Gaming for Growth: Educational Nintendo Switch Games for Kids Under 10

Parents and educators alike are always seeking innovative ways to make learning fun and engaging.

Enter the Nintendo Switch, a gaming console that has redefined playtime for kids of all ages.

While the Switch offers a vast library of games to choose from, it also hosts a treasure trove of titles designed to not only entertain but also educate young minds.

In this digital age, where screens are an integral part of a child’s daily routine, it’s heartening to discover that video games can serve a dual purpose by providing both entertainment and educational value.

In this article, we will explore the exciting world of Nintendo Switch games tailor made for kids under 10, games that not only captivate their imaginations but also foster essential skills, from problem solving and creativity to reading and critical thinking.

So, parents and guardians, get ready as we uncover some of the best educational Nintendo Switch games that are sure to leave your young gamers not just entertained but also enriched. Whether it’s building their vocabulary, honing their math skills, or simply encouraging a sense of wonder and exploration, these games are designed to support your child’s growth while they are having fun.

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1. Super Mario Odyssey

Rating: E for Everyone

Target Age: 6 and up

Super Mario Odyssey, a beloved installment in the iconic Mario franchise, brings an enchanting and educational gaming experience to players of all ages.

In this delightful adventure, players step into Mario’s shoes (and hat) as they journey through a myriad of captivating and colorful kingdoms. The game is a masterpiece of platforming fun, but it’s also a hidden gem when it comes to learning opportunities.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: Throughout the game, players encounter puzzles and challenges that require inventive problem solving. Whether it’s navigating tricky obstacles or defeating clever bosses, young gamers must think critically and devise strategies to progress.
2. Creativity: The game encourages players to use their imagination. With Mario’s transformative hat, Cappy, players can possess objects and creatures, leading to creative experimentation and an exploration of cause and effect.
3. Spatial Awareness: Super Mario Odyssey’s 3D world demands players to think spatially, helping them hone their spatial awareness and grasp concepts like depth and distance.
4. Reading and Vocabulary: While not text-heavy, the game does contain some text elements, such as signs and brief dialogues, which can contribute to early reading and vocabulary development.
5. Hand Eye Coordination: The precise platforming and timing required in the game enhance hand-eye coordination, an important skill for children.
6. Exploration: The diverse in-game kingdoms provide a sense of exploration and curiosity, encouraging players to learn about different environments, cultures, and themes.

Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic fusion of entertainment and education. As players hop, skip, and jump through its whimsical worlds, they not only experience the joy of gaming but also subtly build essential skills that can benefit them in the real world. So, let your child take this adventure with Mario and discover how learning and play can seamlessly come together in the world of Super Mario Odyssey.

2. Minecraft Dungeons

Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up

Target Age: 10 and up

Minecraft Dungeons is a delightful spin off from the Minecraft universe.  Its a creative and educational game that allows kids to build and explore their own worlds, fostering creativity and problem solving skills.

Prepare for an epic adventure that combines classic dungeon crawling with the beloved Minecraft universe! Dive into the depths of danger alone or rally your friends, as up to four players can join forces to tackle thrilling, loot filled, and endlessly varied levels. Your mission: to rescue the villagers and vanquish the sinister Arch-Illager!

Unearth a treasure trove of mighty weapons and valuable items to combat hordes of formidable, never before seen mobs. Whether you choose to confront the enemy head on or make a hasty retreat, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from imposing canyons to eerie swamps and, naturally, deep mines.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Teamwork and Cooperation: The game encourages players to join forces with friends or family members as they embark on epic quests together. This promotes teamwork, coordination, and cooperation, as players strategize and work together to defeat foes and conquer dungeons.
2. Problem Solving and Strategy: Throughout the game, players encounter challenging puzzles, traps, and enemies that require creative problem solving and strategic thinking to overcome. It’s a fantastic way to hone critical thinking skills.
3. Character Development: As players progress, they can customize their characters with various gear and artifacts, allowing them to tailor their playstyle. This introduces the concept of character development and decision making.
4. Resource Management: Minecraft Dungeons includes resource management elements, such as inventory organization and selecting the right equipment for the task. These skills are transferable to real-world situations.
5. Reading and Vocabulary: The game features text based dialogue and item descriptions, providing opportunities for reading and vocabulary expansion as players engage with the in game lore and instructions.
6. Exploration and Geography: Players traverse diverse landscapes, each with its own unique challenges and environments. This encourages exploration and geographic understanding as they navigate the virtual world.
7. Persistence and Goal Setting: Minecraft Dungeons is filled with quests and objectives, teaching players about setting goals and persisting until they achieve them.
8. Environmental Awareness: In various levels, players encounter environmental hazards and obstacles that require careful observation and adaptability to overcome, fostering environmental awareness and adaptability.

