For almost as long as there’s been something to play, people have tended to split things into boy games, and girl games. So, we’ve put together the best boy games on Switch and mobile for any lucky lads to take a gander. Before we get into it, we’re looking at games here primarily marketed towards boys, as well as a couple of surprises, but this is by no means a “no girls allowed” zone, and whatever way you identify, there’s a list of games below that are still well worth checking out.
For another long list full of enticing titles, check out the biggest upcoming Switch games, or find your sense of adventure with our picks for the best exploration games, samurai games, cowboy games, pirate games, and space games on Switch and mobile. If all this sounds a bit excessive, maybe try our favourite casual games instead.
Let’s dive into our guide to the best boy games on Switch and mobile.
FIFA – Switch and mobile
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first, and head to a title that’s missing from very few teenagers’ bedrooms. FIFA is still the premier soccer simulator, despite its limitations on Switch, and offers hours of playtime through multiple online modes, an in-depth career simulator, and nuanced control mechanics. It’s also the most accessible of the soccer titles on Switch, so don’t be put off if you’re fresh to the world of football.
Bugsnax – Switch
Now, for something completely different to FIFA, Bugsnax is a progressive game in terms of both its narrative and its mechanics, with understanding and appreciation for others at its core. We’re picking it for our list of boy games as so often the games directly marketed at men and boys lack a gooey center, so if you want to break out of the cycle of mindless destruction and find friends who care, Bugsnax is a great time. Oh, and there’s a burger beetle called Bunger, so what else do you need?
If you want a proper preview, check out our Bugsnax review.
Disney Mirrorverse – mobile
Whoever said Disney isn’t for boys clearly hasn’t played Mirrorverse. With classic childhood characters like Toy Story’s Woody and Sulley from Monsters Inc given a brilliant battlefield makeover, tantalizing mechanics that keep you coming back for more, and a 9/10 in our Dinsey Mirroverse review, there’s no reason for anyone to skip this one.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch
For something a little different now, Link’s journey of self-discovery in Breath of the Wild is much like a coming-of-age film with a Ganon fight at the end. As one of the few silent protagonists still left in the mascot line-up, Link sets off on a quest to test his strength and integrity – two facets they’re quite big on in the boy scouts – so we had to include this camp-out and quest adventure.
NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition – mobile
Back to sports, there are few sims on mobile better than NBA 2k22 Arcade Edition, so hoop-shooters should check it out. While it’s not quite console standard, it beats out FIFA, NHL, and Madden for bringing a main series title to mobile with responsive touch controls, a generous roster of NBA legends past and present, as well as more game modes than you might expect from a mobile title. If this was a list of baller boy games, this one would be at the top, and you can check out our NBA 2K22 Arcade Editon review if you don’t believe me.
Monument Valley – mobile
They are boy games, and then there are mummy’s boy games, and this maternal adventure is one sure to stop you in your tracks and make you do something very dangerous – it’s going to make you think. Ustwo Games’ philosophical puzzler is a perfect escape for anyone who needs a break from the mentality of FPS mayhem or constant competition of sports games, with a heartwarming narrative that will make even the most macho person open up like a cuckoo clock. If you want to know more, see our Monument Valley 2 review.
Wonder Boy Collection – Switch
Boy games, Wonder Boy, can you see what we’ve done here? Either way, Wonder Boy Collection is a fantastic retro compendium full of Wonder Boy titles from the early era of platformers, offering hours of playtime across multiple game worlds, as well as plenty of monsters to slay on your quest. For all the older boys looking for a touch of nostalgia, and holding onto their status as boys, you won’t find a better way to roll back the years.
My Friend Pedro – Switch & mobile
While we’ve tried to keep things mixed throughout the list, we can’t ignore those boys who just want to blow things up. That’s where My Friend Pedro comes in. Think of your favourite revenge film, add a bunch of bananas, and throw in some sidescrolling bullet-hell badassery, and that’s what you have here. With motorbike chases, dangerous stunts, and a whole lot of mushy peel left in your wake, it’s the closest you can get to Bananas in Pajamas coming back for a slice of John Wick vengeance.
There you have it, our picks for the best boy games, or at least those marketed towards boys, on Switch and mobile. If you need something for everyone, why not take a browse of our picks for the best party games or the best Jackbox games.
