Best Gaming Systems for 5, 6 and 7-Year-Olds

Gaming has always been a massive part of everyone’s childhood. Some of us even continue to live and grow with the flame of gaming passions into our adult years. If even adults go into fan-mode over videogames and gaming systems, it is fair to say that kids love and go crazy over them too. Today, we shall get to the bottom of what is the best gaming system for 5, 6, and 7-year-olds.

There is not just one best overall gaming system for children. Different products cater to the needs and interests of different age groups. As a result, your child, who is five years old, may like one gaming system while your seven-year-old kid goes nuts over another.

The best game console for a specific age might not be the best gaming system for another age group. Since the mental abilities of children differ according to age, today, we will be categorizing the top products according to age.

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You must have heard your kid talking about and asking for a game console, but what are these exactly? Are they just another videogame that you play on the computer? Or are they something more age-appropriate and convenient for 5, 6, and 7-year-olds? Is there a difference between computer games and game systems?

Let’s learn a little more about what kids these days are going away with the fairies over.

What is a game system or a game console?

In this article, we will be interchanging the terms game system and game console with each other because they basically mean the same thing. So now, what is a game system?

A game system or a game console is a device or a gadget that can display some sort of picture or video on a screen. The user or gamer can look at the moving images that the screen displays and play fun and entertaining games. In short, you can play video games on a video game console.

What are the types of game consoles?

There are four main types of game systems in the market today. They are:

• Home video game consoles

Home video game consoles do not come with a screen on which they can display the generated moving images. You will need to hook it up to a monitor so that you can view the videogame. These game systems need power and a monitor to work. So you do not have a lot of choices regarding where you want to place the device.

• Handheld game consoles

As the name suggests, you can hold these game systems while playing, unlike home video game consoles. These gadgets usually have an inbuilt screen that can generate and display the moving pictures on the given monitor. The size of these game systems is typically small enough to carry in your pocket or bag. You can play them anywhere you want.

• Microconsoles

Microconsoles are the more affordable and low-cost version of home video game consoles. With a micro-console, you can connect it to a television or some other type of monitor and play videogames. These videogames are those which you download from an application store like the app store or the play store for google play.

• Dedicated consoles

Dedicated consoles have only one or more videogames built into them. You cannot add any other games, even if you want to. The only videogame you can play is the ones which are already there. The videogame world considers dedicated consoles as the first generation videogame consoles. However, those game systems with ROM cartridges replaced them in the following years of their release.

The reasons why you should buy the best gaming system for yourself or your child

One thing is for sure, and that is wanting the best for your child. It is in no one’s mind to buy a mediocre product if you have the resources to afford the best gaming system. Here are some more reasons why buying a game console is an excellent idea:

• Cognitive development

A child who plays videogames develop their cognition functions much quicker than those who do not play these games. It helps a person to understand a situation based on what they have experienced and thought of while playing on a game system.

• Improvement of problem-solving skills

Some studies have found out that playing video games can improve the way a person solves problems. They are able to figure out feasible solutions to issues and complications much quicker. Learning to work things out in a virtual world enables a person to use that same knowledge to resolve worrying obstacles much easier.

• Boost hand-eye coordination

Playing videogames involves a player to look at the screen, take in what’s happening, and then using their fingers or hands to react with an action or solution. As a result, it improves hand-eye coordination. Playing video games makes a person more precise with their hand movements. A skill that surgeons require.

• Personal development

Another benefit that playing videogames provide is teaching leadership skills and values to young minds. A lot of role-playing takes place in videogames, and most of the time, the game requires you to be the one making decisions that will have consequences later. It makes a player realize the virtue of responsibility and helping others.

• Spark an interest in history and other spheres of life

The world inside a videogame is very different than real life for most of us. These games expose us to new environments, eras, and people. For a curious child’s mind, it is enough to spark an interest in learning about the past, the different cultures, and any topic for that matter. The addition to knowledge is never a bad thing.

• Great for stress relief

Everyone experiences stress in different forms at all stages of life. Just because a kid is young does not mean that he or she has no stress to go through. Playing videogames is an excellent way to release this pent up stress.  A healthy mind is a happy mind, and a happy mind is a healthy body.

Buyer’s Guide: What to look out for when buying the best game console

Before we get into the top game systems in the market right now, here are some points you should keep in mind so that you don’t make a mistake while purchasing the product:

• Age appropriateness

The thing about gaming systems is that they create products that suit different age groups. A game console made for a 5-year-old will not be challenging enough for a 7-year-old. At the same time, a gaming system for a 7-year-old might be too complicated for a 5-year-old child.

While browsing through the different game console options in the market, you should keep your child’s age in mind and look for a product that a brand has created with that specific age group in mind.

