Nintendo Wii Games – Games for preschoolers can be surprisingly challenging, but they should have simple rules and little or no reading required. Young children can also struggle with the precision demanded by some video games. Some games which feature as part of the Wii Fit or Wii Sports packages will be fun for kids and can be played by the whole family together.
Games for Wii may be very different to games with a similar title designed for other platforms such as games for the nintendo DS.
The EC Rated Games Childrens’ Games for Nintendo Wii
The Entertainment Software Rating Board in the US and Canada have identified only three Wii games as suitable for preschool children, granting them an EC label (early childhood). EC means that the content is suitable for that age group, many more games, however, with E (everyone) classifications may also be enjoyable for kids of preschool age.
Jumpstart Pet Rescue for Nintendo Wii has received mixed reviews from disappointed parents.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the Wii, to be released later in 2010 as a download from the Wii shop.
Learning With the PooYoos Episode 1 for Wii, available for download via Wii shop. Spoken instructions, designed for 3- year-olds.
Europe has a different rating system which does not indicate if a game is specifically aimed at children. 3+ simply means the content is suitable for anyone.
New Nintendo Wii Games for Toddlers & Nursery Children, 2 Years +
Peppa Pig for Wii, based on a TV character for the youngest viewers, has received terrible reviews. However, it seems to be most enjoyable as a first video game by children aged 2 rather than more experienced and older players. Children 4 and older, who might play the LEGO and Dora video games, may be bored by Peppa Pig.
Dora The Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom for Wii is the latest of the highly regarded Dora video games.
The Best Wii Games for Preschoolers & Ideal First Video Games
The games for children aged two to four, ideal first Wii games, which get consistent praise and few if any complaints are:
Go Diego Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue (Wii)
Go, Diego, Go! Safari Rescue
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess
Instructions are spoken and the games make full use of the Wii’s unique features; button pushing is unnecessary but jumping up and down with the characters is the way to play.
Disney Princess Enchanted Journey for Wii is ideal for girls aged three to six. A six-year-old may find it quite simple but could still enjoy playing it over again. The difficulty for some will be that the numchuck is also required, a skill that the players will master with practice. The Disney Princess is an excellent choice for parents with two children as it has a two-player option which requires the players to cooperate.
Nintendo Wii Games for Young Children
Some further suggested games include the following:
Cosmic Family has spoken instructions and will generally appeal to kids aged 4, 5 or 6.
Emergency Heros is really simple to play and is about driving emergency vehicles really fast and will entertain some children.
Little Pet Shop is ideal for children of 4 or 5 years old but has extensive written instructions through the initial set up, so young children would require help in order to start playing the game. During play written guidance appears but is not essential.
Mario Kart is widely popular for all ages, up to 4 players can race their vehicles together.
Looking After the Preschool Video Gamers
A limited amount of game playing will not be harmful and could even be beneficial for young children, see the article “Video Games, Are They Good or Bad for Children?” Parents should bear in mind the guidance that preschoolers spend limited time with all forms of electronic media entertainment including computers, video games and watching TV. Parents should also watch out for correct use of controls, the use of the wrist strap and signs of aches and pains related to playing.
Popular Video Games for 6-Year- Olds Which are Unsuitable for Younger Children
For older children, age 6+, the Animal Crossing games for Nintendo DS and Wii are very popular and highly recommended by their fans. There is a lot of reading ability required which makes this unsuitable for younger children, although they may enjoy playing it with older siblings, friends or parents.
The Lego video games such as Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Batman, and the soon to be released Lego Harry Potter game, are also excellent for children age 5 or 6 and older and require little of no reading ability.
Nintendo Wii & DS Games for Young Kids
The games which are designed for nursery age or preschool children are quite limited in number. As children mature quickly and master these games they are also likely to entertain for quite a limited time before the children outgrow them. Games based on popular characters or Disney characters seem to offer good play value.
