objects like cars to take on their powers. In his latest adventure, his home, Dream Land, has been sucked into a dystopian world where the mean Beast Pack has kidnapped Dream Land’s innocent little Waddle Dees.

Players move Kirby through various levels trying to find their way around, rescue Waddle Dees, and obtain the powers necessary to battle the Beast Pack. This is all about problem-solving , with some slightly violent elements but nothing too scary for elementary school-age kids.

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for cartoon violence)

Best for Active Kids

Nintendo switch sports.

Gets players off the couch

Fun for groups

Online multiplayer mode gets competitive

Not a replacement for real sports

If you ever played Nintendo’s Wii Sports back in the day, you already know how much fun this hybrid of real-life motion and virtual sports can be. Players hold the Joy-Cons (with those wrist straps on, for the safety of everyone and their TVs) and swing them around to control their on-screen avatars competing in tennis, badminton, bowling, soccer, volleyball, golf, and chambara (a type of sword fighting). The movements are simple enough to pick up after some in-game instructions, but it will take some time to master them—which is a good thing for gamers who need a little challenge.

Though you can play any of these games alone, they’re a lot more fun with a group . Friends or family can either compete against each other (one-on-one or four against four) or team up against strangers in online multiplayer mode (Nintendo Switch Online membership required). For soccer games, the physical version of the game comes with a strap to attach a Joy-Con to your thigh for shoot-out modes, but most of the other motions are still controlled by your hands.

By no means is this sort of game supposed to take the place of real sports and other forms of physical activity kids need, but it does get players off the couch. “Some activity indoors is better than nothing,” Dr. Garbi tells us of the more active Nintendo games. “And even though it's screen time, they can be fun and good for exercise.”

• ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for mild violence, in-game purchasing, interactions with other gamers)

Best Problem-Solving

Nintendo switch pikmin 4.

The tutorial teaches how to play

Tutorials may be time-consuming for returning players

Pikman are small and versatile plant-like creatures, and this game challenges players to grow, gather, and guide these little guys on an expedition . In this 4th version of the popular game, experienced players will appreciate the new features, while newbies will have no issue jumping right in. The non-violent game has an extensive tutorial to teach new players how to play. Newbies will appreciate the education, but it could be time-consuming for returning players. 

Once gameplay begins, there are a few ways to play . The ongoing expedition challenges the skills and attributes of your various Pikman. Players can also participate in battles against other characters in the game or with friends on the system, leading to multiple stages as your expedition story proceeds. If it sounds confusing, that’s why the game is recommended for 10-year-olds and up, but older kids should have no issues jumping right in and playing this nonviolent problem-solving game. 

• ESRB Rating: E 10+

Best for Young Collectors

Nintendo pokémon scarlet.

Open world encourages exploration

Requires strategy

Appeals to Pokémon fans

Many glitches found in game

The newest Pokémon role-playing game (RPG) has the traditional elements of catching, training, and battling Pokémon, plus the extra adventure of exploring the land of Paldea, taking unexpected detours, and even having impromptu picnics along the way. Unlike previous games, which required players to complete levels in order, this latest one is an open world, so you can choose to go wherever you want, whenever you want .

The differences between Scarlet and Violet (sold separately for $60 or together for $120 ) are going to seem minimal to anyone uninitiated in the Pokémon universe. You’ll get different exclusive Pokémon in each game, and the appearance of Paldea is different, with Scarlet looking old-timey and Violet in a futuristic setting. (Check with your kid before buying one or the other if they seem to be picky about this sort of thing.) But the gameplay is essentially identical: Travel through the land and collect Pokémon that you’ll send into battle on the road or in a gym . You’ll earn money to buy ingredients for picnics (and those meals, along with potions and other objects, help heal the Pokémon) and to customize your avatar. Eventually, you’ll make your way to the academy, where you’ll take your training to the next level with classes.

While this may feel like a very solitary game, there is a multiplayer option, which two to four players can engage in either locally or online with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. 

• ESRB Rating: E (some mild cartoon violence, in-game purchases, and interactions with other gamers)

Best Nonviolent Battles

Nintendo splatoon 3.

