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Gaming for kids

From tips to advice and more - explore everything on age-appropriate games, consoles, gaming accessories and more for your young gamers.

Shop all kids-friendly video games
A little kid playing video games with his parents sitting on a sofa.

Need help picking the right video games and gaming consoles for your kid? Unlock all you need to know about age ratings, parental controls, and online safety. Explore child-friendly games across genres such as sports, adventure, driving, action, and more that'll keep them engaged and learning.

Shop kids' games by age

Looking for a suitable game for your kid? We've grouped games by minimum age and PEGI rating to help you.

Video games for 3+ years
Video games for 7+ years
Video games for 12+ years
Video games for 16+ years

What are the benefits of gaming for kids?

A father and daughter playing video game together.opens in new tab

Level up learning

  • Building games like Minecraft can encourage creativity and imagination, letting them build whatever their mind conjures up..
  • Playing together with a family member or friend can also help to improve their team working and social skills.
  • Puzzle games can help with their problem-solving skills, as they have to find the right solution to progress through the game.
  • Handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch Lite are great for long car journeys, keeping them entertained when they can't get out and about.
  • Perfect for super-active kids, active video games encourage children to collaborate and get moving even when indoors.

What's the best games console for kids?

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  1. A person using a Nintendo Switch 2 console in black with blue and red joy-con controllers.

    Nintendo Switch 2

    Ready for the all-new Nintendo Switch 2? It’s here to revolutionise the gaming experience with enhanced graphics and smooth gameplay. This’ll let kids engage with and explore fascinating games like never before. 

  2. Two boys playing on Nintendo Switch consoles outdoors.

    Nintendo Switch

    Ideal for little ones, Nintendo Switch has plenty of kid-friendly series including Mario and Splatoon. Play it with a TV in the living room, on a surface in tabletop mode or on-the-go in handheld mode

  3. A girl playing on her yellow coloured Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Console at a window.

    Nintendo Switch Lite

    Like a handheld-only Nintendo Switch: these lightweight, colourful consoles are perfect for playing out and about, and no TV hogging. It can play any Nintendo Switch game that has a handheld mode.

  4. PlayStation 5 console.

    PlayStation 5

    The PS5 console unleashes new gaming possibilities that you never anticipated. Experience lightning fast loading with an ultra-high speed SSD, deeper immersion with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, 3D Audio, and an all-new generation of incredible PlayStation games.

  5. Xbox Series X 1TB Console in black colour.

    Xbox Series

    Explore the next-gen gaming with Xbox consoles. Get access to Xbox exclusive titles with stunning graphics, high-precision controllers, and immersive gameplay like never before along with seamless online multiplayer options.

Which games are suitable for kids?

It's important to look for the PEGI rating of a game to see if it's appropriate - think of it like the certificate for a film. The older the rating, the more mature the content. It's worth noting that PEGI ratings don't provide guidance for how difficult a game is - EA Sports FC (previously known as FIFA), for example, is rated PEGI 3.

A father playing video games with two kids sitting on a sofa.

What does PEGI mean?

PEGI stands for Pan European Gaming Information. Every game receives a PEGI rating, which defines what age group it is suitable for.

• PEGI 3: Suitable for ages 3 and up. Shouldn't contain images or sounds likely to frighten young children.

• PEGI 7: Recommended for persons 7 and older. No parental guidance needed.

• PEGI 12: Suitable for persons 12 and older. Medium parental guidance.

• PEGI 16: Suitable for persons 16 and older. Strong parental guidance.

• PEGI 18: Suitable for adults only.

    Carousel

    1. A screengrab from Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch Game.

      PEGI 3 video games

      Engaging games with stories, colourful adventures, fun characters, and plenty of learning - suitable for ages 3+.

    2. A screengrab from LEGO Party! Nintendo Switch Game.

      PEGI 7 video games

      Pick from fun action games like Mario or simulation and building games like Minecraft and LEGO® to fuel their imagination.

    3. A screengrab from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 PS5 Game.

      PEGI 12 video games

      Choose from a cool collection of teen-approved genres. From adventure to music and sports to survival - we've got it all covered.

    4. A screengrab from Battlefield 6 Xbox Series X game.

      PEGI 16 video games

      Thrilling titles ranging from action and adventure to horror and survival.

    Find kids' games by console

    Carousel

    1. A screengrab from Luigi's Mansion 2 HD Nintendo Switch Game.

      Nintendo games for kids

      Explore exclusive Nintendo titles such as Mario and other popular games.

    2. A screengrab from EA SPORTS F1 24 PS5 Game.

      PlayStation games for kids

      Find the best of PlayStation exclusives and other titles compatible with PS5 and PS4.

