The ESRB's E10+ rating means "generally suitable for ages 10 and up," and it's where most of the great tween games sit. It usually reflects cartoon or fantasy violence. Our ratings guide explains how to read the details.
Picks for Switch 2 and Switch
Donkey Kong Bananza
One of the best-reviewed Switch 2 games, a big 3D adventure about smashing through everything in sight. An Assist Mode adds path guidance and reduced damage, and a second player can join in co-op. Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, with In-Game Purchases listed.
Check pricePokémon Legends: Z-A
The most recent big Pokémon adventure, released October 2025. Pokémon is the safest franchise bet at this age. Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence. The next main-series games aren't due until 2027.
Check priceKirby Air Riders
A fast, chaotic racing game that's easy to pick up and great with friends on the couch. Released November 2025. Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence.
Check priceSplatoon Raiders
A newer Splatoon game, released July 2026, from Nintendo's colorful ink-shooting series. Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence.
Check priceNintendo Switch Sports Resort
Motion-controlled sports that gets the whole family off the couch, released October 22, 2026. Rated E10+ for Mild Violence. Nintendo also sells a Switch 2 bundle that includes it.
Check priceThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
A huge, creative adventure for older kids who like to explore and build. Best for the 11–12 end of this range. Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes. Zelda fans should also know a remake of Ocarina of Time is coming to Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, also rated E10+.
Check pricePicks for PS5 and Xbox
Astro Bot
A joyful platformer and one of the best games on PS5. The ESRB lists no in-game purchases and no online chat, which makes it an easy yes for parents. Rated E10+ for Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence. Its smaller predecessor, Astro's Playroom (also E10+), is free for PS5 owners, so check whether they've played it.
Check priceLEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
The newest LEGO adventure, released May 2026, and available on every major console. LEGO games are reliably funny, forgiving and good in co-op.
Check priceOn every platform
Minecraft
Still the most-requested game at this age. It's rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, with Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. The trick is that most kids already own it. If they don't, it's a sure thing. A native Switch 2 version launches October 27, 2026 as a Game-Key Card, and digital Switch owners get a free upgrade until the end of January 2027.
Check priceRoblox, Fortnite and the friends question
At this age, the games kids ask for most are often the ones their friends play online. Two come up constantly:
- Fortnite is rated T for Violence, Suggestive Themes and Lyrics, with Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. It's free to download on every major platform, including Switch 2.
- Roblox is rated T, with a note that content varies and parental discretion is advised, plus Users Interact and random-item purchases. It's on PlayStation, Xbox, PC and mobile, but not Switch. For under-13s, a linked parent account controls chat, spending and time limits.
Since both are free, the gift is really their in-game currency. If you decide to allow it, buy a gift card for the console's store or the game itself from a major retailer, and set a spending limit first.
Before a tween gets online access, set up their child account and parental controls through the console's family app. Our setup checklist walks through it, and our ESRB guide lists the app for each console.
Shopping for an older kid? See gifts for teen gamers. Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
Is Fortnite OK for a 10-year-old?
Fortnite is rated T (Teen) for Violence, Suggestive Themes and Lyrics, and it includes online interaction and in-game purchases. It's free to download, so it isn't really a gift item. Whether it's OK is a parent's decision, made with the console's parental controls.
What is Roblox rated?
Roblox is rated T, with a note that content varies and parental discretion is advised, plus Users Interact and random-item purchases. It's on PlayStation, Xbox, PC and mobile, but not Nintendo Switch. For children under 13, linking a parent account lets you control chat, spending and time.
Do I need to buy Minecraft again for Switch 2?
A native Switch 2 version launches October 27, 2026, as a Game-Key Card. Owners of the digital Switch version get a free upgrade until the end of January 2027, but there's no upgrade path for physical Switch copies.
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