*Disclosure: I did receive samples of some of these games in exchange for including them in this guide. As always all my opinions are my own*
Video games are a pretty big deal household and one of our go-to gifts for both our kids. Every year so many amazing games come out but it can be hard to know which one is a good fit for your child. So, we are very excited to share our top picks for 2020 with you.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
About
The kingdom has been ravaged by an origami menace! Join Mario and his new partner, Olivia, as they battle evil Folded Soldiers, repair the damaged landscape, and try to free Princess Peach’s castle from the clutches of King Olly in this comedy-filled adventure
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone: mild cartoon violence
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
About
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone: Comic Mischief
Super Mario 3-D All-Stars
Note: The physical version of Super Mario 3D All-Stars (released Sept. 18) will continue to be shipped to retailers and available for purchase through March 31, 2021 or while supplies last. The digital edition will be available through March 31, 2021. Once the digital edition has been purchased on your Nintendo Account, it can be re-downloaded and played if deleted from your device.
About
If you are a long-time Super Mario fan like we are you will be well aware of these three games. So, we are so excited to have them back in our lives and looking better than ever!
- Discover (or rediscover) three of Mario’s most iconic 3D platform adventures, all in one package, available on the Nintendo Switch™ system. Experience Mario’s first foray into 3D platforming in the Super Mario 64™ game, originally released in 1996. Wall jump, backflip, and even fly as you explore paintings and collect Power Stars to save Princess Peach!
- Soak up the sun in the Super Mario Sunshine™ game, originally released in 2002, and spray the goop away with your water-spouting pal, FLUDD! You’ll need to collect Shine Sprites and clear the picturesque Isle Delfino of pollution—just look out for Bowser Jr.
- Defy gravity as you explore space in the Super Mario Galaxy™ game, originally released in 2007! Help Rosalina restore her ship by collecting Power Stars and save Princess Peach. Gently shake a Joy-Con™ controller to activate Mario’s Spin ability or pass a Joy-Con controller to a friend for some extra help in Co-Star Mode*.
- Even when you aren’t playing, you can enjoy the sounds that these worlds (and galaxies!) are so famous for. With three games, modern upgrades, and music-player mode, this collection is filled with fun for both new players and 3D platforming Mario masters.
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone: mild cartoon violence
Kirby Star Allies
About
When a new evil threatens Planet Popstar, Kirby will need a little help from his…enemies?! By making friends out of foes, up to three* players can drop in or out of the adventure at any time. With new and expanded copy abilities, classic Kirby action is deeper than ever: combine abilities with elements such as ice or fire to create new friend abilities!
With tons bosses and enemies standing in your way, Kirby has a new bag of tricks. Take baddies out by taking advantage of their elemental weaknesses.
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone: cartoon violence
Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
About
Join Mario, Luigi, and pals for single-player or multiplayer fun anytime, anywhere! Take on two family-friendly, side-scrolling adventures with up to three friends* as you try to save the Mushroom Kingdom. Includes the New Super Mario Bros. U and harder, faster New Super Luigi U games—both of which include Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters!
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone: comic mischief
Kingdom Heart: Melody of Memory
About
Play as famililar faces from the KINGDOM HEARTS series, including Disney guest characters who will appear to lend you a hand.
Enjoy a massive variety of music from both the KINGDOM HEARTS series and Disney, with a collection of over 140 songs. Dive into rhythm-action gameplay with memorable tunes in this can’t-miss musical journey!
Cost
$79.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone 10+: fantasy violence, mild language
Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia
About
Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia is an all-new action role-playing game with an original story that expands on the hit TV series and brings the Bakugan universe to the Nintendo Switch for the very first time. The adventure takes players on the ultimate Bakugan journey as they befriend powerful creatures known as Bakugan, gear up and customize Bakugan teams for fiercely strategic battles, and master their skills to become the Champion of Vestroia. Players can also play online in head-to-head multiplayer.
Cost
$69.99
System
Nintendo Switch
Rating
Everyone 10+ : fantasy violence
Untitled Goose Game
About
Untitled Goose Game is nothing short of a *honk*nomenon (sorry!), having transcended the hallowed halls of nerdom to become an essential piece of the cultural zeitgeist. Australian developer House House created the ultimate anti-hero with their headlining Goose, crafting a clever and genre-busting puzzler that achieves brilliance with hilarious gestures and impeccable nuance. Everything about this game is charming, from its deftly styled animation to its subtle yet dynamic soundtrack. Included here is a very special mail order-style ‘Plaza Catalog,’ a perfectly informative illustrated booklet, and an elegantly hand-illustrated town map, both made exclusively for the physical edition of the game. It’s enough to make you wanna *honk* *honk*
Adding to that, iam8bit is proud to debut our work-in-progress initiative toward “Eco-Packaging” for physical games. We’re no strangers to engineering unique and crazy packaging, and we’ve taken this opportunity to evolve our approach to product pack-ins and shrink wrap.
Cost
$25.99
System
Nintendo Switch, PS4, XBOX One
Rating
Everyone
Annapurna Interactive Deluxe Limited Edition
About
Since the release of What Remains of Edith Finch in 2017, Annapurna Interactive has rhythmically — game after game — nurtured visionary, creator-driven experiences like no other publisher. Each title is wholly unique. And yet when, viewed from a macro perspective, as a family of games, Annapurna’s impeccable curation and producorial pedigree becomes clear. Countless, coveted accolades decorate this ensemble of eight amazing games, and this PS4 box set celebrates the eclectic and innovative nature of each, including the previously unreleased PS4 physical edition of Sam Barlow’s masterpiece, Telling Lies, and Jason Roberts’ opus, Gorogoa. This elegant, custom-designed folio package is as premium as it gets — a definitive limited edition
Cost
$199.99
System
PS4
Rating
Varies between games
Ori Collector’s Edition
About
The Ori series defines platforming perfection — artistically profound and technically impressive, its obsessively tuned gameplay is a true wonder to behold. For the first time ever, Ori and the Blind Forest and its follow-up, Ori and Will of the Wisps, are available together in a premium physical Collector’s Edition. In true iam8bit fashion, we’ve spared no detail to create this immaculately custom collection, collaborating intensely with developer Moon Studios. A transforming glow-in-the-dark box functions as a display base for the set’s showstopper — a majestic stained glass style art piece, seemingly extracted from the cathedral of the Spirit Tree. From there, you’ll be treated to rarely seen production art across multiple pack-ins: “The Flora & Fauna of Ori” Field Guide, a sketchbook zine, and a set of collectible art cards, plus digital downloads for both soundtracks and an exclusive glow-in-the-dark pin featuring Ori and Ku. This Ori Collector’s Edition is exclusive to iam8bit and ships worldwide
Cost
$149.99
System
Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or PC
Rating
Everyone
The kids would probably love the Mario games but I want Kingdom of Hearts!
Mario games looks fun
So much better than Fortnite
I actually have never tried fortnite!
mario games looks super fun!
I would love to try it too!
Great ideas!
Great suggestions
Great variety of suggestions