If you give a child something too complicated, they might feel let down and give up. On the other hand, if the games are too easy, the child will not improve or lose interest in the video game completely.

• Portability

There are some game systems that you can use anywhere you want, in any position you want. Handheld gaming consoles are the most portable variant, and so, if you want something you can play while lying down or chilling at the park, you should go for this type of gaming system.

The other type of consoles needs a specific position or place to play it. These might not be as portable as handheld consoles, but they usually have bigger screens and more ergonomic controls. It gives the young budding player a taste of gaming for adults.

• Multiplayer feature

If you plan on playing videogames with other people at the same time, you should look for a gaming system that has a multiplayer feature. Whereas, if you prefer to play on the device alone, you can settle for the handheld single-player game console.

Playing with other people allows you to challenge other people and create a healthy competitive environment. It pushes a player to improve. Although you cannot challenge people to play with you at the same time on single-player consoles, you can still try to beat your own high score or proceed to the next level of a game.

• Other features

Some game systems come with extra features like MP3 players, the ability to hook up to a television, numbers tiles to promote learning, and the like. The more features a game console has, the better because you have much more choices regarding what you want to play or do with it.

List of the best game consoles for 5-year-old children are:

1. Osmo-Genius Starter Kit

Every parent in the world wants to make learning a fun experience for their kids. Toddlers will quickly outgrow their chew toys and baby plushies, then begin to crave other toys or games which are more complex.  Between the ages of 5- 10 years, children are constantly absorbing information and learning new things every single day.  It is, therefore, important for adults and parents to provide them with the right learning kits and toys, and this is where the Osmo- Genius Starter Kit comes in.

We can use the product with an i-pad. It is the perfect mix of high-end technology, creative learning, and fun, which will guarantee that your child has a great time while also learning important things. The kit comes with several physical learning props like letter tiles, number tiles, puzzle pieces, and so on.

What makes it very unique is that it comes along with the Osmo base and reflector for the iPad, which helps to recreate real-time digital audio and visual feedback on the screen. So, the kids can use the required props for the respective five in-built game apps to solve puzzles or learn new words, do simple arithmetic, and many more.

I think the Osmo –Genius Starter Kit is an excellent product because it creates a super exciting experience for the users by stimulating real-life physical actions into a digital platform. It triggers a sense of fascination and creates an urge to learn more through its use. It is the perfect fun learning kit for the present-day tech-savvy kids.

2. Leapfrog RockIt Twist Learning Game System

Every five-year-old kid is sure to find buttons that light up very captivating and bewitching. No kid will refuse the Leapfrog RockIt Twist handheld learning system that adds fun and lights wherever they go. It is the ideal learning device for children who are just starting to explore curiosity.

There are 12 games on this game system that come preloaded from the start. All these games will teach the child basic maths, how to solve problems, and encourage their creativity. If the first level is too easy for them, there are two more levels to keep them engrossed.

The best part about this device is that it comes with a wrist strap and a protective bumper so that the child will not get hurt or drop it and damage it. It also comes with a headphone jack and virtual RockIt pets. The pets will hatch and grow if a player is responsible enough to take care of it.

3. ASPIRING Handheld Gaming Console

The ASPIRING Handheld Gaming Console is the dream device for anyone who loves retro games and wants to introduce the good old games to their children. There are more than 200 games on this excellent gaming system.

What I love about this product is that it is lightweight and has a convenient size. You can pop this into your bag or pocket and play with it anytime you are bored, regardless of where you are. The ergonomic design also makes it very comfortable and easy to hold while playing with it.

Usually, with retro handheld gaming consoles, the screens are very small and difficult to read or view pictures. However, with the 4-inch LCD screen on the ASPIRING, you get clear images with vivid colors. Bigger screens will not strain your eyes as much as smaller screens.

Another exciting feature about this game console is that you can hook it up to a TV and play the games on the television. The rechargeable batteries will last up to six hours. You have the option to place in 3 AAA batteries instead of the rechargeable battery.

List of the best gaming systems for 6-year-old kids are:

1. TAPDRA 3D Pandora Key 7 Retro Arcade Game Console

This gaming console has found the perfect balance of old and new by combining the best retro arcade games and the best 3D games of modern times. The basis of this console machine’s build is on the latest 3D system with 160 3D games in one included.

All you have to do with this product is to connect it to any high definition monitor, and you can play any of the 2413 retro arcade games preloaded in it. The slim and comfortable design will not stress your wrists or arms out.

If you somehow get tired of the thousands of games or you want to play one of your favorites, which is not on the list, copy it into a drive and put the drive into the USB port. You can now play your favorite game.

