4 Best Switch Kids Games of May 2018

Pokemon Quest

Best Switch Kids Games of May 2018

Pokemon Quest came out of nowhere towards the end of the month of May, thanks to a huge Pokemon-related announcement that involved the reveal of Pokemon: Let’s Go and the news that the Switch would get a proper mainline game in 2019. Pokemon Quest is a free-to-start title that has the feeling of other mobile-ish titles with the grindy aspects and in-game purchases, but collecting Pokemon from the Kanto region, leveling them up, and going on expeditions to grind for power stones feels rewarding and satisfying. Any kid who’s into Pokemon GO and needs a time-waster or distraction on the Switch will be into Pokemon Quest.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Best Switch Kids Games of May 2018

Donkey, Diddy, Kranky, and all of those other Kongs are back in action on the Nintendo Switch, thanks to a much-needed port of Tropical Freeze, the latest D.K. side-scrolling adventure that was originally available on the Wii U. The Donkey Kong games, especially the most two recent entries, are usually very hard and require the trickiest of platforming skills, but thankfully, Tropical Freeze has a Funky mode that lets players experience the game at a slightly lower difficulty, making it super accessible for children – there’s even a two-player mode! Donkey Kong just might be the first step into bringing your kid into the world of excellent platformers that Nintendo puts out. Introduce them to Donkey Kong, and then afterwards, push them into trying out Super Mario Odyssey or something.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Ultimate Edition

Best Switch Kids Games of May 2018

The team over at WayForward already brought the hair-whipping Shantae series to the Nintendo Switch last summer with Half-Genie Hero, but this Ultimate Edition comes with all the previously released downloadable content which includes new modes and costumes that were originally only available for people who backed the game on Kickstarter.

Shantae uses her long, beautiful hair to attack enemies and the game is presented as 2D platformer with 3D environments. If you’ve ever played a 2D platformer like Contra, Metroid, or Castlevania, then Shantae: Half-Genie Hero will provide loads of fun on Nintendo’s handheld.

Yoku’s Island Express

Best Switch Kids Games of May 2018

Yoku’s Island Express is defined as an “open world pinball adventure,” which is a genre that you usually don’t hear of, or ever, to be quite honest. But Island Express mixes together the frenzy mechanics of pinball with exploration and allows you to explore an island that is host to lush jungles, mysterious caves, and beautiful beaches.

With its cast of lively characters, vibrant color scheme, cute soundtrack, and hand-painted art-style, Yoku’s Island Express will keep any child glued to the screen of their Switch for hours on end. You might have to give them a hand with some of those epic boss fights though. Only a true pinball wizard will be able to put those guys down, or just someone with good luck.