Beyond mahjong, these easy-to-play games bring laughter, movement and friendly rivalry to festive gatherings
Lunar New Year gatherings have a rhythm of their own. Once the reunion meal is over and red packets have been exchanged, the living room naturally becomes the centre of activity. Conversations continue and snacks reappear, but not everyone reaches for mahjong tiles, and not every relative wants to scroll through their phone. That’s where video games quietly step in – especially if you already have a console like a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation at home.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered a selection of titles that are easy to understand, intuitive to pick up and flexible enough for players to rotate in and out without disrupting the flow of the celebration. From motion-controlled sports to cooperative kitchen chaos and music-driven dance sessions, these five games offer a lively alternative beyond mahjong, fitting effortlessly into the energy of any festive family get-together.
Nintendo Switch Sports
To ease everyone into game time, Nintendo Switch Sports is the most approachable starting point. Built around motion-controlled sports like bowling, tennis and volleyball, it uses the console’s Joy-Cons to mimic natural swings and serves without complicated button inputs. Much of the appeal comes from the exaggerated reactions – celebrating a strike or laughing at a missed serve quickly becomes part of the entertainment. It’s intuitive, light-hearted and welcoming, making it easy for anyone in the room to join.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
As the atmosphere grows livelier, Super Mario Party Jamboree thrives on that rising energy. The game blends turn-based board gameplay with over 100 inventive mini-games that test reflexes, timing and sometimes pure luck. One moment you’re collecting coins, and the next an unexpected twist reshuffles the standings. That unpredictability keeps everyone engaged. The challenges are quick to grasp yet competitive enough to spark playful shouting, making it ideal for laughter-filled rivalry.
Mario Kart World
When friendly rivalry takes over, Mario Kart World delivers instant excitement. Players race through vibrant tracks filled with shortcuts, obstacles and unpredictable power-up items that can flip standings in seconds. Assist features help beginners stay competitive, while experienced players still have room to strategise. A last-second overtake or perfectly timed item often becomes the highlight of the round, turning each race into fast, chaotic fun that naturally leads to rematches.
Overcooked 2
For families ready for teamwork with a twist, Overcooked 2 brings fast-paced cooperative chaos. Players share a kitchen, chopping, cooking and plating dishes under tight time limits while navigating shifting layouts and moving platforms. The simple controls quickly give way to frantic coordination and hilarious miscommunication. Shouted instructions, last-second saves and narrow victories create shared bursts of adrenaline, transforming cooperation into loud, laughter-filled moments.
Just Dance 2026 Edition
To inject music and movement into the celebration, Just Dance transforms the living room into a mini stage. Players mirror on-screen choreography using motion controllers or smartphones, turning popular tracks into energetic performances. Notably, this latest 2026 edition features 2025 hits like “APT.” by ROSÉ and “Anxiety” by Doechii, keeping the playlist instantly familiar. What makes it memorable isn’t just the score, but the exaggerated moves, missed beats and unexpected confidence that entertain everyone watching.
