The 21 Best Family Video Games – Ranked and Reviewed
If you’re looking for some great family-friendly video games to keep everyone entertained during family game night, look no further! We’ve put together a list of the best ones out there today, ranked and reviewed. Whether you’re into racing games, platformers, party games, or something else entirely, we’ve got something for everyone. So grab your controllers and get ready to have some fun!
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The Nintendo Switch is the best video game console for families because it offers multiplayer games that can be enjoyed by up to eight players on select games. Whether you’re looking for a classic party game like Mario Party or a new favorite like Overcooked, the Switch has something for everyone.
And with new interactive games like Just Dance 2023, families can spend quality time together while also getting some exercise. My family loves to spend an entire weekend afternoon playing challenging games together, and if this sounds like fun to you then grab a Nintendo Switch and start playing with your family today!
What are the best family video games of 2023?
Here is my list of the best video games for families in 2023.
1) Mario Party Superstars
Best Overall
1) Mario Party Superstars
The Mario Party Superstars game is the best Mario Party game in years and has something for everyone. With over 80 new and classic minigames, four-player multiplayer, and a story mode, this game will keep you entertained for hours.
It’s also one of the best party games out there, perfect for family game night. So grab some family members and get ready for some friendly competition with this great game for all ages.
GameStop Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Best life simulation
2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This charming life simulation game has taken the world by storm and for good reason. With its cute characters, relaxing gameplay, and ability to customize your island however you want, it’s perfect for people of all ages. Plus, the multiplayer features let you visit your friends’ islands and trade items, making it a great game to play with family and friends.
If you’re looking for a fun game to play with your kids, or even just a relaxing way to unwind after a long day, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is definitely worth checking out.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
3) Super Mario 3D World
Best Challenge
3) Super Mario 3D World
A critically acclaimed platformer is a must-play for any Wii U or Nintendo Switch owner. With gorgeous graphics, tight controls, and an incredibly fun co-op mode, it’s one of the best games on the system. And with over 100 levels to explore, you’ll be playing this game for quite some time.
GameStop Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
4) Snipperclips
Best Puzzle
4) Snipperclips
This unique puzzle game has players working together to cut paper characters into the right shapes. It’s a great family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Plus, it has a great educational feel to it with all the different strategies and techniques you have to use to solve the puzzles.
GameStop Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
5) PikuNiku
Best Quirky Co-Op
5) PikuNiku
PikuNiku is a delightfully quirky puzzle game with a unique art style that’s perfect for players of all ages. My family loves the music, characters, and fun co-op mode where you can challenge each other to an exciting game of baskickball (a unique spin-off of basketball). Whether you want to team up and defeat the story mode or challenge each other to side games, this game is a great way to have a few laughs together.
GameStop Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
6) Just Dance 2022
Best Dancing
6) Just Dance 2022
Just Dance 2022 is the latest entry in the popular Just Dance series. This game features over 40 new and classic songs, as well as a host of new features. With a new co-op mode, player customization, and more, this game is perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends. So bust out your best moves and get ready to have a blast with Just Dance 2022.
GameStop Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
7) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Best Racing
7) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is back and better than ever with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With new tracks, racers, and items, as well as improved graphics and gameplay, this game is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner who loves Mario Kart. Plus, the ability to play with up to four players makes it perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends.
GameStop Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
8) Overcooked 2
Best Cooking
8) Overcooked 2
Overcooked is a cooking game that will have you and your friends working together in the kitchen at a crazy-fast pace. With tons of levels to enjoy, as well as a variety of recipes to cook, this game is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. Plus, with multiplayer modes for up to four players, you can enjoy running a virtual kitchen with your whole family.
GameStop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
9) Minecraft
Best Builder
9) Minecraft
Minecraft is a block-building game that allows you to create anything you can imagine. With over 100 million copies sold, it’s one of the best-selling games of all time. And with a variety of game modes, including multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re building a castle with your friends or exploring a new world by yourself, Minecraft is a great game to play with family and friends.
GameStop Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
10) Untitled Goose Game
Best Laughs
10) Untitled Goose Game
This comical puzzle game has you controlling a naughty goose as it causes havoc in a peaceful village. With a charming art style and hilarious gameplay, this game is perfect for young kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve some stress and have a few laughs with your family.
GameStop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
11) Rocket League
Best Soccer-Racing
11) Rocket League
Rocket League is a car-soccer game that features intense, fast-paced action. With a variety of modes to choose from, as well as online multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with customizable cars and a variety of arenas to play in, you can keep the action fresh. So rev up your engines and get ready for some high-octane fun with Rocket League.
