As a blogger who focuses on gentle and respectful parenting, I am always on the lookout for products that are not just fun but also suitable for our little ones. I think many people would assume that I’m against video games or not really a fan, but the honest truth is that I love video games, and they were a huge part of my childhood.
Sharing video games with my kids brings our entire family so much joy as we have family video game nights, share our love of video game characters, and compete for the highest score in our home. While I do recommend setting limits around screen time for your kids, there’s no reason in my opinion that children shouldn’t be able to enjoy good clean fun in the form of quality and wholesome video games.
With two little boys, I wanted to get the best video game system that was age-appropriate and fun for the entire family. I looked at several gaming systems like Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. I found the Xbox and Playstation gaming systems to be skewed toward older gamers, 12 and up. They didn’t have many kid-friendly games and weren’t generally kid-friendly.
After researching and asking around, I wasn’t surprised to find that the best video gaming system for young kids was the Nintendo Switch. I want to share why the Nintendo Switch stands out as the best gaming system for kids aged 5 to 9.
Why Nintendo Switch is the Best Gaming System for Younger Kids
Here are six great reasons the Nintendo Switch is the best gaming system for young kids…
1. Nintendo Switch Has More Kid-Friendly Games Than Other Consoles
First and foremost, the game selection is amazing for younger kids. No other gaming system can beat Nintendo’s game selection.
The Nintendo Switch offers an extensive library of kid-friendly games, even for the youngest of players. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Maker 2, and Super Mario Bros. Deluxe are great fun for big kids around the age of 6 and up (as well as the entire family, actually!).
But what makes the Nintendo Switch stand out as my favorite gaming system for young kids is its selection of games and accessories for younger kids. Many games feature your little one’s favorite TV characters. There are games like Paw Patrol On a Roll, Disney Cars 3: Driven to Win, Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers, and My Friend: Peppa Pig. These games are designed for younger gamers with colorful graphics, easy gameplay, and age-appropriate content. They are slower-paced and a great way to introduce your younger children to video games (especially if they see their older siblings playing and want to join in).
2. The Switch Offers Robust Parental Controls
Fun games aside, here’s the coolest thing about the Nintendo Switch: the robust parental controls.
The parental control settings on the Nintendo Switch allow you to set playtime limits, manage game access, and monitor playtime activity. Simply download the parental control app to your phone and set your preferences and time limits, ensuring your children a more balanced and safer gaming experience.
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3. The Game System Has Multiple Modes
One thing that makes the Nintendo Switch unique is its console’s unique adaptability. It can be used as a handheld device or connected to a TV (like the old-school NES systems we used to play growing up), making it convenient for travel and at-home play. This also suits various play styles, as the device can be used with a regular video game controller or with the Joy-Cons (the red and blue controls at the end of the device).
4. Encouraging Physical Activity
The Nintendo Switch promotes physical play through games like Just Dance, Mario Tennis Aces, and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, making game night an active experience.
5. Classic Games to Delight the Family
A major win for the Nintendo Switch is its selection of classic games and new ones featuring nostalgic characters like Sonic and Mario. This allows you to introduce your kids to the games we grew up with, like the original “Super Mario Bros” series. This not only brings a sense of nostalgia but also offers simpler, time-tested gameplay that is perfect for younger players.
My six-year-old loves playing Tetris and Super Mario Bros. 1 on the Switch — he gets a kick out of playing the same games I grew up playing.
6. Fun for the Whole Family
Many games on the Switch are designed for multiplayer experiences, making it an excellent tool for family bonding and shared play. Many video game nights in my family revolve around fun multiplayer games like Mario Tennis and Mario Golf. We also take turns playing classic games like Donkey Kong.
Enjoy Family Friendly Gaming!
The Nintendo Switch is an ideal choice for parents with children aged 5 to 9 (and beyond!). It offers a blend of modern and classic gaming, robust parental controls, and versatility, making it more than just a gaming system—it’s a tool for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.
I think our Nintendo Switch was one of the best purchases we have made for our family. With our collection of new and nostalgic games, we truly enjoy playing video games together as a family. I hope you love your Switch as much as we do!
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