Minecraft Dungeons offers a family friendly action adventure experience that blends learning with exciting gameplay. As your young heroes embark on quests, they’ll not only defeat monsters but also build essential life skills. So, grab your sword, gather your allies, and embark on an educational adventure in the world of Minecraft Dungeons!

3. Lego City Undercover

Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up

Target Age: 10 and up (suitable for younger players with parental guidance)

LEGO City Undercover invites players of all ages on a brick filled adventure through the colorful and comical world of LEGO.

You take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer assigned to track down the infamous and recently escaped criminal, Rex Fury, and put an end to his city wide crime spree. In this cooperative two player experience, you and your friends can explore the vast open world metropolis of LEGO® City, which boasts over 20 distinctive districts to investigate, car thieves to apprehend, entertaining movie references to uncover, a variety of vehicles to commandeer, and countless collectibles to find.

LEGO CITY Undercover combines clever, original storytelling with the signature humor of LEGO, ensuring a delightful and engaging gaming experience that appeals to players of all ages.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving Skills: LEGO City Undercover is rife with puzzles and challenges that require problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity to overcome. Players step into the shoes of a detective, solving mysteries and unraveling clues.
2. Creativity and Imagination: As players explore the bustling LEGO City, they can let their creativity run wild. They can build structures, vehicles, and even alter their surroundings, encouraging imagination and experimentation.
3. Reading and Vocabulary: The game includes dialogue and humorous interactions that help improve reading skills and expand vocabulary.
4. Exploration and Geography: Navigating the open world city requires spatial awareness and an understanding of map reading, which can be educational for younger players.
5. Character Development: Players can unlock different disguises and abilities for the protagonist, Chase McCain, allowing them to understand the concept of character development and decision-making.
6. Cooperative Play: The game offers a cooperative mode where friends or family members can join in, fostering teamwork, cooperation, and social skills.
7. Time Management: In LEGO City Undercover, players must manage their time efficiently to solve cases and complete missions, teaching valuable time management skills.
8. Role Playing: Assuming the role of a detective and exploring the city in various disguises introduces kids to role playing and encourages them to use their imagination to solve crimes.
9. Following Instructions: Many missions involve following instructions and using tools, teaching kids how to listen, follow directions, and use tools effectively.

LEGO City Undercover combines the charm of LEGO’s building experience with the excitement of an open world adventure. It offers a playful and educational journey where players can learn while having a blast in a whimsical, blocky world. So, put on your detective hat and join Chase McCain in LEGO City Undercover for a bricktastic learning adventure!

4. Captain Toad: Travel Tracker

Rating: E for Everyone

Target Age: All ages (ideal for kids 6 and up)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is an enchanting and brain teasing adventure that’s perfect for explorers of all ages.

