Best Game Console for Kids (5 Reviews)

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 changed, as well.

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.

Best Game Console for Kids: Amazon Best Sellers

If you’re in a hurry, take a look at these Amazon Best Sellers. Otherwise keep reading!

Best Game Console for Kids: Brief Reviews

Microsoft Xbox One X

First up is the popular Microsoft Xbox One X, which is a very powerful console that is 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’s more, 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 to be used 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 be able 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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Nintendo Switch

Next up is the popular Nintendo Switch.

This is a game console that has become even more popular in the last few months thanks to new game releases.

Product Highlights

The Nintendo Switch is a very unique console because it can be used both as a stationary console hooked to television and as a handheld console.

The handheld console simply 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 own 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 very easy for them to simply 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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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 in the same category as the Xbox One X on that front.

This game console has native 4K and HDR gaming, which means that 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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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 that you or your family grew up with thanks to this console.

Plus, the Sega Genesis works much like a proper console, so it’s very easy and fun to use.

The Bad

Because this console is limited to only the games that 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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LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Bundle

The final console today 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 games 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 great education while also allowing them to have fun through the games’ activities.

The games are made to be enjoyable, but they are focused on giving specific lessons that kids should be learning at their respective ages, as well.

The Bad

Some kids may become bored with the games that are available on LeapTV over time as they are more educational than fun.

There are many games available, so you can switch it up from time to time.

Pros:

• Unique, transforming controller
• Educator-approved games
• Includes everything needed to setup
• Good for a variety of ages

Cons:

• Cannot play other popular games
• May get bored of games over time

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Best Game Console 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 the 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 greatly 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 how it will 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 specifically 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 are only able to 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 that have incredibly high detail levels, you will want to consider getting a console that has 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.

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Best Game Console for Kids: FAQs

Best Game Console for Kids: Final Verdict

Which is the best option when buying the best game console for kids among all of these great contenders?

While the answer will largely 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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Best Game Console for Kids: Amazon Best Sellers

If you’re in a hurry, take a look at these Amazon Best Sellers. Otherwise keep reading!

 

Last Updated on February 9, 2021 by Ian Foster