Check the console first
Video Games for Kids: Choose by Console, Age, and Players
A good game on the wrong system is a disappointing gift. Start with the exact console or PC, then check the child’s age and how they want to play. These seven picks cover different kinds of fun, with physical and digital editions identified in their buying briefs.
Researched buying advice; no hands-on testing is claimed. Retailer ratings are dated snapshots. See how we pick · Affiliate disclosure
Compare 8 picks at a glance
Estimated budget bands, not live prices. Scroll the table sideways on small screens.
| Gift / age | Budget band | A reason to choose it | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Nintendo SwitchAges 6–12 | $50–$100 | Family racing nights | Up to four local players need compatible controllers |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo SwitchAges 6–12 | $50–$100 | Shared platforming adventures | Extra controllers may be needed for local multiplayer |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo SwitchAges 7–12 | $50–$100 | Decorating and collecting | One shared island per console, even with multiple profiles |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo SwitchAges 10–12 | $25–$50 | Exploration and ability-based puzzles | Cartoon combat and boss fights; ESRB recommends ages 10+ |
| Minecraft — Nintendo SwitchAges 10–12 | $25–$50 | Children who like planning large builds | Online interaction and optional paid content need account controls |
| ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5Ages 10–12 | $25–$50 | Exploring levels and finding secrets | Requires a PS5 with a disc drive; not PS4 or Switch |
| Forza Horizon 5 Premium — Xbox / PC DigitalAges 8–12 | $50–$100 | Racing fans who want a large world to explore | No local split-screen multiplayer |
| Sonic Superstars — Nintendo SwitchAges 7–12 | Under $25 | Families who already have compatible Nintendo Switch hardware. | Requires a compatible console and enough controllers; fast movement can be challenging for beginners. |
Match the system and the format
Our Mario Kart, Wonder, Animal Crossing, Kirby, and Minecraft listings are Switch editions. ASTRO BOT is a PS5 disc, so a disc-capable PS5 is needed. The Forza listing is a digital Xbox/Windows PC code. Check the exact retailer listing and PC requirements; a familiar title does not make every edition interchangeable.
Read three parts of the rating
ESRB separates the age category, content descriptors, and interactive elements. An E10+ category is aimed at ages ten and up. Also look for notices about online interaction or purchases; those describe a different concern from the game’s difficulty. Our editorial gift ages do not override the content rating.
Sources: ESRB (opens in a new tab)
Decide what playing together means
For a shared TV session, start by comparing Mario Kart and Wonder. Kirby has a local helper role, while ASTRO BOT is single-player; siblings can take turns but cannot play simultaneously. ASTRO BOT has no online communication or in-game purchases. Forza’s multiplayer is online, so it is a different gift from a same-screen racing game.
Sources: ESRB (opens in a new tab)
Allow time before the first session
A digital gift may need an account, a download, and storage. Physical games can also need updates. If you are buying for another household, confirm that the edition is welcome before redeeming a code or opening packaging. Budget for any separate controller or membership the chosen mode needs.
The short list
Use Save to keep a candidate and Compare to put up to three side by side. Open the full brief for contents, play ideas, sources, and trade-offs.
Gift ages 6–12
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Nintendo Switch
Short races and same-screen competition for families who already own a Nintendo Switch.
Gift ages 6–12
Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo Switch
A side-scrolling adventure with surprising level changes and room for four local players.
Gift ages 7–12
Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo Switch
An island to decorate and explore at a gentler pace, with plenty of reading along the way.
Gift ages 10–12
Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo Switch
A colorful 3D adventure with two difficulty choices and a local helper role.
Gift ages 10–12
Minecraft — Nintendo Switch
A digital building sandbox with Creative and Survival modes for different kinds of play.
Gift ages 10–12
ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5
A single-player rescue adventure with inventive movement powers and hidden robots to find.
Gift ages 8–12
Forza Horizon 5 Premium — Xbox / PC Digital
An open-world racing game with the base game and Premium extras for Xbox and Windows.
Gift ages 7–12
Sonic Superstars — Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch edition of the side-scrolling Sonic adventure. Compatible console sold separately.
Ready to check retailer prices?
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Minecraft — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Minecraft — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
- ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5Check price at Amazon for ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5 (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Forza Horizon 5 Premium — Xbox / PC DigitalCheck price at Amazon for Forza Horizon 5 Premium — Xbox / PC Digital (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Sonic Superstars — Nintendo SwitchCheck price at Amazon for Sonic Superstars — Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) ↗
Amazon links can earn a commission. Other retailer links are direct; prices and stock are confirmed by the retailer.
Before you choose
Does an Everyone rating mean a game is easy for young children?
No. A content rating is not a difficulty score. Reading, navigation, controller use, and patience still affect the fit. Our buying briefs describe the play alongside the ESRB information.
Which listing works on PC?
The Forza Horizon 5 digital listing identifies Windows PC compatibility as well as Xbox. Check the retailer’s redemption instructions and hardware requirements. The Switch Minecraft listing does not include a PC Java license.
Checked sources