What are the best games for 10-year-olds on Switch? [Top 20]

The Nintendo Switch is full of games that are perfect for a child aged 10 years, whether it's for adventure, creativity, or family game nights.

This ranking of 20 tracks is sorted by score Metacritic, along with the relevant child's profile and the number of players, so you can choose quickly.

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Metacritic : 97/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1-2 at home

Super Mario Odyssey It remains one of the best games on the console for a 10-year-old. Your child explores open worlds colorful, with a story that’s easy to follow and full of surprises.

A big plus for parents: no sudden "Game Over". When Mario If he misses a jump, he loses a few coins but doesn't have to start the whole level over. A frustrated child can try again without getting angry.

Account about 10 to 12 hours to wrap up the story all the way to the final boss, or rather 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If your child loves to explore every nook and cranny to collect bonus Moons, this is the perfect game for discovering this universe. Mario, combining exploration, simple puzzles, and action that stimulates the creativity.

2. Minecraft

Metacritic : 93/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 2 to 8 online

Minecraft is perfect for a child who loves to build. The The world is entirely shaped by the player, block by block, which works on the’imagination, a good grasp of structure and a bit of logic, without ever overdoing it.

• the Creative mode provides unlimited resources for building whatever you want.
• the Survival mode adds a little tension: gathering resources, crafting tools, and staying awake at night to fend off creatures.

Your child sets their own pace, whether they're on their own or with others. Please note: play online Request a subscription Nintendo Switch Online (approximately 20 € per year). Local multiplayer, on the other hand, remains free until 4 players on the same console.

As for the budget, the Price of Minecraft on Switch remains very accessible.

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Metacritic : 92/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 12 locally, 2 to 12 online

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly the best choice for family games on Switch. The races are fast-paced and easy to jump into, perfect for playing on the couch. You'll find the whole Nintendo universe behind the wheel: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, and about 40 other characters.

Two helpful tips for a 10-year-old:

• L'navigation assistance (steering and anti-roll) prevents the vehicle from veering off the track.
• the split-screen mode lets you play 4 on a single console, using the separate Joy-Con controllers.

The base game already offers 48 circuits, and the additional content adds just as much. The online mode requires a subscription Nintendo Switch Online. A must-have for a child who loves speed and the game's racing games in a group.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Metacritic : 90/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 to 12 online

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a calm and creative game, perfect for a 10-year-old. Your child builds their own island, customizes their world and embarks on a gentle adventure, free of stress or “game over” moments. The simple mechanics make the experience very relaxing, and the content changes with the seasons to develop the patience, organizational skills, and imagination.

What to know before buying: There is only’One backup file per console. If two kids each want their own island, you'll need two separate Nintendo Switch consoles. It's the perfect choice for kids who love creativity, decor, and cute themes.

5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Metacritic : 89/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 to 4 online

This track blends action, adventure, and cooperation. The levels are varied, colorful, and easy for a 10-year-old to understand. A major plus: the 4-player co-op on the same screen, perfect for playing with family or friends.

Each character has their own style: Peach Plane, Luigi jumps higher, and the cat costume allows players to climb walls, making difficult levels accessible to younger players. There’s no sudden “game over” screen to discourage children.

The mode Bowser's Fury adds a more open-ended experience to complement the main adventure. It's a great way to get started in the universe Super Mario in 3D, perfect for kids who love action and group adventures.

6. Super Mario Maker 2

Metacritic : 88/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 to 4 online

Super Mario Maker 2 puts the creativity your child at the center. He creates his own levels Mario, tests their imagination and discovers the logic behind video games without even realizing it. The tools are simple and intuitive: you place a brick, an enemy, or a pipe with just a few taps, then test your level right away.

the single-player adventure mode offers levels designed by Nintendo, which will keep your child busy even before they start creating. To share their creations and download those of other players, a subscription Nintendo Switch Online is required. For local play with four players, no subscription is required.

