Ever since Nintendo Switch popped up in 2017, they have made a name for themselves as the most popular handheld gaming console among gamers of all ages. Thanks to their easy-to-use controls and a massive library of games, you can have fun playing Switch whether you are 4, 40, or even 80 years old!
If you want to introduce your 4-year-old to the wondrous world of video games, Switch is the way to go, as it supports many games designed with preschoolers in mind.
When choosing Nintendo Switch games for 4-year-olds, look for games with simple controls, basic gameplay, bright colors and friendly characters. Before deciding, think about whether you want something your little one can play alone or something you’ll play together. If you want them to be able to play by themselves, look for games explicitly aimed at young kids that don’t require any reading!
In the list below, we’ve got games for kids new to the Switch, games for little pro gamers and everything in between. Will it be heroic pups, speedy plumbers or mischievous geese? That’s for you to decide!
The Top 3 Nintendo Switch Games for 4-Year-Olds
If you’re short on time, we’re pretty confident any of the above 3 picks will go down a treat.
However, if you have a few minutes, check out our full list of Nintendo Switch games for 4-year-olds below. We’ve provided a short review of each game so you can find the one that will suit your mini-gamer best!
Best Platform / Jump ‘n Run Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 🧩 Problem solving 👌 Hand-eye coordination 👁️ Reading |
1. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Up to four players can play this classic platforming game, making it perfect for playing as a family, though kids should be able to play by themselves after some practice. The game offers five playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Toad, Toadette and Nabbit. Nabbit is unique in that he doesn’t take damage from enemies, which makes him a great character for little ones!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Like all Super Mario games, there’s a lot of content here: 164 courses plus an extra Super Luigi U game! While the game is simple, the graphics are always fun, and kids will love gobbling up those gold coins.
What We Love:
❤️ The controls are easy to learn
❤️ Includes a “cheat” character who doesn’t take damage from enemies
❤️ Works smoothly and accommodates up to 4 players
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Some of the levels may be too challenging
💔 You can only save the game once on each level
2. New Super Lucky’s Tale
Whether your kid loves foxes or animals in general, they will love the cute and energetic Lucky! New Super Lucky’s Tale is a platforming game, but it’s more than that — there are lots of puzzles to solve, mini-games to play and foes to battle along the way. The gameplay should be intuitive enough for most kids, though they may need some help in the later levels.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
This game feels like a lucky packet sometimes, with all the collectibles to gather, secrets to discover and costumes to wear. The characters and exciting 3D world will utterly enchant kids!
What We Love:
❤️ Fun storyline and intuitive gameplay
❤️ Loads of fun extra content like puzzles and mini-games
❤️ Great soundtrack and colorful graphics
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The advanced levels are a lot harder than the earlier levels
💔 Requires quite a bit of reading
3. Ryan’s Rescue Squad
Ryan’s Rescue Squad is a super entertaining game for little ones, whether they are fans of Ryan’s world or not. It is also a good game for Switch beginners, as it is easy to learn and remains simple throughout. But that doesn’t mean it is boring – the cute characters, colorful world and ridiculous monsters make it a hoot!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
This game is fun to play in both single-player and co-op modes, and there are many mini-games to try out. There are also loads of characters to play and fantastic costumes to unlock as you gain points!
What We Love:
❤️ Easy for young children to learn
❤️ Cute characters and fun, silly monsters
❤️ Entertaining whether kids are fans of Ryan’s World or not
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There are only 20 levels so kids may finish the game very quickly
💔 Gameplay is a bit generic
| 💡 Is your little one more of a PJ Masks than a Ryan’s World fan? Luckily, PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night is just as fun, kid-friendly and affordable! |
Best Puzzle & Strategy Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 🧩 Problem solving 👌 Hand-eye coordination 👁️ Reading |
4. Game Builder Garage
This game will be too advanced for many 4-year-olds, but we decided to include it for the kids who take naturally to all things gaming and technology. Game Builder Garage isn’t a game per se but a way to build your games from scratch! It teaches kids the basics of coding in a fun and easy-to-understand way so they can program their very own games with some help.
