Are you looking for the perfect gift for your gaming-obsessed kid? Maybe you’re just starting out with video games and don’t know where to begin. With so many different gaming consoles on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
But don’t worry, this Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Gaming Consoles for Your Kids is here to help. We’ll break down the key features of each console and give you some tips to help you find the best option for your child.
From the classic Xbox and PlayStation to the more recent Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, we’ll cover all the top consoles on the market today. We’ll also talk about the different types of games available for each console, the age-appropriateness of different games, and how much each console costs. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about choosing the perfect gaming console for your child.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console released by Nintendo in 2017. It is a successor to the Wii U and is known for its unique ability to transition between a home console and a handheld device.
The Switch consists of three main components:
- The Switch console, which serves as the primary gaming unit and can be connected to a TV.
- The Joy-Con controllers, which can be attached to the sides of the console for handheld mode or detached and used wirelessly as separate controllers.
- The Switch dock, which allows the console to be connected to a TV and outputs video and audio signals.
The Switch is powered by a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor and features a 6.2-inch touchscreen display. It also supports a variety of controllers, including the Pro Controller, which offers a more traditional gamepad experience.
The Switch has been a massive commercial success, selling over 122 million units worldwide. It is home to a diverse library of games, including popular franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon. The console has also garnered critical acclaim for its innovative design, portability, and strong game lineup.
One of the key features of the Switch is its hybrid nature, allowing players to seamlessly switch between home console and handheld modes. In docked mode, the Switch connects to a TV and provides a traditional console gaming experience. In handheld mode, the console can be used as a portable gaming device, allowing players to take their games on the go.
The Switch’s versatility has been a major factor in its popularity. It has attracted a wide range of players, from hardcore gamers to casual enthusiasts, and has proven to be a successful platform for both first-party and third-party titles. The console has also been praised for its user-friendly interface and its extensive online services.
The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized the gaming landscape, offering a unique and engaging gaming experience for players of all ages. Its innovative design, versatility, and strong game lineup have made it one of the most successful consoles of all time.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is the successor to the PlayStation 4 and was released on November 12, 2020, in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, North America, and South Korea, and on November 19, 2020, in the rest of the world.
The PS5 features a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and a custom RDNA 2 GPU, along with a custom 825GB NVMe SSD. The console supports 8K resolution and ray tracing, and features a new DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
The PS5 has been met with critical acclaim, with praise for its performance, graphics, and controller. The console has also been a commercial success, selling over 17 million units worldwide as of March 2021.
Key Features
- Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU
- Custom RDNA 2 GPU
- Custom 825GB NVMe SSD
- Support for 8K resolution and ray tracing
- DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
Games
The PS5 has a wide variety of games available, including both new releases and backwards compatible titles from the PlayStation 4. Some of the most popular games on the PS5 include:
- Demon’s Souls
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Returnal
- Horizon Forbidden West
Conclusion
The PlayStation 5 is a powerful and innovative gaming console that offers a truly next-generation experience. With its impressive performance, cutting-edge features, and a growing library of games, the PS5 is sure to be a popular choice for gamers around the world.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. It was released on November 10, 2020, as the flagship console in the ninth generation of Xbox consoles, alongside the less powerful Xbox Series S. The console is a successor to the Xbox One X and competes with Sony’s PlayStation 5. The console features a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and Radeon RDNA 2 GPU, capable of 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second (fps), as well as ray tracing.
The Xbox Series X has been praised for its performance, graphics, and features. It is considered to be one of the most powerful gaming consoles ever released. The console has been a commercial success, selling over 10 million units as of March 2022. It is also compatible with most Xbox One games, and it supports backward compatibility with games from previous Xbox generations.
