When handled appropriately, gaming can be an excellent way for kids to learn life skills. Gaming system technology has advanced in many ways over the last few decades, and the culture surrounding gaming has also changed.
Now more than ever, children of all ages are interested in playing video games, and video game consoles have become more accessible. What is the best game console for kids, and how do you determine that?
Today, we’re going to take a close look at the top kid-friendly game home consoles to help you decide which to choose.
Game Console for Kids: Amazon Best Sellers
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Top 5 Best Game Consoles for Kids September 2023
Here are the top 5 Best Game Consoles for Kids for September 2023.
1. Microsoft Xbox One X
First up is the popular Microsoft Xbox One X, a powerful console built for at-home gaming.
Product Highlights
This expensive yet powerful console is built for speed and ease of use. The interface and operating system allow you to switch between different entertainment quickly. What’smore, it can be used with streaming services.
The console has incredible graphics, performance, and storage, and it can support 4K media if applicable for the game or media. A very durable unit, the Xbox One X is built for many 3ds games, frequently, without interruption or problems.
The Good
There are tons of games available for the Xbox One X that kids will enjoy, and it is easy for them to switch between these games whenever they want to. With options for many different age groups, you can easily set this up for more than one child to use.
The Bad
When compared to other consoles, the operating system on the Xbox can be confusing to use for children. Switching between profiles and other settlings-related things, for example, might require more of your help, but this shouldn’t be a common issue.
Pros:
- High-quality graphics
- Great processing power and storage
- Many kid-friendly games
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Controller durability issues
- Confusing home screen
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2. Nintendo Switch
Next up is the popular Nintendo Switch. This game console has become even more popular in the last few months, thanks to new game releases.
Product Highlights
The Nintendo Switch is a unique console because it can be used as a stationary console hooked to television and as a handheld console. The handheld console docks into the Switch dock, and then it can be used on a TV or other monitor.
This game offers 720p on the touchscreen table and up to 1080p on other monitors. The processing specs are similar to a very high-end cell phone. The Switch has many online capabilities that can be used. It can be set up with many profiles so that everyone has their specific home screen.
The Good
The portability and lightweight aspect of this console make it ideal for children. If they’re playing a game and want to bring it to a friend’s house, it is effortless for them to pick up the console and do just that.
The Bad
The processing power on this console is nowhere near what you would see in a larger, at-home console, but that is part of the appeal. This being a lightweight, unique model sets it apart from other options.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Many games like Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Donkey Kong
- Multiple profiles
- Easy parental settings
Cons:
- Limited processing power
- Limited graphics
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3. Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Next up is the PlayStation 4 Pro, the high-powered version of the PS4.
Product Highlights
The PS4 is another at-home console that boasts a lot of power; in fact, it’s the same category as the Xbox One X on that front. This game console has native 4K and HDR gaming, which means it can play even the most detailed games in very high quality.
It can connect with streaming services as well as play many media types directly. Media can be played in up to 4K. Finally, this console is VR-enabled and has motion-capturing accessories that can be added on.
The Good
The flow of the PS4 is much easier for kids to follow than many other consoles. This is because of how intuitive it is to switch between games and services. Because of this, it is easy to help your kids learn how to play their games, and it also makes it easy for you to set the system up.
The Bad
Many of the features on the PS4 pro are going to be overkill for a younger child, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You can allow them to keep using the console as they grow up, and the power will come in handy.
Pros:
- High processing power
- 4K video options
- Easy to use menus
- Many classic video game options for kids: Guitar Hero, Skylanders
Con:
- Controller durability issues
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4. Sega Genesis Mini
The Sega Genesis Mini brings classic games back to life in 2020!
Product Highlights
The Sega Genesis Mini is a small console that replicates what was available on the classic Sega Genesis console. This tiny console has 42 different games on it, and they are all classics from when the console was popular.
The console comes with two wired controllers, a power cable, a USB adapter, and an HDMI cable; you can set it up to play right out of the box.
The Good
This game console is retro history done the right way; you can show your kids the games you or your family grew up with, thanks to this console. Plus, the Sega Genesis works much like a proper console, so it’s effortless and fun to use.
The Bad
Because this console is limited to only the games it is released with, there are not as many games specifically for children or that your friend’s kids might be playing. Still, there are plenty of games that they can have fun with and learn from!
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Classic reproduction
- Good quality games
- 42 games included
Cons:
- Wired controllers
- Doesn’t include new games
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5. LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Bundle
Today’s last console is the LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Bundle; a gaming console specifically made for children having fun and learning.
