If you're thinking about getting a game console, here are the best game consoles on the market fit for the whole fam…
Parents! It’s time for another lesson in gaming. Gaming is increasingly popular among young people, especially during the school holidays when we have plenty of time on our hands. Previously, we got teens in Singapore to share their favourite video games, but what do they prefer to play them on? The more tech-savvy among you probably already know the ins and outs of every game console out there (you played Gameboy and the Sega consoles, you were there for the Game Cube!), but you might need a refresher course on the game consoles and latest gadgets for kids of today.
Before we jump in, let’s talk about games…
Games on gaming consoles work a little differently from online games. You can buy a physical copy, or a digital copy from the online store directly through your gaming console. The only difference is that the games you buy online will only be available on your account and, like apps, you cannot resell them like you would a physical copy. Other pros and cons to consider:
Physical games: Generally cheaper, but only because they’re usually the basic version of the game. Some physical game cartridges like the ones for the Nintendo Switch can be quite small, increasing the chances for kids to lose them. Also, physical copies can be sold and you can get your money back if you’re done with it. Or if you’re a collector, these physical copies may become extremely rare and worth a lot of money in the far future just like some of the retro games today.
Digital games: Generally more costly, because they come in different versions like Basic, Premium and Deluxe, and give players the opportunity to purchase add-ons within the game. That said, you can often find older digital game copies at discounted prices too.
The other thing you need to think about is that some games are console-specific. That means if the kiddos were looking forward to playing Super Mario Odyssey and you have an Xbox, you’re going to have some very unhappy kids. Likewise, if the teens planned on playing Halo, you won’t be able to load that up on the PS5. The good news, of course, is that Minecraft is available to play on all consoles. Although if the kiddos wanted to team up to play with their friends, they can’t join an Xbox game with a PS5 or Nintendo Switch. It’s a minefield, for sure!
Psssst.. always play the game yourself first if you can, and check reviews for the game on trusted platforms like Common Sense Media before letting your kids loose. Now, on to the consoles…
Best game consoles for kids in Singapore
1. PlayStation 5
The Sony PlayStation 5 continues to be a popular choice. This latest version loads your games lightning-fast and allows you to experience 3D audio through compatible headphones. You can buy physical copies of games to play on your PS5 or buy them online in the PlayStation Plus store. If you sign up for a PS Plus membership, you’ll even be able to score discounts and free games every month. Definitely the gift that keeps on giving. And, of course, you can access the internet on the PS5 and use apps like YouTube, Netflix and Spotify for all your multi-entertainment needs. Teens might be interested in the streaming and online multiplayer function, which allows them to play co-op games with their friends from their home consoles.
2. Nintendo Switch (plus OLED model)
There are currently three different models of the Nintendo Switch, so it’s best to do some research to find out which one will suit you or your kiddo best. The cheapest option is the Nintendo Switch Lite, which comes in a range of cool colours but has less features than the other two (for example, no removable controllers or TV mode with this one).
Then there’s the OG Nintendo Switch, with the iconic red and blue controllers. For those not in the know, this gaming console for kids isn’t strictly handheld as it can also be slotted into a docking port and viewed on your TV to prevent cross-eyes. Which is one of the reasons we like it! The kid-sized controllers (aka joy-cons) can also be separated from the console to accommodate up to eight players, which means all the kids will be kept fully entertained at the same time during long car rides and flights. Keep an eye out for limited edition sets – occasionally Nintendo will join forces with game characters to brand the skin of the console, eg. yellow for Pokemon! You can also find different coloured joy-cons every now and then.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the newest addition to the Nintendo Switch family and offers up a 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. So, it’s sure to impress the kids and adults alike! Psst, there’s been a buzz around the grapevine about the Switch 2 coming out sometime next year but not much is known about it at the moment. So if you’re thinking about getting a Switch, consider waiting for the new upgraded model to drop but be warned that might be a while.
Pssst… Make sure you download the free parental control app to manage which games your kids can play and set time limits!
3. Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X
Boasting 1TB worth of storage and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and 4K video streaming, the Xbox Series S has over 1,300 games, including Xbox exclusive games. Xbox Live also allows the kids to play with online friends. You can also purchase a monthly subscription to Xbox Game Pass for discounts and early access to games.
If Dad’s a gamer too, he might want to shell out for the Xbox Series X for better graphics and gaming bundles. A more premium option is the Xbox Series X. It’s designed for games with resolutions of up to 4K (so think awesome visuals), more storage space, and also has a disc drive (unlike the Xbox S), but this comes at a cost (usually retailing at $200 more).
Pssst… if you have the older version of the Xbox, the Xbox One series, it’s time to upgrade. Physical discs are no longer a thing, it’s all about online streaming now and the new consoles are built to support this!
