The best Nintendo Switch games for an autistic child & console tips

We were lucky enough to be asked by AO to review a Nintendo Switch bundle. Ben has autism and loves gaming.

We wanted to see how the Nintendo Switch compared to his other consoles as suitable for children/teenagers with autism and other needs like his.

A person using a black Nintendo Switch on wooden surface

Choosing a Nintendo Switch

If you are looking to buy a Nintendo Switch then it is easy to be overwhelmed by the variety of packages available.

I was impressed at the variety AO offered all with easy-to-arrange delivery. They deliver 7 days a week so next day delivery is often possible.

AO stocks Nintendo Switch with no games for £279 and with games from £299. Packages are available for all interests and ages so do have a look here at their bundles.

As AO also stocks games and accessories you can really spend as much or as little as you want on making the console right for you.

Teenage boy smiling at the camera with a Nintendo Switch

Setting up the Nintendo Switch for kids

When Ben unboxed the Nintendo Switch and Zelda game he, of course, like any teenager or child wanted to play right away!

I was a bit anxious that it would be a long setup process. Worrying he would be itching to play it whilst I was still fiddling with wires. I was so pleased that it was really easy to set up.

Ben helped me with the instructions and predominantly set it up on his own. Luckily it was half term so he had plenty of time to then play on it too.

A teenage boy sitting on a sofa playing a Nintendo Switch

Game-playing experience for autistic children

Ben found the console easy to learn how to use. This is possibly because he has previously played on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

He found it a little tricky getting used to the controls as some of the buttons are in a different configuration than what he was used to.

Ben enjoys the way he can play with the small controllers while watching the game on the large TV screen. He has also played with it in tabletop mode and handheld.

The versatility of this is perfect for any child and especially one with additional needs who you want to game in the same room.

A flat screen tv with a video game on the screen

A Parent’s view of the Nintendo Switch

I love that the console can be used with and without the TV enabling us to watch the TV whilst also keeping an eye on Ben gaming. It is compact enough to take out and about but also still feels robust.

The range of games available, particularly from AO but also elsewhere, means the console is suitable for all the family.

Games available include FIFA, Lego Movie, Pokemon, Nintendo Super Smash Bros, Zelda, Mario and many more.

As the console uses cartridges rather than discs the risk of damaging them is low.

This is great for heavy-handed children, those who don’t understand how delicate discs are or those who lose their temper and throw games!

Why kids with autism love gaming

It is always a challenge to help them develop proper communication and social interaction skills. However, did you know that gaming could be an excellent way to help your child with autism develop in these areas?

Yes, games can help kids with autism improve their focus, problem-solving, social skills, and confidence. So here are five reasons gaming is great for kids with autism.

Gaming Offers a Safe Place to Play and Learn

For many children with autism, the traditional classroom setting can be overwhelming and confusing. Gaming, on the other hand, provides kids with autism with a safe place to play and learn.

For those who struggle with social anxiety, gaming creates a space for them to interact with others without the need for physical interaction.

Moreover, gaming offers immediate feedback, which is essential for learning and building self-confidence.

Gaming Helps Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Kids with autism have a natural interest in routine and structure, which makes them good problem solvers. When they play games, they have to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles to progress to the next level.

This process helps to develop their problem-solving skills, which can help build their confidence and independence outside of gaming.

Gaming Enhances Socialization Skills

Contrary to popular belief, gaming can help children with autism improve their socialization skills. Video games offer opportunities for kids to engage with others online and develop friendships without the need for physical interaction.

Online gaming is also interactive, which means players have to work together to achieve a common goal. Therefore, gaming can be an excellent way to help kids develop their socialization skills.

Gaming Boosts Confidence

Kids with autism often lack self-confidence, which can make it hard for them to develop relationships or take risks. Gaming, however, allows these kids to be successful and feel good about themselves.

As they progress through levels and earn achievements, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. This new sense of confidence can translate to other areas of their life and help them take the necessary risks to progress and advance.

Gaming Enhances Focus and Attention

Kids with autism often struggle with attention and focus, which can affect their academic performance. Gaming, however, requires intense focus to succeed.

Games provide a structured environment where kids have to engage in one activity at a time, which helps to improve their attention and focus skills.