Replaces guns with painting tools

Safe online multiplayer competition

Many opportunities for personalizing

Long dialogue and cutscenes 

Many of us are determined to keep every kind of toy gun out of our kids’ hands, even the virtual kind that’s always been so prevalent in gaming. And yet, how do we fulfill children’s seemingly inherent desire to aim at things and shoot them? “Splatoon” manages to come up with a very satisfying alternative, as the object of the game is to paint—shooting, rolling, and squirting swaths of color across the ground and walls as your human-squid/octopus avatar. Instead of bloody battles, you have a riot of color to show for your efforts.

“Splatoon 3” has an offline story-driven game in which you use your inky skills to help fight an underground crime network that has stolen Splatville’s Great Zapfish, which powers the town. But you can also choose to skip the story and go straight to battles and turf wars. In these, you’ll team up in real-time with other players (with a Switch Online membership) and compete to cover the most ground with your team’s ink color. The battles last only three exhilarating minutes , which is very convenient for parents who have heard a whole lot of, “Let me just finish this level,” every time we say gaming time is up.

As a reward for your hard work, you can use experience points to purchase new outfits as well as new painting tools. Often in these games, we’ve found that kids’ absolute favorite thing to do is customize the look of their avatars, sometimes spending as much time fiddling with them as they do in any actual gameplay. 

• ESRB Rating: E 10+ (cartoon violence, in-game purchases, user interaction)

Best for Solo Play

Ubisoft mario + rabbids sparks of hope.

Combines strategy and storytelling

Players control multiple characters

Visually appealing

Kids may grow impatient with long cutscenes

To many parents, the descriptions of games like this can sound like pure gibberish: Mario and Luigi team up with Rabbids (rabbit-human-type creatures that are dressed like Mario characters, including Mario, Luigi, and Peach), Sparks (which are Rabbids mixed with a star-like creature called Luma, from the Mario galaxy), and a couple of very smart robots to save the universe from an evil force called Cursa that keeps spreading oozing moodiness called the Darkmess everywhere it goes. What this really means is that this is a game involving strategy and storytelling .

There are a whole lot of animated cutscenes and speeches players need to read and watch to understand this whole plot , but when it comes time to play, what you’re actually doing is figuring out which three characters to place into battle based on their different strengths and weaponry. Then it’s all about taking aim at the enemy with the knowledge that once you shoot, you’re paralyzed and potentially vulnerable to attack as the enemy takes their turn. 

• ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for cartoon violence, in-game purchasing)

Best Open-World Adventure

Nintendo switch the legend of zelda: tears of the kingdom.

Stunning graphics

Players design their game path

Encourages creative problem-solving

Lack of guidance may frustrate younger players

A sequel to Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , this expanded open-world adventure game takes us back to Hyrule but features new spaces (The Great Sky and The Depths), abilities, devices, and resources, which Link can use to build contraptions and solve puzzles . The ultimate goal is to prevent the Demon King from destroying the world. In the process, players learn about exploration and experimentation . It helps to have some familiarity with the previous Zelda games, but it’s not a necessity.

Everything about this game is beautiful , but it can be very frustrating for younger players, so it's best for kids 10 years old and up . Nate, who had saved up his allowance money to buy a previous version of this game, wound up giving up after a couple of weeks. It’s a good one for an older tween or teen to work up to—and for their parents to borrow when they’re done. The game takes hours—it’s best to be aware before you begin—, but it’s reassuring that players design their own game path , so there’s not just one way to beat this game. Fans of Zelda will enjoy many of the new game functions that keep the game exciting and fresh while maintaining familiarity.

• ESRB Rating: E 10+ (for mild suggestive themes and fantasy violence)

Best Social Game

Epic games fortnite gift card.

Players can team up with friends online

Free to download

In-app spending encouraged

While we are loath to recommend a violent game full of non-stop gun battles, we also know that for gaming tweens and teens, these inevitably become a dominant genre. If the kid you’re shopping for is heading in this direction, you may as well steer them toward something that requires strategic thinking and teamwork rather than mindless shooting . The battle royale-style game means players are competing against others (up to 100 players in each battle) to be the last person standing. You can play solo or team up with friends virtually. You’re dropped from a flying bus into a city-turned-battlefield and then must immediately find weapons. There’s also a Minecraft element to this game because you need to mine your surroundings and build structures while fighting to survive . 

The game is free to download and play but then requires in-game purchases (using something called Vbucks) for new skins (your avatar’s appearance), specialized gliders, pickaxes, and dance moves. And these customizations often wind up being kids’ absolute favorite part of the game. 

