What makes a good game at this age
- No harsh failure. Young kids get upset when they "lose." The best games put them back where they were, or let them keep going no matter what.
- Little or no reading. Most 3-to-5-year-olds can't read menus or instructions yet.
- Room for a grown-up. Co-op games where a parent can handle the hard parts make the whole thing more fun, and keep it a shared activity.
- Familiar characters. A child who loves a show will happily explore its world.
Every pick below is rated E by the ESRB. Ratings change and can differ by version, so check the listing on esrb.org before buying. Our ratings guide explains what to look for.
The picks
Bluey: The Videogame
If they love the show, this is the easy choice. It's built around exploring the Heelers' house and playing games from the series, and it's rated E with no content descriptors. It's also available on every major console, so it works whatever the family owns.
Check priceBluey's Quest for the Gold Pen
The newer Bluey game, released on consoles in May 2026. It's single-player, and if a child falls, a bubble brings them back rather than ending the game. It's rated E with no content descriptors or interactive elements, so no purchases or chat.
Check priceYoshi and the Mysterious Book
A storybook-style Yoshi adventure released in May 2026. It's rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence, with no in-game purchases or online interaction listed. A good fit for a Switch 2 household with a little one.
Check priceMario Kart World (with assists on)
Mario Kart is the game the whole family can play together. Mario Kart World has Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate and Auto-Use Items, which can be switched on for each player separately, so a preschooler can race alongside older siblings. It's rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence, and the ESRB lists Users Interact because of online play. Nintendo also sells a Switch 2 bundle that includes it.
Check priceMario Kart 8 Deluxe (for the original Switch)
The original Switch's Mario Kart, with the same Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate helpers. Rated E for Comic Mischief. If the family has an original Switch, this is the Mario Kart to get.
Check priceSuper Mario Bros. Wonder (play as Yoshi or Nabbit)
A colorful side-scrolling Mario game. Nintendo designed two characters, Yoshi and Nabbit, to take no damage, which makes them perfect for beginners. In co-op, Yoshi can even carry other players. Best for five-year-olds playing with a parent. Rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence. The Switch 2 Edition lists In-Game Purchases.
Check priceTips for parents
- Turn the helpers on before handing over the controller. In Mario Kart World, press X on the kart selection screen, or pause and press X, to set assists for each player.
- Set play-time limits in advance. The free parental control apps from Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox can limit daily play and lock spending. See our ratings guide for the apps.
- Play together. At this age, the game is really a way to spend time together. Co-op games where you can help are worth more than any single-player hit.
- Consider a sturdy case if it's a handheld like the Switch 2. Young hands drop things. Our protection guide covers what actually works.
Buying the console too? Read choosing a first console for a child. Shopping for an older sibling? See ages 6–8, or go back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
Is a 3-year-old too young for video games?
That's a family decision, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has guidance on screen time for young children. If you do play, short sessions together with a grown-up, on a gentle game with no failure, tend to work best at this age.
What's the best console for a preschooler?
Nintendo has the deepest library of young-kid-friendly games, which is why our first-console guide recommends it for younger children. But if the family already has a PS5 or Xbox, the Bluey games are available there too.
Can a young child play Mario Kart?
Yes, with help. Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate, which stop the kart driving off the track and keep it moving, so a young child mostly needs to steer.
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