Parents' Guide to

Plan It Green: The Big Switch

By Jenny Cuenca, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Sim game challenges kids to build an eco-friendly city.

Game Mac , Windows 2013
Plan It Green: The Big Switch Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is one of those games wherein the learning potential is high but the engagement is only so-so. The pace is slow because you have to wait for the currency to recharge, and it takes a long time to accumulate sufficient coins to create new buildings. Furthermore, it's hard to understand your progress. As a standalone game, this may be inaccessible for kids with lower reading comprehension, as the game is reading-heavy.

However, for those who persevere, it can be a great learning experience. The in-game content may prove valuable for adults and kids alike. The game highlights the latest green innovations and how this technology can impact a community. As such, for those who explore the game, the potential for increased knowledge and awareness is high.

Game Details

  • Platforms: Mac , Windows
  • Subjects: Science : ecosystems and the environment, electricity, Hobbies : building
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: National Geographic
  • Release date: March 18, 2013
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: NR
  • Last updated: February 22, 2020

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