Find the games you're looking for

Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage is a satisfying, accessible and informative experience that makes programming games delightful. The game can feel frustratingly restrictive, however, and a lack of curation options and online features hamper the experience.

Game Info

Turn gaming time into learning time with the Game Builder Garage software. Kids can learn how to make their own games with guided lessons created by Nintendo. From a simple game of tag to a run-and-jump obstacle course, each lesson is broken down into multiple, manageable segments that let kids go at their own pace—and have fun in the process.

Recommended

Average Score

Total Reviews: 39

Bronze TIER

39% of scored reviews fell within the range of 80 to 86 / 100

RELEASE DATES:

GENRES:

DEVELOPER(S):

PUBLISHER(S):

SERIES/FRANCHISE:

GAME MODES:

Where to Play

** VSG may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Ratings & Reviews

39

Critic Reviews

78

Average Critic Score

Where to Play

All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.

High Score

90%

Median Score

80%

Low Score

60%

What did you think of Game Builder Garage?

Player Reviews0 Votes

Seth G. Macy (IGN)

June 10, 2021

8/10

Game Builder Garage is a robust, yet easy to learn, game engine that’s absolutely delightful.

Adam Cook (God is a Geek)

June 10, 2021

9/10

Game Builder Garage is typically brilliant Nintendo, offering a way of creating levels that is only stymied by the lack of online community and curation options.

Shannon Liao (Washington Post)

June 10, 2021

70/100

The game excels at giving people a small taste of programming, but the game’s pupils will have to seek unabridged coding lessons elsewhere. It’s hard to give the game a final score in its current form, because what people design in free programming and post online will ultimately add to the game’s potential.

VSG News

News

Assassin’s Creed Jade Release Likely Delayed to 2025 as Tencent Shifts Focus

News

PlayStation 5 Pro: Leaked Specs Reveal a Major Upgrade, Release Hinted for Holiday 2024

News

Xbox Games Hit New Platforms: Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded Coming to Other Platforms

