Looking for an honest Oregon Trail For Switch review? Here’s what my family thought about the new Nintendo Switch Oregon Trail game version. Is this new version of a classic game good for family game night, kids’ video gaming, or gameschooling?
My Honest Oregon Trail For Switch Review: Is This A Good Version Of A Classic Game?
Ah, The Oregon Trail game — where your childhood memories meet the brutal reality of pioneer life.
Back in the day, I LOVED Oregon Trail with that old 8-bit look. (It’s a game version that I would 100% still play today.)
I spent many a day trying to fix a broken axle, fording rivers, and dying of dysentery over and over and over again. To be honest, I don’t remember if I ever made it to Oregon. (But was that even ever the point?!?).
::far off stare::
KIDS: If you’ve ever wondered how your parents survived without Wi-Fi, Amazon Prime, TikTok FYPs, or daily Starbucks runs to fill 40-ounce Stanley mugs, this game will give you a taste.
And by “taste,” I mean the bitter flavor of cholera water and some (possibly) poisonous berries mixed in with the subtle aftertaste of heartbreak when you thought you properly caulked your wagon only to watch it tip into that swift moving river and lose everything after you just loaded up on 150 pounds of bison.
Kids today think they have it hard? HAH! They don’t even understand.
(I kid. Of course.)
(Maybe.)
Anyway…
If you’re considering this game for your kids (or yourself, because let’s be real, we’re all just big kids), let me break it down for you…
Basics Of The Switch Oregon Trail Game: Deluxe Edition
Gaming Platform: Nintendo Switch (but there is also a PlayStation 5 version) by Gameloft
Number of Players: 1 (*see how we got around this below and made it fun for multiplayer)
Game Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 years and older)
Cost: Less than $50
Warnings To Be Aware Of: Just like the original Oregon Trail game, there is death (unhealthy characters may die along the trail) and also hunting for food / shooting.
Overview Of Oregon Trail
Gameloft magically brought the old-school feel of classic Oregon Trail to the Nintendo Switch, slapping on a fresh coat of digital paint with beautiful graphics (and music) but leaving the core experience mostly intact.
Honestly? I was really, really skeptical about it before playing. I didn’t want them to ruin such an iconic game.
However, they did a great job of fading old school looking graphics into the updates throughout the game, which gave it a nostalgic feeling.
If you used to play the old version, you’ll definitely recognize it within the updated Oregon Trail game.
The game still revolves around you picking your crew, stocking up on supplies, making decisions about the best trails, and embarking on a journey through harsh wilderness (and, you know, probably inevitable death).
You’ll face blizzards, broken limbs, snakebites, little food, yes, rivers, and — let’s not forget everyone’s favorite — dysentery, the game’s way of reminding you that no one is safe, especially when nature calls you to a new frontier in the 1800s.
The game isn’t just a nostalgia trip for those of us who remember playing the original in the school computer lab. (Admit it: You know you skipped class for it and still don’t regret it.)
It’s also an educational experience for the younger generation — because what’s more fun than explaining to your 7-year-old why Grandma didn’t make it across the river?
(Kidding. Again.)
Let’s start with the things that may be an issue with the new Oregon Trail video game…
Cons Of Oregon Trail Game For Switch
1. Death Happens… A Lot (Still)
You know how you feel when your favorite character in that beloved book or movie meets an untimely end?
Now imagine that happening every 15 minutes, but this time it’s your fault. (I mean, I TOLD YOU NOT TO TAKE THAT ROUTE!)
Whether it’s drowning in a river or starving because you decided to hunt one last buffalo and depleted the resources in the area, this new game version still doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of pioneer life (just like the old Oregon Trail game).
This might be a bit much for younger kids or anyone prone to emotional trauma over pixelated people and virtual pets.
2. Graphic Situations
You do hunt in this game (just like the old game), which means using a gun and shooting animals.
Also, if your kid accidentally hits “yes” on the prompt to slaughter someone’s only companions (aka: the oxen), prepare for some tears… and maybe a therapy session or two.
