It feels like just yesterday when I got my first Nintendo console, and now here we are in 2023 with the amazing Nintendo Switch – an incredible piece of technology that offers endless hours of entertainment and joy for all ages.
But let’s face it, not every game is suitable for toddlers who are still figuring out their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. That’s where this list comes in!
You might be wondering which games you should pick up to satisfy your toddler’s curiosity while also providing them with a sense of freedom and adventure they crave at this age.
Well, fear not, fellow gaming parents. I’ve done the research (and extensive playtesting) for you so that you don’t have to spend countless hours browsing through many options.
Here are the top 10 best Nintendo Switch games for toddlers in 2023 that will entertain your little ones and provide them with valuable developmental experiences. So charge up those Joy-Cons, grab some snacks, and dive into our favorite pint-sized adventures together!
Read more: Top 7 Best Games For Autistic Adults On Nintendo Switch
7. Kirby And The Forgotten Land
As a parent, I’m always looking for educational Switch games that can entertain my little ones while providing some learning value. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of those toddler-friendly games that checks all the boxes.
It’s charming, engaging, and offers endless opportunities for creativity – making it an ideal choice for our top 10 Nintendo Switch games list in 2023.
What makes this game perfect for toddlers? Well, first off, there’s no violence or aggressive content – just cute animals living their best lives on a beautiful island paradise.
As your child plays, they’ll build social skills by interacting with the various animal villagers and learning how to manage resources as they decorate and expand their island home.
I’ve found that the game also encourages my kids to express themselves artistically. With custom clothing designs and countless options for furnishing their dream homes, this game helps spark their imaginations in ways other toddler-friendly games don’t.
Plus, numerous seasonal events and updates throughout the year keep things fresh and exciting!
It also stands out among educational Switch games because it empowers players with a sense of freedom and control over their virtual environment. The open-ended gameplay allows children to explore independently without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
So if you’re searching for a delightful escape from reality where your toddler can learn valuable life skills, look no further than this game gem.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft is like a box of colorful LEGO bricks, just waiting for your toddler’s imagination to run wild and build whatever their heart desires. With its simple mechanics and endless possibilities for creativity, it easily makes our list of the best switch games for toddlers in 2023.
As a parent, I can’t emphasize enough how much my own little ones enjoy playing Minecraft on their Nintendo Switch. The game encourages them to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills as they explore different biomes, craft tools, and construct their worlds from scratch.
As one of the fun switch games for toddlers available today, this blocky sandbox provides hours upon hours of entertainment that will keep your child engaged and teach valuable life skills along the way.
Minecraft has grown into an iconic game over the years and continues evolving, with new content regularly added. This ensures that there’s always something fresh and exciting awaiting your tot each time they boot up their beloved Nintendo Switch console.
Plus, with online and local multiplayer options, your children can share the joy of building together – making it all the more engaging and fostering teamwork among siblings or friends.
To summarize everything we’ve discussed so far about Minecraft as a top choice for toddlers: it presents limitless opportunities for creative expression while simultaneously teaching essential cognitive abilities through gameplay.
Its enduring appeal stems from its evolving nature alongside a strong sense of community fostered by shared experiences within its vibrant digital universe.
So why not let your budding architect dive headfirst into this captivating world? They’ll thank you later.
3. Just Dance 2023
Now that we’ve covered Minecraft’s mesmerizing world, let’s switch gears and get ready to dance!
Just Dance 2023 is another fantastic game for your little ones on Nintendo Switch. Its easy-to-follow choreography and catchy tunes will make them move and groove in no time.
Just imagine the fun you and your kids will experience as you bust a move with this interactive dancing game on the Nintendo Switch. Just Dance 2023 features a vast library of songs from various genres, giving everyone in the family something they’d enjoy.
It’s not just about having a blast; it also promotes physical activity – perfect for toddlers who need to burn off some energy! There’s always room for creativity with Just Dance 2023. Players can customize their avatars and unlock new dance moves as they progress through levels.
This sense of achievement motivates toddlers to keep playing while allowing them to express themselves freely within the colorful virtual environment.
So grab those Joy-Cons or download the smartphone app to turn your phone into a controller, and join your toddler in enjoying hours of delightful dancing escapades with Just Dance 2023.
