Game categories
In this section, we’ll take a look at some popular video game genres and the skills needed to fully enjoy those types of games. This can be a great conversation starter between you and your kids about the types of Nintendo Switch games they might be interested in playing with you or on their own.
You can also check out our Game Finder activity to help you and your kids find a game to fit the way you play—just answer a few questions and we’ll provide a list of appropriate games.
Puzzle and strategy
Solve problems, identify patterns, find hidden objects, and more in puzzle and strategy games like Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Puzzle and strategy games require problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and reading skills.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence
Action and adventure
Control a character through the events of a story in action and adventure games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Action and adventure games require problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and reading skills.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
First-person action
See the action from your character’s point of view in first-person action games like Splatoon 3. First-person action games require hand-eye coordination skills.
Splatoon 3
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence
Party
Work with or compete against other players* in minigames and more in party games like Mario Party Superstars. Party games require hand-eye coordination skills and a knowledge of the game rules.
Mario Party Superstars
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Cartoon Violence
Music and dance
You can get moving, singing, and playing in music and dance games like Just Dance 2024 Edition. Music and dance games require hand-eye coordination skills.
Just Dance 2024 Edition
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Lyrics
Sports and racing
Compete in your favorite sports or race vehicles in sports and racing games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Sports and racing require hand-eye coordination skills.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief
Simulation (Sim)
Freely control a character through a real or fictional reality in simulation (or sim) games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Simulation games require reading and problem-solving skills.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief
Education
Learn skills in a fun environment in education games like Game Builder Garage. Education games require reading skills.
Game Builder Garage
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence
*Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems, and some accessories sold separately.