Best TV Game Consoles for Kids – Review 2025

The era of rapid development of the game console market began in the 80s. Since then, individual models have gained immense popularity and have gained generations of fans. Game consoles for children continue to develop intensively to this day. Their largest manufacturers, Sony and Microsoft, are fighting an uncompromising battle for the hearts of consumers, and every few years they bring more advanced gaming devices to the market. Why do children and not only all over the world buy set-top boxes? Let’s figure out what it is and what it is for.

What is a TV game console

A game console is a compact device that is a computer that allows you to play video games on your TV screen. Simplicity of connection and interface, allow children to play on the console from a very young age. A game console can be an excellent alternative to a stationary computer, as it takes up much less space. Also, the game console can replace all kinds of video players and TV-boxes, since modern game consoles have the ability to access the Internet, watch videos and films, listen to music tracks. Of course, it should be noted that TV game consoles can vary greatly in terms of price, features, game support.
It should be understood that, unlike other types of devices, set-top boxes have strict compatibility parameters with games. This is primarily dictated by marketing. And you need to understand this before buying. If you decide to purchase a game console for a child who wants to play specific games, then you should find out in advance which console model these games are compatible with. A huge advantage of the set-top box is the ability to connect two or more joysticks, i.e. you can get together with a company and have fun playing. For example, children of different ages, from 5-6 to 10-12 years old, can enjoy games in the company of each other using game consoles. Children’s play attachment
does not lose popularity today [/ caption]

What kind of TV game consoles are there?

To understand which prefix to choose for yourself or for a child, you should figure out what types they can be divided into. Let’s consider the main classes of game consoles: Actual modern models – those that came out last and support all modern games:

• Sony PlayStation 5;
• XBOX Series S, Series X.

Sony PlayStation 5 [/ caption] Current models of the previous generation – these models can be purchased new in the store, they can play a significant number of modern games:

• Sony playstation 4
• Xbox One, One S, One X.

Outdated models – they can only be purchased used, they support games released 5-6 years ago:

• Sony PlayStation 3;
• Sony PlayStation 2;
• Xbox;
• Xbox 360.

Classic models – these can be copies of old devices, or new ones developed using the same technologies:

• Sony PlayStation Classic;
• Sega;
• Dendy;
• Hamy.

What to look for when choosing a TV game console?

In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you should pay attention to a number of prefix parameters that will affect further use:

1. Supported Games – Different games are supported by different devices. There are games that are released immediately for a wide range of consoles. On the box with the game, or on the official website of the game, it is always indicated for which game consoles it was developed. It is best to make a list in advance of the video games that you or your child plans to play and, based on this, choose a console. Also on the official website of the game console itself, you can see a list of supported games.
2. Internet and multimedia support – not all devices have the ability to access the Internet and play media files. If the console is planned to be used, not only for games, then you should pay close attention to this parameter.
3. Technical characteristics – here, by analogy with a personal computer, it is important to pay attention to such parameters as: processor, RAM size, hard disk size, type of graphics core, etc. All of these parameters will affect how comfortable the gameplay will be. And the amount of internal memory will affect how many games can be simultaneously downloaded to the console.
4. Joystick types are wired and wireless. If, for example, the place where you plan to play is far from the TV, then a short joystick lead can be a problem. In general, the wireless joystick is always more convenient.

Rating of the best game consoles for TV for 2021-2022 – which console to choose and buy for a child?

Now that it has become clear what a game console for a TV is, we will make a rating of the best models based on cost and capabilities. It is important to understand that prices for consoles vary greatly, they start from 2-3 thousand rubles, and go up to almost 100 thousand rubles. If the choice of a prefix is ​​made for a child 5-6 years old, then perhaps you should pay attention to more budget options.

The best gaming consoles in the top segment

Sony playstation 5

This is a truly outstanding device. The most modern and powerful game console at the moment. This is underlined by its futuristic design. There is a feeling as if this console came from the near future. It was on it, for the first time, instead of a hard drive, an SSD solid-state drive was used – this significantly increased the speed of the console and the loading time of games. The PlayStation 5 also delivers stunning graphics in games, thanks to support for 4K resolution and ray tracing technology. The joysticks of the set-top box are wireless, they are charged via the USB Type C connector. It makes sense to buy such a set-top box, either for an adult who loves modern technologies and video games, or for a child from 10-12 years old and above.
Main characteristics:

• Processor – 8 cores AMD Ryzen 3500 Mhz.
• GPU – Radeon Navi Ultra HD 4K.
• RAM – 16GB.
• Drive – SSD 825GB.
• Drive – Blue Ray / DVD.
• Interfaces – USB, HDMI.
• Network support – Wi-Fi / Lan / Bluetooth.
• Gamepad – 1 wireless included.
• The average price is 90 thousand rubles.