Xbox

Xbox Reaches Beyond Consoles: 4 Games to Rival Platforms, and What It Means

News

Silent Hill 2 Remake Developer Unhappy With Trailer Released by Konami

Score Ranges

Read the Reviews (39 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
Areajugones	David Cruz	8.5 / 10	06-10-2021	‎A fairly satisfying experience that immerses us fully in the world of programming without requiring hundreds of lines of code. It adapts perfectly to object-oriented programming, although with much simpler concepts achieved thanks to the ‘nodon’. Without a doubt, a great stimulant for your imagination‎.	Read review
CGMagazine	Steven Green	8 / 10	06-10-2021	Nintendo’s best development toolkit to date, with a gamified process that makes creating enjoyable, even if the curation tools are sub-par.	Read review
Checkpoint Gaming	Edie W-K	7 / 10	06-20-2021	Game Builder Garage makes programming fun, with easy-to-follow tutorials and plenty of in-game resources to help you if you get lost. It’s easy on the eyes too, although a lack of visual customisation options was disappointing to see. With so many things it does right, it’s astounding that Nintendo would shoot themselves in their own foot so badly by not including any in-game search function. It may find an audience with some budding game designers, but it’s unlikely to become the phenomenon it could have been.	Read review
COGconnected	Jaz Sagoo	83 / 100	06-10-2021	Nintendo has created a fun and accessible product that is a great introduction to programming. Through the perfectly paced interactive lessons, anyone can start making games in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, the omission of in-game community creations does hinder what could have been a complete creative suite, however, this won’t stop enthusiasts from creating and sharing their games in other ways.	Read review
Daily Mirror	James Ide	3 / 5 stars	06-11-2021	Game Builder Garage attempts to turn a scary and complex task like programming into something easy and fun with its simple mechanics, clever design and bags of personality. While it can feel frustratingly restrictive at times (especially in the beginning) and the tutorials don’t so much hand hold but grab on tight with no intention of letting you go, they do make it a playful and charming experience.	Read review
DASHGAMER.com	Bryce Dewit	8 / 10	06-11-2021	Like any good game creator, it’s a quick way to jump into fast access game development to explore creative ideas on the fly anywhere you may be, and it’s accessibility for the young makes it a good jump start in interests towards game development as a hobby or career.	Read review
Destructoid	CJ Andriessen	6.5 / 10	06-18-2021	If you have aspirations of making your own video game but haven’t taken that first step, Game Builder Garage is for you. Just keep your expectations in check. You probably won’t be able to make your perfect game with just this software, but it could provide the creative spark that pushes you to turn your game developer dreams into a reality.	Read review
Digitally Downloaded	Matt Sainsbury	4.5 / 5 stars	06-11-2021	Game Builder Garage might be pitched at a younger audience	Read review
Echo Boomer	Diogo dos Santos	Recommended	07-08-2021	Creating games ain’t easy, but Game Builder Garage does a great job introducing the logic and workflow of game design with simple and intuitive tools.	Read review
EGM	Mollie L Patterson	Recommended	06-10-2021	I wouldn’t feel comfortable giving Game Builder Garage a score or full evaluation until I’ve made a game of my own that I consider to be complete and finished, but I’m still far from having any clue what that actually means. One of my personal goals is to make a multiplayer party game that my friends will legitimately enjoy, but I still need to come up with a concept and plan out its design, let alone start building it to see if it’ll all come together. How do I put a timeframe on that, when the very first step is reliant on creativity and inspiration? And then, how much time will I need for coding, testing, bug fixing, focus testing, and so on?	Read review
Eurogamer	Martin Robinson	Recommended	06-18-2021	Some standard Nintendo limitations get in the way, but this is still an invaluable education in some of the fundamentals of game creation.	Read review
Everyeye.it	Giulia Martino	8.3 / 10	06-10-2021	Game Builder Garage is a courageous experiment that deserves the attention of those who are not content to stay on the surface of the video game medium. The experience is presented on the first as less captivating than titles such as Super Mario Maker, but the satisfaction that is obtained by entering the Bianconiglio lair and discovering the secrets of programming is priceless. We’re curious to find out how the Game Builder Garage community will evolve, and we’ll be interested in trying out the creations of grass developers from all over the world.	Read review
Forbes	Ollie Barder	9 / 10	06-21-2021	Overall, this is not your typical “game”, but it is still a lot of fun one to play. Game Builder Garage is also a game that is uniquely important and necessary for people to understand how games work. While all of this may sound like a chore, it really isn’t, as Nintendo is probably the only company that could make visual scripting actually fun. That alone is a huge achievement and one I am excited as well as relieved to champion.	Read review
Gameblog	Yann Bernard	8 / 10	06-10-2021	Behind the humorous, colorful atmosphere, Game Builder Garage proves a real creation environment, with a phenomenally intuitive interface and a clever didactic approach to such a huge amount of possibilities, using almost every function of the system. But Nintendo also made delicate compromises between simplicity and ambition through technical or sharing limitations, hence production will heavily rely on Nodon game designers’ efforts.	Read review
GameSpot	Kevin Knezevic	7 / 10	06-21-2021	Nintendo’s new game creation software may not let you make the game of your dreams, but it’s a fun-to-use toolkit nonetheless.	Read review
GameXplain	GameXplain	Recommended	06-10-2021	Video Review	Read review
GamingTrend	David Flynn	75 / 100	07-02-2021	Game Builder Garage is a great way to learn the basics of game programming through an easy to use visual language. The tutorials may be overbearing for some, holding your hand through each step, but the engine is surprisingly robust and will let you create whatever you want. However, there is no active sharing or receiving interface in the game itself which is incredibly frustrating and limits learning opportunities.	Read review
God is a Geek	Adam Cook	9 / 10	06-10-2021	Game Builder Garage is typically brilliant Nintendo, offering a way of creating levels that is only stymied by the lack of online community and curation options.	Read review