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
With Game Builder Garage, the possibilities of what you can create are endless. The games are programmed through quirky characters called Nodon, making them a more interactive and human experience!
What We Love:
❤️ Teaches kids the basics of coding
❤️ You can make your own games or play games that others have made
❤️ Lots of fun for creative kids and parents
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need to find codes online to play others’ games
💔 Many 4-year-olds will find it too difficult to follow the lessons
5. Spirit of The North
If your kiddo isn’t that interested in goal-directed games but prefers simply exploring a virtual world, Spirit of the North could be perfect for them. You play as a fox in an icy and mysterious winter wonderland in this game. There isn’t a lot of guidance – it is more about exploring at your own pace and completing puzzles and challenges as you find them.
| Recommended age: 5 years and above |
The fantastic soundtrack and enchanting environment add to the atmosphere of this game. It is lots of fun to work together to solve the puzzles and you will learn about Nordic folklore along the way!
What We Love:
❤️ Beautiful music and imagery
❤️ There is no combat and you can go at your own pace
❤️ Fun to solve puzzles and challenges as a family
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There isn’t a lot of direction or guidance
💔 The controls are not very precise
6. Minecraft
While Minecraft is rated as 7+, 4-year-olds with some gaming experience can have a lot of fun with it if they have someone to help them. You can play in creative or survival mode, but we recommend creative mode for young kids. In this mode, the game is essentially a virtual sandbox where kids can experiment with putting blocks together however they choose!
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
The great thing about Minecraft is it isn’t a game they will run through in weeks. Kids may continue playing for years, building increasingly complex structures and later discovering the challenge of survival mode!
What We Love:
❤️ Multiplayer mode works great, so parents can help
❤️ Intuitive gameplay and controls
❤️ Unlimited freedom to explore and be creative
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You need a Microsoft account to unlock features
💔 It can be a bit scary for young kids
Best Action & Adventure Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 🧩 Problem solving 👌 Hand-eye coordination 👁️ Reading |
7. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is a captivating game for young kids and older folks alike, as it takes place exclusively in a highly detailed hand-crafted world of felt, cardboard and paper cutouts. Each level has so much to do and explore; once you’re finished, you can make your way through each stage backward too! Kids will love getting sucked into Yoshi’s world and battling bizarre enemies.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Regarding kid-friendliness, this game is excellent as it offers a lot of guidance, and you can tweak the difficulty level to make it easier for little ones.
What We Love:
❤️ Offers quite a bit of advice and a range of difficulty levels
❤️ The crafted world is amazingly detailed
❤️ There is so much to see and do
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The learning curve may be too steep for some kids
💔 The soundtrack is quite a repetitive
| 💡 If your 4-year-old loved Yoshi’s Crafted World, they are sure to love Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze too as it is just as action-packed and entertaining! |
8. Yooka-Laylee: The Impossible Lair
This game offers a range of difficulty levels, so kids can start on the most accessible level and try more challenging modes as they age. Whatever mode you’re on, this adventure game cum platformer is an absolute blast! The environment is colorful and full of fun surprises; there is so much to explore and discover.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Yooka-Laylee: The Impossible Lair has a storyline to captivate children and a lot of humor packed in along the way. While they may need some help in the later levels, they will love exploring the 3D overworld and attempting the different challenges.
What We Love:
❤️ Offers a wide range of difficulty levels
❤️ Lots to explore, find and unlock
❤️ Fun storyline with humor kids will enjoy
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It does not have a multiplayer mode
💔 The final level will be too challenging for most 4-year-olds
9. PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay!
If your kiddo loves PAW Patrol, this game is an absolute must-buy. It is designed with young children in mind, so it has simple controls, provides a lot of guidance and doesn’t require any reading. Kids will love playing as their favorite pup and enter Adventure Bay to complete seven heroic missions!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
In addition to the main missions, there are seven fun mini-games that kids can play repeatedly. Whether kids play alone or with a friend or parent, they will love using the pups’ mighty powers to save the day!
