Your Guide to October’s Family Friendly Video Games
A month of Marios, Pokémons, and deeply questionable licensed video games. Who's ready for an Elf on the Shelf game?
Hey video games, could you slow down?
[listens to ear piece] I’ve been told that’s not an option. There’s an eclectic mix of games in the next few weeks. How else to explain the combination of The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes and expensive re-releases of the Super Mario Galaxy games?
All these promising-looking games and yet, the video game my children have spent the most time on lately that’s not Roblox is…well, Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party.
Of course, right?
FYI, new this month are Amazon referral links below the price of the game. Buy the game where you like. No pressure. But if you’re going to buy it through Amazon anyway, consider using the link below. The referral link means a tiny amount goes towards Crossplay, which means I can pay more writers to be part of this project.
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!
Super Mario Galaxy (Switch) — October 2
Description: This journey across the cosmos features enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content on Nintendo Switch. Use button, stick, and motion controls—adapted to the Joy-Con controllers from the original Wii versions—to jump, glide, swing, and more as you collect Power Stars and power-ups. Learn more about the Lumas from an additional Storybook chapter, groove to a bit of additional music, and give yourself additional Health and fall recovery with Assist Mode. The galaxy awaits!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99 ($69.99 with Super Mario Galaxy)
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
These seem virtually identical to the Switch re-releases from some years back, and while I cannot defend the pricing on these games, these are some of the best 3D platforming games ever made. I didn’t mean to play a dozen hours of these games when they were re-released, because I’m not usually someone who goes back to older games, but there was nothing “old” feeling about them. These are both truly classics.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch) — October 2
Description: This journey across the cosmos features enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content on Nintendo Switch. Use button, stick, and motion controls—adapted to the Joy-Con controllers from the original Wii versions—to jump, glide, swing, and more as you collect Power Stars and power-ups. Learn more about the Lumas from the new Storybook, groove to a bit of additional music, and give yourself additional Health and fall recovery with Assist Mode. The galaxy awaits!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99 ($69.99 with Super Mario Galaxy)
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
Neither of my kids blinked much while watching a trailer for these re-releases, but they did lose their shit while watching the trailer of the new movie. I have no idea what Nintendo is planning for its next major Mario game. It would seem odd to tie Donkey Kong into the Odyssey universe and not follow-up on that? But it’s not like a timeline matters. Maybe we get Super Mario “Universe” and it’s all quietly connected.
Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll+ (Apple Arcade) — October 2
Description: Thomas & Friends: Let's Roll+ invites kids to drive their favorite engines and build their own tracks, fueling big imaginations and tons of hands-on fun. Perfect for preschoolers ages 2-6 and thoughtfully made for all kids to enjoy!
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
Never had a Thomas the Tank Engine phase in the house, but this looks very cute. The reviews for the version on the App Store are mostly about having to pay for more content. In the Apple Arcade version, all the content is unlocked from the very start.
Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+ (Apple Arcade) — October 2
Description: Experience the timeless strategy and classic fun of Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+ by MobilityWare - now reimagined for mobile play! Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+ is the FUN and RELAXING Dominoes game for beginners and pros alike, bringing you a sleek, intuitive, and endlessly entertaining version of the classic tile game!
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
My wife is a big card game person. I am not. I have trouble tracking all the numbers and rules and strategies and I’m so bad at shuffling that when we do play games with people, they skip my turn to shuffle. [sigh] But we have gotten both kinds into Golf recently and it’s been a blast. You can see actual strategy turning in my nine-year-old.
Piffle+ (Apple Arcade) — October 2
Description: Discover Piffle+ a cute arcade puzzle game full of adorable characters and...cats! Put your cat onesie on, quest through colorful worlds, stop the nefarious Doc Block and craft adorable Piffle balls to collect.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
Well, aren’t you adorable. My kids keep asking to get a cat as a pet, but while my allergies to dogs have gotten more tolerable with age, my allergies to cats have never improved. In fact, one of my neighbors offered to let the kids come over and hang out with their cats, simply to get the curiosity out of their system. Wash your hands, kids!!!
Digimon Story: Time Stranger (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) — October 3
Description: The latest in the Digimon Story series is finally here! In this RPG, unravel a mystery that spans across the human world and the Digital World, collecting and raising a wide variety of Digimon to save the world.
