As a parent, making the right choice between gaming consoles can feel overwhelming. With options like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch being tossed around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you make sense of it all and find the perfect gaming system for your family.
Understanding Your Family’s Needs
Before diving into specific consoles, consider these key questions:
- What age are your children?
- What types of games interest them?
- What’s your budget for both the console and games?
- Do you want to play together as a family?
- How important is portability?
Let’s break down each major gaming platform with these considerations in mind.
Nintendo Switch: The Family-Friendly Champion

The Nintendo Switch stands out as perhaps the most family-friendly console available today. Its unique design allows it to work both as a traditional home console connected to your TV and as a portable handheld device – perfect for families on the go.
Models and Pricing Nintendo offers three versions:
- Nintendo Switch Base Model ($299.99) Perfect for families who want both TV and portable play
- Nintendo Switch OLED ($349.99) Features a better screen for handheld play
- Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99) Handheld-only version, ideal for individual players
Family-Friendly Features
- Extensive library of all-ages games
- Recognizable characters like Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda
- Strong parental controls
- Local multiplayer focus perfect for family game nights
- Most affordable current-generation console
Online Service
Nintendo Switch Online subscription:
Expansion Pack tier: $49.99/year Includes access to online play and classic games
Basic tier: $19.99/year
Parental Controls
 Click here for the official Nintendo Switch parental controls page
Kid’s and Teens Perspective
Jacob – I’m biased because I was raised as a Nintendo head, but I think the Nintendo Switch is great for family, party games, and general fun games.
Isaac—The Switch is optimal for families and kids. There are lots of options for parents to set limits, and some of the most prevalent games on the Switch are designed for kids.
Xbox Series X|S: The Power Player

Since its launch, the Xbox Series X has been the most powerful home video game console on the market. But that power hasn’t translated into many benefits for families, mostly because Microsoft itself does not publish many family-friendly games.Â
With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, families can access over a hundred games. However, parents need to be very careful when setting up parental controls, as the vast majority of games on Xbox Game Pass are not family-friendly.Â
When you are looking to buy an Xbox, there are two choices you have to make. The Series S model is the cheapest if you have a fast enough internet speed and don’t care about buying physical games. This version of the console is all digital and has no disc drive. This may be difficult for parents who want to give physical gifts to their children. On the other hand, we have the Series X with a disc drive. Both options can be viable for your family depending on whether you want to go digital or physical.
Models and Pricing
- Xbox Series X ($499.99) Full-featured console with disc drive
- Xbox Series S ($299.99) Digital-only, more affordable option
Family Considerations
- Excellent backward compatibility
- Game Pass subscription offers great value
- Fewer exclusive family titles
- Strong parental controls
Online Service
Ultimate: $19.99/month Includes hundreds of downloadable games
Core: $9.99/month
Standard: $11.99/month
Parental Controls
Click here for the official Xbox family settings page
Kid’s and Teens’ Perspective
Jacob – Xbox is good for competitive gaming; however, my biggest complaint is that the controllers don’t have gyro controls.
PlayStation 5: The Premium Experience
The PS5 offers cutting-edge graphics and performance, with an increasing focus on family-friendly titles. The recent release of games like Astro Bot shows Sony’s growing interest in all-ages entertainment.

Models and Pricing
- Standard PS5 ($500) Includes disc drive for physical games
- PS5 Digital Edition ($400) Digital games only
- PS5 Pro ($700) Enhanced performance model
Family Considerations
- Growing library of family games
- Excellent parental controls
- Higher initial investment
- More mature-focused game library overall
Online Service
PlayStation Plus subscription:
Premium: $17.99/month Each tier adds more games and features
Essential: $9.99/month
Extra: $14.99/month
Parental Controls
Click here for the official playstation parental controls page Â
Kid’s and Teens’ Perspective
Jacob – Playstion is good for story and graphically intense games.
Isaac – Better for single-player games focused on the telling of a story more than the competitiveness of those games
What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!
- Video Games for kids on Xbox One
- Video Games for kids on PS4
- Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
- Board Games for kids
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