The best games for tweens!
Shopping for a 9-12-year-old and have no idea what games are actually suitable? You’re not alone. Tweens are at that tricky age where they want more challenge, but you also don’t want to accidentally buy them something way too mature.
This guide breaks down the best video games for tweens—focusing on fun, safe, and engaging options that hit the sweet spot between kid-friendly and cool.
By ages 9-12, kids are ready for:
✅ More challenge – They can handle puzzle-solving, strategy, and faster gameplay.
✅ Social gaming – Many tweens want to play with friends online.
✅ Bigger stories & open worlds – They’re starting to enjoy longer, immersive adventures.
✅ Minimal but age-appropriate action – Mild combat (Pokémon, Zelda, LEGO Fortnite) is usually fine, but full-on FPS shooters? Probably not yet.
✅ Less "babyish" content – If a game feels too young, tweens will move on fast.
Here’s a quick look at the best games across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Many tweens want to play online, but it’s good to set boundaries early. Here’s what to look out for:
🛑 Online vs. Offline: Some of these games are entirely single-player, while others include online multiplayer modes(Splatoon 3, Rocket League, etc.).
🛑 Voice Chat: Many online games let players talk to others—you can disable this in settings if needed.
🛑 In-Game Purchases: Tweens are prime targets for microtransactions (Fortnite, Pokémon), so set parental controls to prevent surprise charges.
Tweens are at the age where gaming becomes social—they want games they can play with friends, explore, and challenge themselves.
✔ Think multiplayer vs. solo – Some tweens prefer adventure, while others just want Rocket League chaos.
✔ Avoid heavy monetization – Loot boxes, battle passes, and pay-to-win mechanics can be overwhelming at this age.
✔ Check ratings carefully – Games rated M (or PEGI 12-16) might still be too mature for younger tweens.
Still unsure about game ratings? Check out our Video Game Ratings Guide for Australia & NZ for a breakdown of what G, PG, M, and R18+ really mean.
While all content stems from genuine author opinions, some content on this site is AI-assisted—ensuring detailed analysis, critique, and timely reviews, with the author maintaining final editorial oversight.