Level up family game time with a Nintendo Switch - here's how

With the stress of work and school, it can be hard to find time to come together as a family. So, why not start the tradition of a family games night? 

Not only can it offer some quality bonding time, but it’s also a great chance to work together as a team and learn how to handle the highs and lows of competition - especially for the kids. Though, let’s be honest, some of us adults might need to work on accepting defeat gracefully too!

The concept of games night is already a popular trend with our Mumsnet community.

“I find that [a] games nights are the best time to show your kids how silly and fun you can be, as they see adults being serious most of the time,” caravandreamer added in another talk board. 

“We play games on a Sunday afternoon/evening. We keep a tally of who has won each week and have a monthly prize,” sheilads105 added.

If you find board games aren’t engaging enough for the kids, a digital device like a Nintendo Switch can provide an alternative immersive experience. Plus, the console not only offers an array of games suitable for all ages but also ones with educational themes that can develop an array of skills. 

If you worry about your child’s screen time in isolation, it’s also a great way to encourage socialising and interaction.

“There are some great family games (Mario Kart and the Lego games are my favourites). Get one that connects to the TV and normalise gaming as a family activity rather than something done in isolation,” DelurkingAJ recently said in a Talk thread about the benefits of the Nintendo Switch.

“The Switch games are probably the nicest games in terms of family/child friendly,” Fionaville added. “We play a lot of family games on ours, such as Mario party, as it's a multi player fun game. Family Mario kart races are fun too.”

“​​My 7 and 9 yr old share a Nintendo Switch,” Dowhadiddydiddydum said. “I got a second hand one and we really enjoy it. I am mindful of what games I get and how long they are on it though. I love playing Mario kart with them, to me it feels similar to when we play board games.”

How to create a weekly tradition

Decide an easy day and time that works for everyone

Being organised and considerate of everyone’s schedules is a must when picking a weekly fixture. 

Weekends may be easier for parents as you’ve got a bit more energy, but it might not be a popular choice for teenage children. And forcing children to miss their favourite programme or cancel plans with friends will not create the best atmosphere… 

Be flexible

It might be impossible to commit to a certain day every week, especially with busy work schedules, looming homework deadlines and seasonal party plans. If you miss a week, shrug it off and pencil the next game night in the diary. 

Forcing the family to do something when their schedules are already manic will only add to the stress.

Give the kids some choice

It’s easy for parents to instinctively take charge but giving the kids some say over games night is a good way to get them more excited. 

“​​We each do different things each night and we all have a chance to decide what to do or eat,” flowersanam commented in a recent forum. Try and give the kids something to be in charge of. Maybe you take it in turns to pick the game, to host the evening or pick the snacks. 

“Everybody picks a different game and we play every one of those games before the night is out,” ineedbanoffee added. “Table full of popcorn, chocolate and chopped fruit, a playlist chosen by the children, and you can't bail out of anybody else's choice unless you want yours to be knocked out of the list!”

Keep score with a fun family league and prizes

You may not want to keep score, especially if you’re dealing with younger children or family members who struggle to keep their competitive spirit in check... 

But some Mumsnetters like to keep score and even offer prizes for the winners. 

“We keep a tally of who has won each week and have a monthly prize. It's a great way to get the family chatting,” sheilads105 said. 

Set ground rules

Keep things fun and light by ensuring everyone sticks to your dos and don’ts. You could avoid sore losers by insisting that winners never gloat. 

You could remind players at the start of every evening that there’s a zero-tolerance policy on cheating, and make sure everyone stays friendly by insisting on a post-game night group hug. Although we’re aware this suggestion might not prove so popular with teenagers…

Why the Nintendo Switch is the best choice for families

The parental controls and safety features 

If you’re worried about your child’s screen time, you can set time limits on the Nintendo Switch that will alert them with an alarm when playtime is over. You can monitor whether your child is sticking to these limits or use the Suspend Software option to have the game lock automatically.

In the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, you can get a monthly play report of what your child has been playing and for how long. You can also set which games can be played based on the PEGI age rating. Once game night is over, you can still keep an eye on what your child is playing on their devices. 

You can also prevent your child from being able to exchange messages and images with other players online and restrict their communication in certain games.

It’s so versatile for gaming at home and on the go

One of the biggest benefits of the Nintendo Switch is that it can adapt to suit your situation. Whether you want a handheld device for on the move, a tabletop option, or a TV mode so you can share the screen with a group. 

The lightweight and portable console makes it great for travel, so you can take it with you on holiday or when you’re visiting family during school holidays. The original and the OLED model consoles come with two detachable Joy-Con controllers, so you have a multiplayer option from the get-go. You can either attach the controllers to the console for a traditional feel or use them separately for motion control. At home, you can connect up to eight controllers for multiplayer fun on the big screen, or play online with friends across the globe.