    3. A screengrab of EA Sports FC 25 Xbox One & Series X game.

      Xbox games for kids

      Discover official Xbox titles along with other Xbox One and Xbox Series compatible games for kids.

    Games for the whole family

    Multi-player madness!

    The best games for families are the ones you can play together. Luckily, all the consoles offer a number of games that are great for the whole family. Race to be the fastest with Mario Kart, dance your heart out with Just Dance, and more!

    Most popular gaming franchises & series

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    1. A screengrab from LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Nintendo Switch Game.

      LEGO®

      For fellow gamers from the LEGO® league.

    2. A screengrab of Pokémon Legends: Arceus Nintendo Switch game.

      Pokémon

      For gamers that are Pokémaniacs.

    3. A screengrab of Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch game.

      Mario & friends

      For adventure seeking Mario buffs.

    4. A screengrab of Minecraft Nintendo Switch game.

      Minecraft

      For creative crafting geniuses.

    Other types of gaming

    Carousel

    1. A person using GameSir G8+ Mobile Gaming Controller.

      Handheld gaming consoles

      Gaming on the go? Or perhaps you want something flexible and simple for your little one - handheld consoles are a powerful yet practical alternative.

    2. HP Omen 34c Inch 165Hz WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor placed on a gaming desk.

      Gaming PCs and laptops

      Looking for a more robust gaming set up? A gaming PC or gaming laptop is the way to go. Oh! And don't forget to kit out with an ergonomic gaming desk and chair.

    3. A child using Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet for 3-7, 8 Inch 32GB.

      Kids' tablets

      A wholesome, handy alternative to handheld consoles that combines gaming, learning apps, books, and a lot more all with kid's safety in mind.

    Gaming safely

    Carousel

    1. A nintendo switch screen locked and displaying a message that screentime limit has been reached by the user.

      Playing time

      Experts agree that it's important to set limits on screen time. An hour a day is a good starting point for younger children.

      • A VR headset showing 16+ age restriction.

        Age appropriateness

        It's really important to choose games that are suitable for your kid's age. PEGI ratings can help with this, but you should also consider other factors like if a game will be too difficult or too scary for your child.

        • An icon depicting tAn family of 4 sitting in a living room with parents on the sofa and kids playing with blocks on the floor. wo kids playing and dancing.

          Activity

          Game time should always be balanced with staying active. Although some consoles have games you can play on your feet, it's still recommended to take regular breaks and stay active away from the screen.

          • A boy using an ipad with online safety.

            Online safety

            Most consoles have access to the internet and social media. You can limit your child's access to these sites and apps by setting parental controls.

            Parental controls

            Parental controls are a feature of all games consoles that let you restrict content, usage and permissions.

            Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App

            As a parent, it's not always easy to keep an eye on your children's time spent with entertainment devices. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app is a free smart device app which you can link with Nintendo Switch to easily monitor what and how your children are playing. If you do not have a smart device you can also set certain restrictions on Nintendo Switch directly.

              How to set parental controls on a Nintendo Switch

              1. Open up the systems settings section from the Nintendo Switch's home page.
              2. Go to parental controls, then select this console and then restriction level. You'll be given a choice of pre-set restrictions for child, pre-teen, or teen, or custom settings that you can set yourself.
              3. If you choose custom settings, you can restrict certain game ages, social media posts, online features and playing time.
                Click here for more information about Nintendo Switch Parental Controls

              How to set parental controls on a Nintendo DS

              1. Open the system settings tab from the home screen.
              2. Press the parental controls section and set up a PIN code so that your child cannot change your chosen settings.
              3. You can then set up restrictions on game age rating, online interaction, the DS shop and more.
                Click here for more information about Nintendo DS Parental Controls

              How to set parental controls on a PlayStation 5

              1. From the PS5 home screen press up on the d-pad to get to the functions area.
              2. Go to the settings tab, then click on parental controls, and then on restrict use of PS5 features.
              3. You'll then need to set up a parental control passcode and from here you can set the level of control.
                Click here for more information about PlayStation Parental Controls

              How to set parental controls on an Xbox One

              1. Once you've created a user account for your child, you can add them to your Xbox family in the setting section.
              2. Then click on your child's account and accept the privacy setting agreement.
              3. You can then set restrictions for access to content and apps, web filtering and descriptions in One Guide.
                Click here for more information about Xbox One Parental Controls

              Advice to keep your children safe online

              Get free expert advice from Internet Matters on how to make your children's online life fulfilling, fun and above all safe. The non-profit organisation offers simple advice on the main issues children may be exposed to when browsing the internet, alongside safeguarding tips for setting up appropriate controls and filters across your devices.
              Learn more

              Discover more inspiration

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