Nintendo lists Detective Pikachu Returns among the Nintendo Switch games where you’ll use your sleuthing skills to solve a mystery or two

Everyone has different skill levels when it comes to hobbies, and that’s totally okay! In fact, “variety is the spice of life,” as they say. Of course, this does make it a bit tricky if you want to introduce someone new to a hobby like video games.

The games below were chosen for a very specific reason: Each of them is designed for folks of all skill levels to play together. Most of these games also have cooperative play* (also known as co-op play) so a more experienced player can help a newer player.

Since this might be an unfamiliar experience for some people, just remember to always be patient, helpful, and kind when you’re introducing something. And, of course, have fun!

The Nintendo Switch Sports game brings the thrill of sports with intuitive motion controls**. Seven sports are included in the collection: Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, Chambara (swordplay), and Golf! Each game is easy to understand no matter what your level of experience is.

Jump into the next evolution of Mario fun with some wonderfully weird antics caused by Wonder Flowers. Tip: Less experienced players may want to use a Yoshi or Nabbit (those characters don’t take damage) or have a Yoshi player carry them on their back from time to time.

Unravel a series of mysteries across Ryme City with a tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu and his human partner, Tim Goodman. This cinematic adventure game may be good for players who like cozying up with a book.

Dance and share exciting moments all year long! Just Dance 2024 Edition features 40 songs from the latest hits and beloved classics, including “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus and “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny. Don’t worry if you’re a little shy when it comes to dancing—this game is made for dancers of all skill levels!

Grab a pair of Joy-Con™ controllers and get moving*** as you gently shake, punch, dance, wiggle, and even curtsey through over 200 lightning-fast microgames. This game is great for group fun: There’s a Party Mode for up to four players* and the Story Mode can be played cooperatively with two players.

Trombone Champ challenges you to play trombone-ized versions of 45 songs, which include anthems, marches, classical pieces, electronic music, folk classics, and more. Up to four players can play in local multiplayer mode* for some quirky, trombone-based shenanigans.

Guide pint-sized creatures (and a lovable space dog) in an endearing expedition that will test your strategy skills. If a second player isn’t quite ready to lead the squad, they can join locally* to help stun enemies and use helpful items as Player 1 leads the Pikmin on a rescue mission.

Play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy and harness Emerald powers in this all-new take on classic 2D Sonic high-speed action platforming. Up to four players* can also play together locally, which may help ease a new player into the speedy gameplay of a Sonic game.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy embark on a new adventure to find three magical books and save the mysterious island of Monoth. This colorful game can be played together with up to four players* and can be a good introduction to this type of platforming game.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a top-down adventure game in a coloring book world where you can draw on anything. Use your painting powers to explore new places, solve puzzles, help your friends, and even change the world. You can also play locally with a second player* to paint together!

The tough puff Kirby is back for a 1-4 player* platforming adventure across Planet Popstar! Help Magolor rebuild his ship and visit the Merry Magoland to play a collection of subgames on the same system! Co-op players can also ride piggyback on each other and perform a super strong Team Attack.

Welcome to the towering Last Resort hotel! When Mario and friends go missing, Luigi—our green-clad hero—will have to conquer his fears to save them! Once Luigi comes across Gooigi, a second player* can take control of the gooey one to help defeat ghosts and solve puzzles. Losing health won’t mean game over for Gooigi!

There are a lot of twisty courses in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. If characters keep falling off, make sure that the Smart Steering option is turned on. The Auto-Accelerate option can also help if someone isn’t quite used to pushing buttons on a controller.

Create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. In addition to starting an island solo, this game also has the option of 2-4 players* sharing the island using the same system. The Resident Representative (first player) starts building the island while the other players can join in and play together. It’s a nice way to ease into the game!

The galaxy is yours in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Experience memorable moments and nonstop action from all nine Skywalker saga films reimagined with signature LEGO humor. This game is fully co-op for two players*, excels with its family-friendly comedy, and recreates iconic scenes from the movies (including an important family bonding moment atop Cloud City).

Play as iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters in this beat-’em-up adventure! Up to 6 players can play locally* or online****— since the controls are simple and immediately satisfying, it’s a good game for a group to tackle. The game also has a very bright and cartoony look!