Top 9 Best Nintendo Switch Games for the 8-Year-Olds

Whether you simply want a game to keep your kids entertained or would prefer a game that will stimulate their brains as much as their fingers, any parent will find a Nintendo Switch game on this list that is perfect for their child’s unique needs. The games featured are appropriate for children of both genders. As well, children from all walks of life are liable to be engaged by at least one game on this list, regardless of their own personality or temperament.

Of all the major video game consoles on the market today, few are as perfect for children as the Nintendo Switch. Not only is the portable console easy to both take wherever you go and play on the couch at home, but it also has an incredible library of games that are perfect for kids of all ages. In this article, we’ll take a look specifically at games on the Nintendo Switch that are perfect for eight-year-olds.

1. Minecraft

• Platforms: Xbox One, iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Java
• Game genres: pvp, sandbox, survival,
• Game modes: Single-player, multiplayer

This sandbox game is available for most video game consoles, and was initially released before the Nintendo Switch was ever even announced. Still, it’s incredibly addictive and versatile sandbox-style gameplay has made the Switch version one of the most popular games on the console.

As compared to other games, Minecraft inspires you to get creative and use your imagination. True to it’s “sandbox” descriptor, this is a game that allows you to construct your own worlds and exist in them at your own leisure.

Few other games have the same amount of re-playability as Minecraft, meaning you’re going to be getting a lot of bang for your buck. As well, few other games stimulate kids’ minds quite as much as Minecraft, meaning this is definitely a great buy for parents who want a game with some socially redeeming value. Minecraft is still an incredibly popular game after all these years, and it’s release on the Nintendo Switch is one of the greatest games for kids on the console.

Check out other similar games to Minecraft.

2. Super Mario Maker 2

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Genres: Level editor, platformer
• Modes: Single player, multiplayer

Here’s another game that allows kids to get creative, offering the same amount of re-playability as Minecraft and a similar amount of socially redeeming value.

In the mold of the traditional Mario games, Super Mario Maker 2 allows kids and adults alike to create their own Mario levels, play through them, and share them with friends. The creation tools are in-depth and intuitive. This means that kids won’t have a hard time picking them up and understanding how to use them, but also means they could promote the growth of problem-solving skills in order to get the most out of them.

Once again, if you want a game the stimulates your child’s mind as much as it entertains, this is a great choice.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Social simulation
• Modes: Single player, multiplayer

Animal Crossing is a video game series that has been around for 20 years, and it has a cross-generational appeal that few games can match. Whereas many games focus on violence and action to entertain, the Animal Crossing series is much more laid-back and relaxed, allowing players to peacefully exist and socialize within a small virtual community inhabited primarily by walking and talking animals. Gameplay consists of such simple and relaxing activities as picking fruit, planting trees, and interior decorating of your in-game character’s home.

Both boys and girls alike will find something to be entertained by in this new entry on the Nintendo Switch. If you would prefer your child’s entertainment to be a little more laid back than some more traditional video games, this may be the perfect option for you. It’s simple and innocent enough that no parents will object to it, and fun and interesting enough that your kids won’t be able to put it down.

Check out other similar games like Animal Crossing.

4. Pokémon Sword and Shield

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Genre: RPG
• Modes: Single player, multiplayer

Pokémon is another tried and true franchise that has bridged the generation gap to provide players young and old with an in-depth and fascinating role-playing experience. Players are allowed to become Pokémon trainers, meeting and taming wild creatures known as Pokémon and then training them to battle in competitive sports.

While it may sound like there is some potential for violence, it’s all very mild, with losers in battles “fainting” instead of “dying”, and being healed right back up in a matter of seconds at the PokéCenter.

8-year-olds will adore the creature designs, and the bonding features that allow them to grow and nurture their Pokémon. As well, a good deal of exploring and problem-solving is involved, meaning that it’s not all frivolous battling.

There are two variants, with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield each essentially two versions of the same game. Each version features a few Pokémon the other doesn’t, meaning that, if you have siblings, you could buy one child one version and the other child the other, and they could trade the unique Pokémon between them.

5. Paper Mario: The Origami King

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Genres: Platform, RPG, action-adventure
• Mode: Single player

Another Mario game, this one is a little more unique, and a little more thoughtful, than the traditional entry. Featuring a unique art style reminiscent of paper or cardboard cutouts, players guide Mario through a “paper” world, taking part in an engaging story that is simple enough to captivate eight-year-olds, but deep enough to slightly challenge them and grow both their patience and understanding.

This would be the perfect choice for eight-year-olds who are wise beyond their years, yet still could use some simple and kid-friendly fun.

6. Yoshi’s Crafted World

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Side-scrolling
• Modes: Single player, multiplayer

Part of the Yoshi series of video games, Yoshi’s Crafted World is perhaps the most kid-friendly entry in the series so far. It features simplistic and intuitive platforming gameplay that is just easy enough not to be frustrating for younger players but just challenging enough not to bore them. More importantly, though, it features a quaint, gorgeous, and very child-centric aesthetic, with the game’s environment consisting of everyday household objects, such as dishes and cups.

If you’re looking for a simple and innocent action game that features almost no violence and has an art style that will appeal to children from all walks of life, there are few better games on the Nintendo Switch than this!

7. Nintendo Labo

Although this game is a little bit more expensive than the average Nintendo Switch game, certain parents may find it to be worth the price given it’s uniqueness and intrinsic educational value. You see, Nintendo Labo is more than just a game.

Nintendo Labo is a unique concept that allows children to build real-word crafts and creations that can then interact with the on-screen element of the game using the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.

The crafts are built using included cardboard elements that come with the game, and allow such possible creations as a fishing pole that can be used along with a virtual fishing mini-game, and a miniature working piano with included mini-games to help you play.

There are different Nintendo Labo sets that come with different possible creations, and getting all of them may prove a bit more expensive than is reasonable for the average parent. Still, the hands-on uniqueness, as well as educational value, that this game poses may make it worth it.

8. The Lego Movie 2 Videogame

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Macintosh operating systems
• Genres: Action-adventure, platformer
• Modes: Single player, multiplayer

There are many different LEGO video games that are available for the Nintendo Switch, and The Lego Movie 2 Videogame is simply the most recent one released.

Based on the titular film, this game is another great option for 8-year-olds looking for games on the console. All of the Lego games offer simple and easy-to-follow action featuring beloved licensed properties, and feature a good deal of re-playability with unlock-able items and collectibles hidden throughout each level that children are unlikely to find on the first play.

While the LEGO games don’t have a whole lot of educational value, delivering more action than the traditional sandbox-style play associated with the namesake toy, they are still great options for parents who want a child-friendly action game for their young ones.

9. Cooking Mama: Cookstar

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Genres: Simulation, minigame

Cooking Mama is a fun and addictive series perfect for children, and there are few better entries than this newest one on the Nintendo Switch.

Comprised of simple and addictive mini-games that are based around the idea of cooking, Cooking Mama: Cookstar is a game that kids won’t have to think too hard about, and will certainly have a lot of fun with. While it’s fine for both genders, this game would be an especially great choice for girls who like pretending to be their mothers and playing kitchen.

Although the mindless gameplay is more about fun than about actually teaching kids how to cook (or anything, for that matter), sometimes kids deserve some mindless fun! As far as mindless fun goes, there are few choices more innocent and appealing for children than this latest entry of the incredibly popular video game series.

Summary: Best Nintendo Switch Games for the 8-Year-Olds

1. Minecraft
2. Super Mario Maker 2
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
4. Pokémon Sword and Shield
5. Paper Mario: The Origami King
6. Yoshi’s Crafted World
7. Nintendo Labo
8. The Lego Movie 2 Videogame
9. Cooking Mama: Cookstar