• ESRB Rating: T for teens (for violence, in-game purchases, and user interaction)

Best for Two Players

Electronic arts it takes two.

Imaginative storyline

Cooperative play

Beautiful graphics

Subject may be too mature for some

Can’t play solo

As the title suggests, this is a game that requires the cooperation of two players, and that’s what makes it as fascinating as it is challenging for older kids, teens, and adults . The premise reads like an ‘80s movie: A little girl named Rose sees her parents, Cody and May, fighting and planning a divorce, and somehow, she turns them into miniature doll versions of themselves. Now, Cody and May have to work together to survive their suddenly hazardous house under the guidance of a marriage counselor who is a literal “Book of Love.”

We don’t think many tweens and teens would jump at the idea of learning about how to mend the long-term relationships of middle-aged folks, but when that involves blasting wasps with special sap guns developed by squirrels or swinging through obstacles with the help of giant magnets, it’s much more appealing. In fact, this is an exciting and magical adventure that’s filled with little puzzles and beautiful scenes . 

If you’re considering this for a kid who doesn’t have a sibling old enough to play along, It Takes Two has a very special bonus: You can invite another player to join you free with a “friend pass” and play online together or side by side.

• ESRB Rating: T for teens (for animated blood, comic mischief, fantasy violence, language, and some user interaction)

How We Selected the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

We looked at the many, many games available for this kid-friendly console and then narrowed down the list by looking at their ESRB ratings as well as competitor reviews. We asked all the young gamers we know for their recommendations, interviewing several of them for their expert insight. We sat down with publicists from Nintendo and a handful of gaming publishers to learn about the very latest releases, which we tried out, too. We also spoke to experts and asked them for tips and recommendations for finding the best and most appropriate games for kids

• Lyndsey Garbi, MD , chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics and pediatrician at Northwell Health in New York.
• Anthony Bean, PhD , Texas-based licensed clinical depth psychologist who works with gamers and author of Checkpoints and Autosaves: Parenting Geeks to Thrive in the Age of Geekdom .

What to Look for in Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

• Age Level: This is not just about whether a game is violent—which we’ll get to below—but about whether the game is easy enough, but not too easy, for a child to play. “The elements that make any game fun and engaging are easy-to-learn controls, based learning which helps to allow the player to acquire a sense of accomplishment, and playing with parents,” says Bean. “Elements that should be avoided are tasks that are not developmentally appropriate for the child... I would not put a 3-year-old in a game where you have to have high reflexes to continue on, but an easy matching game that is more their speed.” You may have to do a bit of trial and error to find the games that engage your child the most, but don’t worry too much if a game is frustrating for them at first. Bean says that some frustration is good for kids “to develop abilities to manage themselves appropriately, and this is a key indicator for any child to continue to grow [by] failing in a safe space.”
• ESRB Rating: The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has given adults the best tool for judging whether a video game is appropriate for children.  Though it’s technically a voluntary system, all gaming console companies require games to have an ESRB rating to be licensed for their systems, so you won’t be able to buy a game without a rating. The board judges games based on whether they contain elements of concern, such as violence, blood/gore, substance use, sexual themes, and gambling. It also takes into account interactive elements, including whether players are encouraged or required to make in-app purchases, whether the game might share their location, and whether they might wind up interacting with other players remotely, resulting in exposure to uncensored content or communication. The ratings range from E for Everyone up to A for Adults Only (18 and up). All the games listed here are E, E 10+, or T for Teens.
• Violence: We wish we could tell you precisely how much, if any,  violence in video games  is okay for your kid. But the truth is, there are still no hard and fast rules, and everything will be based on the individual. “Studies have shown that violent video games can increase a person's aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. However, it's debatable whether this correlates with real-world violence,” says Dr. Garbi. You’ll have to judge what’s best for your family and your values, and consider having ongoing conversations with your child about the kind of violence that’s occurring in games, whether they’re allowed to play them or they’re wondering why you’re banning something their friends are playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Video games are not inherently good or bad for children. Though gaming disorder is a real condition recognized by psychologists, there is no reason to expect that all gaming leads to addiction, especially since only about 1% to 3% or less of the global population has it. Parents and caregivers should only be concerned “when video games take over other regular kid things such as spending time with friends or other hobbies,” Dr. Garbi says. 