Rating: T
Price: $69.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
I’m someone whose knowledge of Digimon does not extend beyond the theme song from the late 90s and early 2000s. The “Digimon Story” spin-offs have been going on for a minute, though GameSpot wasn’t that impressed saying: ”I left the demo of Time Stranger once again wishing for a Digimon game that would just be a visual novel.”
King of Meat (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) — October 7
Description: Compete in a co-op party platformer, pitting up to 4 players against community-built dungeons filled with puzzles to solve, challenges to traverse, and ridiculous monsters to fight. Progress through chaotic dungeons to unlock new abilities and gear on your way to becoming the ultimate contender!
Rating: T
Price: $29.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
There are a million co-op multiplayer games these days, so it’s probably not a great sign when an early preview at DualShockers is saying things like “The gameplay may be unremarkable in many ways, but it's a solid foundation for creativity to thrive.”
Yooka-Replaylee (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC) — October 9
Description: Embark on an epic open-world 3D platforming collectathon adventure with Yooka and Laylee! The search for Pagies starts anew in Yooka-Replaylee, the enhanced definitive version of the beloved indie darling with all new challenges, secrets, mechanics, and accessibility options.
Rating: N/A
Price: $49.99
Even though those early 3D platformers are some of my favorite games, I never got around to playing Yooka Laylee. Part of that, I think, is because 3D platformers generally evolved past this style—and I was happy to keep that evolution. Given my young daughter’s love of Astro Bot, though, I think I’ll be giving this one a shot.
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) — October 10
Description: Join Snoopy and the gang in an all-new mystery adventure packed with charm, clever puzzles, and heartwarming friendships! Step into Snoopy’s paws and detective hat as you explore the town, solve challenging cases, and uncover hidden secrets—with help from the lovable Peanuts gang.
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
Who is this for? I’m thankful Apple is still commissioning new holiday specials, and while my children enjoy them enough, they aren’t exactly demanding more Peanuts content. This feels like a video game being made because someone has the license.
Barbie Horse Trails (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) — October 10
Description: Become a Junior Ranger and help give the already amazing park a fresh new look for everyone to enjoy. Gallop through wildflower fields and other beautiful landscapes. Tackle fun side missions with friends, capture amazing photos, dig up ceramics, and search for the mystery horse. Find chests filled with collectibles and add sparkle to Barbie and Lucky’s looks.
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
This seems fine. I’m not sure what you want me to say lol. Yes, I’ll have my kids try it.
Just Dance 2026 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch/Switch 2) — October 14
Description: From the hottest hits to timeless classics, there's a song for everyone and every moment in our all-new tracklist featuring: APT. By ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, Houdini by Dua Lipa, Counting Stars by OneRepublic, Hung Up by Madonna, All Star by Smash Mouth, and many more!
Rating: E10+
Price: $49.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
I’m still tapping my toes waiting for them to add songs from the Wicked soundtrack, but if that was going to happen, I guess it would have happened for this year’s game.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Switch/Switch 2) — October 16
Description: Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
Rating: E10+
Price: $59.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
This might be the year I try a Pokémon game for the first time in a minute. Despite growing up on turn-based RPGs, my tolerance these days is limited—I need more juice. This real-time take might be what works, and while my kids love collecting Pokémon cards, they’ve never asked to play a game. Nintendo Life is positive on this new one, saying: ”While I’m still trying to temper my excitement and expectations for the overall city exploration, I’m relieved to report the combat, from what I've played, feels like just the thing the series needs to take it into the next generation.”
NBA 2K6 Arcade Edition
Description: Dominate every era in an exciting new addition to the global hit franchise. In NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition, NBA fans can build their own teams and relive the greatest eras in the league’s history with the new NBA Eras in The Association mode. Additional features include multiplayer games in MyCAREER mode and updated authentic rosters reflecting the latest moves.
Rating: 4+
Price: $6.99/month
Interesting that Apple/2K are launching this game later in October; in the past, Apple Arcade launches everything for the month simultaneously as the month kicks off. But given the NBA season itself isn’t happening until later in October, the delay makes sense. The last version of this game was also exceptionally popular for Apple Arcade.
Keeper (Xbox Series X/S, PC) — October 17
Description: From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is an atmospheric puzzle adventure in which a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and, joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding.