What We Love:
❤️ Easy enough for young kids to play by themselves
❤️ Provides a lot of guidance and recites the instructions aloud
❤️ Kids can play as their favorite character and complete fun missions
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The loading time is pretty long
💔 It only has 7 levels to complete
10. LOL Surprise! Movie Night
Does your kiddo have a LOL Surprise doll? If so, they will jump at the chance to enter the world of these cute dolls and customize their own LOL Surprise movie star. Whether it is rising through the ranks of stardom, completing mini-games or simply living a glam lifestyle, it’s hard to run out of things to do here!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
In keeping with the Movie Night theme, kids can memorize lines, play in movies filmed at L.O.L.Ville Studios, decorate their home and glam up with the latest fashions. The more you play, the more pretty items you unlock!
What We Love:
❤️ Mostly easy enough for young kids
❤️ Fun theme and adorable graphics
❤️ Includes a great variety of in-game activities and mini-games
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Requires some reading
💔 No multiplayer option
Best Role-Playing Games (RPG)
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 🧩 Problem solving 👌 Decision making 👁️ Reading |
11. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
If you’re looking for a Pokemon game that is simple enough for 4-year-olds, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is an excellent place to start. It may be too challenging for some kids, but the gameplay is pretty intuitive. This is a fantastic game for adults and kids to play together, as all ages can enjoy building a Pokedex, exploring the Sinnoh Region and battling enemy Pokemon!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
The storyline of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is excellently done and there is so much for players to discover. Grown-ups who remember this game from years ago will find many new features.
What We Love:
❤️ Lots to explore and many ways to play
❤️ Excellent storyline and fairly intuitive gameplay
❤️ Great fun for kids and adults to play together
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Too challenging for some 4-year-olds
💔 The graphics are a bit inconsistent
| 💡 Can’t get enough of Pokemon games? Try Pokemon Scarlet next! And if you want some time away from the screen, check out the Pokemon coloring pages we made available for free. |
12. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
When Animal Crossing first came out, it exploded in popularity among people of all ages. Millions are still flocking to build their own island populated with quirky animal friends. Creative kiddies are sure to have tons of fun as they get to customize everything from their home to the landscape itself! They will probably need a grown-up to help them read, though.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
There is so much to do on your island – you can get to know the island residents, go fishing, decorate your home, hunt for fossils and more. Every day holds the possibility of exciting discoveries!
What We Love:
❤️ You can explore and build your own island from scratch
❤️ The animals are adorable and each has its own personality
❤️ Lots to do and collect and there are always new updates
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t make more than one island on one account
💔 There is quite a lot of reading
13. Life in Willowdale: Farm Adventures
Life in Willowdale: Farm Adventures isn’t too different from Animal Crossing, except this time, it is all about growing crops and tending your animals so you can restore your farm to its former glory. However, there are also resources to gather and new lands to explore – just remember to pack your sword, as you may need to battle enemies and nature itself!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Life in Willowdale works excellently in multiplayer mode, so this is one of the best games to play as a family. This way, you can form a stronger battle party and defeat more foes!
What We Love:
❤️ The farming theme is cute and fun
❤️ A great variety of activities, including farming, exploring and fighting opponents
❤️ Multiplayer mode works great for the whole family to play
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The controls are not very intuitive
💔 The characters move quite slowly
Best Party / Multiplayer Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 📖 Familiarity with game rules 👌 Hand-eye coordination |
14. Lol Surprise! B.B.S Born to Travel
B.B.S. Born to Travel is another awesome LOL Surprise game. However, this one offers a multiplayer mode, so it’s more fun to play with the whole family (which may be necessary as there is reading involved). In this game, players customize their own LOL Surprise superstars and then travel the world to perform on 30 different stages and take on challenges!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
In each of the five cities, there are several stages to perform on and a range of other activities and mini-games. The cities are pretty spectacular and the characters are adorable!
What We Love:
❤️ Kids can play as their favorite LOL Surprise doll
❤️ Many different levels, each with their own fun activities
❤️ A fun and cute game to play as a family
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Difficult for 4-year-olds to navigate by themselves
💔 Single player mode is not as fun
15. Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars is a must-buy for families who want a game everyone can enjoy together. Bring the party to five classic boards and have fun with over 100 mini-games! With all there is to do, there is something for everyone. There are also several ways to tweak the difficulty level so your 4-year-old can play alongside older kids and parents without it feeling unbalanced.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Mario Party Superstars is always fun to return to, and you can stop any time as the game is saved after every turn. You can even play online to include those who aren’t physically present!
