Wahoo, there’s no better time than the holidays to play some of the best family games on Nintendo Switch! There are some highlights from this year, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Moving Out 2 to help create wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is arguably one of the best family games on Nintendo Switch. Up to four players can check out this gorgeous platforming title. I used to be totally bored by the New Super Mario Bros. series because of its lack of innovation. However, Wonder truly mixes it up with odd scenarios, unique and vibrant landscapes, and fun power-ups like turning into an elephant. Both adults and children will love to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder, especially after the hit movie.
Sonic Superstars
Another platforming series Sonic the Hedgehog presents Sonic Superstars, another four-player co-op platformer. The scenery is similar as it’s inspired by the classic Genesis games, but it looks fantastic in 2.5D. You also have different power-ups like the Bullet that has you zipping through the air, and the Vine that takes you far up the level. The music by Tee Lopes, Jun Senoue, and other composers, has many bangers throughout the game too. I found myself bobbing my head up and down like one of Dr. Eggman’s robots.
It also nails the feeling of locomotion as Sonic and his friends speed their way up hills and down pipes. Like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, it gives a wave of nostalgia. I prefer Sonic Mania‘s 2D-pixel art style, but at least you can play this game in co-op!
The Jackbox Party Pack 10
Jackbox Games always delivers on providing quality party games every year. The latest Party Pack provides that with five different games. It has riveting trivia in its time-based Timejinx, and entertaining artistic shenanigans in Tee K.O. 2, in which you create your own shirts from a funny picture and hilarious tagline.
The music rhythm game that plays normal instruments, in addition to burps and constant screaming sound effects with the beat. My personal favorite is Timejinx as you try to score the least amount of points by getting as close to the correct year as possible; it gets super tense in a competitive group of people. Also, families with kids should know there’s a PG option, so everyone can get involved.
Let’s just ignore that one of the Jackbox developers made fun of my math skills while streaming the game. Read my review for more information, but I enjoyed most of what this game offers.
Disney Speedstorm
Tired of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and want a new kart racer to play? Disney Speedstorm is a solid pick. It’s free-to-play and has many characters from the company’s history represented. While it can be difficult to unlock characters, many of them are already given to you in the local multiplayer mode.
I smile like my past little self watching classic Disney movies as I drift around the colorful interpretations of Hercules’ Mount Olympus and Lilo & Stitch‘s Hawaii. There are tonnes of references, and the game runs well on the Nintendo Switch as you’re sending bombs towards your foes and speeding past the likes of Jack Sparrow and Mickey Mouse. You can even knock your friends out, Burnout style as you ram into them. Try this game out! You can read my review of this game too.
Just Dance 2024 is one of the best family games on Nintendo Switch
You know what you’re getting with Just Dance 2024. There’s delightful choreography and a decent selection of popular songs both old and new. Despite this being what you’d expect, it’s always fantastic to get your nanny off their seat and get them dancing to the beat.
It’s something the whole family can understand and follow; that’s what makes it one of the best family games on Nintendo Switch. You can’t say that about every game; my mum has no idea which button does what but she can follow the dance instructor easily by just moving her feet.
Make sure you get Just Dance + too. It’s a subscription service that includes hundreds of songs. You actually get a lot of bang for your buck. Thankfully, there’s a 30-day free trial that’s active as soon as you install the game.
Moving Out 2
If I had to describe Moving Out 2 in one word, it would be cute. If I added a second, it’s frantic! With up to three friends, you’re moving objects (and even animals) in and out of houses, farms, and even futuristic apartments. It sounds basic, but believe me, it’s super entertaining. Each level has an engaging puzzle that you have to counter.
For example, you need to figure out how to keep chickens from jumping out of their designated patch, while you’re struggling to move cows with your partner. At one point, you also have to contend with bulls that are constantly charging at you.
There’s a neat a-ha moment I had when I figured out you use the bulls’ horns to take out guard rails that prevent access to certain animals in the level. I can see Moving Out 2 being a great game for kids as it requires problem-solving skills. It also has plenty of rewards like cute skins to unlock. When I unlocked the adorable hot dog skin, I knew he would be my character for the rest of the game.
Also, this is a game I played with a friend over Steam’s Remote Play, and he decided to buy the game after checking it out with me.
Samba de Amigo: Party Central
Lastly, there’s the eccentric Samba de Amigo: Party Central. You’re shaking your Joycon like maracas to the beat as you’re performing “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida, “La Bamba,” and “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club. While playing this game, I had a big smile on my face while shaking the virtual maracas to the groove.
Unlike the Wii entry, the motion controls in this Switch title are fairly consistent. The game provides the option to remove motion, but I think it’s better with the former. Samba de Amigo: Party Central also has colorful Latin-inspired visuals that younger family members may enjoy.
