Parents' Guide to

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Cute puzzle-filled adventure for kids and kids at heart.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Mario games, as well as the newer <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/"/game-reviews/super-mario-odyssey">Super Mario Odyssey</em></a>.</p> ">

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 6+

Based on 9 parent reviews

age 5+

age 6+

One of the best games for 6 y/o so far

6 y/o started his switch with animal crossing and Mario kart. This along with the labo kits are definitely his favourites. Highly recommended for a 6 y/o. 80% completed in a few weeks with a few hours playing daily. Very addictive game but don’t mind so much as there is some puzzle parts which is part educational.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (5 ):

This clever puzzle game will keep you playing for hours, and it's great to see a new character step out of Mario's considerable shadow with a fun adventure of his own. Even though Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is based around the outdated "damsel in distress" premise, that's not what you're buying this title for; instead, you're really investing in a significant number of brainteasing puzzles. As they work to retrieve the Power Star and rescue Toadette, gamers will encounter many worlds to navigate to collect precious items, combat enemies and bosses, and figure out how to bypass environmental obstacles. For example, you might need to pull a switch or step on a plate in a given order, which will extend a platform to walk to the end of the level. You have limited mobility -- you can't run or even jump -- but by studying the task at hand along with some trial and error, you'll figure out what's necessary. Puzzles, levels, and extra challenges are varied and rewarding.

The Nintendo Switch version of the game vastly improves gameplay as well. It removes the need to blow through the microphone to move platforms or rely on a touchscreen in the Wii U version, instead giving tighter, more responsive controls thanks to the console's Joy-Con controllers. Families can help each other through this new control scheme, with one person controlling Toad and the other handling the camera -- this is perfect if a younger player gets stuck and needs help from an older sibling or parent. It's also nice to see four levels based off the wildly popular Super Mario Odyssey game get a puzzle makeover. The New Donk City level is especially fun to navigate through, with its town and skyscraper-themed stage. Although younger gamers might get frustrated trying to figure out all of the game's puzzles, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming puzzle/platformer hybrid for the whole family to enjoy.

Game Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate