Nintendo Switch Games for Tween and Teen Boys

Nintendo Switch Games for Tween and Teen Boys is a gift guide post which was part of a paid program with MomSelect on behalf of Ubisoft. We were sent a Starlink: Battle for Atlas Starter Pack to test out while other games mentioned have been purchased with our own money. All opinions are our own and affiliate links are present for your shopping convenience.

My eldest son purchased his own Nintendo Switch last year around Christmas time. He’d been saving up his earnings from a part-time job for it.

Of course, you can’t just have a video game device without some awesome video games.

Thanks to my boys’ help, I have a few great Nintendo Switch games for tween and teen boys. Don’t let that age group stop any adults from joining the fun, too!

Top Nintendo Switch Games for Tween and Teen Boys

If you have someone in your life that has a Nintendo Switch or will be getting one, they’ll need some awesome games to have on hand.

This shortlist of top Nintendo Switch Games was created by my boys based on what they have already played and loved.

Note ~ We are adding to it as they find new games they truly love and recommend.

Animal Crossing New Horizons

This game has quickly become a hit for kids and adults.

Head over to a deserted island that you name and forge into your own custom space.

My youngest son describes it as:

“a nice peaceful game where you can enjoy tropical island life. You can customize your island and decorate it. Up to 8 villagers and your friends can live on your island as long as it is on the same switch.

You can also turn your tropical island into a town. Build shops, upgrade your home, and expand.

I highly recommend this game! I have played it for a while and I love it. Even just collecting music is fun in this game. Of all the Switch games, this is my top pick.”

Ring Fit Adventure

We bought this when it came out in 2019, but am just adding it to this post in 2020 as they were sold out for quite a while.

My 20 year old son uses this game a few times each week as part of his physical fitness routine.

My 11 year old and I have both used it some as well.

For kids who like video games and need more motion time, this can be a great fit.

They also sell a bundle that includes a kid-sized leg strap and ring set for younger kids to use.

LEGO CITY Undercover

In this game, the player is Chase McCain, a police officer who’s been tasked with going undercover to hunt down the notorious – and recently escaped – criminal Rex Fury.

Like other LEGO games, there is an element of humor included in LEGO CITY Undercover.

Of the other LEGO games, the story of this one is a favorite for my boys. It is interesting and not just a reinvention of a movie you may have already seen.

So it is the original, creativity of the story which appeals to them. Characters with names like Frank Honey are also favorites from the story.

They’ve played a demo on the PC, but find the Switch version to be the best option.

This version includes Nintendo specific features like question mark blocks, collectibles, and references to Nintendo.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

This version of a classic game that has been released on Nintendo Switch.

When pre-ordering began, my boys pooled their money to order a copy.

They’ve played different versions of this game since one of the boys was gifted a Nintendo 64 systems more than a decade ago.

It has been a favorite of all the boys, especially as a multi-player game.

My youngest said that even if he loses a battle in the game, he leaves with a feeling of having fun.

Also, the collaborative nature of the game’s characters is cool to witness.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda franchise of games have been around for 30 years and are a favorite of many.

You know that the game is good if there’s never a sale or decrease in the permanent price. Instead, you can find people paying above original retail to obtain copies of Zelda games for older video game systems.

This particular game has a completely different feel from previous Zelda games.

Instead of a linear progression, you have complete control of where you go like a sandbox with items to use at your disposal.

Even though it is free form allowing you creative solutions to problems, there are still some basic rules of play involved.

Super Mario Odyssey

This game brings beloved character Mario into the present time.

There are huge 3D kingdoms filled with secrets and surprises, including costumes for Mario and lots of ways to interact with the diverse environments.

Mario has been a staple of Nintendo games for decades and is quite beloved.

This particular version is reminiscent of the Super Mario 64 game that the boys have played for years and enjoyed.

Like older versions, you still go world to world in a set progression. However, there is now a hat that Mario can throw, bounce off it, and control your enemies.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart is a classic in the Nintendo game world. This version does not disappoint.

Race around the track as one of your favorite Mario characters on a customized vehicle.

The track isn’t static on the ground. You can go up walls, underwater, or take flight.

Play on your own or include up to 4 players in TV mode.

This is one the boys enjoy doing on the TV. 

Unlike some racing games, this one is more party-oriented than competitive. 

Super Mario Maker 2

Anyone who played the original Mario Maker game is sure to love this new version.

You’ll find new tools, course parts, and features.

Story mode allows you to collect “coins.”  And you’ll rebuild the castle as you go.

What makes this game such a hit for many is that you essentially make your own Mario games and then play them.

Endless combinations to be had, so there is never a final end point.

If you want, take your games online and share with others.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Starlink: Battle for Atlas is an open world play that has challenges your video game loving kid craves, yet in a contained environment without unsafe interactions found in some other open world play games. There are seven unique planets, each with its own ecosystem, wildlife, and secrets to uncover.

The world evolves depending on the player’s actions and choices and continues to evolve even when you aren’t around. Basically, the game is safe for kids 7 and up to play, yet will appeal to older individuals as well.

Each Starlink: Battle for Atlas Starter Pack includes a controller mount, which allows you to connect your starship and pilot your controller. Mix and match weapons, pilots, and starships and watch the seamless transition happen in-game. You can expand your play with packages of different pilots, starships, and weapons.

This game can be played solo or as a two-player split-screen local co-op. Combine different loadouts for the ultimate in teamwork to save Atlas together. Learn more about Starlink: Battle for Atlas on the game’s website.

Does someone in your life have a Nintendo Switch or want one?
Which of these Nintendo Switch Games for Tween and Teen Boys would they love to play?

This post was originally published on  Dec 1, 2018  and has since been updated as of December 19, 2020.