It's the perfect game for a child who loves create, invent, and tinker rather than just playing, while remaining within the comforting world of Super Mario.

7. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Metacritic : 86/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 through 8 locally, 1 through 8 online

Luigi’s Mansion 3 Immerse your child in a haunted hotel to explore floor by floor. The concept is simple: suck up the ghosts with the ViduAspir, light up dark corners, and solve riddles to progress toward the boss for each level.

The real highlight of the game is Gluigi, a gelatinous double of Luigi that your child controls to get past the gates or attack at the same time. In practice, a second player takes the controller, and you move forward together by cooperation throughout the entire campaign.

The pace is relaxed and never stressful: you explore, search, and sometimes bang your fist on furniture to find hidden items. There are no sudden “game over” moments: if the ghosts beat you, they simply send you back to the beginning of the room. Perfect for kids who love comedic worlds and the duets.

8. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Metacritic : 86/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 2 locally

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a fast-paced action-platformer. The levels are colorful, fast-paced, and full of creative ideas, with each world offering a completely different setting—from tropical jungles to frozen wastelands.

The game has a reputation for being demanding. The Nintendo Switch version adds the Funky Style : Your child plays a character who has more hearts of life and assisted jumps, perfect for experiencing the adventure without getting stuck on a section that’s too difficult.

In local co-op mode, a second player can join the game. Designed for kids who love quick games, well-staged platforming challenges and boss battles.

9. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Metacritic : 85/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 2 locally

Kirby and the Forgotten Land, It is Kirby and the Forgotten World In the French version, the first adventure in 3D world from the series on Nintendo Switch. Your child explores open-world environments and absorbs enemies to gain their powers. It’s cute, colorful, and perfect for getting started with a stress-free action game.

The local two-player mode is a big plus: a second player can join the game at any time, which is ideal for a parent or younger sibling to lend a hand during tricky sections. Suitable for kids who love cute worlds, the’3D exploration and lighthearted adventures to share.

10. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

Metacritic : 84/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 online

Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is a ultra-smooth platform game. The levels unfold in time with the music, featuring vibrant settings and action that’s easy to pick up for players ages 10 and up. This Nintendo Switch version includes numerous levels and adds exclusive content, such as challenges and music-based mini-games.

A real highlight: the end-of-the-world-level music, where your child moves through the scene in time with the music. Simple yet memorable, these games are a big hit with the youngest children. It’s also a excellent co-op game until 4 locally, perfect for playing with family or friends for fun and fast-paced platforming adventures.

11. Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together!

Metacritic : 84/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally

Snipperclips Plus: Cut It Out, Together! is a puzzle game where you play as paper characters. The concept is unique: you cut out the shapes work together to solve puzzles step by step. The biggest highlight is the Co-op mode for up to 4 players : We need to communicate and help each other to find the right cut.

The levels remain the same short, which sets a great pace for family sessions. It all comes down to locally, no subscription required Nintendo Switch Online or an internet connection. Perfect for quiet, creative kids who like to take their time solve puzzles and work together to develop their reasoning skills.

12. Splatoon 3

Metacritic : 83/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 to 8 online

In Splatoon 3, the goal is simple: to cover a maximum land area of your color in 3 minutes. Easy to understand but hard to master, which encourages your child to work on their team coordination. The colorful illustrations replace any violence and make the story very accessible to children ages 10 and up.

Online mode is the heart of the game and requires a subscription Nintendo Switch Online. Offline, you can play without a subscription. Perfect for energetic kids who love bright colors and non-violent competitive games.

13. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Metacritic : 81/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 2 locally

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle game set in the universe of Super Mario. Here, there's no skipping: your child does rotate the camera to explore each level as a small diorama in 3D. The goal is to reach the’golden star while collecting the hidden diamonds.

The levels are short (a few minutes each), perfect for playing in short sessions. Each level requires you to observe and solve puzzles at your own pace, without any time pressure. It’s one of the best games for learning to analyze a situation step by step. This game is intended for child patients and observers, who prefer to think things through rather than rush in.

14. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Metacritic : 80/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a platformer 2D precise and easy to follow. The bright colors and well-timed jumps make each level easy to understand, even for a child just starting out. The cartridge includes two complete adventures: the base game and an expansion, offering many hours of gameplay across several worlds.

Perfect if your child likes Mario, the cheerful worlds, and four-player local multiplayer so you can play together on the couch.

15. Mario Party Superstars

Metacritic : 80/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally, 1 to 4 online

Mario Party Superstars features classic levels from the series and numerous mini-games. The concept is simple: you move across the board, collect stars, and then play a series of fast-paced mini-games on each turn.

Local multiplayer mode supports up to 4 on a single console, perfect for playing with friends or siblings. The online game requires a subscription Nintendo Switch Online.

16. Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Metacritic : 79/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a lighthearted and colorful adventure, perfect for 10-year-olds who are new to the platform. The controls are simple, and your child will have fun from the very first minute. The game's greatest strength is the power to copy the enemies' abilities : breathing fire, wielding a sword, turning into stone—which makes each level different.

The co-op up to 4-player mode is played locally. The perfect choice for a child who loves cute games, stress-free action, and a gradual increase in difficulty.

17. Yoshi’s Crafted World

Metacritic : 79/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 2 locally

A universe made entirely of cardboard, tape, and recycled items gives to Yoshi’s Crafted World a unique charm. The game is easy to pick up, making it perfect for a child just starting out. Each level hides objects to find, and your child can replay it from a different angle to find what they missed, which extends the game’s lifespan without ever causing frustration.

Local two-player mode lets a parent or friend play as a second Yoshi and help out during tricky sections. An ideal choice for a a calm and curious child, who likes to observe, explore, and take her time.

18. Just Dance® 2023 Edition

Metacritic : 77/100
PEGI 3

Number of players : 1 to 6 locally, 1 to 6 online

Just Dance® 2023 Edition is the must-have dance game for getting moving and having fun on Nintendo Switch. The dance routines remain very accessible and well-suited for young players. Your child is working on their coordination and gets a workout without even realizing it. It’s also a great game to play with family or friends, with up to 6 dancers side by side.

Two things to know before buying:

• the song catalog The 2023 edition is starting to show its age. The editions Just Dance 2024 and Just Dance 2025 Edition are now available with more recent playlists.
• Online mode requires a subscription Nintendo Switch Online.

The 2023 version remains a very good choice for discounted price, but check to see if a more recent edition better suits your child's musical tastes and your budget. Perfect for energetic kids who love music, dancing, and social games.

19. Game Builder Garage

Metacritic : 77/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 through 8 locally

Game Builder Garage is an educational game developed by Nintendo whose purpose is to learn video game development, without writing a single line of code. The game is based on characters called Nodons that you connect to create rules and behaviors. In practical terms, your child puts together a visual logic, brick by brick.

Regarding the guided tutorials learn programming logic step by step. By age 10, they can then create their own levels, rules, and content. It’s the perfect game if your child loves to invent, build, and understand how a game works—a true playground for the’imagination and the creativity.

20. Disney Illusion Island

Metacritic : 73/100
PEGI 7

Number of players : 1 to 4 locally

In Disney Illusion Island, your child embodies Mickey, Minnie, Donald, or Goofy through gameplay 2D easy to pick up. It's a Metroidvania-style platformer and exploration game, but without a fight, which makes it perfect for gently introducing readers to the genre.

The Disney universe makes the game instantly appealing with a a colorful and comforting world. It's a Nintendo Switch game that offers a gentle, gradual adventure, perfect for kids who love cartoons, quiet exploration and the game's Stress-free games.

In short, the Nintendo Switch is still one of the best consoles for 10-year-olds! It offers a variety of games to suit every taste. And to learn more, check out:

• The best Nintendo Switch car games
• The best indie games on Switch