A banner image showing three happy, smiling pre-teen kids of diverse backgrounds sitting on a couch and playing video games together with controllers. The text overlay reads: "Video Game Console Buying Guide for Parents 2025."

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since I wrote one of these. But with the release of the Switch 2 this year, I thought it was time. My last console buying guide is one of the most popular post on my website this year. You can also see my game buying guide from 2022 here.

In the last 5 years, the video game console market has changed dramatically. So much so that GameStop called the end of the consoles wars between Sony and Microsoft. (I called it 5 years ago, but here we are.)

But if you’re a parent or a kidmin leader who knows nothing about games or gaming that last sentence is nonsense to you. You’re here just looking to find the best system with the safest games for your kids.

And that’s what I’m providing you with today. I’ll outline the three major systems out now, a few of the safest games for your kids to play, as well as links to buy them through my affiliate link with Amazon. If you’re in ministry and thinking about getting one for your environment, I have some thoughts. I’ll make my recommendations for your ministry as well.

When buying any game, be sure to look for the rating on the bottom left-hand side of the game or graphic. Any game rated E for Everyone would most likely be safe for your kids. However, many of the games marketed to your kids are rated T for Teen and M for Mature for a reason. They should not be played by kids under the age of 13 due to their language, violence and more. You can read the rating on game box or check the IMDB parents’ guide to find out why it's rated what it's rated.

1. Nintendo Switch 1 & 2

Cost: Switch 2 with Mark Kart Bundle $499 | Switch 1 $332.99
Online Subscription: Nintendo Switch Online $19.99/year or Nintendo Switch Online +Expansion Pack $49.99/year
Kid Friendly: 5/5
Recommended games: Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, Donkey Kong Bonanza

If your kids are under the age of 10, this is the best system for your family. It has fun, easy, and safe games for your whole family. Most of the games for this system and its predecessor are rated E for Everyone. Xbox and PlayStation can’t make that claim. With the better processing power of the Switch 2, however, you will see more Teen and Mature games coming to the system.

My family bought a Switch 2 this year. My biggest complaint is that there aren’t really any new games for this system. Mario Kart World is fun to play with for the whole family. Kirby and Donkey Kong look fun (my son has watch YouTubers play). But that’s about it. The good news is that the system is backwards compatible. Which means that most if not all the games on the Switch 1 can be played on the Switch 2.

My suggestion is if you’re looking to upgrade your Switch 1 to 2 in 2025, wait. There are sure to be more games. If you don’t have a Switch, then get the Switch 2 with the Nintendo Switch Online+ Expansion Pack. You’ll get Mario Kart World and a ton of retro games going all the way back to the original NES. In addition you can still play Switch 1 games.

If you’re looking to get a system for your ministry, Nintendo is the one to go with. Don’t buy the $80 joy-cons. They still get joy-con drift and are really expensive. Instead, buy a cheaper pro-controller. This is the one I play with regularly. And it works for both systems.

2. Xbox Series X and S

Cost: Xbox Series X $648.00 | Xbox Series S $387.00
Online Subscription: Xbox Game Pass: Ranges from $9.99 to $29.99 per month
Kid Friendly 3/5
Recommended Games: Minecraft, Lego Avengers , Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Five years ago, Xbox started to lean into its subscription model with Xbox Game Pass. Similar to Nintendo Switch Online, you get access to a library of digital games played directly on the console. These games rotate from time to time. If you get the higher tiers, you can play first-party games on the first day of release. In addition, if you get Game Pass Ultimate ($29.99/month) you can also play any of those games on your PC or phone. You can also link the controller to your Windows PC using Bluetooth. This way you don’t have to buy a different peripheral.

Bill Gates has always maintained that Microsoft is a software company, not hardware. Xbox was the exception for the past 20 years. But I see that changing in the next 5 years. There are rumors that the next Xbox console which is due to come out in 27 or 28 will be a premium experience and be more like a gaming PC.

While I love my Xbox Series X, I think its days are numbered. The new model will be a monthly subscription that will allow you to play Xbox games on any device including PlayStation. Halo, Xbox’s mascot is coming PlayStation some time next year.

If you’re looking for a console that kids young and old want to play, this is a good system even if the price and monthly subscription is steep. You will have to watch what the kids play especially if you sign up for Game Pass. You can set up Parental Controls that stop them from playing games above a certain rating. I strongly recommend this option.

If you’re getting this for your ministry, I suggest you get the all-digital version. You can download the games directly to the system, and you don’t have to worry about missing or damaged physical media. The Game Pass Subscription is up to your discretion.

3. PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro

Cost: PS5 $549.99 | PS5 Pro $749.99
Online Subscription: PlayStation Plus Ranges from $9.99 to $17.99 per month; discounts for yearly subscriptions
Kid Friendly 3/5
Recommended Games: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Minecraft, Sonic Superstars

Full disclosure, I know the least about this system, so I can’t give it the best review. However, it is very similar to the Xbox in game selection and power. PlayStation Plus is cheaper month to month, but it’s not as good as Game Pass.

If the fan boys are to be believed the PS5 is the superior gaming machine. But as I said before, I haven’t used it enough to say either way. I can say that this system is good for the older gamer. Most of the games for this system are rated T for Teen or M for Mature. I’d be hesitant to get this system if you have younger kids at home, just because of the lack of games rated E for everyone. If your kids love sports, this may be the system for you. There are a lot of sports games for this system.

With so many systems out right now and many of them raising prices both on their systems and monthly subscriptions, it can be hard to decide. Keep in mind that even though the technology market is constantly changing, video game consoles stay current for a long time. This last generation cycle lasted 7 years. In addition, because Xbox and PlayStation both allow backward and forward compatibility you can be happy with your system for years.

When buying your system think about buying multiple controllers. Each system can support up to 4 players at a time with many of the games I listed supporting local multiplayer. This way your kid's siblings, friends and even you can play with them!

Whichever system you choose, your kids will most likely be ecstatic. Just take the time to be informed about the latest games. There are many sites like IGN.com and GameSpot.com that provide reviews and content advisories for each game. You control what games are played in your house so take the time to set up parental controls and be interested in what your kids are playing. You may be amazed at what you discover.

Happy gaming!