Nintendo is known as a family-friendly gaming console. You can find mature content and subtle options that kids can engage in without exposure to too much violence. So, if you have a toddler, you might ask yourself if there are Switch games for 3-year-olds or children of a similar age.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best video games for 3-year-olds on Switch. We’ll also discuss whether the Nintendo Switch is easy to use for kids. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!
Can a 3-Year-Old Play Nintendo Switch?
Yes, a 3-year-old can play Nintendo Switch. The console is age-inclusive and suitable even for younger players. Some Nintendo games are suitable for everyone according to ESRB rating, and others rated PEGI 3-7, meaning the game content is suitable for ages 3 and up.
Additionally, most games on Switch are easy to learn, and kids can use their intuition to master the gameplay. However, before picking Switch games for 3-year-olds, consider the Nintendo rating and description found on a website.
For physical copies, check the back of the game packaging.
Learn more about the Parental Controls system from Nintendo.
9 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 3-Year-Olds
Let’s look at some of the top Switch games for younger kids.
1. My Friend Peppa Pig
Price: $39.99
Category: Learning, Adventure
Skills it develops: Creativity, Reading, Co-ordination
This game is based on Peppa Pig, one of the most successful children’s shows. In the game, players must help Peppa make decisions in her daily activities or as she sets off for adventures.
Children join the world of Peppa as an animal character of their choosing. Apart from exploring, players are also required to solve simple puzzles that are easy to navigate, thanks to verbal instructions.
2. Bluey: The Videogame
Price: $39.99
Category: Adventure, Action
Skills it develops: Focus, Coordination, Problem-solving
Bluey is based on the popular show about an Australian blue heeler cattle dog. In this Switch video game, players join Bluey and her family in four different adventure settings. For the first time, players can explore the iconic Heeler house, creek, playground, and beach.
It also features a multiplayer mode where children can play with others. In addition to going on adventures, there are plenty of collectibles for kids to gather.
3. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Price: $59.99
Category: Platformer, Action, Adventure
Skills it develops: Creativity, Focus
Yoshi first debuted in Super Mario World but has since become a very popular character in the gaming world. In the Switch game Yoshi Crafted World, players dress this green adorable dinosaur in different costumes and go on adventures to collect items.
The game is similar to Super Mario games, with levels across various theme worlds. The best part is these levels can be played backward, thus giving players a new perspective.
Are these games included in the Nintendo Switch when you buy it? Find out here!
4. Little Friends: Dogs & Cats
Price: $49.99
Category: Simulation, Lifestyle
Skills it develops: Responsibility, Accountability
Little Friends: Dogs & Cats is a game where kids care for a virtual dog or cat. Players can dress, pet, name, and even take their little furry friends for walks in the game. There are 6 dog and 3 cat breeds to choose from.
This is a good option for children who want a pet but aren’t old enough to care for one. It is generally pretty similar to Nintendogs.
5. Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Price: $29.99
Category: Action, Platformer
Skills it develops: Focus, Problem-solving
This game is derived from the kid’s animated series PAW Patrol. Seven puppies gain superpowers in the game after a fallen meteor hits Adventure Bay and leaves it a mess. They are now tasked with using their powers to save the town.
Kids can play as different characters on the 7 various superheroic missions. There are also 7 other mini-games to explore.
6. Pokemon Cafe Mix
Price: Free
Category: Puzzle
Skills it develops: Responsibility
Pokemon Cafe Mix is a puzzle game where players deliver recipes to customers. Each recipe is an icon puzzle. Gathering enough icons enables players to make a dish for their patrons.
Cafe Mix is about fostering friendships and relying on friends to solve puzzles. And, on the brighter side, it is free to download!
When getting games for your Nintendo Switch, it’s important to know whether Switch games are region-locked. Find out more about Nintendo’s region restrictions in this article.
7. Race With Ryan
Price: $24.99
Category: Racing
Skills it develops: Coordination, Focus
As the name suggests, this is a racing game where the player heads to six different locations as Ryan. The goal is to collect mystery eggs scattered on different tracks with secret pathways.
Race with Ryan has a simple gameplay based on Mario Kart. Most people complain its graphics are substandard and consist of nonexistent animations. But these simplistic features are what make the game ideal for younger audiences.
8. Coloring Book
Price: Free, $4.99 or $6.99
Category: Educational, Simulation, Utility, Training
Skills it develops: Coloring, Writing, Coordination
This is one of the best Nintendo Switch learning games for 3-year-olds. The Coloring Book game includes 62 drawings and 18 whiteboards for your kid to showcase their coloring skills.
The game is quite straightforward. A player selects an area, and it automatically fills with color without straying outside the lines.
There is a palette of 130 colors; up to 4 players can color at once. The basic game is free, but you can spend a little extra to access the complete bundle for kids.
9. Suika Game
Price: $2.99
Category: Puzzle, Party
Skills it develops: Problem-Solving, Coordination
Suika is a fruit puzzle game in which two fruits combine to form another. For example, two strawberries merge to make a grape. The goal is to survive as long as possible before your screen is dominated and the cup overflows.
The game has very cute and colorful graphics, making it more appealing to kids. As the game continues, your child will learn how to balance and work with the physics in the game, which builds their coordination skills.
Do Educational Switch Games Help Kids Learn?
Yes, educational Switch games help kids learn. Nintendo Switch learning games for 3-year-olds can encourage your child to develop a love of learning and view it as a fun activity. The games may also boost concentration and attention, which are essential for learning.
Educational games for Nintendo Switch can also assist kids in building skills such as problem-solving and collaboration, which are beneficial to their lives. However, moderation is important to prevent interference with physical activities.
Discover Nintendo’s 5-in-1 educational and learning bundle for kids or this other educational games pack.
Is Nintendo Switch Easy to Use for Kids?
Yes, Nintendo Switch is easy to use for kids. The console’s joy cons are suited for smaller hands. It is also portable and easy to use. The Switch Lite is very lightweight and designed to be a handheld console. Switch games for 3-year-olds also have engaging themes and child-friendly visuals.
Switch games for younger kids have simple controls and instructions, allowing children to explore the game at their own pace.
Learn more about kids’ options from Nintendo Switch.
There Is Something for Everyone on Switch!
Nintendo is an all-inclusive console. Therefore, there are plenty of Switch games for 3-year-olds. Whether you are looking for adventure, action, or educational games, there are plenty of options with famous names like Bluey.
Most of the games listed above are rated 3+. Hence, they also fall under the best Switch games for 5-year-olds category.