Key Features
- Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and Radeon RDNA 2 GPU
- 4K resolution at up to 120 fps
- Ray tracing
- Xbox Velocity Architecture with a custom NVMe SSD
- Backward compatibility with most Xbox One games and some Xbox 360 and original Xbox games
- Xbox Game Pass subscription service
Performance
The Xbox Series X is a powerful console that can deliver impressive performance. It can run games at 4K resolution at up to 120 fps, and it supports ray tracing. The console’s custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and Radeon RDNA 2 GPU are among the most powerful gaming hardware ever released. The Xbox Velocity Architecture, which features a custom NVMe SSD, helps to reduce loading times and improve performance.
Games
The Xbox Series X is home to a wide variety of games, including exclusive titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. The console is also compatible with most Xbox One games, and it supports backward compatibility with games from previous Xbox generations.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives players access to a library of over 100 games for a monthly fee. This service offers a great value proposition, as players can access a wide variety of games without having to purchase them individually.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series X is a powerful and versatile gaming console that offers a great gaming experience. With its impressive performance, wide variety of games, and Xbox Game Pass subscription service, it is a great option for gamers looking for the best possible console gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch console, released in September 2019. It is smaller and lighter than the original Switch, and features a built-in screen, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming.
Key Features:
- Smaller and Lighter Design: The Switch Lite is significantly smaller and lighter than the original Switch, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Built-in Screen: The Switch Lite features a 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen, eliminating the need for a separate screen.
- Dedicated Handheld Mode: Unlike the original Switch, the Switch Lite is exclusively designed for handheld mode and cannot be connected to a TV.
- Built-in Joy-Cons: The Switch Lite features a non-removable set of Joy-Cons integrated into the console, offering a more streamlined design.
- Wide Range of Games: The Switch Lite is compatible with a vast library of Nintendo Switch games, including both handheld and console exclusives.
Pros:
- Portability: The Switch Lite’s compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable for gaming on the go.
- Affordable Price: The Switch Lite is generally priced lower than the original Switch, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Excellent Battery Life: The Switch Lite boasts impressive battery life, allowing for hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
- Great Selection of Games: The Switch Lite supports a wide range of games, including popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Odyssey.
Cons:
- No TV Output: The Switch Lite lacks the ability to connect to a TV, making it unsuitable for console-style gaming.
- Limited Control Options: The Switch Lite’s non-removable Joy-Cons limit the options for playing with multiple players or using motion controls.
- Smaller Screen Size: The Switch Lite’s screen size is smaller than the original Switch, which might be a drawback for some users.
Conclusion:
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a fantastic option for gamers who primarily play in handheld mode and prioritize portability. Its compact design, long battery life, and vast game library make it an excellent choice for casual and hardcore gamers alike. However, its lack of TV output and limited control options might be drawbacks for those who prefer console-style gaming.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console that is part of the ninth generation of Xbox video game consoles. It was released on November 10, 2020, alongside the Xbox Series X.
The Series S is a smaller and more affordable console than the Series X. It features a custom-designed AMD processor and Radeon RDNA 2 graphics architecture, which allows it to play games at 1440p resolution at up to 120 frames per second. The Series S is also compatible with all Xbox One games and accessories.
The Series S does not have a disc drive, so all games must be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. This means that the Series S is a great option for gamers who want a compact and affordable console, and who are willing to download their games.
Key Features
- Custom-designed AMD processor and Radeon RDNA 2 graphics architecture
- 1440p resolution at up to 120 frames per second
- Backward compatible with all Xbox One games and accessories
- Digital-only console
- 512GB internal storage
Pros
- Small and compact design
- Affordable price
- Fast loading times
- Support for 1440p resolution and 120fps
Cons
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S is a great option for gamers who are looking for a compact, affordable, and powerful console. The Series S is a great value for the price, and it is a great choice for gamers who want to experience the latest generation of gaming without having to spend a lot of money.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is the eighth generation console in the PlayStation series, succeeding the PlayStation 3. It was released in North America, Europe, Australia and South America on November 15, 2013, and in Japan on February 22, 2014. The PS4 was the best-selling console of the eighth generation, selling over 117 million units worldwide by March 2021.