GameStop Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
12) Super Mario Odyssey
Best Co-Op
12) Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best Mario games for the Nintendo Switch. In this game, Mario travels to different kingdoms in order to rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. With a variety of new abilities, as well as classic moves and power-ups, Mario must overcome a variety of obstacles and enemies in order to save the day. So grab your Joy-Cons and get ready for an adventure with Super Mario Odyssey.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
13) Lego Star Wars
Best Lego
13) Lego Star Wars
Lego Star Wars is a video game series that combines the best of both worlds – Lego and Star Wars. With a variety of games to choose from, as well as a variety of characters and vehicles to play with, these games are perfect for any fan of either franchise. Plus, with a variety of modes to choose from, including multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. So grab your friends and build the ultimate family gaming team.
GameStop Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
14) Rayman Legends
Best Soundtrack
14) Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is a platform game that features gorgeous graphics and tight gameplay. With a variety of levels to play through, as well as a variety of challenges to complete, this game is perfect for anyone who loves platformers. Plus, with multiplayer modes for up to four players, you can enjoy this game with your whole family. So grab your friends and get ready for some platforming fun with Rayman Legends.
GameStop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
15) Splatoon 2
Best Third-Person Shooter
15) Splatoon 2
Splatoon is a third-person shooter game that features colorful graphics and fast-paced action. With a variety of modes to choose from, as well as online multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with a variety of weapons and abilities to choose from, you can customize your playstyle to fit your needs. So grab your friends and get ready for some intense ink-splatting action with Splatoon.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
16) Super Smash Bros.
Best Competitive
16) Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. is a fighting game that features a variety of characters from different Nintendo franchises. With a variety of modes to choose from, as well as online multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with a variety of characters and stages to choose from, you can customize your experience to fit your needs. So grab your friends and get ready for some intense fighting action with Super Smash Bros.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
17) Harry Potter Lego Games
Best Adventure
17) Harry Potter Lego Games
This Lego video game series is a series of games that combine the best of both worlds – Harry Potter and Lego. With a variety of games to choose from, as well as a variety of characters and locations to play with, these games are perfect for any fan of either franchise. Plus, with a variety of modes to choose from, including multiplayer, there’s something for everyone. So grab your friends and build the ultimate family video gaming.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
18) Super Mario Maker 2
best level-creating
18) Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker is a game creation system for the Nintendo Switch that lets you create your own Super Mario levels. With a variety of tools and objects to choose from, as well as a variety of game styles, you can create levels that are easy, medium, or hard. Plus, with the ability to share your levels online, you can play levels created by other players from around the world. So grab your Switch and get ready to create some Mario magic with Super Mario Maker.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
19) Kirby The Forgotten Land
Cute adventure
19) Kirby: The Forgotten Land
Kirby’s The Forgotten Land is best for ages five and up. It features a cooperative multiplayer mode where players have to help Kirby along his mission of saving the waddle dees. With many new powers to inhale, like becoming a drill to burrow underground, and lots of new maps to explore this game is perfect for anyone who loves adventure games.
GameStop Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
20) Yoshi’s Crafted World
best side-missions
20) Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is best for ages six and up. In this video game, players use Yoshi to travel through various levels created from everyday objects.
Some of the challenges in this game include using yarn to swing across trees and lakes and avoiding enemies made out of cardboard boxes. This video game is perfect for anyone who loves crafting or adventure games.
And with the return of the Poochie Pups to help you along, your kids will love helping Yoshi save the crafted world.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
21) The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening
best
21) The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is best for ages ten and up. In this video game, players control Link as he wakes up on a mysterious island. To escape the island, Link must collect eight musical instruments. This video game is perfect for anyone who loves adventure games or puzzle solving.
GameStop Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
You can watch the video below to see a trailer for the game.
FAQ
What are the best video game consoles for families?
The best video game consoles for families are the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and PlayStation. The Xbox One is also a great console for families, but it doesn’t have as many family-friendly games as the other consoles.
What is a digital download of a video game?
A digital download of a video game is when you purchase the game online and download it onto your console. This is different from buying a physical copy of the game, which you would get in a store and physically insert into your Nintendo Switch console.
How old do you have to be to play these video games?
There is no age limit for these video games, as they are suitable for players of all ages. However, some of the games on this list may be more challenging for very young players. Young kids age 5+ usually pick up on these video games without too much trouble though.
How many people can play at once on a Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch can support up to four players at once on most video games, however, there are specific games that can operate up to eight players if you have enough controllers. You also have the ability to link two switch consoles together for ultimate family fun.
Is a Nintendo Switch portable?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch is a portable console. It can be played at home on your TV or on the go. You just grab the base and connect a controller to each side to turn it into a portable gaming system.
Do I need to buy an additional controller to play with four people?
The Nintendo Switch usually comes with two controllers and you may want to purchase extra controllers to play with more people at once.
Conclusion
So those are my family’s favorite video games, ranked and reviewed. Whether you’re looking for a challenging platformer or a fun party game, there’s something on this list for everyone. So gather your family and friends and get ready to have some fun.