GET THE DYSENTERY STICKER OR MAGNET
3. Not So Historically Comprehensive
While the game does a good job with certain aspects of history, some players have felt that it could do more.
I understand it’s a game, but I also think there could’ve been cool learning options for more comprehensive overviews.
The Oregon Trail was brutal, and while the game touches on this, it doesn’t fully delve into the widespread impact of overhunting, starvation, and other critical historical events.
If you’re a history buff, you might find yourself wanting more depth, but you can also always use it as a jumping off point for learning more about a topic with the kiddos.
Just repeat to yourself: It’s only a game. It’s only a game…
4. Oregon Trail Deluxe Version is a one player game.
I was really bummed about this aspect.
It would’ve been fun to play at the same time as different players and see how everyone’s decisions affected the game outcome.
GAME MOD: Even with that said, we played as a family together for 3 hours! One person navigated the controller, but we discussed options, moves, decisions, and strategy at every step.
(And yelled, and accused and laughed. You know, all the things for a good family game night…)
5. There’s a lot of controller learning.
I thought there was a large learning curve for navigating through menus, remembering which area had which information, and understanding exactly what you needed to do in different parts of the menu.
My teen had an easier time navigating through, so it’s probably a generational thing, but even she thought it was a lot.
Pros Of Switch Console Oregon Trail
Nostalgia Overload (In A Totally Good Way)
If you played the original, this game will have you reminiscing about the good old days when the biggest decision you faced was whether to ford the river or caulk the wagon.
The updated graphics keep the game original’s charm while adding enough detail to make the landscape feel alive (or at least more alive than most of your party will be by the end).
(Sorry. Had to.)
Cultural Sensitivity, Finally
Kudos to Gameloft for including Native American perspectives and Indigenous Peoples’ stories that were sorely missing from the original game.
It adds depth and historical accuracy, which we should all agree is a good thing — especially since the original game conveniently forgot that whole “this land is already occupied” detail.
I think this inclusion adds additional depth to the game and also makes a great gameschool homeschooling topic.
Educational Value for Gameschool & Homeschool
I know we’re talking gaming, but this is not just a game; it’s a history lesson (with, you know, a side of survival skills).
Kids will learn about the real dangers of pioneer life and get an overview of geography.
The game also makes history interactive and engaging by meeting up with real historical figures on the trail and using real places, which means you can take learning off the game and into the real world to further learn about topics, places, and people.
Also, don’t forget science with all the diseases. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn more about dysentery?!?
STEM requirements? CHECK.
Replayability
(Is that a word?)
Because you have different choices, no two journeys are the same.
This means your kids (ahem, clearly I mean YOU) will keep coming back for more and getting a pretty fresh game each time.
Also, you can do an exploration and free play option if you don’t want to hit the trail.
NEW GAMER TIP: Do the walk-through when you first get started. It really helps get you acclimated to the gaming controls and layout.
Game Extras
The game came with three art cards that showed the classic graphics on one side and the updated graphics on the other, so that was super cool.
GAME TIP: Don’t miss that the physical game comes with a reversible coversheet so you can change it to the old-school 8-bit black and green wagon cover (which I did immediately).
Is Oregon Trail for Switch Worth The Money? My Final Thoughts
Our Game Review: All Thumbs Up From Everyone In My Family
The Oregon Trail on Switch is a fantastic trip down memory lane for those of us who survived it the first time. It has the feel of the old-school Oregon Trail game, with updated graphics and options.
It’s educational, engaging, and — dare I say — addictive.
But it’s also not shy about the darker aspects of pioneer life (just like the classic version). If you’re handing the controller over to your little ones, just be prepared for some tough conversations.
Or, you know, maybe keep it as a “family game night” thing so you can navigate those emotional landmines together.
In short: For a game well under $50 (which is relatively cheap for a physical video game these days), I thought it was well worth it. If your family can handle a little tragedy, some tough life lessons, and the occasional oxen slaughter, then this game is a great addition to your Switch library.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when someone dies of dysentery.
GET THE OREGON TRAIL GAME TO START PLAYING ASAP!
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I’d love to hear your Oregon Trail For Switch review if you’ve played. Let me know in the comments.
