Best Nintendo Switch games for beginners
The best Nintendo Switch games for beginners are Balatro, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley. All are level 1 or 2 on our beginner scale.
Switch games tend to be gentle, have clear on-screen help and work well on the TV or in your hands. These are the best rated, easiest ones.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balatro | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97 · Hall of Fame |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2 | 95 · Hall of Fame |
| Stardew Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95 · Hall of Fame |
| Townscaper | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95 · Hall of Fame |
| What Remains of Edith Finch | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 94 · Proven favourite |
| Minecraft | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 93 · Proven favourite |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2 | 93 · Proven favourite |
| A Short Hike | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 92 · Proven favourite |
| The Case of the Golden Idol | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, Computer, Phone / tablet | 92 · Proven favourite |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2 | 90 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89 · Proven favourite |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2 | 87 · Well liked |
About each game
Balatro. Poker-hand scoring with joker cards. No real money, but casino imagery.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Life on an island at your own pace. Real-time clock encourages a short daily visit.
Stardew Valley. Restore a farm and befriend villagers. Lots to learn but no rush.
Townscaper. A toy rather than a game: click to build pretty towns. No goals, no failing.
What Remains of Edith Finch. Explore a family home; each room is a short story. Themes of death.
Minecraft. Creative or Peaceful mode removes danger. Great for playing with grandkids.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate stop you crashing. A family favourite.
A Short Hike. Climb a mountain in an afternoon. Very gentle introduction to 3D movement.
The Case of the Golden Idol. Work out whodunnit from frozen crime scenes. Point and click; hints available.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Pick Yoshi or Nabbit and enemies can't hurt you. Best 2D starting point.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. 3D Mario with a helpful fixed camera; great with others.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.