Product Highlights
The LeapFrog LeapTV is a console that is made for children. The system includes two transforming controllers, the console, a motion-sensing camera, a power adapter, a camera mount, built-in Wi-Fi, and an HDMI cable.
This console works with over 100 different LeapTV cartridge games, which are made by educators specifically for children. The controllers can be used in three different ways: body motion, pointer play, and classic control.
The Good
This game gives kids a lot of excellent education while also having fun through the games activities. The games are made to be enjoyable, but they are focused on providing specific lessons that kids should be learning at their respective ages.
The Bad
Some kids may become bored with the games available on LeapTV over time as they are more educational than fun. There are many games available so that you can switch them up from time to time.
Pros:
- Unique, transforming controller
- Educator-approved games
- Includes everything needed to setup
- Suitable for a variety of ages
Cons:
- Cannot play other popular games
- May get bored of games over time
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Game systems for kids: Buyer’s Guide
What makes one game console better than others? To choose between game consoles, you’ll want to make sure to consider these features during your selection process.
Storage
Some consoles have more memory space than others in the standard console unit. If you plan to buy games online rather than buying physical copies, you will need a good amount of storage to keep the games.
Pay attention to how much storage you want. Adding storage later is usually possible, but you will have to pay more for that, so it is good to keep this in mind while shopping.
Cost
What is your budget for a system that is primarily for your child to use? Will you be using the unit as well, or is it for multiple children?
Consider what your budget is, as the game consoles on our list range significantly in price. You can get a great unit for under $300, but the high-end and high-powered units are going to cost more than that.
Aesthetic Appeal
Depending on where you will be setting up the console, you will also want to consider what it looks like and suit your decor. Thankfully, most game console developers know this, and that is why consoles tend to be available in very neutral colors.
Classic Content
Do you want your child to be able to experience some of the games that you did in the past?
If so, many of the units will offer some of their older titles as digital options, so you can bring up games that aren’t even explicitly made for these new consoles. Those who want to preserve the joy of classic content will find this to be very useful.
Exclusive Games
If there are particular games that you want to be playable on the console, you should ensure that those games are not exclusive to any one console. While exclusive games are becoming rarer, there are still games that can only be played on one console, so checking this is very important.
HDR-Rendering Option
If you have an HDR TV and want to play games with incredibly high detail levels, you will want to consider getting a console with HDR-rendering options. Consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4 support HDR, but you may not find this on other consoles.
Media Streaming Support
Some consoles allow you to use media streaming services, such as Netflix. Some even include a subscription to certain services with purchase.
Other Accessories
Consider what accessories are included with the unit and how those might benefit you. Do you need extra cables or controllers? Some sets include these things, but they will otherwise need to be purchased separately.
Best gaming system for kids: FAQs
Should a 5 year old play video games?
As with anything, video gaming should be handled in moderation by a child’s parent or guardian.
Video games can help children develop many useful life skills. Still, they should also not be permitted to play video games for too long.
Most pediatric doctors recommend a maximum of one hour of screen time per day for children between two and five years old.
As long as your child is limited in how long they can play games and to what type of games they may play, it is fine to let them enjoy it!
Do video games rot your brain?
No, moderate playing of video games is a great way to develop various skills and can actually have very positive benefits for your brain.
From problem-solving to relaxing from stress, video games offer a specific type of experience that cannot be had in any way.
Video games are not inherently good or bad for you. The key is to choose the right type of games and to exercise moderation.
Is Nintendo Switch appropriate for a 6 year old?
The Nintendo Switch is a great option for children, and this unit offers some of the best parental monitoring features of any game console.
There are a few games for the Switch, in particular, that are very kid-friendly such as Animal Crossing.
Which is more kid-friendly Xbox One or PS4?
Overall, the PS4 has more options that are kid-friendly as well as higher availability of games that kids are likely to want to play than the Xbox One.
Both can, however, be a good choice for kids to play video games on.
Game systems for children: Final Verdict
When buying the best game console for kids, which is the best option for all of these great contenders? While the answer will essentially be dependant on the child’s age and what you specifically want to be able to play together, we believe that the Nintendo Switch is the best option.
This console offers portability and many fun games at a great price without being too difficult for children to understand. Another great option is the PS4, especially if you are willing to spend a bit more money. This gives kids even more game options than the Switch.
Overall, any game console can be a great learning and enjoyment tool for children. The key is to ensure that they are using it safely and with appropriate limitations.
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Bestpicksonly.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. . Last update on 2023-09-08 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Last Updated on October 22, 2021 by Emmanuel Pery
Hi! I’m Emmanuel, a passionate fellow who helps you choose the best products!