No-Console-Needed Games for Family Fun

A whole new world opens up when you add video games to your family game night rotation. Multiplayer games are a great way for siblings to play together or for families to connect over a shared activity. But increasingly expensive game consoles aren't always an option. If you don't have a console, you don't have to miss out on a family gaming experience. All the games on this list can be played on a phone, tablet, or computer, so many families can jump right in with the devices they already have on hand -- no Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch required. For more console-free fun, try these Apps That Can Bring Families Together.

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Jaipur: A Card Game of Duels Poster Image
APP

Jaipur: A Card Game of Duels

age 6+

Fun adaptation of popular bartering board game.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
Carcassonne - Tiles & Tactics Poster Image
APP

Carcassonne - Tiles & Tactics

age 8+

Board game classic returns to mobile with faithful port.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2017)
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout Poster Image
GAME

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

age 8+

Battle royale gets party game treatment for all-ages fun.

Hot Wheels Unleashed Poster Image
GAME

Hot Wheels Unleashed

age 8+

Fun arcade racing game for any fan of the toys.

Minecraft Poster Image
GAME

Minecraft

age 8+

Sandbox-style game with open online play fosters creativity.

Moving Out Poster Image
GAME

Moving Out

age 8+

Fun co-op sim is appropriate for all ages, skill levels.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)
Onitama - The Strategy Board Game Poster Image
APP

Onitama - The Strategy Board Game

age 8+

Fast, fun chess-like game will keep players thinking.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2018)
Patchwork: The Game Poster Image
APP

Patchwork: The Game

age 8+

Board game and puzzles stitched together into fun.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2016)
Rocket League Poster Image
GAME

Rocket League

age 8+

Arcade-style soccer, with cars and a giant ball.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows (2015)
Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) Poster Image
GAME

Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks)

age 8+

Quirky tower puzzler works in spite of odd presentation.

Platforms: Google Stadia , Windows (2020)
Trivia Royale Poster Image
APP

Trivia Royale

age 8+

Age-specific, fun, competitive trivia contest.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2020)
Tsuro - The Game of the Path Poster Image
APP

Tsuro - The Game of the Path

age 8+

Pursue the path in relaxing play-together strategy game.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2019)
Spaceteam Poster Image
APP

Spaceteam

age 9+

Rowdy multiplayer game is out of this world but stressful.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2018)
UNO & Friends Poster Image
APP

UNO & Friends

age 9+

App version easier than card game, but still lots of fun.

Devices: Android (2017)
Among Us poster image
GAME

Among Us

age 10+

Simple visuals hide deep gameplay of deception, deduction.

Platforms: Windows (2018)
Battleship Poster Image
APP

Battleship

age 10+

Classic remake adds new strategy to the ship hunting game.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2019)
Evolution Board Game Poster Image
APP

Evolution Board Game

age 10+

Strategic look at evolution is fun but has some limits.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2019)
FIFA 20 Poster Image
GAME

FIFA 20

age 10+

The streets meet the pitch in the latest soccer sim chapter.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2019)
Jeopardy! World Tour Poster Image
APP

Jeopardy! World Tour

age 10+

What is... a fun way to test and learn facts?

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
Magic: ManaStrike Poster Image
APP

Magic: ManaStrike

age 10+

Strategy, action, and fantasy collide in amazing card game.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)