Rating: E10+
Price: N/A
While I personally have not been prioritizing games published my Microsoft this year, no doubt many are going to be keeping an eye on what Double Fine has next. It’s kinda hard to tell what kind of game this is, but Game Informer checked out a bit of it and said “it really feels like a Double Fine dark ride in the most complimentary way.”
The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S/One, Switch, PC) — October 17
Description: Do you believe in Christmas magic? You’ll need every bit to help Santa save Christmas! With Christmas Spirit running low, the North Pole isn’t so merry. Santa’s sleigh won’t fly, gifts aren’t ready, and there’s a chance that nice children might not end up on Santa’s Nice List.
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
You know what, fine. I cannot knock Outright Games for the hustle here. There just aren’t many companies who are putting out stuff like this and I respect it. The vast majority of games like this have been moved to mobile. Outright won’t give up yet.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) — October 21
Description: The next entry in the award-winning series, Jurassic World Evolution 3 puts you in control of building and running your very own Jurassic World. Help life find a way by synthesising, breeding, and nurturing prehistoric species. Manage each species and allow them to thrive, while helping your dinosaurs raise families and pass their genes onto future generations.
Rating: E10+
Price: $59.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
My kids were really into this trailer, but absent some options that let you gas up the economy and do whatever you want, I doubt it’ll get much traction with them. Nor am I a sim guy. IGN got a kick out of playing the game, saying “you don't have to work particularly hard to get me excited about a new dinosaur park management game. Especially one with the in-depth customization tools Frontier has become known for.”
Toem (iOS, Android) — October 22
Description: Set off on a delightful expedition and use your photographic eye to uncover the mysteries of the magical TOEM in this hand-drawn adventure game. Chat with quirky characters, solve their problems by snapping neat photos, and make your way through a relaxing landscape!
Rating: 4+
Price: N/A
Toem is one of those games that makes me go “oh, I should play that” every time it’s ported over and, uh, I still haven’t played it. Can we keep the streak alive? Nintendo World Report gave Toem a solid review, saying “if you're looking for a slow paced game to relax over a weekend there's still a lot of charm and enjoyment to be found here.”
Plants Vs. Zombies: Replanted (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S/One, Switch/Switch 2, PC) — October 23
Description: The classic Plants vs. Zombies returns in glorious HD! DANG! After years in Crazy Dave’s attic, the original battle between Plants and Zombies is back - bigger, brighter, and crazier than ever before! Experience the game that started it all, now remastered with upscaled HD graphics and packed with new secrets to uncover.
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
This one is pretty straightforward, even though it makes me feel profoundly old. Noisy Pixel had a chance to play this remake/remaster/re-release a early and said “Plants vs Zombies: Replanted isn’t looking to take the series anywhere new, but it’s definitely looking to be the absolute best version of one of gaming’s modern classics.”
Chicken Run: Eggstraction (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S/One, Switch, PC) — October 24
Description: Eggs-traordinary times call for eggs-traordinary heroes. After surviving the daring events of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the gang is back in a brand-new adventure, and it turns out nuggets weren't the only thing on the menu - chickenkind is still in danger!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
Wherever you go, Outright Games is there. Haunting. Stalking. Licensing weird IP.
Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) — October 24
Description: It’s a high-octane arcade racer packed with iconic cars, epic tracks, and action-fueled gameplay inspired by the hit Netflix animated series Hot Wheels Let’s Race. Drift through wild courses, take on giant boss battles, and unlock a garage full of fan-favorite rides. With track building, local multiplayer, and non-stop speed, the race is always on!
Rating: E
Price: N/A
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
Yes, this one is also published by Outri—wait, no, it’s Game Mill. Who is basically the other major publisher behind the vast majority of kids-focused licensed video games.
Once Upon a Katamari (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) — October 24
Description: Once upon a time a katamari rolled through both past and present. In this story across time, the adage endures: Let The Good Times Roll! Now onward through new worlds to roll up thy heart's desires and to restore the stars!
Rating: E
Price: $39.99
Buy And Support Crossplay: Click here
I tried to get my kids into Katamari when the Apple Arcade game came out earlier this year, but they found the controls off putting enough that they both bounced off it. I might give it another try with this one. Maybe holding a controller will be helpful?
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