Your Guide to June's Family Friendly Video Games
A week from now, we could all be playing with a Switch 2.
Well, this is it. We’re about to enter the Switch 2 era.
I’ve got two pre-orders tucked away—one at Best Buy, another at Walmart—and I’m still waiting to hear whether Nintendo will allow me early access to the machine. That’s looking increasingly unlikely as of this moment, but we’ll talk about that in more detail next week and how it impacts my Switch-coded coverage throughout June.
It is also, once again, a packed month of Apple Arcade releases. Apple, interestingly, releases games in a single blast at the start of the month, the game release equivalent of streamers who drop the entire season at once. But I wish they’d spread them out.
If you represent these games and have a potentially interesting story to share about how these games consider kids as part of their audience, do get in touch with me!
UNO: Arcade Edition (Apple Arcade) — June 5
Description: UNO: Arcade Edition features vibrant visuals, exciting Apple Arcade-exclusive gameplay, and multiple ways for UNO fans to play. Players can unwind with entertaining solo matches using classic UNO rules, or turn up the heat with a new Custom Games mode featuring new options like Wild Swap Hands and Color Showdown. With three game modes (Quick Match, Custom Games, and Single Player) and rich customizations — including unlockable creative frames, special effects, and emotes — every game feels fun and fresh. Whether playing solo or enjoying matches with friends and family, UNO: Arcade Edition delivers an entertaining and engaging experience anywhere.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
UNO remains a very popular game in our house—I recommend the big card version for some extra fun—and I’m hoping the digital version ends up being good, too. It has been essential for teaching our five-year-old how to handle (and not handle) losing.
LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ (Apple Arcade) — June 5
Description: LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ invites players on a grand adventure where the creative charm of LEGO meets the wild physics-based gameplay of Hill Climb Racing. Players will race, explore, and build their way through dynamic locations — from sunny countrysides to the highest mountains and the daunting great below. With a cast of lovable LEGO Minifigures, upgradeable vehicles equipped with unique gadgets, and hidden secrets around every turn, the game offers a perfect mix of discovery, strategy, and action.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
A classic mobile situation: people loved the game, hated the monetization engineered for you to pay money. Once again, that’s where Apple Arcade is useful, because even if the grind remains, you cannot pay into the game. But Polygon was into the original version of the game, noting they “[couldn’t] put it down.” Sounds promising so far!
Lost in Play+ (Apple Arcade) — June 5
Description: The 2023 App Store Awards winner for iPad Game of the Year, Lost in Play+ is a journey through childhood imagination with thoughtfully crafted puzzles and colorful characters. Players must help a brother-and-sister duo on an adventure to find their way back home, exploring enchanted forests, outwitting quirky goblins, and befriending magical creatures. The young siblings’ adventure is filled with clever puzzles, minigames, and dreamlike surprises. With no dialogue, point-and-click gameplay, and a handcrafted animation style, Lost in Play+ is a wholesome and delightful interactive cartoon where fantasy and curiosity come to life.
Rating: 9+
Price: $6.99/month
A point-and-click adventure that’s been on my radar. Nintendo World Report was high on the Switch version, noting “the game would play well with all ages (though having a parent around would be most helpful for those trickier puzzles) but its presentation is what will keep families playing.” I’m going to download a bunch of games like this ahead of our summer trip to Europe. Maybe the isolation will help one break through.
Helix Jump+ (Apple Arcade) — June 5
Description: Helix Jump+ is the classic 3D arcade game and genre-defining hit, reimagined exclusively for Apple Arcade — with reworked haptic, enhanced visual effects, exclusive unlockable skins, and no ads or interruptions. Players will guide a bouncing ball through vibrant, twisting helix towers, timing their drops with precision to avoid traps and smash through platforms in a test of rhythm and momentum.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
The mobile phone revolution is old enough to have generational chapters. Helix Jump came out in 2018, which means it’s been around long enough for someone to go “oh, I played the original as a kid” and now be in high school or college. Tremendous stuff.
Deltarune: Chapter 1/2/3/4 — June 5 (Switch 2, PlayStation 4/5, PC)
Description: Dive into the long-awaited parallel story to UNDERTALE! Fight or spare your way through action-packed battles as you explore a mysterious world alongside an endearing cast of new and familiar characters. Create your avatar, meet strange friends, and jump into the darkness: DELTARUNE is waiting!