The PS4 is powered by a custom x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU and an AMD Radeon-based graphics processing unit (GPU). It features 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, which can be expanded with a USB external drive. The PS4 also supports Blu-ray Disc playback and has a built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. It has a user interface with a focus on social features, allowing users to share gameplay videos and screenshots easily. The PS4 supports both physical and digital game downloads, with the PlayStation Store offering a wide variety of games and downloadable content.
The PS4 was praised for its powerful hardware, user-friendly interface, and strong library of exclusive titles. It was also a success commercially, selling over 117 million units worldwide. However, it also faced criticism for its lack of backwards compatibility with PlayStation 3 games and its reliance on online connectivity for some features. Despite these criticisms, the PS4 was a major success, solidifying Sony’s position as a leading force in the gaming industry.
Key Features:
- Powered by a custom x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU and an AMD Radeon-based GPU
- 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM
- 500 GB hard drive (expandable with external drive)
- Blu-ray Disc playback
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- User interface with a focus on social features
- Supports both physical and digital game downloads
Notable Games:
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- God of War
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Spider-Man
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Bloodborne
- Ratchet & Clank
- Detroit: Become Human
- Ghost of Tsushima
The PS4 was a major success and a significant step forward in gaming technology. It helped to solidify Sony’s position as a leading force in the gaming industry and introduced new levels of performance and immersion for gamers.
Xbox One
The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. It was first released in November 2013, succeeding the Xbox 360. The Xbox One competes with Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Nintendo’s Switch as part of the eighth generation of video game consoles.
The Xbox One features a custom-designed AMD Jaguar processor with eight cores, an AMD Radeon graphics processing unit (GPU), 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 500 GB hard drive. The console also includes a Blu-ray Disc drive, an integrated Kinect sensor (which was later discontinued for the Xbox One S), and an HDMI output.
One of the key features of the Xbox One is its focus on integration with other devices. The console can be used to stream video content from services such as Netflix and Hulu, and it also supports voice commands and gesture control through the Kinect sensor. The Xbox One also supports multi-screen gaming, allowing players to continue playing on a tablet or smartphone while watching the game on a TV.
The Xbox One has been successful, with over 51 million units sold as of December 2020. It has been praised for its powerful hardware, its excellent online service, and its wide range of games. However, the console has also been criticized for its initial focus on mandatory online requirements and its high price point.
In 2016, Microsoft released a redesigned version of the Xbox One, known as the Xbox One S. The Xbox One S is smaller and more energy-efficient than the original Xbox One, and it also supports 4K resolution and HDR gaming. In 2017, Microsoft released the Xbox One X, which is the most powerful console ever made. The Xbox One X supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and features a custom-designed AMD Radeon GPU.
The Xbox One has been a significant player in the video game console market, and it continues to evolve with new features and hardware updates. The Xbox One is a versatile and powerful console that offers a wide range of gaming and entertainment options.
Nintendo 2DS XL
The Nintendo 2DS XL is a handheld game console released by Nintendo in July 2017. It is a successor to the original Nintendo 2DS and features a larger screen, improved ergonomics, and a more powerful processor.
The 2DS XL features a clamshell design with a 4.88-inch bottom screen and a 4.18-inch top screen. The top screen is a 3D-capable LCD, while the bottom screen is a touchscreen. The console is also equipped with a microSD card slot for expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The 2DS XL is compatible with all games released for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS families. It also supports amiibo functionality, allowing players to interact with compatible figures and cards.
The 2DS XL is available in two color options: Black + Turquoise and White + Lavender.
Here are some of the key features of the Nintendo 2DS XL:
- Larger screens than the original 2DS
- Improved ergonomics for a more comfortable grip
- More powerful processor for smoother gameplay
- Compatible with all Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS games
- Supports amiibo functionality
- Available in two color options
The Nintendo 2DS XL is a great option for gamers who are looking for a portable gaming device that can play a wide range of games. It is also a good choice for those who want a more affordable alternative to the Nintendo 3DS.