Guardian	Keith Stuart	4 / 5 stars	06-16-2021	From Mario Kart racers to 2D platforms, this charming game-maker gives you access to the Nintendo toolkit	Read review
Hobby Consolas	David Martinez	79 / 100	06-10-2021	An interesting game making tool, easy to learn and powerful enough to create and share our own minigames. Still we miss some utilities such as importing assets or composing music.	Read review
IGN	Seth G. Macy	8 / 10	06-10-2021	Game Builder Garage is a robust, yet easy to learn, game engine that’s absolutely delightful.	Read review
IGN Italy	Stefano Castelli	7 / 10	06-10-2021	An interesting videogame development software with a bit of a target audience issue.	Read review
Leadergamer	Alper Dalan	Recommended	06-28-2021	If you want to make your own games and share it indirectly, or if you want to experience the productions made by others, it will be a good choice.	Read review
Merlin’in Kazanı	Ersin Kılıç	75 / 100	06-25-2021	Game Builder Garage manages to explain the logic of making games in a fun way with its simple interface and Nodon system.	Read review
Metro GameCentral	GameCentral	7 / 10	06-16-2021	An impressively visual approach to building your own games, with a fully formed tutorial that demystifies complicated ideas with typical Nintendo charm and aplomb.	Read review
Nintendo Enthusiast	John Friscia	7.5 / 10	06-18-2021	Realistically, adults who want to program are just going to go learn an actual programming language and/or pick up a tool like GameMaker. But for impressionable preteen children, which arguably seems to be the prime demographic for this software, Game Builder Garage on Nintendo Switch can provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to programming, despite a few glaring oversights. However, not just anyone is going to instantly click with and love this game. It takes time, determination, and raw passion to get the most out of Game Builder Garage. But maybe that’s a good thing.	Read review
Nintendo Life	Alex Olney	7 / 10	06-10-2021	Game Builder Garage is a frighteningly powerful game creation tool dragged down by a few limiting factors. The lack of an object creation tool (and pyramids) means that most games are going to look like they were made in a game creation suite, but the sheer scope of what’s possible helps to take the sting out of the tail. This will actually teach you how to make games, the tutorials that lead you through are by-and-large excellent, and the inclusion of USB mouse support is a godsend. We’re probably unable to even conceive of half of what Switch owners will be able to create using this software, but we’re certain this is going to help propagate the next generation of game developers.	Read review
PCMag	Jordan Minor	4.5 / 5 stars	06-10-2021	Game Builder Garage is a tremendously powerful and accessible piece of game development software that gives you the tools and guidance to make video games with ease.	Read review
Polygon	Ryan Gilliam	Recommended	06-10-2021	Children are like sponges, eager to learn and soak up new knowledge to apply to the decades ahead of them. If you’re an adult who’s curious about how games work, Game Builder Garage is a fun, informative experience most of the time — but it’s one you may prefer to experience in short bursts, lest the slow-moving lessons force you to snap your Switch in two.	Read review
Rapid Reviews UK	Shaun Hughes	4 / 5 stars	06-28-2021	Game Builder Garage is signature Nintendo. For better and for worse, GBG exemplifies the Japanese company’s commitment to innovation, and it’s a real compliment to the already brimming back catalogue of titles. What GBG represents is a company dedicated to game development, to young and aspiring programmers, and to the future of video game design. Naturally, anything ‘signature Nintendo’ does come with a few concessions that hold it back from being everything it could be, but that shouldn’t deter anyone even remotely interested in this games’ offering.	Read review
Screen Rant	Cody Peterson	3.5 / 5 stars	06-24-2021	Game Builder Garage is an excellent choice for any gamers who are fascinated by the video game designing process but have little experience with how it all works. Its simplicity and cutesy approachability make it the best entry point for those with no experience, and a great learning tool for kids in particular. Without the ability to share creations or more complex design features, Game Builder Garage probably won’t hold anyone’s attention for long, but it fills a niche well and accomplishes all the major goals it sets out to with its presentation.	Read review
SECTOR.sk	Michal Korec	8 / 10	11-09-2021	Learn how to create your own games. It is really fun and informative.	Read review
Shacknews	Ozzie Mejia	7 / 10	06-21-2021	Much like most people’s first efforts with Game Builder Garage, it’s a good first effort. It’s just not something people will be revisiting after a few weeks pass.	Read review
SpazioGames	Unknown	7.5 / 10	06-10-2021	If you would like to create your own video games, this is key that may open that door.	Read review
The Games Machine	Stefano Calzati	8.5 / 10	06-10-2021	Game Garage Builder is wonderful. Nintendo has come up with a new programming language made up of hilarious characters, tasking the player with having them interact with each other to code their games. A real video game laboratory, where you can experiment and learn with a smile on your face.	Read review
Twinfinite	Jake Su	4 / 5 stars	06-28-2021	As a first step into game development, Game Builder Garage represents a fun and engaging way of dipping your toes. It is not overly convoluted, and is approachable when it comes to creating polished experiences with a little bit of work. The software educates, guides, and makes the creator’s enjoyment a key part of the process. If only Nintendo would fix the online and community gaps, then it will truly be a playground of creativity.	Read review
VG247	Alex Donaldson	Recommended	06-21-2021	Game Builder Garage seems to want to showcase just what it’s like to make a game, albeit in a simpler way. It’s sometimes challenging to the point of being headache-inducing. It is unrelentingly complicated. When it clicks, however, it’s fun, magical, and incredibly rewarding.	Read review
Video Chums	A.J. Maciejewski	7.5 / 10	06-10-2021	As a learning tool, Game Builder Garage provides an easy-to-follow experience that makes learning the basics of game programming fun. With that in mind, there are definitely more comprehensive and robust ways to create games on console.	Read review
Washington Post	Shannon Liao	Not Recommended	06-10-2021	The game excels at giving people a small taste of programming, but the game’s pupils will have to seek unabridged coding lessons elsewhere. It’s hard to give the game a final score in its current form, because what people design in free programming and post online will ultimately add to the game’s potential.	Read review