Rating: T
Price: $24.99
I enjoyed—but did not love—Undertale. Yet it’s been cool to watch Undertale fandom evolve over time. The writing and world building was strong enough to keep me interested in keeping up with designer Toby Fox, and maybe this is the moment for me to jump into this story. I like to wait until stories are finished, but maybe this is finished enough that by the time I’m through chapter four, chapter five will be near.
Fortnite (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: Be the last player standing in Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Fortnite OG, explore LEGO Fortnite experiences, blast to the finish with Rocket Racing or headline a concert with Fortnite Festival. Play thousands of free creator made islands with friends including deathruns, tycoons, racing, zombie survival and more! Join the creator community and build your own island with Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) or Fortnite Creative tools.
Rating: T
Price: Free-to-play
It feels like we’re on the verge of giving Fornite a genuine try in the house. It’s back on the App Store and my daughter has been asking questions. I don’t have a problem with my eight-year-old trying the colorful shooting game, but she also hasn’t played a game that requires precision aiming? I wouldn’t be shocked if she just bounces off it.
Hogwarts Legacy (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: This edition of Hogwarts Legacy has been enhanced for Nintendo Switch 2, including Joy-Con 2 mouse sensor support, improved graphics, audio, load times, and controls. Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world.
Rating: T
Price: $59.99
We’ve avoided uncomfortable conversations about J.K. Rowling because my kids aren’t that interested. (My policy is to stay hands-off, until my oldest would be old enough to really understand. An eight-year-old [almost nine] is not far off, if not already old enough.) Mostly, I feel bad for the kids cast as Harry, Hermoine, and Ron.
Mario Kart World (Switch 2) - June 5
Description: The whole world is your racetrack in this massive evolution of the Mario Kart series! The courses you race on are all connected in a seamless world. Drive the paths between them to traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more. Take in the sprawling vistas as you explore at your own pace in Free Roam—or watch how a sudden shift in the weather can mix up a dead heat in a tense Grand Prix.
Rating: E
Price: $79.99
That $80 price is rough to type, even if my children will extract 100 hours over the next year. They don’t ask me about the Switch 2, but they do ask when Mario Kart is coming. I played Mario Kart World in March: “There’s a reason this is the launch title—and exclusive to Switch 2. Nintendo is going to treat this as a ‘forever’ game. The ‘open world’ part of it, while seemingly mostly connective tissue, will probably be more than enough for younger ones who just want to drive around and have fun.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (Switch 2) - June 5
Description: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an interactive exhibit of sorts that offers an inside look at the features and tech that power your gaming experiences. Look, touch, and feel your way through the different exhibits.
Rating: E
Price: $9.99
Still charging for this charmer, but: “It’s still unclear why Nintendo is charging for a behind-the-scenes app about the Switch 2, but without knowing how much it’ll cost, this is neat! It would not shock me if a young person who wanted to know more about how one of their favorite devices works would adore this interactive unpacking.”
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: Enter a newly enhanced dimension of puzzle challenge when world-renowned Tetris and Japan’s beloved Puyo Puyo series blend their legendary gameplay in the ultimate puzzle match. Stack, chain, and combo your way to victory in traditional Puyo Puyo and Tetris… or mix them together in this unique crossover.
Rating: E10+
Price: $39.99
This is a game that I might not be all that interested in, except for a detail noted in a preview from GamingTrend: “I can tell you this is going to be worth it if you’re getting a Nintendo Switch 2 if only for one major addition: GameShare. Before we started playing we got a brief overview of the tweaks made to 2S and were told the game will support up to three other players with just one copy of the game, local and online.”
Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch 2) — June 5
Description: Shadow the Hedgehog is back with Classic and Modern Sonic in SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, an all-new collection featuring two unique experiences! Play as Shadow in a brand-new story campaign featuring never-before-seen abilities that prove why he’s known as the Ultimate Life Form! Speed through iconic stages from Shadow’s history, discover hidden secrets in an expansive hub world, and unlock new powers to take on Black Doom and save the world.
Rating: E10+
Price: $49.99
People were really into the original release, with IGN declaring “Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic combination of one of the Blue Blur's classics and a new helping of smartly designed Shadow levels built around his own abilities, and after spending some time with it has become one of my favorite Sonic games I've ever played.” We had an intense and all-consuming Sonic fever in the house after the third movie came out, but that fever broke after too many mediocre Netflix TV episodes.