Facebook Portal TV
The Facebook Portal TV is a device that allows you to make video calls to friends and family on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom. It plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and uses your existing TV’s speakers and microphone.
The Portal TV is a good option for people who want a large screen for video calls, but don’t want to buy a dedicated video calling device. It’s also a good option for people who already have a Facebook account and use Facebook Messenger regularly.
Features
Here are some of the key features of the Facebook Portal TV:
- High-quality video and audio
- Smart Camera that automatically zooms and pans to keep you in frame
- Support for Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom
- Voice control with Alexa
- Access to Facebook Watch and other streaming services
Pros
Here are some of the pros of the Facebook Portal TV:
- Affordable: The Portal TV is one of the most affordable video calling devices on the market.
- Easy to use: The Portal TV is easy to set up and use, even for people who are not tech-savvy.
- High-quality video and audio: The Portal TV offers high-quality video and audio, making it a great option for video calls.
Cons
Here are some of the cons of the Facebook Portal TV:
- Privacy concerns: Some people are concerned about Facebook’s privacy practices, and the Portal TV is no exception.
- Limited app support: The Portal TV does not have support for all video calling apps, so you may be limited to using Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
Conclusion
Overall, the Facebook Portal TV is a good option for people who want a large screen for video calls, but don’t want to buy a dedicated video calling device. It’s also a good option for people who already have a Facebook account and use Facebook Messenger regularly. However, you should be aware of the privacy concerns before purchasing the device.
Nvidia Shield TV
The Nvidia Shield TV is a streaming device that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It’s powered by a powerful Tegra X1+ processor, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience. It also supports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision for stunning visuals.
One of the key features of the Shield TV is its Android TV operating system. This gives you access to a vast library of apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. You can also sideload apps from other sources, giving you even more flexibility.
Another notable feature is its support for gaming. The Shield TV can stream games from your PC using GeForce NOW, allowing you to play PC games on your TV. You can also play Android games directly on the device, which makes it a great option for casual gamers.
The Shield TV also includes Google Assistant, which allows you to control your TV and other smart home devices using your voice. You can use Google Assistant to search for content, play music, and more.
Overall, the Nvidia Shield TV is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and feature-rich streaming device. Its combination of Android TV, gaming capabilities, and Google Assistant makes it a truly versatile device that can enhance your entertainment experience.
Amazon Fire TV Cube
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a powerful streaming device that combines the functionality of a streaming stick and a smart speaker. With its octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, it delivers a smooth and responsive streaming experience. It also boasts a hands-free voice control feature powered by Alexa, allowing you to control your TV, music, and other smart home devices with your voice.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD and HDR support: Experience stunning visuals with support for 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR technology, enhancing picture quality and bringing your favorite content to life.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision: Immerse yourself in cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos support, creating a surround-sound experience. Dolby Vision delivers enhanced color and contrast for a more realistic picture.
- Hands-free voice control with Alexa: Use your voice to control your TV, stream content, play music, set timers, and more. The Fire TV Cube’s far-field microphones ensure accurate voice recognition from across the room.
- Integrated smart home hub: Control compatible smart home devices with your voice or the Fire TV remote. Turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and more.
- Extensive app selection: Access a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Pros:
- Powerful performance for smooth streaming.
- Excellent voice control with Alexa.
- 4K Ultra HD and HDR support for stunning visuals.
- Integrated smart home hub for convenient control.
- Large app selection for diverse entertainment options.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other streaming devices.
- Can be bulky and may not fit in all TV setups.
- Some users may find the integrated microphone to be intrusive.
Conclusion:
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful and versatile streaming device with hands-free voice control and smart home integration. While it comes at a premium price, its features and performance justify the cost for those looking for a complete entertainment and smart home solution.
