Portable Nintendo Games for Family Fun on the Go
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the top pick. It suits families with players of all skill levels. The main advantage is its smart steering and auto accelerate features. The main limitation is the need for multiple consoles for online play.
Family gaming on the Switch is a big deal. You can play anywhere. Many titles support tabletop and handheld modes. This makes them perfect for road trips and waiting rooms.
But not every game suits every family. Some need extra controllers. Others are better for older kids. We compared top sellers to help you choose. Our picks balance fun, ease, and lasting appeal.
How to choose
Our top picks
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The definitive kart racing game. It includes all DLC tracks and characters from the Wii U version. Smart steering and auto accelerate help younger players stay on track. Up to four players can race locally with one system.
Pros
- Excellent accessibility options for kids
- Huge roster of characters and tracks
- Reliable online play with friends
Cons
- Requires separate consoles for online multiplayer
- Previous DLC is already included
Super Mario Party
A classic party game with over 80 minigames. Up to four players can play on one system. It uses motion controls in some modes. The board game element adds strategy and luck. Great for family game night.
Pros
- Tons of minigames keep things fresh
- Simple rules that all ages understand
- Encourages face to face interaction
Cons
- No online multiplayer mode
- Some minigames rely on motion controls
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A fighting game that features Nintendo characters. Up to eight players can battle locally. It has various modes like classic and adventure. Simple controls but deep mechanics. Perfect for families with older kids.
Pros
- Huge character roster
- Fast paced multiplayer fun
- items and stages add chaos
Cons
- May be too intense for younger children
- Requires practice for competitive play
Mario Tennis Aces
Tennis with a Mario twist. It includes a story mode and a variety of courts. Swing mode uses motion controls for active play. Up to four players can play locally. Simple controls make it easy to pick up.
Pros
- Accessible controls for all ages
- Motion controls get the family moving
- Quick matches suit short sessions
Cons
- Limited character variety compared to other sports
- Story mode is short
Kirby Star Allies
A colorful platformer that supports up to four players. Kirby can copy enemy abilities. You can recruit helpers and combine powers. The game is forgiving with easy controls. Ideal for introducing younger kids to gaming.
Pros
- Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork
- Charming visuals and music
- Low difficulty is family friendly
Cons
- May be too easy for experienced players
- Levels are brief
LEGO City Undercover
An open world adventure in the LEGO City universe. Play as police officer Chase McCain. Solve missions and explore the city. Two player local co-op is supported. It offers humorous story and many collectibles.
Pros
- Huge open world to explore together
- Humorous writing appeals to adults
- Co op allows shared progress
Cons
- Load times can be long
- Some missions are repetitive
Just Dance 2024
The latest Just Dance installment with over 40 songs. Players follow on screen choreography. Use your phone or Joy Cons to track moves. Supports up to six players. Great for burning energy while having fun.
Pros
- Encourages physical activity
- Easy to learn dance moves
- Wide variety of music genres
Cons
- Requires a subscription for all songs
- Phone controller may not be as accurate
How they stack up
| # | Model | Players | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 1 to 4 local, up to 12 online | All ages and skill levels | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Super Mario Party | 1 to 4 local, no online | Board game style fun with minigames | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 1 to 8 local, online up to 8 | Action packed multiplayer battles | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Mario Tennis Aces | 1 to 4 local, online up to 4 | Sports fans and quick matches | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Kirby Star Allies | 1 to 4 local, no online | Younger children and cooperative play | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | LEGO City Undercover | 1 to 2 local, no online | Open world exploration and storytelling | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Just Dance 2024 | 1 to 6 local, online up to 10 | Dance parties and active play | 8.1 | Check price |
Common questions
Can these games be played on Nintendo Switch Lite?
Yes, all of these games are compatible with the Switch Lite. However, games that require detachable Joy Cons, like Super Mario Party or Just Dance with motion controls, may need additional controllers. The Switch Lite has built in controls, so you would need to buy separate Joy Cons for those games.
How many players can play on one console?
It depends on the game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to four players locally. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports up to eight. Super Mario Party and Kirby Star Allies support up to four. Just Dance supports up to six. LEGO City Undercover supports only two. Always check the player count before buying.
Do these games require an online subscription?
Most Nintendo games require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. Local multiplayer does not require a subscription. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate need it for online play. Super Mario Party has no online mode. Just Dance requires a subscription for its full song library.
Are these games suitable for young children?
Many are. Kirby Star Allies is specifically designed for younger kids with easy controls. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has smart steering. LEGO City Undercover has a gentle difficulty. Super Smash Bros. can be intense but has items and stamina modes that are more casual. Always check the ESRB rating. Most are E for Everyone, but some may have mild cartoon violence.
Can I play these games on a TV and on the go?
Yes, all Switch games can be played in handheld mode or docked to a TV. The Switch Lite is handheld only. For TV play, you need a standard Switch or OLED model. For tabletop mode, you use the kickstand on the console. All games support handheld mode, making them portable.
Which game is best for a road trip?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is excellent for road trips. It offers quick races that are easy to pause. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also works well. Games with long story modes, like LEGO City Undercover, might be less convenient because you need to save often. Just Dance requires space, so it is not ideal for a car.
Are there any hidden costs in these games?
Some games have downloadable content (DLC). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes all previous DLC, but a new booster course pass is available for purchase. Just Dance 2024 requires a subscription for its full song library. Other games like Super Mario Party have no additional costs. Be aware of in game purchases or subscriptions.
How do I know which game my family will enjoy the most?
Consider your family’s interests. If they like racing, choose Mario Kart. If they prefer action and fighting, Smash Bros. is a good choice. For a mix of minigames and board game fun, Super Mario Party. For cooperative platforming, Kirby. For adventure, LEGO City. For active play, Just Dance. Reading reviews and watching gameplay videos can also help.
Can I use one Joy Con for two players?
Yes, many games support using a single Joy Con per player. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros., and Super Mario Party can be played with one Joy Con each. This is convenient because you do not need to buy extra controllers. However, some games like Just Dance may require motion controls, which a single Joy Con can provide.
Which game has the longest lasting appeal?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have very high replay value. They have large character rosters and online modes. Super Mario Party is fun but can become repetitive after many sessions. LEGO City Undercover has a long story but limited replay. For long term value, racing and fighting games typically last longer.
The verdict
For most families, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive choice. It offers accessible racing that everyone can enjoy, strong portability, and endless replay value. If you prefer a more active experience, Just Dance 2024 is a great alternative. If you need a game for very young children, Kirby Star Allies is the way to go. But if you can only buy one, pick Mario Kart. It is the best overall portable Nintendo family game.