4. Sega Genesis Mini 2
Parents, are you keen to relive your childhood? Those lazy afternoons playing Sonic the Hedgehog on that old gaming console… Well, you’re in luck – check out the Sega Genesis Mini 2, a miniaturised version of the iconic gaming console. This little beast is pre-loaded with 40 classic games, and yes, that includes Sonic! This gaming console is a great way to introduce your kids to the games that you grew up playing. Game console family night? You betcha.
5. Razer Edge, Kishi V2 Pro and Kishi V2
If you have a smartphone, this is a great gaming device that you can tote around. Razer has developed mobile gaming controllers that slide and grips the ends of your phone, effectively turning it into a handheld gaming console. How cool is that? The controller has clickable analogue thumbsticks, function buttons, an 8-Way D-pad, and face buttons. The Razer Kishi V2 is compatible with both Android and iPhone mobile devices, while the other two are Android only. Just make sure you select the right one when adding to cart!
6. SteamDeck (Plus OLED model)
Handheld gaming has always fallen behind consoles and PCs but the Steamdeck has changed that. You can now play PC games on the go while still being able to enjoy the more intensive games! It’s just like a gaming laptop but condensed into a sleek, handheld device – it might not be as beginner-friendly since you will need to make tweaks and modifications. But that’s just what PC gamers look for in the first place so get it if that sounds like it’s up your alley!
7. Analogue Pocket
This one is really niche but parents, if you’ve got some retro games that you want to hand down to the kids this is the handheld console! Although it’s already pre-loaded with 2,780+ Game Boy, Game Boy Color & Game Boy Advance games, the Analogue Pocket has a slot for actual game cartridges as well! Play on the amazing LCD display with 10x the clarity of the original GameBoy or plug it into a dock to play on the big screen. If the kids don’t want to play the retro games, you could keep it for yourself and relive the good old days in crystal clear definition.
8. Meta Quest 3/3s
Ready to enter the world of VR gaming at home? The Meta Quest 3 is the best way to do it, and you don’t even need a PC to use it! It’s a standalone console with 128GB or 512GB options for game storage with a multitude of titles to choose from including VR game exclusives like Batman: Arkham Shadow, Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded, and Starship Home. It’s not just for the kids, the whole family can join in on the virtual reality fun!
Best gaming tablets for kids in Singapore
The multi-purpose tablet is an all-encompassing device that’ll let you play games for hours on end, and it’ll also allow you to surf the internet, watch Netflix and even learn via apps. It’s definitely not one for serious gamers if you’re looking for a gaming console for the kids, but it’s certainly bang for your buck.
9. LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Kids’ Learning Tablet
Looking to spend the school holidays meaningfully? Sit the kids down with LeapFrog’s learning tablet, which comes in green and pink. 20 educational apps have been preloaded onto the tablet, including reading, coding, environmental science and more. You can head over to the app store to download more games as a form of reward after your kids are done with the educational stuff. Psst, it’s a sturdy little thing, which is perfect for the littles that handle everything roughly. Yas!
10. Amazon Fire
Nothing really beats a good solid piece of hardware you can lob at the kids so they can play Fruit Ninja or Thomas & Friends. Especially when it comes with those chunky colourful cases for kids to grasp onto easily. Just load it up with free games and they’ll be kept occupied for hours. The Fire HD 10 Kids is a great option!
11. Apple iPad / iPhone
Need we say more? Pick between the Apple iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini or the standard iPad for the little ones. Prices range according to sizes and storage and cost extra if you want a cellular network option. Although there are some parental controls available, we still find the iPad hard to lock down (especially with little ones). We’ll also often hand our iPhone over to our kiddos when we need fine minutes of quiet time or to distract them at the hairdresser. Because of this, we’ve had a few accidental posts to IG Stories that we would prefer hadn’t happened! There are iPhone hacks on YouTube to help with this, that lock your kids onto one screen, but we do find this a hassle. Purchasing control is more easily achieved through Family Sharing.
Psst, already own an Apple product? Trade it in for some credit and use that to fund your new one.
12. Lenovo Tab series
For a more cost effective price (which we love!) take a look at the Lenovo Tab series. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is our pick for school aged kids, as it has great technical specs for gaming and entertainment (power, memory and battery life are all up there), and you can also take charge with parental control apps. You can also add a stylus and wifi keyboard if the older kiddos need these for their schooling. This tablet has one of the largest screens of the bunch at eleven inches, as well as good quality speakers, which are all wins in our book!
The best gaming PCs and laptops in singapore
If you have serious gamers on your hands in their teenage years, then you’ll want to consult the experts before investing in a PC or laptop. There are lots of things to consider, including graphics cards, memory storage, and also how to keep the hardware cool (most have inbuilt fans, and all are not equal!). Have a chat with the good folks at Dell specialty stores, Harvey Norman, Best Denki, Razer or Aftershock PC for the lowdown. You’ll also need accessories, and the list is endless! Think a super-sensitive keyboard and a mouse, padded headphones, posture-correcting gaming chair, joysticks and even steering wheels. It’s a whole new world!
Happy gaming!