Split Fiction (Switch 2) — June 5
Description: Embrace mind-blowing moments as you’re pulled deep into the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op action adventure from the studio behind 2021 Game of the Year Winner, It Takes Two. Mio and Zoe are contrasting writers – one writes sci-fi and the other writes fantasy – who become trapped in their own stories after being hooked up to a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. They’ll have to rely on each other to break free with their memories in-tact, working together to master a variety of abilities and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this unexpected tale of friendship.
Rating: T
Price: $49.99
I’m still bummed I went from writing how much fun I was having playing this with my eight-year-old to never playing it again lol. Ah well. I have more faith that my five-year-old will eventually become my co-op partner. Split Fiction is fantastic, and even a compromised version of the game on Switch 2 will become game of the year material.
Street Fighter 6 (Switch 2) — June 5
Description: Fight your way to the top with all new content and game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches. Enjoy brand new party modes that utilize the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers like Gyro Battle, and Calorie Contest where the player who burns the most calories wins! Play on the go with Tabletop Mode and access all three control types (Classic, Modern, Dynamic) on your Joy-Con.
Rating: T
Price: $39.99
By all accounts a good port of a good game, with But Why Tho? also pointing out innovations Capcom’s taking to make it more accessible: “Gyro Control alone is worth experiencing, as it genuinely changes how fighting games can be played and enjoyed. Simply put, it’s a fresh and exciting way to experience the genre, whether you’re a hardcore competitor or just someone looking to throw a casual hadouken or two.”
Survival Kids (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: Setting out to sea upon their ramshackle boat, a sudden, ferocious storm hurls them into a hidden world brimming with danger and mystery. Now it’s down to you to help them work together and find their way home in Survival Kids - a fast-paced, co-op survival game for absolutely everyone!
Rating: E
Price: $49.99
The rare Switch 2 exclusive! Did you know it’s a remake of a Game Boy Color game? Neat. But the trailer looked promising, and crucially for our single Switch 2 home (for now), it has two-player co-op on a single machine. I’ll be reporting back on this ASAP.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure—now upgraded with performance enhancements for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Travel across Hyrule with smoother framerates, faster load times, and enhanced resolution and textures. Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES—a game-specific service on the Nintendo Switch app exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Rating: E10+
Price: $79.99 (Full Game)/$9.99 (Upgrade)/Free (Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
I’m pretty sure my last moments with Tears of the Kingdom were midflight, as I tackled an early boss. It’s true that Switch-era Zelda games have not grabbed me the way they have others, even if I think they’re remarkable design achievements. Tears of the Kingdom also, uh, came out when I was being laid off. I’m hoping to return soon.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2) – June 5
Description: Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure—now upgraded with performance enhancements for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Travel across Hyrule with smoother framerates, faster load times, and enhanced resolution and textures. Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES—a game-specific service on the Nintendo Switch app exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Rating: E10+
Price: $69.99 (Full Game)/$9.99 (Upgrade)/Free (Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
If I lived in a world where I played video games a second time, I would spend another 100 hours in Breath of the Wild. But given I didn’t finish Tears of the Kingdom, it’s more likely that I pluck away at the Zelda game that actually fills me with ongoing regret.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic (PlayStation 5) – June 13
Description: Enter the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor and unravel the mystery left behind by the reclusive inventor, Edwin Murray. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’ll step into a world where every dark corner holds a secret and every flicker of light hints at an ever-present threat. The Mimic, a prototype endoskeleton, can adapt to any costume and become any character, including what you fear most. Armed with only your wits, a few gadgets, and a heavily redacted corporate briefing, you’ll attempt to retrieve Fazbear’s prized prototype technology while grappling with cryptic clues and a relentless shadow determined to dispatch all unwanted company.
Rating: T
Price: $39.99
An ongoing discussion in the house is whether we’re seeing the next Five Nights at Freddy’s movie. My eight-year-old is pretty sure but not 100% sure. I suspect she’ll get pushed over the edge if her friends come with. My five-year-old says she is 100% against going, but I also suspect she might give it a chance if her friends are going. But it does introduce the scenario where I’m stuck in the lobby with my five-year-old.