What We Love:
❤️ Lots of ways to tweak the difficulty level
❤️ Truly fun for all ages with fantastic replayability
❤️ Packed with game boards and mini-games
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There aren’t any unlockable characters or items
💔 The latest edition does not add much
| 💡 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a more affordable single player option for Super Mario lovers that is just as full of adventure! |
Best Racing Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 👌 Hand-eye coordination |
16. Hotwheels Unleashed
If your kiddo loves toy cars, chances are they will be highly excited to shrink down and race around with them in a video game! Hotwheels Unleashed is a racing game with a difference because the vehicles are the size of Hot Wheels toys, and the miniature race track winds around a human-sized world. It is cute and whimsical, yet still an exciting, fast-paced racing game!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
To make the game even more fun, you can build your tracks and unlock a range of awesome Hotwheels cars. Gameplay is simple, but there are a few fun tricks to play with too.
What We Love:
❤️ It’s fun to feel like you are shrunk down in a human-sized world
❤️ Simple and intuitive controls
❤️ You can build your own tracks and unlock awesome cars
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Unlocking items requires a lot of in-game currency
💔 The track builder is quite difficult
17. Garfield Kart: Furious Racing
Looking for a game like Mario Kart but with a twist? Well, if your little one is a Garfield fan, look no further. This is a simple racing game, except you play as characters from Garfield’s universe. The characters are super cute and there are 16 excellent circuits in stunning environments to race in, including Palerock Lake and Pastacosi Factory!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Garfield Kart offers three game modes so that you can start with your 4-year-old in the simplest one. It also offers single-player and multiplayer modes with up to four players locally and eight online players.
What We Love:
❤️ The characters are cute, and there are many to choose from
❤️ Fun in both single-player and multiplayer mode
❤️ Simple gameplay and great value for money
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There isn’t that much to unlock
💔 Not quite as kid-friendly as Mario Kart
18. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If your 4-year-old hasn’t played a racing game yet, it’s a good bet to start with Mario Kart as it is easy to pick up and the controls always work smoothly. As with many Super Mario games, you can easily tweak it so that young children play on the most accessible mode and older kids and adults have more challenges. This way, the whole family can truly enjoy themselves!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings you five new characters, four new battle modes, 48 tracks and a whopping 40+ racers. It is impossible to get bored with all the variations on offer!
What We Love:
❤️ You can make it very easy for young kids but still fun for older kids and adults
❤️ Lots of excellent tracks and variations to choose from
❤️ Amazing colorful graphics and very smooth controls
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It’s a pricey game
💔 There are things to unlock, but they don’t do much
| 💡 Want a more budget-friendly racing game that is entertaining and easy enough for preschoolers? Try Axle City Racers. |
Best Simulation Games
| Skills promoted by this type of video game: 🧩 Problem solving 👁️ Reading |
19. Yum Yum Cookstar
In this cooking simulation game, players practice cooking techniques, learn recipes and serve up a virtual feast fit for a king. Once they have completed a recipe, a panel of hilarious judges assesses their attempt. Playing this with your little one makes for a great bonding experience and you can get ideas to try out together in the real world too!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
This game has four difficulty modes and intuitive touchscreen controls, making it accessible for young children. If your kid loves pancakes, unicorn cupcakes and fun foods, Yum Yum Cookstar will surely hit the spot!
What We Love:
❤️ The touch screen controls work great
❤️ Great atmosphere from the fun music and humor
❤️ Lots of unique, kid-friendly recipes you can try in the real world too
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Each recipe takes quite a lot of time
💔 Practicing the techniques can feel a little repetitive
20. Untitled Goose Game
Most 4-year-olds love chaos, silliness and all things naughty. So, in this multiple award-winning game, you play as a goose whose primary goal is to cause havoc in the life of the townspeople. While you may want to keep the chaos at bay in the real world, Untitled Goose Game allows kids to unleash it safely on screen!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Untitled Goose Game is entertaining in co-op mode, as you can work together to perform even more hilarious pranks. There are challenges to solve, but it’s more about wandering around and seeing how much of a commotion you can cause!