This energetic addition to our top ten list checks all boxes: engaging gameplay, freedom for expression and movement, plus bonding opportunities between parent and child – what more could you ask for?
4. Lego Marvel Super Heroes
Did you know that LEGO Marvel Super Heroes has over 150 playable characters? That’s right. This is one of those age-appropriate games that offers many options for our little ones to enjoy while also giving us parents peace of mind.
As we all know, finding the perfect Nintendo Switch games for young children can be tricky, so let me share with you why this game should definitely be on your list.
I absolutely adore how LEGO Marvel Super Heroes combine the excitement of the Marvel universe with the simplicity and creativity that comes with playing with LEGOs.
The game allows toddlers to explore various locations from comic books and movies like New York City, Asgard, or even Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
Plus, it features an engaging storyline where players team up with iconic heroes such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor, and Captain America to defeat notorious villains like Loki and Dr. Doom.
As a video game journalist who loves gaming just as much as their child does (if not more), I appreciate how easy-to-follow yet challenging this particular title is designed for young gamers.
The controls are simple enough for tiny hands to navigate without frustration but still offer opportunities for strategy-building and problem-solving skills development – something every parent will undoubtedly value in any form of entertainment they provide their kids.
So there you have it – LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is truly one gem among many when considering potential Nintendo Switch games to introduce your toddler into the world of gaming.
With its captivating storylines, recognizable characters, and most importantly age-appropriate gameplay mechanics; this title stands out as an excellent choice for fostering fun bonding moments between parent and child while liberating our little ones’ imaginations within safe boundaries.
5. Super Mario Odyssey
After saving the day with your favorite Marvel superheroes, it’s time to step into a wildly imaginative and colorful world that is perfect for our little adventurers.
Super Mario Odyssey, another fantastic Nintendo Switch title, welcomes players to embark on an epic journey alongside everyone’s beloved plumber, Mario.
It redefines platform gaming by introducing Cappy – a sentient hat that grants Mario new abilities like capturing enemies and objects.
This captivating mechanic allows toddlers to experience the game in a fresh way while still maintaining the classic charm we’ve come to expect from Mario games.
The various kingdoms within this wonderful universe feature unique themes and challenges fit for both curious beginners and seasoned gamers alike.
The sense of freedom provided by exploring each kingdom encourages young minds to think outside the box as they discover hidden pathways or solve puzzles using their newly acquired skills.
Parents can join in on the fun too, with a local co-op mode where one player takes control of Mario while the other assists as Cappy. Together, you’ll foster teamwork, problem-solving abilities and create lasting memories.
So if you’re looking for a vibrant adventure filled with unforgettable characters, inventive gameplay mechanics, and endless hours of entertainment for your toddler (and yourself!), look no further than Super Mario Odyssey.
6. Fortnite
You know how it feels when you stumble upon a hidden gem at the flea market that turns out to be worth way more than what you paid for? That’s Fortnite in 2023 for our little gamers.
He was instantly hooked when I first introduced my toddler nephew to this beautifully designed, colorful world with cartoonish characters. Not only does Fortnite provide hours of fun and entertainment, but it also encourages problem-solving skills and cooperation among young players.
The gameplay is simple enough for toddlers to grasp yet offers an array of features that keeps them engaged:
Building:
- Create forts and structures
- Practice shape recognition and spatial awareness
- Shooting (in a non-violent manner):
- Use paintball-style guns or water balloons
- Develop hand-eye coordination
Exploring:
- Traverse diverse environments like forests or beaches
- Encourage curiosity and discovery
Playing Fortnite together can become a bonding experience between parents and children as they work towards common goals, strategize their moves, and celebrate victories.
The game’s social aspect allows kids to interact with others from around the globe while learning about teamwork – something many conventional games lack. You can explore new locations on the map, build extraordinary structures, or simply experiment with different character skins.
So if you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch game that not only entertains your toddler but helps develop essential life skills too, then make sure to add Fortnite to your list!
Its unique blend of building mechanics combined with friendly shooting elements will undoubtedly captivate any child’s attention while providing countless opportunities for growth and development.
