4 things to consider before you buy a gaming console
Explore our expert tips on children’s gaming consoles to help kids game safely.
These days, there’s a lot of overlap between console and tablet gaming. So, if you already own a tablet, it’s a good idea to test out games on it before splurging on a console. You can even try a Bluetooth Gamepad (or a controller that plugs into your phone) to use with your tablet and connect it to the TV.
While the process varies, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch all offer controls and apps that help you monitor how your child uses the system.
If you’re buying a console as a gift, it’s worth planning an evening to set up accounts, parental controls and time limits. This not only allows you to automatically limit access to games with older PEGI ratings, but it also lets you establish a daily time limit for your child, which will be enforced automatically.
While there’s plenty of overlap between different consoles, some games require specific hardware to play. For instance, if your child is keen on playing Forza, you’ll need an Xbox One. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a round of the newest Mario Kart or Zelda adventures, the Nintendo Switch is the way to go. It’s all about matching the right console with the games your family wants to enjoy.
Most video games consoles link up with online stores, making it easy to buy and download games. The good news is that those consoles come with an option to prevent your child from accidentally splurging on games or in-game items.
While some consoles have this safeguard turned on right from the start, you can personalise it when setting up parental controls with a unique PIN.
See our range of step-by-step parental guides to video games and consoles.
Supporting resources and guides
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Discover the best child-friendly consoles
Discover our guide to gaming consoles including recommendations for appropriate age groups, the range of online activities they support, and the kinds of games they can handle. You can also explore our advice on buying second-hand consoles and guide to PEGI ratings.
Versatile, child-friendly and portable.
Why it’s great for kids:
On-the-go action: When docked, the Nintendo Switch can be played on the TV, as either a multiplayer or a solo console. And, undocked, it’s the perfect travel companion. Plus it has detachable Joy-Con controllers, meaning up to two kids can play together without extra gear.
Plenty of games to choose from: From Fortnite to Minecraft to FIFA, the Switch has plenty of must-have games although it doesn’t have Call of Duty or Roblox. You can also access Mario Kart, Zelda and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
There’s also a growing collection of affordable indie games that are perfect for family fun.
Why it’s great for parents:
Nintendo’s parental controls are really user-friendly and accessed through an app. Plus, the Switch lacks an internet browser, and online gaming is restricted to approved friends only. The only drawback is that you can’t set varying restrictions for different users; they apply to the entire console.
Prices start at £280
Looking for a more budget-friendly version of the Nintendo Switch? The Switch Lite is priced at £199 and is designed for portable play only. It can’t be connected to a TV but supports all Switch games.
Durable design and 2D play.
Why it’s great for kids:
Designed for children: The Nintendo 2DS is a durable and tough console, with its clamshell design, the screen is protected from any bumps whilst on the go.
Plenty of games to choose from: From Fortnite to Minecraft, to FIFA, the Switch has plenty of must-have games although it doesn’t have Call of Duty or Roblox. You can also access Mario Kart, Zelda, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
There’s also a growing collection of affordable indie games that are perfect for family fun.
Why it’s great for parents:
Accessed through an app, Nintendo’s parental controls are made for parents. Plus, the Switch lacks an internet browser, and online gaming is restricted to approved friends only. The only drawback is that you can’t set varying restrictions for different users; they apply to the entire console.
Prices start at £80
Durable design and 3D play.
Why it’s great for kids:
Designed for children: Unlike its 2D predecessor, the Nintendo 3DS has a far better screen resolution and 3D play.
Plenty of games to choose from: With access to all of the 2D games, plus an even bigger selection, the Nintendo 3DS has a huge selection of titles to choose from.
Why it’s great for parents:
Nintendo’s parental controls are really user-friendly and accessed through an app. Plus, the Switch lacks an internet browser, and online gaming is restricted to approved friends only. The only drawback is that you can’t set varying restrictions for different users; they apply to the entire console.
Prices start at £98
4K gaming with serious gamers in mind.
Why it’s great for kids:
Top performance: Aimed at more serious gamers, the Xbox X offers crystal-clear resolution, super-fast loading times 3D spatial sound.
Plenty of games to choose from: The Xbox Series X is backwards compatible with a wide range of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, allowing players to access and play their existing game libraries.
Access to other apps: With access to apps like Netflix, Amazon Video and Disney+, you can also use the Xbox console to access films and TV shows.
Why it’s great for parents:
A faster, more serious console, the Xbox Series X offers amazing graphics and a truly immersive gaming experience. With the ability to set spending limits for new game purchases and restrict access to certain games, the Xbox S Series makes it easy to manage what your child is playing.
That said, children can play ‘online’, which means you’ll want to double-check the privacy settings to ensure they cannot speak to strangers and supervise play.
Note that it’s worth checking which games your child is most interested in playing, as some games are only available on PlayStation.
Prices start at £479
Plenty of games to choose from and DualShock controller.
Why it’s great for kids:
PlayLink: The PlayStation has a range of “PlayLink” games for families that you can play with a Smartphone as a controller. This means that 6 people can play together without needing to purchase lots of controllers. But, as standard, you’ll receive a DualShock controller with purchase, a vibrating controller that helps gamers immerse themselves in their game.
Plenty of games to choose from: The PS4 has a vast library of games developed over its lifecycle, with many exclusive titles and third-party releases that are only playable on a PlayStation console.
Access to other apps: With access to apps like Netflix, Amazon Video and Disney+, you can also use the Xbox console to access films and TV shows.
Why it’s great for parents:
PlayStation offers robust parental controls that allow parents or guardians to manage and restrict their children’s gaming activities on PlayStation consoles. These controls provide options for setting limits on game time, content access, spending limits and who they can speak to when playing online.
However, it’s worth checking which games your child is most interested in, as some games are only available on Xbox.
Prices start at £194 with the option to upgrade to the PS4 PRO – for faster graphics, prices for this version start at £240
Plenty of games to choose from and a DualSense controller.
Why it’s great for kids:
Top performance: Aimed at more serious gamers, the PS5 offers crystal-clear resolution, and super-fast loading times plus the new DualSense controller, which features advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive gaming experience.
Plenty of games to choose from: The PS5 offers backward compatibility for the vast majority of PS4 games, and some older titles can also benefit from performance improvements on the PS5.
Access to other apps: With access to apps like Netflix, Amazon Video and Disney+, you can also use the Xbox console to access films and TV shows.
Why it’s great for parents:
PlayStation provides powerful parental controls that enable parents to monitor and restrict their children’s gaming activities on PlayStation consoles. These controls offer features such as setting time limits, content filters, spending limits, and online communication controls.
However, it’s worth checking which games your child is most interested in playing, as some games are only available on Xbox.
Prices start at £479
Plenty of choice and the option to build your own.
Why it’s great for kids:
Versatile: A gaming PC can be used for plenty more than games. With access to the internet and apps, children can complete homework, undertake creative projects and use the same device to play video games.
The opportunity to develop mod skills: PC gaming allows users to mod games and create custom content, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Why it’s great for parents:
A gaming PC offers parents a lot of flexibility, with prices starting at under £200. However, more serious models can cost up to £800 and require regular updates. You will also need to download external software and install parental controls to monitor activity, which do not come pre-installed like traditional consoles. Some of the system that provide parental controls include Windows 11.
It’s also worth checking which games your child is most interested in playing, as some games are only available on traditional consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation.
Prices start at £169