Why Playstation 5 is the best gaming platform in 2021, tips on how to buy a PS 5: https://youtu.be/yUwubd_6ok0

Microsoft Xbox Series X

From the point of view of characteristics, Xbox Series X is very similar to its main competitor – PlayStation 5. Moreover, the games in general are supported the same. The advantage of this set-top box will be a larger volume of solid-state drive – 1Tb SSD. And also there is the possibility of connecting another external SSD of 1Tb, thus, the total amount of internal memory can be brought up to 2Tb. The downside is the highly controversial design. The console is attached by itself, in fact, a strict plastic box. Also, according to user reviews, the ergonomics of the joystick is poor. However, this device is currently selling for less than a competitor from Sony, so if you close your eyes to these points, it can be a great alternative to buy.
Main characteristics:

• Processor – 8 cores AMD Ryzen 3600 Mhz.
• GPU – Radeon Navi Ultra HD 4K.
• RAM – 16GB.
• Storage – SSD 1000Gb.
• Drive – Blue Ray / DVD.
• Interfaces – USB, HDMI.
• Network support – Wi-Fi / Lan / Bluetooth.
• Gamepad – 1 wireless included.
• The average price is 70 thousand rubles.

The best game consoles for a child 5-8 years old

Sony PlayStation Сlassic

The console is a redesigned and modernized Sony PlayStation 1 console, the first in the series. A big plus of the console will be support for 3D games, albeit in a limited number – it contains 20 of the most popular games of the early 2000s. This attachment will be a great gift for a 5-7 year old child. It comes with two wired gamepads and support for two-player split-screen play. The attachment itself is compact, it is easy to remove and take out only at the moment when it is in use.
Main characteristics:

• The drive is absent.
• Drive – contains 20 built-in games, list on the official website.
• Interfaces – USB, HDMI.
• Gamepad – 2 wired included.
• Average price – 7000 rubles.

Sega Mega Drive 2

Legendary console from the 90s. Now it is often bought by those who want to play games from their childhood with nostalgia. Nevertheless, if the question is about which console to buy for a child, then it makes sense to consider this option. The games are of course 8/16-bit, but among them there are many quite interesting ones, especially with the support of playing together with a friend. The set-top box comes with a cartridge containing 38 different games.

• Drive – cartridges.
• Interfaces – RCA (bells).
• Gamepad – 2 wired included.
• Average price – 2000 rubles.

Dendy Junior 300

This game console came out even earlier than Sega. Therefore, the graphics in games are slightly worse. But there is one big plus, the console has a built-in memory that can store 300 games at once. Thus, it will be easy to find a suitable game. In all other respects, the console is similar to the Sega Mega Drive 2 – two joysticks included and the ability to play collectively.

• The drive is absent.
• Interfaces – RCA (bells).
• Gamepad – 2 wired included.
• Average price – 1,700 rubles.

Dendy Junior 300 [/ caption]

Consoles for children out of competition

Sony playstation 2

This prefix goes out of the rating, since it is almost impossible to buy it new. But there is a huge offer of such consoles on message boards. The PlayStation 2 is the queen of gaming consoles. A unique device for the early 2000s, ahead of its time. It is still possible to play such games Fifa 14 or NHL 2010 on it. Now it is possible to run games on it from a USB flash drive, as well as to connect wireless joysticks. In general, this option is perfect for a child or teenager, unless of course the buyer is embarrassed that this is a used device.

• Drive – CD / DVD.
• Interfaces – USB, RCA.
• Network support – Lan.
• Gamepad – 2 wired or wireless.
• The average price is 4000 rubles for a used one.

2021 Game Consoles Ranking: The Best Handheld and Stationary Consoles for Kids of All Ages from 5 to 12: https://youtu.be/4pJ02HsHftU

How to connect a set-top box to a TV?

Connecting the set-top box is quite simple. The main interfaces for connection will be:

• HDMI.
• RCA (bells).

To connect, simply connect the TV and console connectors with the appropriate wire. Then turn on both devices, select the signal output from the connected connector on the TV. No further action is required. A situation is possible when there are no compatible connectors on the TV and the set-top box, in this case you can use a special adapter, for example, like this one:
Adapter [/ caption] How to connect a game console to a TV via scart and bells – video instruction: https://youtu.be/kd64GcAHS2Y The game console will be an excellent addition to your home multimedia system. It will be interesting for both children and adults to play on it. When choosing, it is best to proceed from who and how the console will be operated, in accordance with this, you can select the required budget. After this article, having understood the classification of these devices, it will be easier to make the right choice.