The Best Gaming System for Kids
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According to a study by Nielsen’s SuperData 2020 Year in Review, the number of people playing video games is up 55% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This statistic reveals that since the United States entered lockdown, more than half of the population have turned to video games as entertainment—including children.
A year later as the pandemic still rages on, people are still playing video games at an increased level when compared to pre-pandemic times. Sony and Microsoft - two of the leading gaming console producers—both capitalized on the increase in need for at home entertainment by releasing their next-generation consoles.
With the release of the new generation of consoles and the increase in people playing video games, a new question arises: what is the best game system for younger players? This article will breakdown the stats, pros, and cons of popular video game consoles to help parents determine which is the best console for their children. This article will also offer suggestions on what games are the best for kids on each system.
As a disclaimer, this article will only talk about console games — we will not cover handheld games such as the Nintendo Switch
Xbox 360 S
The Xbox 360 is a 7th generation gaming console originally released by Microsoft on November 22, 2005, in the United States. Microsoft released the Xbox 360 in two varieties and three models, but for clarity, this article will only address the Xbox S core system.
The 360 is two systems back from the Xbox X series, so it comes in at a much more affordable price point than both of the newer Xbox models—this listing for a refurbished Xbox 360 S comes in at $203.05 vs the Xbox X which sells for $499.99.
Stats
RAM: 512 MB
The more RAM a console has, the faster its performance, and the easier that it can execute tasks. The Xbox 360 has relatively low RAM compared to other systems, but it still manages to play demanding games such as GTA 5 with little lag.
Hard Drive: 4 GB, 20 GB, 60 GB, 120 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB
The more hard drive space that a system has, the more memory that it can store. More memory means more storage for games, applications, pictures, and more.
USB: 2 ports [USB 2.0]
USB ports are ports on your system are where you plug in things like controller chargers or external storage devices to give your console more memory.
Connectivity: Wireless and ethernet
Wireless connectivity means that your system can access your home’s Wi-Fi to play online games and stream movies on Netflix or other streaming services. Ethernet capability means that you can also directly plug your Xbox 360 into your router—this is good for spotty or weak Wi-Fi.
Controller:
The Xbox 360 controller is a sleek, black, and very ergonomic handheld controller. The controller can be used wirelessly through Bluetooth connection, or can be used as a wired controller.
Xbox Live:
Xbox Live is the Xbox 360’s paid monthly subscription that allows you to play online multiplayer games. The subscription also gives you discounts on the Microsoft store and gives you access to bonus games.
Power Type: AC
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Kinect: Kinect is a motion-sensing device that allows the user to play games such as Just Dance—sensor purchases separately unless indicated on system packaging.
Pros:
· Over 200 console exclusives such as Dead or Alive 4, Dead Rising, and Halo 3.
· Option for both wireless and wired internet connection
· Hard drives that come in different GB sizes
· Limited reverse compatibility – this means that the 360 can play certain original xbox games such as Jade Empire or KOTOR if you have the original disk. You must have an official Microsoft hard drive for this feature to work.
· Great controller design
Cons:
· Low RAM when compared to other systems
· The base hard drive is 4GB—hard drives with higher gigs must be purchased separately
· Earlier models of the system were pro encountering the “red ring of death” an often-fatal hardware failure—at one point statistics showed that the failure rate was 54%. This issue was mostly fixed with the Xbox 360 S but could still occur in this system.
· Fan sounds can be loud after long periods of play
What makes this system great for kids?
· Parental controls that allow parents to control what games their children can play, what movies and tv shows their child can access, how long each family member can use the console, and whether their child has access to Xbox Live
· Easy setup—plug the power cord into the AC power box then into the wall. The system can be plugged into the television by either and HDMI cord or AV (the red, yellow, and white) cables.
· Plenty of E (rated appropriate for everyone) E10+ (rated appropriate for everyone at least 10+ years old), and T (rated for teenagers) games.
Best Xbox 360 Games for Kids:
Xbox X Series
The Xbox X series released in November of 2020 and is Microsoft’s newest console series. The system was released in two varieties – the Xbox X and the Xbox Series S, which is a less powerful version of the Xbox X that does not contain an optical disk drive, meaning that you can only play downloaded games. The Xbox X series can be purchased for $499.99 on Microsoft.
For clarity, this article will only be talking about the Xbox X.
Stats
RAM: 16 GB
Memory: SSD 1 TB
Rather than a hard drive, the Xbox X has an SSD, which stands for “Solid State Drive.” SSD’s are faster than hard drives and can store more data. Data is also stored instantly on an SSD.
USB: 3 USB 3.0
USB 3.0 are the newest version of standard USB ports and are also known as “superspeed” USB ports. They can transmit data at a rate of 5 gigs per second, making them substantially faster than the USB 2.0
Connectivity: Wireless and Ethernet
Controller:
Similar to the Xbox 360 controller, but a bit bigger and bulkier, now with the addition of a “share” button like those on Sony’s DualShock controllers.
Xbox Live Gold:
Required to play online multiplayer games. An Xbox Live Gold membership also gives you access to free games every month. The current price of a membership is:
- $9.99 monthly
- $24.99 for 3 months
- $59.99 for 12 months
Power type: AC
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Pros:
· High storage
· Backwards compatibility of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and certain original Xbox games, meaning that your child can play their favorite games from their old console on their new, upgraded system.