On the other hand, the Lite model is perfect as a personal device for kids, offering a great option for solo quiet time.

The Joy-Con controller is designed for a vivid experience

The Nintendo Switch offers gaming that goes beyond great visuals. Depending on which game you’re playing (like Nintendo Switch Sports or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe), the controllers provide a HD rumble, when you move and tilt, and there is an IR Motion Camera that can detect movement, distance and shape. 

What Nintendo Switch games are fun for all the family?

The Nintendo Switch offers an amazing choice of games that are designed to entertain the whole family, with many games suitable from three years old and above. 

Most of the games have a multiplayer option, plus the console itself comes with two Joy-Con controllers that are either attached (Lite version) or detachable (original and OLED models). 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers 48 exciting courses, while the paid optional Booster Course Pass offers an extra 48. You can connect eight players with Wireless Play, plus the classic game is a bit of a 90s nostalgia trip for parents!

If you love Mario, Super Mario Party Jamboree offers 110 minigames for hours upon hours of fun. It’s also suitable for ages three and up, and you can enjoy four players locally or up to 20 online.

Everybody 1-2-Switch! is a popular choice with our Mumsnet community. It’s suitable for ages three and up and has a variety of fun and exciting games to keep everyone engaged. The Joy-Con mode allows you up to eight players, while the Smart Mode can enable up to 100.

For fast-paced, quirky mini-games on family game nights, choose WarioWare: Move It! Suitable for ages seven and up, its wacky motions and quick reactions will have everyone laughing and engaged. Up to four players can join locally for chaotic fun.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a nostalgic treat for retro gaming fans, bringing back classic NES challenges. It’s a fun way to introduce younger players to gaming history while keeping parents entertained with its iconic throwbacks.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble delivers bright, colorful action as players guide adorable monkeys through wild courses to collect bananas. With multiplayer modes and easy-to-learn controls, it’s perfect for family fun. Suitable for ages three and up, it ensures giggles for all ages.

For families who love friendly competition, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the game for you. With a roster of over 80 characters, players of all skill levels can jump into the fray. The game is rated for ages ten and up and offers multiplayer modes for up to eight players locally or online.

And finally, Nintendo Switch Sports is great for multiplayer and gets everyone up and moving. You can also buy accessories for the Joy-Con controllers, including golf clubs and tennis rackets.

Why games offer more than just entertainment

Besides a night of enjoyment, our Mumsnet community believes online gaming provides so many other benefits. A family games night is a great tool for quality time together, plus the team-building activities of certain games can strengthen bonds.

"When we play games together [we] are constantly interacting with one another, which is nice, and we find it [good for] bonding, which sounds cheesy." Cherrytangfastic said in a forum.

A 2020 study found that video games can improve children’s literacy, mental wellbeing and communication. Many games rely on memory and logic, so it’s a great way to keep your brain engaged no matter what your age.

“Games teach you many lessons - teamwork, resilience, resourcefulness, thinking outside the box, the acceptance of the unfairness of life,” HarrietsChariot added. “The best thing is, children think they're just having fun messing about playing games, they don't realise they are learning crucial life skills. That's always the best learning experience in my view - having so much fun you don't realise you're being educated.”

“I don't play video games but my husband does,” ShellsandSand said. “I believe it keeps the mind nimble. He has better cognitive function than me and I credit that to his years of playing video games.”

“My five year old son enjoys playing lego games on the ps4 (e.g Harry Potter, Avengers, LEGO Movie). They have really developed his problem solving skills and I am always amazed at his ability to remember which character he needs to use depending on the skills they possess.” Pinkflipflop85

"[Gaming has] allowed me to visit countries I could never afford in real life, meet wonderful characters, explore gorgeous worlds, make friends and be part of communities." DoTheNextRightThing.

A New Year’s resolution you shouldn’t forget

Starting a weekly family games night with the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to bring everyone together, creating laughter, learning, and shared memories. 

Whether it’s the immersive multiplayer experiences on the OLED and original models or the quiet solo play the Lite provides for kids, there’s a perfect option for every family dynamic. 

And with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, parents can feel confident that screen time stays safe and balanced. Say goodbye to stressful schedules and hello to quality bonding time - it’s the perfect excuse to start your new family tradition this year!

About Nintendo 

Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. 

Nintendo has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Pokémon™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™, which can be experienced through its video game consoles such as the Nintendo Switch™.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products, services and events that are worth your purchase. As a mother herself, she knows all too well how hard it can be to plan family events with children. So, you can trust that she’s fully invested in making sure you receive the best recommendations.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.

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