What works at this age
Kids this age can follow simple goals, enjoy a bit of challenge, and often read enough to get by. What they love most is playing with someone: a sibling, a parent, a friend on the couch. Games with local multiplayer, where everyone plays on one screen, get the most use.
Every game below is rated E. We've noted where the ESRB lists in-game purchases or online interaction, because those matter more at this age than the rating letter.
Picks for Switch 2 and Switch
Mario Kart World
The family game of the Switch 2 era. Up to four players can race on one console, and Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate can be set separately for each player, so a six-year-old and a parent can race fairly. Rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence. The ESRB lists Users Interact for online play, but no in-game purchases.
Check pricePokémon Pokopia
A cozy, creative Pokémon game released in March 2026. It's rated E with no content descriptors. The ESRB does list Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. The boxed version is a Game-Key Card, so the console needs internet and free space the first time.
Check priceAnimal Crossing: New Horizons
A gentle life-on-an-island game about decorating, fishing, catching bugs and visiting friends. There's no way to lose, which makes it great for kids who get frustrated easily. Rated E for Comic Mischief and Mild Fantasy Violence. A Switch 2 Edition came out in January 2026.
Check priceSuper Mario Bros. Wonder
Bright, inventive and great in co-op for up to four players. Kids who struggle can play as Yoshi or Nabbit, who take no damage. Rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence. The Switch 2 Edition adds a new area and lists In-Game Purchases.
Check priceMario Tennis Fever
A newer Switch 2 sports game, released February 2026. Tennis is easy to understand, and Mario sports games work well for families with mixed ages. Rated E for Mild Fantasy Violence.
Check pricePicks for PS5 and Xbox
Nintendo has the deepest library for this age, but PlayStation and Xbox families have good options too.
LEGO Party!
A LEGO-themed party game of short minigames, built for playing together. It's available on every major console, and a Switch 2 Edition arrived in July 2026. Rated E for Comic Mischief and Mild Fantasy Violence.
Check priceBluey's Quest for the Gold Pen
Best for the younger end of this range, and a safe bet for Bluey fans. It's rated E with no descriptors or interactive elements, so no purchases or chat to worry about.
Check pricePopular games just above this age
A lot of the games kids this age ask for are rated E10+, usually for cartoon or fantasy violence. They're not inappropriate for every younger child, but read the descriptors and decide for your family. The biggest ones:
- Minecraft E10+: Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases. A native Switch 2 version launches October 27, 2026.
- Donkey Kong Bananza E10+: Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases. It has an Assist Mode with reduced damage and path guidance, and a second player can join in co-op.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land E10+: Cartoon Violence.
- Astro Bot E10+ on PS5: Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence, with no in-game purchases or chat.
These and more are covered in our ages 9–12 guide.
Two things to watch
Several popular kids' games sell extras inside the game. Set a spending limit, or turn purchases off, in the console's parental control app before the gift is opened. It takes two minutes.
"Users Interact" means a game lets players communicate or share content online. On Switch 2, the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app lets parents approve who can use GameChat. On PlayStation and Xbox, the family apps control communication settings.
Setting up a new console for this gift? Use the night-before setup checklist. And don't forget a second controller so siblings can play together. Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
Is Minecraft OK for a 7-year-old?
Minecraft is rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, and it includes in-game purchases and online interaction. Many families let younger kids play, especially in Creative mode, which has no enemies. It's a parent's call. Set up parental controls for online play first.
Is Pokémon Pokopia on the cartridge?
The physical version of Pokémon Pokopia is a Game-Key Card. The cartridge unlocks a download, so the Switch 2 needs internet and free storage the first time it's played.
What's a good game for siblings to play together?
Mario Kart World on Switch 2, or LEGO Party! on PS5, Xbox or Switch. Both are rated E and are built for several players on one console.
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