Top 15 Switch games for 12-year-olds

If you are looking for a game console for your children, choose the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to its huge catalog of games, it offers adventures, RPGs, strategy games and other genres. In fact, here are the best games for 12-year-olds on Switch.

⚠ Disclaimer This is a selection based on Metacritic ratings.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

⭐ Metacritic rating : 97/100
📅 Release date on Switch March 3, 2017

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

It's a true masterpiece. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild immerses your children in a vast world to explore. The experience develops their independence, their curiosity and their managing challenges. The player is Link.

For whom? 

For children who love adventure and discovery, and those who want to experience unique experience.

2. Metroid Prime Remastered

⭐ Metacritic rating : 94/100
📅 Release date on Switch February 8, 2023

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

This game combines action, exploration and a science-fiction atmosphere, in which your little one will embody the heroine Samus Aran. In a nutshell,  Metroid Prime Remastered is an excellent choice for teaching patience and the strategy.

For whom? 

For children who love immersive worlds, challenges and intelligent action games.

3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

⭐ Metacritic rating : 93/100
📅 Release date on Switch December 7, 2018

🎮 Number of players Up to 8 players locally and 2 to 4 online.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is quite simply one of best Switch games for families. Mario, Donkey Kong, Pokémon, Link, Metroid, all the Nintendo heroes are here. This is THE user-friendly fighting game par excellence. What's more, it encourages sharing and cooperation. without excessive violence.

For whom? 

For children who want to play with others and discover all the’Nintendo universe.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

⭐ Metacritic rating : 87/100
📅 Release date on Switch : March 20, 2025

🎮 Number of players Up to 32 players can form virtual squads.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition transports your children into a gigantic futuristic world. They'll discover a rich story, strategic combat and free exploration. The game develops reflection and the resource management.

For whom? 

For little fans of RPG and great adventures.

5. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

⭐ Metacritic rating : 87/100
📅 Release date on Switch September 30, 2025

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is an excellent way to teach your children patience, logic and team management, while living a real adventure. They'll discover a world rich in characters, where every battle requires reflection and organization.

For whom? 

It's perfect for young players who like to think, strategize and challenge themselves. intelligent challenges.

6. Octopath Traveler II

⭐ Metacritic rating : 85/100
📅 Release date on Switch February 24, 2023

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

With its unique HD-2D visual style, Octopath Traveler II offers an experience as beautiful as it is captivating. Children follow several heroes through a vast world filled with touching stories.

For whom? 

Ideal for children who love role-playing games, stories and worlds to explore.

7. SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance

⭐ Metacritic rating : 85/100
📅 Release date on Switch August 29, 2025

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

In SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, children take on the role of an agile ninja. The gameplay relies on reflexes, precision and a sense of timing, without overdoing the violence.

It's an excellent game on Nintendo Switch to develop coordination, concentration and a taste for surpassing oneself, while enjoying a real action-packed adventure.

For whom? 

For little ones who love to move, jump and fight in a dynamic video game.

8. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

⭐ Metacritic rating : 85/100
📅 Release date on Switch October 30, 2025

🎮 Number of players 1 to 2 local players.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Young players set off on an adventure in a world filled with creatures, quests and battles that are easy to understand. It's an excellent way to enter the world of the great role-playing video games without feeling lost.

For whom? 

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is designed for curious kids who want to discover the world of Dragon Quest. Nintendo classics and experience their first RPG adventure.

9. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster

⭐ Metacritic rating : 85/100
📅 Release date on Switch April 16, 2019

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

This pack includes two mythical adventures from the series Final Fantasy in a version ideal for Nintendo Switch. Children will discover a magnificent world, a story full of emotion and memorable characters.

For whom? 

It's great for little ones who like big stories and a lot of fun. deep universes.

10. Octopath Traveler 0

⭐ Metacritic rating : 82/100
📅 Release date on Switch December 4, 2025

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

This Nintendo Switch game offers a clear adventure, accessible strategic combat and a rich world to explore. It's an excellent choice for 12-year-olds who want to embark on a RPG without being overwhelmed by overly complex mechanics.

For whom? 

For young players who want to discover Modern RPG.

11. Hogwarts Legacy

⭐ Metacritic rating : 82/100
📅 Release date on Switch : November 14, 2023

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Hogwarts Legacy takes your children into the magical world of Hogwarts. They'll live out their own wizarding adventure. The experience is immersive, yet accessible for young players. It's an excellent choice for stimulate the imagination while discovering a fascinating world.

For whom? 

For children who love magic and adventure games.

12. It Takes Two

⭐ Metacritic rating : 82/100
📅 Release date on Switch : November 4, 2022

🎮 Number of players 2 players.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

It Takes Two is one of the best cooperative games on Nintendo Switch. It encourages communication, mutual aid and sharing. Each level offers new game mechanics, which constantly renews the experience.

For whom? 

It's perfect for little ones who like to play in pairs and have a great time. cooperative adventure.

13. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition

⭐ Metacritic rating : 77/100
📅 Release date on Switch April 7, 2022

🎮 Number of players : solo
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

With its many characters, its choices that influence the story and its mysterious world, Chrono Cross offers a captivating adventure. The pace and turn-based combat make the’accessible experience while remaining highly rewarding.

For whom? 

This game is designed for young players who enjoy complex stories and role-playing games.

14. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

⭐ Metacritic rating : 76/100
📅 Release date on Switch : November 14, 2025

🎮 Number of players Up to 6 players locally and 8 online.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

Children reunite with their series heroes Dragon Ball and relive some of the anime's greatest moments. The gameplay is accessible, so you can have fun quickly without having to be an expert. fighting games.

For whom? 

For those looking for best Dragon Ball games and action fans.

15. Worms: Armageddon - Anniversary Edition

⭐ Metacritic rating : 75/100
📅 Release date on Switch : September 26, 2024

🎮 Number of players Up to 6 players online and locally.
💬 Switch 2 compatibility : Yes

Why this game? 

With its offbeat humor and fast-paced gameplay, Worms: Armageddon is ideal for family play. Children learn to think before they act, to aim accurately and to anticipate their opponents' moves, all in a fun and friendly atmosphere. light, fun atmosphere.

For whom? 

It is excellent for children who like fun games and the simple strategy.

😉 In short, it's not just the best Mario games on Switch. There are several types to choose from. With the above titles, you're sure to make the right choice for your 12-year-old. This console is still ideal for providing a fun video game and memorable.

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