Looking for some fun games to play with the kids? We have some suggestions.

Mario Kart is one of those games which turn a room full of strangers into a room full of new buddies- or at least rowdy racers.  With equal parts skill, luck, and know how, Mario Kart has consistently been a gem of this gaming’s generation.  The latest in the franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, dare I say may be the brightest gem so far.  With almost all characters unlocked to begin with, this game is built for multiplayer.  As the new Switch will show you, it is easy to grab a controller and play.  Each player takes the mini controller for their racer and plays.

With tons of characters to choose from, everyone can pick their favorite without arguments.  Characters of different wights and sizes act differently and effect your controls, as do the type of vehicle and even the tires selected.  The game also includes support for amiibo’s and amiibo cards, which unlock more content in game, allowing for even more customization. Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is available no for $59.99 from retail locations of via download fro the eShop.

We have two indie titles-  one for the 3DS and one for the Playstation 4. Fun, inexpensive, and most gamers will enjoy them and be able to play (no master skill sets required).

This is the third Box Boy game in the line, Bye Bye Box Boy , is a game where players use the power of boxes to solve various puzzles as Qbby.  This game is an enjoyable puzzle game which is simple to get into, but difficult to put down.  My 9 year old has loved every Box Boy game and this is no different, but now with a few additions like 4 new powers, baby boxes to rescue, and new environmental issues to contend with (like water, wind, and scales) there is more to do.  He enjoys the Box Boy series- it’s tough but not too tough for him to figure out after thinking about it and trying a few things, or in some cases, with some help from Dad.  Bye By Box Boy is available now on the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $4.99.

Up next is a frenetic space racing game called Aaero.  In this game, you play the part of a lone ship racing along to the beat of various songs, each of which are loud thumping beats.  While racing along, you are attacked by various enemies who need some attention from your gun.  This game is fast paced and a blast to play.  Mostly, I have played it loudly and in short spurts, but can see how this game would be quite addicting.  The music is catchy, the level designs are gorgeous, and the levels are fun to play or sit back and watch someone else play.  Aaero is available now for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.  So be sure to check it out on your platform of choice, turn up the speakers and enjoy.

The Zeiss VR One Plus is fun for you and the kids relax and unwind together, it’s a cool experiance. This headset device that you use with your phone offers hundreds of compatible app options that you can choose from. Anything you prefer- videos, news, gaming, virtually exploring far off places or hard to reach (perhaps even impossible) locations, all from your home. One of the coolest features is that it will fit any size head- yes, even your giant melon- and that you can wear it with glasses. That’s not always easy to find in a VR headset. We’ve all tried this out, and everyone has enjoyed it. It’s comfortable, light, and the apps are really a lot of fun to mess around with. Buy for around $129 at stores like Target or Best Buy.

For the arcade experience at home or on the go, check out the Mini Arcade Games now available.  These  scaled down, mini versions of classic games you might have played in actual arcades ( I KNOW! Kids these days….) have all the features you played, actual authentic game play and nostalgic appeal all in one tiny, handheld game. Now available are Q*Bert and Centipede and yes, they have special full color screens. Dodge obstacles and blast bad guys using the mini joystick and fire buttons and get in all your old-school gaming jollies. $19.99 at Walmart only.

Speaking of old school fun, check out the NES Classic Edition controllers from My Arcade. It works with the newly released edition of the classic Nintendo system, as well as with Wii and Wii U as an optional Classic Controller (with compatible games). You can play from as far as 30 feet away, and for more then 75 hours with 2 (not included) AAA batteries. Designed for better grip, it also seems a little smaller and lighter to me. No wires need on this bad boy! Available for about $20 from Amazon and other sites.