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ARMS

Review · Fighting · Nintendo Switch

ARMS

Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo · 2017

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

73 /100

Automated review

ARMS is a unique fighting game that develops problem solving, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking without manipulative mechanics.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 59 · R 4
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

59

Risk (RIS)

4

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

7+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.70
B2Social-emotional
0.20
B3Motor
0.90

ARMS offers a unique and engaging fighting experience that significantly develops cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, strategic and critical thinking. Its motion controls provide excellent hand-eye coordination, fine motor skill development, and a good physical workout, making it a highly active and mentally stimulating game.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.17

While ARMS is a competitive game, its design does not incorporate manipulative compulsion-loop or monetization mechanics. The primary risks are minimal, mainly stemming from the inherent competitive nature which could lead to minor social comparison or frustration, but without explicit design to foster toxicity or addiction.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.33
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

ReviewedApr 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is ARMS safe for kids?

Ludograph gives ARMS a rating of 73/100, recommended for ages 7 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is ARMS appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 7+ for ARMS, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play ARMS?

Our session recommendation for ARMS is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of ARMS?

While ARMS is a competitive game, its design does not incorporate manipulative compulsion-loop or monetization mechanics. The primary risks are minimal, mainly stemming from the inherent competitive nature which could lead to minor social comparison or frustration, but without explicit design to foster toxicity or addiction.