Games to play with grandchildren
The easiest games to play with grandchildren are ones with short rounds, simple rules and a way to even things out between players. Start with party games and sports games on the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2. Everyone can play in the same room, with no online account needed.
What makes a game work for all ages
- Short rounds. A round lasts a minute or two, so no one waits long.
- Simple controls. You can explain the game in a sentence.
- Local play. Everyone sits in the same room. Local play means players share one console and one screen.
- Handicaps. A handicap is a setting that helps a newer player keep up. Some games have them built in.
Games to try first
| Game | Players | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 1 to 4 | Steering and auto-accelerate help new players |
| Super Mario Party Jamboree | 1 to 4 | Board game with short mini-games |
| Nintendo Switch Sports | 1 to 4 | Move the controller like a racket or ball |
| Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain | 1 to 4 | Handicaps for different ages |
| Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics | 1 to 4 | Familiar card and board games |
| Just Dance 2025 Edition | 1 to 6 | Copy the dancer on screen |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 1 to 4 | Choose a character that enemies cannot hurt |
| Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | 1 to 2 | You cannot really lose |
| Minecraft | Varies | Build together in a calm mode |
Most of these are Nintendo games. Just Dance and Minecraft also run on other consoles. See each game’s page for platforms.
Tips for playing together
- Let your grandchild pick the first game. They will often be glad to teach you.
- Play one round and see how it goes.
- Turn on any assists or handicaps without fuss.
- Choose games where being new does not mean being left out.
- Take turns with the controller if you want a break.
Safety and spending
- Set up the console so that purchases need a password or PIN. Look in Settings for parental controls or family settings.
- Free phone games often have in-app purchases. Our rating notes mention this.
- You decide whether online play is switched on. Local play needs none.
- Check the age rating on the box or store page. See the ratings page for our notes.
Playing across distance
Some games let you play together online if you both have the console, an account and often a subscription. See Game subscriptions explained. You may also use a video call alongside it.
Do you need your own console?
If you visit the grandchildren, you may use theirs. If they visit you, a console at home makes it easy. A Switch 2 is portable, so you can carry it to their house too. See the Switch 2 guide.
Next steps
- Pick one game from the table and look at its page.
- Not sure which console? Use the console chooser.