Nintendo Switch OLED Review: Family Fun & Educational Games
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.Recently, Nintendo Canada has gifted us a brand new Nintendo Switch OLED Model System in this charming yellow box inspired by the iconic Mario games. Along with the console, we received a 1-year Online Membership for multiplayer gaming, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers. After trying out this console for a while, I’m going to share my thoughts and experiences.
I understand that many parents are still hesitant about buying video games for their children. I share your concerns, and that’s why I was cautious about introducing my child to video games too early. However, now that my daughter is over 6 years old, I’ve decided it’s time to explore new toys and games. Of course, I believe in maintaining parental control and ensuring that the games she plays are educational and age-appropriate.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Nintendo Switch OLED arrived in a bright, eye-catching box that instantly excited my daughter. The console itself is sleek, with a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that offers a much clearer and more colorful display compared to the standard model.
Setup and Parental Controls
Setting up the Switch was simple. The on-screen instructions were easy to follow, and we were up and running in no time. One of the best features for parents is the built-in parental controls. These allow you to set time limits, restrict access to certain games, and monitor playtime from my smartphone using the Nintendo Parental Controls app. With these controls, I can ensure my child’s gameplay is safe from chats with strangers or inappropriate internet searches. This gives me peace of mind, knowing I can control what and how long my daughter plays.
With the parental control app, I typically set it for 30 minutes of playtime. When the time is up, the app sends a signal to her console, and she knows it’s time to stop immediately. There’s no arguing or asking for more time because she knows that’s the limit we’ve agreed upon. It helps us keep a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
Online Membership for Online Play
I always knew there was an online membership available, but I didn’t fully understand all the advantages until recently. When you have an online membership, it’s not just about playing games with friends online. You also get access to a bunch of classic NES and Super NES games. That means you can enjoy old favorite games with friends online, which makes the membership even more valuable.
Once you start exploring the Nintendo Switch eShop, you might find yourself wanting more games. The 1-Yeay Membership includes free games such as Tetris 99, available exclusively to active Nintendo Switch Online members at no extra cost. Also, Nintendo frequently offers discounts of up to 90% on various games, making it easier to grow your collection without overspending.
Enjoy Games Anywhere, Even Offline
The Nintendo Switch allows you to play games without needing an internet connection. Once you download and install games on the console, many of them can be played offline. This is perfect for traveling with kids, whether you’re on the road or in places without Wi-Fi. Whether you have physical game cartridges or downloaded games, your kids can still have fun playing their favorite games anywhere, anytime.
Game Selection and Educational Value
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
This is a fantastic game for family fun. It’s simple enough for kids to learn quickly, but it also has enough challenges to keep adults entertained. While it’s not particularly educational, it does teach kids about competition, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
This game is packed with creativity and problem-solving elements. It encourages kids to think critically and improves their motor skills with its platforming challenges. The vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay make it a hit with children.
One great thing about Super Mario Bros. Wonder is how it brings back memories for parents like myself who played the original Super Mario games when they were young. It keeps the classic feel of those early Mario games but also adds new features and levels that make it fun and interesting. It’s a special way to connect with your kids by sharing something you loved from your own childhood and enjoying a game together that everyone can enjoy, no matter their age.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
If you want a game that’s both fun and educational, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is one of my top choice. It’s filled with puzzles that improve critical thinking, memory, logic, math skills, and observation. Whether you’re playing against friends or by yourself, it keeps your brain active while being enjoyable. Big Brain Academy is perfect for family game nights or quick challenges. It’s a must-have for boosting cognitive skills while making learning fun for both kids and adults.
Labo Toy-Con: Vehicle Drive Kit
This is a unique gaming experience that combines cardboard crafting with interactive play on the Nintendo Switch. This kit is perfect for families and kids who enjoy hands-on building projects and creative gaming adventures. Kids can build controllers like a steering wheel and joystick from cardboard, then use them to drive cars, fly planes, and operate submarines in games. It’s educational, encouraging creativity and problem-solving through hands-on construction. Since my daughter loves crafting things out of cardboard, this Nintendo kit is next on our shopping list!
Although now as an adult, I’m not a big fan of playing video games myself, after discovering more about the Nintendo Switch and browsing their eShop store, I’m starting to see some games that I would be interested in. For example, Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Switch Sports, and Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training all look interesting to me, and I think I will try them soon.
Bottom Line
For any parent thinking about letting their child start playing games, I can confidently recommend the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. With its parental controls, educational games, and family-friendly features, it’s a great choice to help kids have fun while learning responsible gaming habits.
The Nintendo Switch offers a diverse range of games and features that can contribute positively to children’s cognitive, social, and creative development, all under parental supervision to ensure a balanced gaming experience.