Gaming encourages exercise

Exergaming with the Nintendo Switch can significantly engage children with autism, providing both physical and cognitive benefits. Games that involve movement and coordination such as Ring Fit can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Benefits of gaming

Video games can offer numerous benefits for children with autism, including:

Improved Focus and Attention: Many games require players to concentrate and follow specific tasks, which can help improve attention span.
Enhanced Motor Skills: Games that involve movement and coordination can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Social Interaction: Multiplayer and cooperative games can encourage social interaction and communication.
Problem-Solving Skills: Puzzles and strategy games can enhance cognitive skills and critical thinking.
Routine and Predictability: Games often have structured rules and predictable outcomes, providing a sense of security and routine.

Did you know research shows 87% of autistic children deal with motor challenges, but only 32% engage in meaningful physical or recreational therapy to address these issues.

Anjana Bhat, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Delaware, has conducted extensive research on the benefits of exergaming for autistic children. Her studies have shown that games like Ring Fit Adventure can significantly improve physical activity levels and engagement in autistic children. Bhat states, “I’ve never seen anything grab their attention so much. Across the board, this tool is far more engaging than any other tool we’ve used before.”

Recommended criteria for choosing games

When selecting Nintendo Switch games for autistic children, consider the following criteria:

Age Appropriateness: Ensure the content is suitable for the child’s age and maturity level.
Engagement Level: Choose games that are captivating and hold the child’s interest.
Skill Development: Look for games that promote learning and development in areas such as motor skills, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Ease of Use: Games should be easy to understand and navigate, with clear instructions and user-friendly interfaces.
Sensory Considerations: Be mindful of the child’s sensory preferences and sensitivities, choosing games that are visually appealing and not overly stimulating.

The best Nintendo Switch games for autistic children

No One knows better than those with autism and their parents which games are good for them so hopefully, if you are buying for someone with autism this will help you decide.

I know which games Ben loves but wanted to share with you some suggestions from other bloggers with autistic family members or autism themselves.

We all know every child with autism is different so hopefully, these ideas will help. Maybe you can see elements of your child’s personality in the suggestions?

Not all Nintendo Switch games for kids are ideal for those with autism so I hope this helps.

Lego games

With simple rules and tasks, Ben is a big fan of Lego games as he loves how they are fun but not too challenging. He never gets angry when playing them and enjoys it.

Minecraft

This sandbox game enhances creativity and imagination by allowing players to build and explore their own virtual worlds. It encourages problem-solving and planning and offers opportunities for cooperative play.

Ben has always loved Minecraft, I really can’t see the appeal myself but the endless building opportunities in this open-world game are perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours whatever their ability as you can even get online tutorials to build certain things.

Suzanne says her daughter loves Minecraft as she loves just relaxing and building things in this crafted world.

It is both single-player and can be played with friends so perfect for all youngsters and family-friendly at the same time.

Animal Crossing

This game promotes creativity and self-expression by allowing players to create and customize their island paradise. It provides a structured environment with daily routines, which can be comforting for children who thrive on routine. Additionally, it promotes social interaction through in-game visits with friends.

Ben loves Animal Crossing New Horizon as it is simple and allows him to wander around with no time limits etc.

Kelly also agrees that Animal Crossing is amazing! She says you’re not competing against anyone and can go at your own leisurely speed.

There is even a special edition of the Nintendo Switch for Animal Crossing; check it out, but before you do, make sure no kids are looking (it is pricy!!).

Just Dance

Ben used to love a Just Dance game on his Xbox but hasn’t yet tried it on the Switch. Suzanne’s daughter loves it as she can move around and burn off energy.

If you are worried about your child accidentally throwing the controllers through the TV you can buy straps! This is great for younger players and those who dislike sitting still.

Super Mario Party

Mandy’s son will not hold the controller but loves Super Mario Party and tells his siblings where to go. If he is enjoying it though, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter that he isn’t actually holding the controller.

Newer games such as Super Mario Odyssey could also be great for a Mario fan but they can encourage fighting so do check closely if you are not sure whether they are suitable for your youngster.

Hannah says “Mario Party is great as there are lots of ways to play – you can dip in and out of the mini-games or play in Story mode for more of a challenge. I like that you can have two players playing in collaboration against an imaginary team, rather than against each other – fab for kids who struggle to cope with losing.”

Kirby Star Allies

Mandy’s son loves this one too, but he actually plays this one rather than giving his siblings instructions. It looks quite good, but for some reason, I had never seen it before Mandy mentioned it.