Bean also says that the fear that all gamers’ mental health eventually suffers because they lack personal interactions has been overblown. “While many will continue to believe this in order to push a narrative that is built on stigma and lack of evidence-based understanding, there was a study released [recently] from Oxford that was able to prove that claim wrong,” he says.

We are not going to tell you that kids who are X years old should play for only X amount of hours because the information from experts is constantly changing and showing that an individual approach is far more beneficial.

“Video games and screen time are naturally addictive , so limits should be set, game consoles should be kept in common areas, and parents should make sure they know what games their kids are playing,” Dr. Garbi says. 

Bean echoes the American Academy of Pediatrics' advice to create a Family Media Plan in which all members of the household agree to certain rules and limits for their media usage. 

“The best answer we can provide when working with families about screen time is to establish what works best for your family dynamics,” he says. “Having a conversation about limits and encouraging the child to be a part of the conversation is exceptionally important. Children and adolescents require guidance and nurturing, of course, but encouraging the child to be a part of the conversation allows them to have a lasting impact and begins their participation in the concept of setting their own limits.”

When creating a media plan, Bean suggests that parents explain the reasons behind rules, establish negative and positive consequences for them, lead by example, and remain flexible and open to bending or changing the rules when necessary.

Sabrina Rojas Weiss is the senior commerce editor for Verywell Family and Parents.com. She’s been a parenting and lifestyle editor and writer for nine years, following an earlier career as an entertainment journalist. She finally got her son a Nintendo Switch for his ninth birthday, leading to a whole lot of heated, hilarious family games of Mario Kart and Just Dance .

Calvert SL, Appelbaum M, Dodge KA, et al. The American Psychological Association Task Force assessment of violent video games: Science in the service of public interest . Am Psychol . 2017;72(2):126-143. doi:10.1037/a0040413

Kim HS, Son G, Roh EB, et al. Prevalence of gaming disorder: A meta-analysis . Addict Behav . 2022;126:107183. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107183

Vuorre M, Johannes N, Magnusson K, Przybylski AK. Time spent playing video games is unlikely to impact well-being . R Soc Open Sci . 2022;9(7):220411. Published 2022 Jul 27. doi:10.1098/rsos.220411

By Sabrina Rojas Weiss Senior commerce editor Sabrina Rojas Weiss loves to disappear down a rabbit hole for the greater good, whether that means reading medical journals or shopping for rain boots. She’s written and edited for Parents, People, SheKnows, Yahoo, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, MTV News, and more.

Take the plunge in games with swimming

Looking to dive into some watery fun? In these Nintendo Switch™ games, you can swim in bodies of water or explore the beautiful serenity of the underwater depths. Whether you want to dip your toes and relax or quench your thirst for adventure, we’ve got you covered!

For a deeper delve, you can find more games to splash into here .

Endless Ocean™ Luminous

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the sea. In this game, you’ll explore a mysterious underwater region called the Veiled Sea. Soak up the chill vibes as you scan and learn about marine life, including some interesting creatures thought to be extinct…or mere myth.

Animal Crossing™: New Horizons

When you create your own dream paradise on a deserted island, you get to enjoy island life however you please. That includes lounging on the beach in all seasons and—you guessed it—taking a dip in the ocean. As you leisurely swim around your island, you can dive near bubbles to catch and collect cool creatures.

Super Mario Odyssey™

As Mario, you’ll travel to lots of cool locales in this game, some of which feature water to traverse. On your journey, you may find yourself swimming over and under water to scoop up coins, collect Power Moons, and even step into the fins of a Cheep Cheep.

The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom

Adventuring in Hyrule involves soaring through the skies, climbing mountains, and swimming across rivers, lakes, and seas. The waters of Hyrule are brimming with things to discover, such as sunken treasure chests, fish to catch and cook, and Lizalfos to fend off. And with the Zora Armor Set equipped, you’ll be able to shoot through the water and even climb waterfalls!

Princess Peach™: Showtime!

As Peach, you’ll power up with several showstopping transformations, including the sensational Mermaid Peach! This transformation gives you the ability to swim through an underwater-themed stage with a flash of your tail. Plus, you’ll be able to use the power of song to guide nearby schools of fish to help them solve puzzles.