As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Last Updated on November 2, 2020 by Ian Foster
Best Game Console for Kids. 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!
- It pre-instaled 843 Classic Games Inside , 800 classic games on console , 43 PS1 games on TF card , you can download games with related format on SD Card , support NEOGEO / GBA / GBC / SFC / SEGA game...
- Support 4K HDMI TV output play , Support 1280*720 P / 60HZ
- Linux 3.0 operate system , Game Speed FPS 1:1 Output
- 🚀New Styles and Games：The appearance of this game console is brand new. Built-in 100 new exciting educational puzzle casual games. And while kids having fun, they're exercising important...
- 🚀Larger and Clearer Screen: 3.0-inch high-definition display, ensuring portability, while also taking into account the comfort of the games. Not too bulky or too small. Tailored for children, Of...
- 🚀Rugged Shatterproof: The casing is made of a strong and environmentally friendly plastic. Surface frosted, anti-fingerprint anti-scratch.After a long period of practical use testing, it is enough...
- ★ Easy to carry(not include wrist straps):100% brand new and high quality,2.5 inch high-definition display,convenient to carry. It can also play on your big TV screen after your connect it to TV...
- ★ The advantages of 8X: It contains 42 classic games(16 bit game), not only can develop children's brain, exercise their agility, thinking, but also relieve stress and build confidence.
- ★ Rechargeable Battery: Come with a rechargeable lithium battery and a Micro USB cable plug & play.!!!!!Tips: In order to have a better game experience, please charge 30min before using! If you hit...
Best Game Console for Kids: Brief Reviews
1. 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Microsoft Xbox One X 1Tb Console With Wireless Controller: Xbox One X... | 2,997 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
2. 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con - HAC-001(-01) | 24,698 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Console | 6,767 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sega Genesis Mini - Genesis | 4,508 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
5. 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Active Video Gaming System Multiplayer... | 69 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 Game Console 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.
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.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
Last update on 2020-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