Game Builder Garage Credits

DIRECTOR(S):

n/a

PRODUCER(S):

n/a

DESIGNER(S):

n/a

PROGRAMMER(S):

n/a

ARTIST(S):

n/a

WRITER(S):

n/a

COMPOSER(S):

n/a

LINKS:

Find the games you're looking for

Popular Keywords

Platforms

Game Builder Garage

Critics Consensus (Play It)

Game Info

Bronze TIER

Where to Play

Ratings & Reviews

39

78

Where to Play

Assassin’s Creed Jade Release Likely Delayed to 2025 as Tencent Shifts Focus

PlayStation 5 Pro: Leaked Specs Reveal a Major Upgrade, Release Hinted for Holiday 2024

Xbox Games Hit New Platforms: Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded Coming to Other Platforms

Xbox Reaches Beyond Consoles: 4 Games to Rival Platforms, and What It Means

Silent Hill 2 Remake Developer Unhappy With Trailer Released by Konami

Game Builder Garage Credits

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Find the games you're looking for

Popular Keywords

Platforms

Game Builder Garage

Critics Consensus (Play It)

Game Info

Bronze TIER

Where to Play

Ratings & Reviews

39

78

Where to Play

Assassin’s Creed Jade Release Likely Delayed to 2025 as Tencent Shifts Focus

PlayStation 5 Pro: Leaked Specs Reveal a Major Upgrade, Release Hinted for Holiday 2024

Xbox Games Hit New Platforms: Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded Coming to Other Platforms

Xbox Reaches Beyond Consoles: 4 Games to Rival Platforms, and What It Means

Silent Hill 2 Remake Developer Unhappy With Trailer Released by Konami

Game Builder Garage Credits

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Subscribe