TheToyZone is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more!
Hero image

10 Best Nintendo Switch Games for 8-Year-Olds

Updated 21 January 2021

This post may contain affiliate links.

Author
Author avatar
Daniel Booth

Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.

The Nintendo Switch is currently the king of family game consoles, with more than 68 million units sold worldwide thanks to its unique technology and wide range of games aimed at children of all ages. For eight-year-olds, it offers much more appeal than other consoles, but which games are the best for eight-year-olds?

With familiar Nintendo brands like Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong alongside modern favorites like Just Dance, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing, the Switch has plenty of ideal games for eight-year-olds, whether they are playing alone or with friends or family. We’ve picked out the 10 best based on trusted reviews from real gamers, so you know that these picks won’t disappoint.

If you think your kid might prefer something easier then be sure to check out our list of Switch games for 7 year olds.

  • 1Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch

    B01N1037CV-Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch

    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the newest version of the Mario Kart series and was designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. Kids get to play as some of their favorite Mario characters in different race atmospheres. In this version, kids can play with up to three of their friends locally when the Nintendo Switch is connected to a television. This version comes with all of the tracks from the Wii U version, including the tracks that were added in that DLC.

    What we love

    • The smart steering feature makes this game excellent for kids of all skill levels
    • Features Dry Bones, Bowser Jr., and King Boo

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • Some of the features like the jump feature are not as useful as in other Mario Kart versions
  • 2Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch

    B072JYTJCH-Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch

    In Yoshi's Crafted World, kids can explore different stages that are full of secrets to discover and explore. They can also go through the stage backward, which is extraordinary. There are many obstacles and enemies for kids to fight and overcome, like Zombie Guys, Ukiki, and Monty Mole. This game does contain mild cartoon violence, but it is still considered to be suitable for eight-year-olds; it should nonetheless be approved by parents.

    What we love

    • Features exciting obstacles and fearsome enemies
    • This game can be played by two players with the use of a Joy-Con controller

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It uses the traditional 2D platform instead of branching out to other platforms
  • 3Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Switch

    B078Y4FLCL-Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Switch

    In this game, kids can enjoy playing a new and updated version of the traditional Donkey Kong game. This game comes with various levels to explore and enjoy, and they all have different turns and twists that happen in an unexpected way, which helps to fully emerge the player into a diverse world of vibrant islands for them to explore and take advantage of. There are countless special moves that kids can learn to master, like the Dixie Kong's spinning ponytail and Diddy Kong's jetpack.

    What we love

    • Kids can finally play as the character Funky Kong
    • Features fun challenges, special bosses, and new enemies for kids to fight

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • This game requires a higher skill level compared to other versions
  • 4Minecraft (Nintendo Switch)

    B07DG77KPX-Minecraft (Nintendo Switch)

    Minecraft has been a popular survival and creative game for many years and this version was designed to allow kids to play the traditional game on their Nintendo Switch. Kids can explore different generated worlds and create their own structures and bases using traditional Minecraft crafting situations. Finally, this game also includes various packs that are only compatible with the Nintendo Switch version.

    What we love

    • Comes with a handheld and tabletop mode for different playstyles
    • Designed to promote creativity

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • This version does not have access to some of the Minecraft mods
  • 5Super Mario Party

    B07DJY81FP-Super Mario Party

    Super Mario Party adds a whole new spin to Super Mario games as kids can race through various levels against their family and friends trying to get more stars than them to win. This game does include the original 4-player Mario Party series board game mode that was found to be popular in past game versions. There are character-specific dice blocks that are designed with alternate numbering to help add extra levels to their strategic gameplay.

    What we love

    • Comes with more than 80 different minigames
    • They can pair multiple Nintendo Switch devices together to play with more people in new modes

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • The online play mode has limited play options
  • 6Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition

    B07SMRLNJH-Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition

    The Legend of Zelda franchise has been popular for many years, and Link's Awakening was designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. This is one of the best Nintendo Switch games for eight-year-olds because it brings a traditional Nintendo game back to life for a whole new generation. Kids get to play as Link as they explore Koholint Island, which has been reimagined for this game version. The object of the game is to collect various instruments that they will need to awake the Wind Fish and find their way back home.

    What we love

    • Kids will get to encounter various types of locals as they play through the story
    • Several dungeons for kids to experience and explore, and each dungeon is riddled with traps, tricks, and various tricks

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • This version includes some Mario characters, which takes away some of the nostalgic feel of the Zelda game
  • 7Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch - (UK VERSION)

    B07SMRM43T-Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch - (UK VERSION)

    Animal Crossing New Horizons allows kids to finally join Tom Nook in his new adventure and business as he rolls up his sleeves and begins to go to work. This game comes with the deserted island getaway package which adds new features and adventures to the original game platform. Kids will cross paths with many new colorful characters that can assist them in their adventure, and it provides a vast untouched wealth of nature for kids to explore.

    What we love

    • Great for kids with a love for animals
    • Encourages kids to be creative

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • Only one person can experience the full game at any given time
  • 8New Super Lucky's Tale - Nintendo Switch

    B07VBB8PXZ-New Super Lucky's Tale - Nintendo Switch

    The New Super Lucky's Tale game was designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. It utilizes various gameplay styles wrapped in one game that will help keep kids from getting bored quickly. For instance, kids can enjoy the various 3D hubs or enjoy the extensive story-based adventure levels. It includes various minigames as an award system for completing different game sections that include mind-bending puzzles. Kids can also engage in epic and thrilling boss battles.

    What we love

    • This game is a challenge for players of all skill levels
    • It is full of secrets that kids can unlock by finding and reaching different areas in the game

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • This game does not offer any sort of co-op or online gameplay
  • 9Just Dance 2021 - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition

    B08BRQKSMB-Just Dance 2021 - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition

    Just Dance 2021 is not just another video game that kids will play mindlessly. This Nintendo Switch game is designed to get kids up and moving which is excellent for their physical fitness. The game comes with a free month called the Just Dance Unlimited subscription, which features more than 600 songs. We love that this version has a co-op mode. All of the songs and choreographies are designed to provide a family-fun experience.

    What we love

    • This game does not require any special equipment to play other than the Nintendo Switch console
    • Kids can create their own personalized custom playlists

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • To get the full benefit of the game, a subscription to the Just Dance Unlimited service is recommended
  • 10Pokemon Sword + Pokemon Sword Expansion Pass - Nintendo Switch

    B08KGSDL1W-Pokemon Sword + Pokemon Sword Expansion Pass - Nintendo Switch

    Pokemon Sword gives kids a new way to fight and collect Pokemon in different world settings. Kids will receive a Pikachu uniform, an Eevee uniform, and 100 Poke Balls as a bonus. To gain access to some of the online features of the game, kids will have to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is sold and maintained separately from the game.

    What we love

    • Can make for an exciting gift for Pokemon fans
    • It includes the regular game and an expansion pass bundle

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • In order to play in multiplayer mode, multiple games and consoles will need to be used