Scribblenauts

Ben loves Scribblenauts. He has loved it since he once had it on Nintendo DS. It encourages spelling but is also really fun.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

This racing game improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time. It provides opportunities for social play and competition and offers adjustable difficulty levels for various skill levels.

Becky says “Mariokart is good the familiarity of the same circuits and ability to be the same characters adds familiarity and whilst playing in a group only have to focus on own race.”

Warioware

Mandi‘s son loves Warioware, she says “he loves the different mini-games available and really loves all the different characters. he needs warning and a countdown to come off of the console, and because all the games are pretty short, it means he is able to complete the level in a short time without too much stress.”

51 Worldwide games

Tina says “51 worldwide games is a fab one: it’s got loads of logic games and is good for engagement too. You can play on the same device or connect consoles wirelessly and compete against your contacts from anywhere.” she even reviewed it if you fancy a read here. She also says “

“51 worldwide games allows online gameplay so you can play games like chess checkers/noughts and crosses (plus 48 more) against other players, in a safe way.”

Townscaper

Jennifer says “My son loves Townscaper. It’s a town-building game and he likes the structure and organisation side of it. It’s not a fast-paced game so there’s no overstimulation. He finds it quite a calming game to play.”

Stardew Valley

A farming simulation game that promotes routine, planning, and social interaction.

Splatoon 2

A colourful, team-based shooter game that encourages teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

An expansive open-world adventure game that enhances problem-solving and critical thinking.

An autistic adult perspective on games

Aaron from The Busy Papa has autistic children in his life and is suspected to have autism himself so his insight is interesting and shared below.

Minecraft

It is good for creative expression in a controlled environment. Minecraft in his opinion is incredibly beneficial to children with ASD.

It is a video game that allows players to build structures, contraptions, and collect things. It can be played creatively and cooperatively with other family members and friends.

What all this means is that if someone with a developmental condition needs something to calm down to or fixate on, it can help manage those behaviours.

Pokemon Cafe

Aaron describes Pokemon Cafe as charming, inoffensive and safe. It is a puzzle game with a simple story.

This is intended to be aimed at young children and is very cute and colourful. It’s a game that is very calming and works well for forms of ASD where repetitive actions in a calm non-aggressive environment can soothe the child.

Nintendo Switch (Neon Red/Neon blue)

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Luigi’s Mansion

He also says Luigi’s Mansion is a good choice as it is a little spooky but in a child-friendly way.

It has logic control, a simple gameplay loop and rewards with a visual and sound design that feels good whilst not being overstimulating.

Mario games

Aaron also says “For me, as an adult with a sensory processing disorder and being assessed for autism; Mario games (like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe) are self-soothers. They are good for handling anxiety, stress and upset. This is because of the way they have clearly defined rulesets and reward me with visual and sound information for every action.”

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also one I think is great for people with autism.

Lego games

The Lego Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars and Lego Jurassic World games are also very ASD-friendly.

They have simple problem-solving issues, fun gameplay and familiar characters.

Video games like this can be excellent ways to manage anger or frustration as they are defined by strict rules. It provides an outlet and a place to direct attention to if overly stimulated by their environment according to Aaron.

Tips for Parents

Here are some tips for parents to ensure a positive gaming experience for their autistic child:

Monitor Screen Time: Set limits on gaming time to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
Play Together: Join in the gaming experience to provide guidance and support, and to enhance social interaction.
Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the gaming area is comfortable and free from distractions to help the child focus.
Use Parental Controls: Utilise parental controls to manage game content and ensure age-appropriate gameplay.
Encourage Breaks: Encourage regular breaks to prevent overstimulation and to allow the child to rest.

The delivery service was second to none. I love that it is very clear from the outset as you look at products when they are available for delivery which is often the next day due to them delivering 7 days a week.

If you were to order an appliance, they can install it for you. Not only that, but they can even recycle your old one. This in my eyes is great as shows they are a forward-thinking company helping the environment.

A few other articles you may like

I have a review for the Gigantosaurus game on Nintendo Switch here and a review of Super Mario Maker 2.

If you would like to use it yourself or have an older child then do check out my Nintendo Ring Fit article too.

If like me you worry about how much screen time your children are having, do check out this post from a fellow blogger I found it very helpful reading.

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