best buys
The best games consoles for kids 2022 UK
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So, have you finally given in and agreed to buy your child a games console?!
Buying a games console is a massive investment, even before you start to buy the games for it, so making sure you choose the right one is SO important.
Playing video games means more screen time, but thanks to built-in parental controls, its easy to monitor how long your child plays for and, did you know that using controllers can help with dexterity and hand-eye coordination, too?
So, what are the best games consoles for kids?
We've rounded-up our favourites, below, with consoles from all the leading gaming brands such as Nintendo, Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation.
1. Nintendo Switch
The Switch is one of the best-selling games consoles on the market thanks to its versatile design.
It's a hybrid console, so it can be plugged into the TV, or used as a handheld device. This means it can be used both inside the home as a traditional console and also taken on days out.
Games include: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Super Smash Bros. Ultimate The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Parental controls: Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app is a free smart device app which you can link with Nintendo Switch to monitor how your child plays. Not got a smart device? You can also set certain restrictions directly onto the Nintendo Switch device.
Age from: Around five years old
Pros: The versatile design means the best of both worlds
Cons: Battery life isn't the longest
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2. Xbox Series S
Well priced and affordable, the Xbox Series S was one of two new consoles launched in 2020 and we think it's the perfect starter console for little gamers.
It's digital-only which means that you can only buy and download games virtually from the Microsoft Store, so it has no disc drive to load games physically. Players can access the Xbox Game Pass which is also know as the "Netflix for games' where for a monthly subscription you can download and play from a vast library of games.
Games include: Minecraft, Fortnite, Lego Worlds and Fifa to name a few of the hundreds available.
Parental controls: Parents can download the Xbox Family Settings App, to manage settings and screen time remotely.
Pros: Affordable model
Cons: Digital-only
The Xbox Series X launched at the same time and at twice the price is more aimed at serious gamers (or parents with larger wallets!). See more details here.
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3. PlayStation 5, from £650
This must-have gaming console launched just before Christmas 2020 and has been in huge demand ever since. It regularly sells out and is currently unavailable in many retailers, which adds to its appeal!
There are two versions – the standard PS5, which includes a 4K-Blu-ray drive, while the PS5 Digital Edition is slightly cheaper, but like the Xbox Series S it has no disc drive.
The stunning visuals and game-playing experience have caused experts to claim that that the PS5 is 'the future of console gaming' but you MIGHT not need such full-on features for a child's first console.
Games include: Marvel's Spider-Man, Sonic Mania, Minecraft, Fifa, Spyro, Just Dance and many more
Parental controls: You can set time and spending limits on the parental dashboard
Pros: Top of the range, immersive gaming experience
Cons: Larger, slightly more bulky console
4. Playstation 4, £249.99
The fourth version of the ever-popular Playstation has been one of the most sought-after games consoles on the market since its launch in 2014.
With sleek, stylish design in futuristic black, the Playstation won't dominate your living room and has a vast array of games for youngsters to choose from.
You can also buy a Pro version which has enhanced gameplay features for serious gamers and is more expensive at around £400. There's also a new compact version called the PS4 Slim. For kids we recommend the standard version.
Games include: Sonic Mania, Minecraft, Fifa, Spyro, Just Dance
Parental controls: You can set up an account for each child with content restrictions and time limits
Age from: Around six years old
Pros: Huge library of games to choose from
Cons: The original PS4 isn't at the cutting edge of the games console market, but has a good, solid design
5. Xbox One S
The Xbox One S is a one-stop shop entertainment machine for the whole family. As well as games you can use it to stream channels such as Netflix and also as a Blu Ray player.
There are four X Box consoles: Xbox One X, Xbox One S and two new consoles that launched in November 2020, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
The Xbox One S has been around for a few years, but the stylish white design, compact size and user-friendly functionality has won it a lot of fans.
Games include: Minecraft, Fortnite, Lego Worlds and Fifa.
Parental controls: Xbox Family Settings app helps you manage your children’s gaming activities on Xbox consoles, all from your phone and in real time.
Age from: Around six years old
Pros: Compact console with a wireless controller
Cons: Not hugely powerful. If you want the latest version pre-order the Xbox Series S
6. Nintendo Switch Lite
The newly-launched Nintendo Switch Lite is smaller, lighter and more compact than the original Switch. It can only be used as a handheld device and not as a plug-in games console.
It's a great entry-level games console for younger children and handy for entertaining kids on the go. It's compact and lightweight with integrated controls for easier game play.
Nintendo Switch Lite can play all the games in the Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode. For games that don't support handheld mode, players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite.
Games include: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Super Smash Bros. Ultimate The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Parental controls: Enable parental controls from the set-up screen to monitor your child's game play
Age from: Around five years old
Pros: Lightweight and portable with access to the regular Switch's games library
Cons: Smaller screen, handheld device only
Games console buying guide
Shopping for a games console can sound deceptively simple, until you realise there are so many to choose from!
You might think that there are just three on the market – Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Playstation 4, but there are actually now four Xbox consoles, three Playstation 4s and two different versions of the Switch!
Just HOW confusing is that for parents?!
Here's the lowdown on what's currently available:
Xbox
There are four Xbox consoles:
- Xbox One X
- Xbox One S
- Xbox Series X (launched November 2020)
- Xbox Series S (launched November 2020)
The older Xbox One X and One S will be eventually replaced by the newer Series X and S consoles.
Playstation
As well as the classic PS4, you can also buy a souped-up version called the PS4Pro. The PS4Pro is more powerful, with advanced features and is, of course, more expensive. There's also a compact version called the PS4 Slim.
For retro-style gaming there's also a Playstation Classic.
If you want the latest model, the Playstation 5 was released on November 2020.
Nintendo Switch
Everyone has heard of the Nintendo Switch which is a hybrid console that can be plugged in or handheld.
There's also the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is a smaller, less expensive model that can only be used as a handheld device.
Nintendo has discontinued the 2DS XL and SNES Classic Mini and is offering classic games through its Nintendo Switch Online service instead.
Things to consider when choosing a console for your kids
*Do you want a handheld device or one that can be plugged into the TV?
*How good are the parental controls?
*Can the games console support other entertainment channels such as Netflix or YouTube?
*Does the console have lots of compatible games that'll appeal to your child? You can often buy a console and games bundle which often works out cheaper than buying them separately.
Buying games for your child's console?
Always check the PEGI rating to see if a game is suitable for your child.
The PEGI system is based on six age categories which are 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18. A game will also have warnings on the cover of any scary or graphic content or if bad language is used.
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