Donate Nintendo Switch Games to Help NHS Patients

Angled image of a Nintendo Switch, with a turquoise left controller and pink right controller flanking a black screen

Do you have Nintendo Switch games you can donate to help NHS patients? Brighterway, the official charity of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, is seeking donations of Nintendo Switch games to support the mental health of NHS inpatients. These games provide an interactive, engaging, and fun way for patients to connect, relax, and heal.

Flat front profile shot of a Nintendo Switch

How Video Games Can Support Mental Health High Scores

Video games offer more than just entertainment: they can play a powerful role in improving mental wellbeing. Whether it’s journeying through expansive adventures like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, getting creative in Minecraft, or working together in team games like Rocket League, gaming offers an important escape from daily stress.

These immersive experiences aren’t just a source of distraction, but also mental stimulation. The blend of mental engagement and hand-eye coordination has measurable cognitive benefits. According to child psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Austerman DO, “When looking at video games in general, we tend to find that visuospatial effects, like hand-eye coordination, and directed attention tend to get a little better when we’re playing video games.”

SNES controller at frame left, with a pale blue background and the wire exiting to the top of the frame

He also highlights the social value of gaming, noting that friendships can form and flourish through video game interactions.

Additionally, Dr. Michale Manos PhD, a pediatric behavioural health specialist, points out that “Grey matter provides interconnectivity and allows parts of your brain to communicate with other parts of your brain and advance your self-perception.”

This grey matter, vital for memory, emotional regulation, and movement, can increase through regular gaming, supporting rehabilitation and emotional recovery.

Gaming as a Tool for Connection and Recovery

Beyond the science, studies show video games can distract from pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. Multiplayer and online games foster low-pressure social interactions that can be deeply therapeutic.

While gaming is sometimes associated with youth, millions of adult gamers benefit from the playfulness and connection it brings. From lighthearted competition to deeper relationships, video games can strengthen mental wellbeing at any age.

A family of mother and two oyung brothers playing video games together, with the mother laughing while one of the children scowls

René Proyer, professor of psychology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, highlights the important benefits of being playful as a powerful mindfulness tool. “Playful adults are those able to frame everyday situations in such a way that they become entertaining and intellectually stimulating.” The simple benefits of playfulness – such as when playing video games – can be nurtured and actively developed to improve mental wellbeing.

Level Up Patient Care with Brighterway

You can directly support NHS patients by donating your new or gently used Nintendo Switch games to Brighterway. Whether enjoyed solo or in a group, these games help build social bonds and offer a mental health boost to those in treatment and recovery.

Send your game donations to:
Kate Oliver
7 Sterne Road
Tatchbury Mount
Calmore
Southampton
SO40 2RZ

Non-gamers can still help by contributing funds to purchase new games. Simply quote “Switch Games” when making your donation on the Brighterway donations page.

Child's hand holding three Nintendo Switch game cartridges

Every Donation Makes a Difference

Your generosity can brighten a patient’s day, speed up recovery, and create a sense of connection and joy during a challenging time. Thank you for supporting our Nintendo Switch initiative, and for helping bring fun and healing to those who need it most.