What We Love:
❤️ Full of hilarity, chaos and fun, especially in co-op mode
❤️ Great replayability as there are many different ways to prank the people
❤️ Cute graphics and relaxing music
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The game gives little direction
💔 Quite a short game
21. Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition
Calling all Disney fans – with Disney Magical World two, kids interact with their favorite Disney characters in their magical worlds. They can explore the world of Frozen, dance with Disney princesses, or run a cafe frequented by familiar characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Wherever they decide to explore on a given day, characters may ask them to help with all kinds of tasks!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
What’s great about this game is that there are activities to suit all interests, ages and moods. Whether you’re planning a party or going on a quest in the dungeons, it’s all fun!
What We Love:
❤️ A friendly game – even if you die, you can simply try again
❤️ Loads of different activities to do
❤️ Kids can interact with all their favorite Disney characters in their own worlds
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite a bit of reading required
💔 The human character options are not very diverse
22. My Universe: Pet Clinic Cats & Dogs
Does your 4-year-old love nothing more than animals of all kinds and dream of becoming a vet? Then you must get them My Universe: Pet Clinic. In this fun simulation game, you play as a vet with many animals to care for, from cats and dogs to more exotic creatures! You can also teach your four legged friends tricks, learn cutting-edge treatments and upgrade your clinic.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
You can’t help but fall in love with the adorable animals in this game. Through caring for them, kids will develop a real bond with them and learn valuable lessons about empathy!
What We Love:
❤️ You can treat sick animals, train them, master new treatments and more
❤️ The latest addition has new missions, remedies, mini-games and animal breeds
❤️ The animals are adorable
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It gets a bit repetitive after a while
💔 There aren’t that many mini-games
Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Games for 4-Year-Olds
🙋Is Nintendo Switch suitable for a 4-year-old?
Nintendo Switch can be ideal for a 4-year-old. The Switch controls are simple and intuitive, hosting many games explicitly aimed at preschoolers. A considerable proportion of Nintendo Switch games have a PEGI rating of E for Everyone, which means they are suitable for ages three and above.
Of course, not all these games will be suitable for YOUR 4-year-old – that depends on their skill level plus a few other factors. For example, if your kiddo is liable to throw their toys around, you may want to wait a few years before handing them a valuable gaming console!
🙋Which game console is best for a 4-year-old?
The Nintendo Switch is the most child-friendly gaming console, making it the best choice for 4-year-olds. The controls are simple enough for little hands and there are loads of preschooler-friendly Switch games to choose from.
It is also easy to enable parental controls so your little one can’t access inappropriate content or speak to strangers online. However, not all 4-year-olds will have the fine motor skills to handle the Switch controls. You could also always go for the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is a little more lightweight but doesn’t have a TV dock.
🙋What age is appropriate for a Nintendo Switch?
There is no definitive answer to this, and you’ll find a lot of differing opinions online. Some say you should avoid letting your kid play video games for as long as possible, while others say there’s nothing wrong with letting kids as young as 3 play occasionally.
If your little one is interested in the Switch, it’s okay to let them play age-appropriate games occasionally. Some kids will get the hang of it at age 3, while others won’t be interested or have the relevant skills until age 6 or 7. Of course, no matter how old your kiddo is, setting daily screen time limits is essential!
So… What Nintendo Switch Game Should I Get?
That depends on what your little Switch player is into. If they love jumping on platforms and munching gold coins, you can’t go wrong with Super Mario Bros. If action and adventure are more their bag, Yoshi’s Crafted World could be ideal. If, on the other hand, they want to step into a virtual world full of their favorite characters, Disney Magical World might be the way to go.
We’ve tried our best to offer a variety of games that 4-year-olds of all skill levels will adore. But if you think we left something out, pop us a message and let us know!
