Video games for kids: which console, which game
The short answer
Pick the console they have, then their age. No console yet? Under 9, a Switch 2 is the easy first console.
Which console should they get?
*Paid link
Four taps with pictures. Let the child answer.
Question 1 of 4
Who will play?
How old?
What do you like?
Where will you play?
Our pick
Nintendo Switch 2
A gift set to give
Console Nintendo Switch 2
Mario Kart World
Game
Cartridge in the box
Bluey: The Videogame
Game
Pokémon Pokopia
Game
Luigi's Mansion 3
Game
Cartridge in the box
Mario Tennis Fever
Game
Donkey Kong Bananza
Game
Cartridge in the box
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Game
Cartridge in the box
Nintendo Switch Sports
Game
Cartridge in the box
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Game
Cartridge in the box
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Game
Cartridge in the box
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Second controller
A controller of their own from Nintendo, for a child who already has the console.
Fits Switch 2: yes. Fits Switch: no.
Switch games for kids ›How it compares with the others ↓
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Games: One game to start. A game-key card is only a key to download the game, so look for "Game in the box" on our cards.
- Controllers: Two can play with the controllers in the box. Add a controller for a third player.
- Playing online: Many games need a paid Nintendo Switch Online plan to play over the internet. Playing together on one console does not.
- Space for games: Only microSD Express memory cards fit. A card from the first Switch will not work.
- For parents: The free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app sets play time and which games by age rating.
Our pick
Nintendo Switch Lite
A gift set to give
Console Nintendo Switch Lite
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Game
Cartridge in the box
Bluey: The Videogame
Game
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Game
Cartridge in the box
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Game
Cartridge in the box
Luigi's Mansion 3
Game
Cartridge in the box
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Game
Cartridge in the box
Nintendo Switch Sports
Game
Cartridge in the box
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Game
Cartridge in the box
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Game
Cartridge in the box
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Game
Cartridge in the box
Switch games for kids ›How it compares with the others ↓
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Games: Games come on a cartridge. Our cards say "Switch ✓" when a game plays on it.
- Controllers: The controls are built in. Extra controllers connect without wires and are sold separately.
- Playing online: Many games need a paid Nintendo Switch Online plan to play over the internet. Playing together on one console does not.
- For parents: The free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app sets play time and which games by age rating.
Our pick
PS5 with a disc drive
How it compares with the others ↓
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Games: Our picks come on disc, so choose a PS5 with a disc drive. The Digital Edition cannot play discs.
- Controllers: Add a second controller so two can play on one console.
- Playing online: Most games need a paid PlayStation Plus plan to play online with others.
- For parents: Parental controls set the age level, play time and a monthly spending limit.
Our pick
Xbox Series X with a disc drive
How it compares with the others ↓
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Games: The Series S plays downloads only. Our disc picks need a Series X with a disc drive.
- Controllers: Add a second controller so two can play on one console.
- For parents: The free Xbox Family Settings app sets screen time, games by age and spending.
Our pick
The family computer
How it compares with the others ↓
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Games: PC games are downloads: wrap the controller with a note that names the game.
- Controllers: A controller that fits a PC makes it feel like a console.
- For parents: Steam Families lets adults set parental controls for children.
Our pick
Maybe not a console yet
What else you need (for grown-ups)
- Want one anyway?: The Switch 2 suits a grown-up and a little one playing together on one sofa.
Already have a console? Pick theirs
No console yet? Which one to give
Which console makes a good first gift? For ages 6 to 8, a Switch 2 family game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the easiest present to get right.
Is a Switch 2 a good gift?
Yes, for ages 5 to 12: families who play together on one sofa, and long trips in the car.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : yes
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible Nintendo Switch games, on cartridge or download; a few Switch games are not supported or have issues, so check Nintendo's list for an older game. Some Switch games need the original Switch Joy-Con to play (for example Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports). A game-key card does not hold the game: it is a key to download it over the internet, and the box says so (a key icon on the card). Switch 2 takes only microSD Express memory cards; a microSD card from the first Switch will not save or load games on it. The free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app sets a daily play time and which games can be played by ESRB rating; eShop spending is limited in the parent's Nintendo Account. Playing over the internet needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for many games; a few free games play online without it.
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
Is the first Switch still a good gift?
Yes, for under 9s and a big library of family games; the Lite is a handheld with built-in controls.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : yes
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
Nintendo Switch Lite does not play on the TV. Switch Lite plays the Switch games that support handheld mode; extra controllers connect wirelessly and are sold separately. Same parental controls app and online membership as Switch 2.
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
Is a PS5 a good gift?
Best from about 9: bigger adventures, and friends who already have a PS5.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : no
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
PS4 game discs can't be used with the PS5 Digital Edition; our picks come on disc, so choose a PS5 with a disc drive. The overwhelming majority of PS4 games play on PS5 (PS4 discs need a PS5 with a disc drive). PS5 parental controls set the age level for games, play time and a monthly spending limit, on the console, in the PlayStation Family app or on the web. Most PS5 games need a paid PlayStation Plus subscription to play online with others; some games don't, and PlayStation Store says which.
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
Is an Xbox a good gift?
Best from about 9, for friends who play on Xbox.
- On the TV : yes
- Take it in the car : no
- Game in the box : yes
What to know before you buy
Xbox Series S is all-digital: disc games do not play on it. Xbox Series X comes with a disc drive (1TB Carbon Black, 2TB Galaxy Black) or as an all-digital model (1TB Robot White); our disc picks need a disc drive model. The free Xbox Family Settings app sets screen time, age-based content filters and spending (with Ask to Buy).
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
No console? Can they play on the family computer?
For a child who already uses the family computer: no console to buy.
- Uses your computer : yes
- Take it in the car : no
- Game in the box : no
What to know before you buy
Steam Families lets up to six people share game libraries, and adult members set parental controls for child members.
Facts from the maker's pages, checked 2026-10-12.
How do I wrap a console or a game?
A boxed game wraps flat and neat. A console box wraps like any big box, with our box steps.
Which console makes a good first gift?
Under 9, a Switch 2, or the first Switch if the budget is tight. From 9, a Switch 2 or a PS5. Ask which one their friends play.
Should I buy for someone else's child without asking?
Ask the parents first. Some families choose the console and the rules themselves.
Are boxed games better than downloads as gifts?
A box gives them something to unwrap, and it can be lent or passed on later.
What if they only play on a computer?
Then the gift is a controller or a headset, with a note naming a game.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.