7. Kirby And The Forgotten Land
After discussing the ever-popular Fortnite, let’s move on to a game that brings colorful adventures and delightful characters: Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
This new installment in the beloved franchise will be released in 2023, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for toddlers. In this vibrant world, players help Kirby navigate various challenges while meeting intriguing creatures.
What sets Kirby and the Forgotten Land apart from other titles on this list is its focus on exploration, creativity, and collaboration. As you guide Kirby through his journey, you’ll be encouraged to think outside the box – whether by solving puzzles or discovering hidden paths.
It’s an experience that can truly foster your toddler’s sense of curiosity and wonder.
Another aspect that makes this game perfect for young gamers is its approachable difficulty level. While some segments might present more challenges than others, overall gameplay remains balanced enough for kids just starting out with gaming.
Plus, with cooperative multiplayer modes available, parents can join in on the fun too!
Engaging together as a family only enhances these memorable moments shared within Kirby’s enchanting universe.
8. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Imagine a colorful world full of puzzles and adventure, where every step you take unlocks hidden treasures. This delightful place is the setting for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, one of my top picks for Nintendo Switch games that toddlers will love in 2023!
The game features our lovable mushroom-headed hero on his quest to find various gems and stars across different levels.
As your little ones navigate through this enchanting universe, they’ll be challenged by clever puzzles that help develop their problem-solving skills while still being accessible enough for them to enjoy.
I’ve found it fascinating watching my toddler’s face light up with accomplishment as she figures out how to guide Captain Toad around obstacles or uncover secret pathways. It’s not just about mindlessly running from point A to point B; these challenges encourage kids to think outside the box!
One aspect I absolutely adore about this game is its unique visual design – each level feels like a diorama brought to life.
Combined with intuitive controls and gameplay mechanics, young children can quickly figure out what needs to be done without getting frustrated.
9. Mario Party Superstars
After spending hours with Captain Toad solving puzzles and collecting treasure, it’s time to switch gears and dive into a game that brings out the competitive spirit in all of us. Get ready for Mario Party Superstars – a nostalgic trip down memory lane with an updated twist on classic mini-games.
Mario Party Superstars is perfect for toddlers because its colorful design and simple controls make it easy for little hands to get involved in the action.
Plus, the collection of 100 classic mini-games provides endless entertainment as you compete against friends or family members. It doesn’t matter if your toddler has never played a video game before; this title will have them laughing and engaged from start to finish.
The brilliance of Mario Party Superstars lies in its ability to bring people together – young and old alike. With five remastered boards from throughout the series’ history, there’s something here for everyone.
And let’s not forget about those captivating mini-games! From racing through obstacle courses to battling bosses, each challenge offers a unique experience that’ll keep players coming back for more.
The vibrant visuals, iconic characters, and intuitive gameplay ensure it’ll be an instant hit among youngsters eager to explore new worlds while challenging their skills at every turn —all without ever leaving home sweet home!
10. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: a delightful surprise that no one saw coming.
When we first heard about this crossover, many of us were skeptical – Mario and the wacky Rabbids together? But let me tell you, friends, this game is an absolute gem for toddlers in 2023.
As a video game journalist, I’ve seen my fair share of titles come and go. However, there’s something unique and refreshing about Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle that keeps me coming back to it.
The turn-based strategy gameplay may seem intimidating at first glance but worry not! It’s actually quite accessible for our young gamers while still offering enough depth to entertain adults as well.
What makes this game stand out even more are these features:
- Colorful graphics with familiar characters
- Mario and his crew never looked better!
- The quirky Rabbids add their own charm to the mix
- A catchy soundtrack that will have everyone humming along
Toddling around as your favorite Mushroom Kingdom hero (or villain) alongside those zany Rabbids provides just the right amount of whimsy needed to transport players away from reality for a short while.
So if you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch title that captures imagination and offers endless fun for your toddler without overwhelming them with complexity – look no further than Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.
Related: Best Places To Buy Used Switch Games
Conclusion
In conclusion, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic selection of games for toddlers to enjoy.
These top 10 picks cater to young gamers’ curiosity and creativity while providing hours of entertainment.
As the saying goes, ‘Variety is the spice of life,’ and these titles truly showcase just how diverse and engaging video games can be for our little ones.
So go ahead, pick up one (or more) of these gems and watch your toddler become a budding gaming enthusiast!