Captain Toad takes center stage as our diminutive hero who must skillfully navigate perilous obstacles and seek out treasures amid a plethora of cunningly designed levels. Traverse treacherous terrains like searing volcanoes, perilous steam engine labyrinths, eerie haunted houses, and even explore brand new courses inspired by the Super Mario Odyssey™ game! Fortunately, a second player can join the escapade, lending a hand by hurling turnips at adversaries.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: In Captain Toad’s world, players navigate intricate levels filled with puzzles, obstacles, and treasure. These challenges encourage problem solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
2. Spatial Awareness: Players must manipulate the camera angle and navigate 3D environments, fostering spatial awareness and an understanding of depth and perspective.
3. Patience and Persistence: Some puzzles may take time to solve. Captain Toad teaches the value of patience and perseverance, showing that challenges can be overcome with determination.
4. Fine Motor Skills: The game’s precise controls and touchscreen interactions help improve fine motor skills as players manipulate objects and characters.
5. Reading and Vocabulary: The game includes short instructions and item descriptions that promote reading and vocabulary development.
6. Memory and Strategy: As players encounter different puzzles and enemies, they need to remember patterns and devise strategies, enhancing memory and strategic thinking.
7. Observation Skills: Captain Toad encourages careful observation of the surroundings to find hidden secrets and treasures, honing players’ observational skills.
8. Cooperative Play: In the co-op mode, two players can work together to solve puzzles and collect treasures, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
9. Creativity: The game’s charming visuals and character interactions inspire creativity and imaginative play.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker offers an engaging blend of adventure and education, making it an ideal choice for young gamers and families alike. It’s a joyful journey where every twist and turn reveals new lessons and challenges, all in the name of treasure hunting.

5. Yoshi’s Crafted World

Rating: E for Everyone

Target Age: All ages (ideal for kids 5 and up)

Yoshi’s Crafted World is a heartwarming and imaginative journey designed for players of all ages.

Dive into an all new Yoshi adventure set in a whimsical world crafted from everyday objects like cardboard boxes and paper cups! As Yoshi, you’ll leap to great heights, gulp down foes, and embark on a treasure hunt to discover a delightful array of collectibles. But there’s a twist! Stages can also be played in reverse, providing fresh perspectives to explore and inventive ways to uncover those cleverly concealed items!

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: As players guide Yoshi through handcrafted worlds, they encounter puzzles and obstacles that require creative problem solving and critical thinking to overcome.
2. Spatial Awareness: The game’s unique crafted environments encourage spatial awareness and an understanding of how objects fit together in a three dimensional space.
3. Fine Motor Skills: Precise controls and interaction with the environment enhance fine motor skills as players collect items, throw eggs, and navigate the levels.
4. Reading and Vocabulary: Yoshi’s Crafted World features text elements and item descriptions, offering chances to improve reading skills and expand vocabulary.
5. Pattern Recognition: Players encounter various patterns in the game, which helps improve pattern recognition skills.
6. Memory Development: Remembering the location of hidden collectibles and secrets encourages memory development.
7. Exploration and Curiosity: The game’s whimsical design encourages exploration and curiosity as players interact with the crafted world and discover hidden surprises.
8. Cooperative Play: Yoshi’s Crafted World includes a cooperative mode where two players can team up to tackle challenges together, promoting cooperation and teamwork.
9. Creativity: The game’s handcrafted visuals and inventive levels inspire creativity and imaginative play.

Yoshi’s Crafted World is a delightful blend of entertainment and education, making it a fantastic choice for young gamers and families looking to enjoy gaming together. It’s an enchanting world where players can learn and grow while embarking on a colorful and creative adventure alongside Yoshi.

6. Splatoon 2

Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up

Target Age: 10 and up

Splatoon 2 is a vibrant and action packed game that offers an exciting and strategic experience for kids.

The spirited squid kids known as Inklings are back and ready to splash more ink, claim more turf, and engage in colorful chaos in this thrilling 4 on 4 action packed shooter. For the very first time, you can now take the exhilarating Turf War battles with you on-the-go, thanks to the Nintendo Switch™ system. Utilize any of the console’s versatile portable play styles to dive into intense local multiplayer action like never before. You can even team up with friends for brand new 4 player cooperative excitement in the Salmon Run mode!

Learning Opportunity:

1. Teamwork and Cooperation: Splatoon 2 revolves around team based battles where players work together to achieve common objectives. This encourages teamwork, coordination, and communication.
2. Strategic Thinking: Players must devise tactics, coordinate with teammates, and adapt to changing battle conditions, fostering strategic thinking and decision-making.
3. Hand-Eye Coordination: The fast paced action and precise aiming require excellent hand eye coordination, improving players’ fine motor skills.
4. Map Awareness: Understanding the game’s maps and learning how to navigate them effectively enhances spatial awareness and map reading skills.
5. Spatial Strategy: The game’s unique ink based combat introduces the concept of spatial control, as players strategically ink their territory and engage in territorial warfare.
6. Critical Thinking: Analyzing opponents’ movements, predicting their actions, and making split-second decisions promote critical thinking skills.
7. Reaction Time: Splatoon 2’s dynamic battles require quick reactions and decision making, helping players improve their ability to think on their feet.
8. Reading and Vocabulary: While not text heavy, the game includes text based instructions and dialogues, which can contribute to reading and vocabulary development.
9. Competitive Spirit: Engaging in friendly competition and learning how to handle both victory and defeat teaches sportsmanship and resilience.