· Whisper quiet fans
Cons:
· Bulky and heavy design
· Design is not very attractive
· Expensive: $499.99 at launch vs the $299 Xbox 360
· Slow memory
· Controller might be too big for kids with smaller hands
What makes this system great for kids?
· Parental controls—same features as Xbox 360 parental controls
· Has a wide array of E for everyone games.
· Easy setup
· Customizable home page
· Supports controllers for the Xbox One
· Backwards compatibility means that kids don’t have to give up their favorite games when switching over to a new console
Best Xbox X Games for Kids:
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 is a solid, all-in-one entertainment system that allows for streaming, gaming, and listening to music, without the need for other consoles.
Stats
RAM: 8 GB
Hard drive: 500 GB or 1 TB
*Stock hard drive is 500 GB, but a 1 TB hard drive can be purchased separately
USB: 2
Connectivity: Wireless or Ethernet
Controller:
Ergonomic and wireless, the DualShock 4 is a well-rounded controller that offers a unique touch pad.
PlayStation+:
PlayStation+ is Sony’s paid monthly subscription. PS+ is needed to play online multiplayer games such as GTA 5 online. PS+ offers two free games monthly that can only be accessed if you are a current PS+ subscriber.
Price:
- $9.99 monthly
- $24.99 for 3 months
- $59.99 for 12 months
Power type: AC
Resolution: 1080 x 1080
Pros:
· *This is both a pro and a con: Limited reverse compatibility
· Sleek design
· Compact, easy-to-use controller
· Customizable security settings
· Customizable home page – download new backgrounds on the PS store
· Acts as an all-in-one entertainment system. You can watch Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, as well as listen to Spotify and play games, all in one system.
Cons:
· Lower resolution than newer consoles
· Limited reverse compatibility—requires a subscription to PS Now to play Sony’s catalogue of old games—and not all old PS games are available.
· Can only change gamer tag once
· Not many PS4 exclusive games
· Lower storage than newer consoles, unless you purchase the 1 TB hard drive
What makes this system great for kids?
· Easy to set up
· Parental controls
· You can customize whether your profile is visible in searches, meaning that you can keep your child’s profile private. You can also control who messages your child, or who sends your child friend requests.
· Lots of E for everyone games
Best PS4 Games for Kids:
PlayStation 5
Touted as the world’s most powerful gaming system, the PS5 is an impressive testament to the ever-improving pursuit of consoles that are as powerful as gaming PC’s.
Stats
RAM: 16 GB
SSD: 825 GB
USB: 4
Connectivity: Wireless or Ethernet
Controller:
The DualSense controller is bigger and beefier than the previous iteration, but still manages to feel ergonomic—however, it might be difficult for smaller hands to hold comfortably.
PlayStation+: Needed for online multiplayer games
Power type: AC
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Pros:
· More USB ports than other consoles
· Fast processing
· Relatively high amounts of storage
· Whisper quiet fans
· The console exclusives such as Horizon Forbidden West
· Reverse compatible with PS4 games
· Great parental controls
· Games load quickly
Cons:
· Low storage speed
· Expensive
· Less customizable interface that previous generation
What makes this system great for kids?
· Games load in seconds
· Customizable parental controls – same features as PS4
· Ability to play PS4 games
· Has an array of E for everyone games
· Many console exclusives to come
Best PS5 Games for Kids:
Wii
When released, the Wii was a revolutionary system due to its unique approach to gaming. The Wii features a one-handed controller and motion-sensing gaming.
Stats
RAM: 24 MB
Storage: 512 MB
USB: 2
Connectivity: Wireless or wired
Controller:
Handheld controller that fits in one hand
Power type: AC
Resolution: 480p
Pros:
· Can double as a workout method
· Small, lightweight console
· Motion-based controller can make sports games feel more realistic
· Nearly silent fans
· Compatible with GameCube games
· Allows for online gameplay using WiFi
· Less expensive than other consoles
Cons:
· Low graphics resolutions
· Low memory
What makes this system great for kids?
· Encourages exercising with the Wii-Fit series
· Easy to hold one-handed controller
· Offers family-friendly entertainment
· Easy to set up and control
· Lots of E for everyone games
· Lots of different accessories can be purchased for different styles of gameplay
Best Wii Games for Kids:
Bottom Line:
Ultimately, what gaminy system is best for your child depends on what you are looking for in a console. If you are looking for the gaming system with the best graphics, the PS5 and Xbox X are the top consoles on the market right now.
However, if you do not want to splurge on the newest generation of gaming systems, the PS4 and Xbox 360 are both solid gaming systems that come in at a much more affordable price point than newer systems. Both systems have their share of entertaining, kid-friendly games that are sure to keep your child entertained.
The Wii offers a unique approach to gaming with its motion-sensing controller, which encourages exercise. One of the biggest complaints that some parents have about their children playing video games is that they stay cooped up in the house all day—with a Wii, at least they would be moving while playing.
At the end of the day, any of the five consoles covered in this article would be a great addition to your collection of gaming systems. When considering what console to buy for your child, you should consider a few things:
1. How important are parental controls for you?
2. Are graphics important, or would your kid notice a difference?
3. How much memory do you need for the games your child wants to play?
4. Is reverse compatibility something your child wants in a gaming system?
5. Will your child be doing anything else on their console, such as streaming Netflix?
By answering these questions, and learning about each different gaming system, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find the best gaming system for your kid! Happy Gaming!
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