Gex Trilogy (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – June 16
Description: GEX Trilogy includes the original 2D platformer, GEX, and the two 3D sequels: GEX: Enter the Gecko & GEX 3: Deep Cover Gecko —but these aren't just re-runs! This Carbon Engine powered collection includes extras and numerous improvements that bring GEX back into prime time!
Rating: TBD
Price: $39.99
These games came out during a period where I would play anything involving jumping, the world of the “mascot platformer.” The Gex games seemed fine, and I’d be curious to revisit them to see if they hold up. Gex blends in with games like Croc, because I was renting the next one that looked like the last one. They jump? I play it.
Rematch (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – June 19
Description: Control one player on your team and compete in fast-paced 5v5 matches from an immersive third-person perspective. Team up with your friends and join the action.
Rating: E
Price: $29.99
What if soccer but a third-person action game and Rocket League vibes? No idea if Rematch ends up any good but that’s a pitch. (Get it? Pitch!) Operation Sports was high on an early version, saying “this game could be special and it should be on your radar.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) – June 24
Description: In Splintered Fate, brace yourself for fast-paced, roguelike action where no two runs are the same. With randomized power-ups, room layouts, and boss modifiers, the excitement never ends. Take control of all four Turtles, each wielding unique powers, and team up with friends for bodacious co-op gameplay. Explore iconic NYC locations, upgrade your Turtle powers, and prepare to face off against formidable enemies.
Rating: E10+
Price: $14.99
The Apple Arcade exclusive pipeline continues to deliver. This one surprised folks early on, with TheGamer saying “Splintered Fate might not manage to reach the same heights as the game it so clearly takes inspiration from, but ‘being as good as Hades’ is perhaps an unrealistic goal for any game and it's a wonder that it comes even close.”
Ruffy and the Riverside (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – June 26
Description: In Ruffy and the Riverside, you wield the magic SWAP to Copy & Paste textures - turn ice into lava or waterfalls into vines! Explore, fight, skate on straw bales, and unleash your imagination in this quirky open-world action game. Dive into an adventure that lets you literally change the world!
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
It’s delightful to be in an era where nostalgia’s moved from 2D to 3D. Pixels are great, but it’s also cool to watch things evolve! I haven’t played Ruffy and the Riverside yet, but the buzz has been good, with Noisy Pixel saying “I’m thankful to the developers for putting together an experience that could make this old gamer feel like a kid again.”
Tamagotchi Plaza (Switch 2, Switch) – June 27
Description: The latest and completely new title in the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop series is coming to Nintendo Switch! Tamagotchi Plaza is set in Tamahiko Town on Tamagotchi Planet. Treat cavities at the Dentist. Make the perfect pair of glasses at the Eyewear Shop. Create table settings of sweets and drinks to fulfill customer orders at the Afternoon Tea Shop. Help serve Tamagotchi at 12 unique shops and grow your shops’ reputations, enticing new Tamagotchi to visit your shops!
Rating: E10+
Price: TBA
The fun part of a new hardware release is companies taking swings at sequels to older games, and there’s a lot that was left behind in the DS and 3DS era. But Tamagotchi Plaza is a swing in that direction—Tamagotchi Collection: Corner Shop 3 was 2007!
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Happily anticipating these apple arcade releases. My 8yo recently discovered Uno and being able to play without asking Dad to shuffle for him will be great. My 5yo likes the 2d racing games that are all over the app store, and also legos, so that one should be a hit. And I'm excited to try out Lost in Play for myself!
I've played the Rematch betas and it's definitely solid. There's a pretty high skill ceiling for precise offense and teamwork that could hook a dedicated audience, and the walls make it a fundamentally faster and more arcade-y experience compared to any realistic soccer game. I'm super nervous for any team trying to launch an unlicensed sports game dependent on multiplayer, though, especially one that isn't F2P to cast the widest net.
I'm not super confident about our ability to snag a Switch 2. Trying to buy one from my friend that owns a local game store to support him and local business and all. He's been saying I should be able to get one of the two they are marked to receive, but also isn't taking any actual preorders, so... we'll see. It's not going to be a huge deal for my family if we have to wait a while.
have you had a chance to look at "To a T"? for folks with game pass it seems like a fun game to dip into. i've only played the demo on steam which was comically adorable and look forward to playing the full game with my kids.