Splatoon 2 is more than just ink splattering fun, it’s a dynamic playground for learning important life skills and values. As young players dive into colorful battles and navigate a world of strategy and excitement, they’ll also be developing essential skills that extend beyond the screen.

7. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Rating: E for Everyone

Target Age: All ages (ideal for kids 7 and up)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a charming and whimsical adventure suitable for players of all ages and is family friendly.

From Nintendo…

The hotel is haunted. Mario is missing. And our only hope is…Luigi?!

Luigi’s invited to the towering Last Resort hotel, but when Mario and friends go missing, our green-clad hero will have to conquer his fears to save them! Slam, blow away, and vacuum up ghosts with the all-new Poltergust G-00, and join forces with Gooigi to overcome the puzzling contraptions and mischievous boss on each themed floor.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: As Luigi explores the haunted Last Resort hotel, players encounter puzzles and challenges that require creative problem solving and analytical thinking to solve.
2. Courage and Bravery: Luigi’s brave quest to rescue his friends promotes courage and facing one’s fears, encouraging players to be brave in the face of challenges.
3. Spatial Awareness: The game’s 3D environments encourage spatial awareness and an understanding of depth and perspective as players navigate the hotel’s floors and rooms.
4. Fine Motor Skills: Precise controls and interactions with the environment enhance fine motor skills as players interact with objects and solve puzzles.
5. Reading and Vocabulary: While not text heavy, the game includes text based instructions and character dialogues that promote reading and vocabulary development.
6. Exploration and Observation: The game’s detailed settings encourage exploration and careful observation, helping players uncover secrets and solve mysteries.
7. Persistence and Patience: Luigi’s Mansion 3 contains puzzles and challenges that may take time to solve, teaching the value of persistence and patience in problem-solving.
8. Cooperative Play: The game includes a cooperative mode where two players can team up to tackle challenges together, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is an enchanting blend of adventure, humor, and education, making it a fantastic choice for young gamers and families looking to enjoy gaming together. As players join Luigi on his ghostly adventure, they’ll not only have a blast but also uncover valuable life lessons and skills.

8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up

Target Age: 10 and up

From nintendo… Spyro™ Reignited Trilogy game collection. Rekindle the fire with remastered versions of the original three games, Spyro™ the Dragon, Spyro™ 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro™: Year of the Dragon. Explore the expansive realms, re-encounter the fiery personalities and relive the adventure in fully remastered glory. Because when there’s a realm that needs saving, there’s only one dragon to call.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: As players guide Spyro through various worlds and challenges, they encounter puzzles and obstacles that require problem solving, boosting their critical thinking skills.
2. Exploration and Curiosity: The game’s open world design encourages exploration and curiosity as players seek hidden secrets, treasure, and new areas, fostering a love for adventure and discovery.
3. Fine Motor Skills: Precise controls for character movement and actions improve fine motor skills as players navigate Spyro’s world and collect items.
4. Reading and Vocabulary: While not text heavy, the game includes text based dialogues and item descriptions, offering opportunities for reading and vocabulary expansion.
5. Memory and Strategy: Remembering level layouts, enemy patterns, and item locations helps improve memory and strategic thinking.
6. Creativity and Imagination: Spyro’s vibrant worlds inspire creativity and imaginative play as players engage with charming characters and whimsical settings.
7. Persistence and Patience: Completing challenging levels teaches persistence and the importance of trying again after setbacks.
8. Map Awareness: Players must navigate complex levels and remember their layout, enhancing spatial awareness and map reading skills.

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is not just a trip down memory lane but also a platform for learning and fun. As players join Spyro on his adventures, they’ll not only relive classic moments but also develop essential skills and values that extend beyond the screen.

9. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Rating: E for Everyone

Target Age: All ages (ideal for kids 6 and up)

Get ready to embark on a charming journey in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Set off on an unforgettable adventure as the beloved puffball, Kirby, takes flight once more. Traverse dynamic 3D stages in an enigmatic world adorned with relics of a bygone civilization – from peculiar shopping malls to unexpected surprises!

Master Kirby’s unique ability to copy the powers of adversaries, including the newly introduced Drill and Ranger abilities. Utilize these newfound powers to conquer challenges, navigate your surroundings, and come to the rescue of the captured Waddle Dees, spirited away by the fearsome Beast Pack. All of this unfolds alongside the enigmatic Elfilin. If you’re hungry for a truly memorable adventure, Kirby’s latest journey is ready to satisfy your appetite for fun and excitement!

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: Kirby encounters puzzles and challenges that encourage problem solving, analytical thinking, and creative solutions.
2. Exploration and Curiosity: The game’s colorful and imaginative world invites exploration and sparks curiosity as players uncover hidden secrets and treasures.
3. Fine Motor Skills: Precise controls for character movement and actions improve fine motor skills as players interact with the environment and solve puzzles.
4. Reading and Vocabulary: The game includes text based instructions and dialogues that promote reading skills and expand vocabulary.
5. Memory Development: Remembering level layouts, enemy behaviors, and item locations enhances memory and strategic thinking.
6. Cooperative Play: Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends or family members to team up, fostering cooperation and teamwork.
7. Creativity and Imagination: The game’s imaginative world and character interactions inspire creativity and imaginative play.
8. Persistence and Patience: Completing challenging levels teaches persistence and the importance of trying again after setbacks.

As players join Kirby on his endearing quest through captivating landscapes, they’ll not only have a blast but also develop essential skills and values that extend beyond the screen.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up

Target Age: 10 and up

Erase all you’ve ever known about The Legend of Zelda series and enter a realm of exploration and wonder with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

This game redefines the limits of the cherished franchise, offering a groundbreaking experience. Roam boundless landscapes, journey through lush forests, and scale towering peaks as you uncover the fate of Hyrule in this breathtaking Open Air Adventure.

Learning Opportunity:

1. Problem Solving: Throughout the game, players face intricate puzzles, riddles, and challenges that encourage problem solving, critical thinking, and creative solutions.
2. Exploration and Geography: The vast open world of Hyrule beckons players to explore its diverse regions and ecosystems. This fosters geographical understanding and a sense of curiosity about the environment.
3. Spatial Awareness: Players must navigate a three dimensional world, improving spatial awareness and understanding of depth and distance.
4. Reading and Vocabulary: The game’s text based dialogues, item descriptions, and lore introduce players to reading and vocabulary expansion as they immerse themselves in the epic story.
5. Resource Management: Gathering and managing resources, including food, weapons, and materials, teaches resource allocation and planning.
6. Physics and Engineering Concepts: Breath of the Wild incorporates physics-based gameplay, allowing players to experiment with concepts like gravity, momentum, and cause and effect relationships.
7. Creativity and Imagination: The game’s sandbox like environment encourages creativity and imaginative play as players experiment with crafting, cooking, and combat strategies.
8. History and Mythology: The game’s rich lore and storytelling elements introduce players to elements of history and mythology, sparking an interest in cultural and historical contexts.
9. Time Management: Players must make strategic choices about how to spend their in game time, teaching time management skills.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is more than just a video game, it’s an immersive educational experience. As players embark on Link’s heroic quest through the breathtaking landscapes of Hyrule, they’re not just saving a kingdom, they’re learning valuable life skills and knowledge in a captivating and unforgettable way.

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Nintendo Switch has opened up a world of educational gaming opportunities for kids.

Whether it’s exploring the imaginative realms of Minecraft, honing strategy skills in Splatoon 2, or embarking on epic adventures in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Nintendo Switch library has something to offer every young gamer.

These games not only entertain but also foster skills and values that extend beyond the screen, helping kids develop essential life skills while having a blast.

So, as parents and educators, let’s embrace the power of educational gaming on the Nintendo Switch and watch our young learners thrive as they play, discover, and grow!