2. 3D Pandora Super Retro Mini Handheld Game Console

So you want to play all the retro games, but getting a home video game console seems like too much work? The 3D Pandora Super Retro Mini might just be the perfect gadget for you because you will get over 2000 retro games in this amazing little console. Say goodbye to inconvenience and hello to the lightweight life.

Another exciting feature about this product that we fell in love with is that you can still link it to television with HDMI output and play your games on a bigger screen. As for the battery, the 4000 mah lithium battery makes sure that you do not have to worry about charging it for 10 hours straight.

The best part about this device is that it is compact and lightweight so that you can play your 3D games on the go.

3. New PocketGo V2 Upgraded Retro Game Console

Are you thinking, what if I lose all the progress I made after playing for so long? With the New PocketGo V2, you do not have to worry about losing your game progress thanks to its “save progress” feature.

It has a brilliant 3.5-inches IPS screen for clear and vivid images. There are two external card ports with Firmware preinstalled on one, and another one, free, for you to download any game you want. The New PocketGo V2 supports almost all emulators, from PS1 and NES to SMS and NEOGEO.

A new addition to this version of the PocketGo is the reset button, and it now also has an SFC/SNES buttons. The high gloss finish of the gadget’s body gives the device a pristine look. Another development that the creators have added to the V2 is a smooth joystick.

List of the best game consoles for 7-year-olds are:

1. Seekool Newest 3D Pandora x Arcade Game Console

Older children start to realize the importance of graphics in games. The Seekool Newest 3D Pandora x Arcade game console will satisfy these new preferences with the utmost ease. Since it supports 1920 x 1080 full HD display, the images this console generates will be second to none.

One fun feature about the Seekool is that it has LED lights and a very sleek design, perfect for the budding gamer. It comes with a cooling fan to keep the console safe from overheating while playing. To add a little more to personalization, you can now set the functions of the buttons according to your convenience and liking.

Up to four people can play on this game console at the same time. This feature applies to some online games where multiple players can enter the game at one go.

2. Arcade Game Console Pandoras Box 6S

Most of the products we have mentioned so far can hook to any HD monitor like TVs. With the Arcade Game Console Pandoras Box 6S, you can go even bigger because it supports playing video games on a projector.

There are around 2400 retro games that you can play. The designers of this fascinating product have made sure that it will satisfy the need for thrill and fun of genuine players. Hence, they tested the console with real gamers while developing the game system.

One feature that we find distinctive about the Arcade Game Console Pandoras Box 6S is that it comes with Pandora Box 9s+ motherboard. What this feature means is that you get a game suspension function. It supports multiplayer games where two players can join at the same time.

3.Brose 2706 Classic Arcade Game Machine

The next game console we will review is the Best Brose 2706 Classic Arcade Game Machine that stands out because it uses a family arcade system. So now, what does that mean? You can possess your very own arcade world with the 4-player compatibility.

The next feature that caught our eyes is its ability to switch between different resolutions depending on the monitor or display screen. The choices of resolutions you have are 1280 x 720, 1024 x 768, and last but not least, 640 x 480. This game console wins when it comes to adaptability.

There are 2706 games in one, and you can connect it to a desktop, a tv, a laptop, or even an arcade machine. As long as the resolution does not exceed 1280 x 720, you can play your games on any screen you want.

4. TAPDRA Pandora’s Box 9 Arcade Games Machine

The TAPDRA Pandora’s Box 9 Arcade games machine stands out from its competitor’s gaming consoles thanks to its excellent CPU and GPU. The cooling fan also does an excellent job of keeping the device cool during times of intense gaming. You do not have to download any extra games or programs to run this game system.

The display on TAPDRA Pandora’s Box 9 is vivid, vibrant, and 48% clearer than any of the other Pandora’s Box versions that came before it.  We love the fact that this device allows us to make a favorite game list. After all, we cannot be wasting our time searching for the game we want to play every time we turn it on.

And that’s not even the best part about this game console. You get a life-time warranty as soon as you make this purchase. You will receive customer support any time you need as long as the problem is something to do with the game console.

5. Pandora Treasure 3D Arcade Game Console

What the Pandora Treasure 3D Arcade Game Console places above all else is adaptability and resolution. As a result, this game system is compatible with any type of monitor, from television to personal computers and even projectors. You will get HD images using HDMI or VGA.

When it comes to comfort, the buttons and joystick have highly ergonomic designs so that the players will not feel physically stressed while playing. On top of this, you can play along with three other friends at the same time. Challenge them to fights and battles and see who is best.

Sometimes we do not feel comfortable with the functions of the buttons. However, the Pandora Treasure 3D Arcade Game Console allows you to change the functions of the buttons according to what you find more convenient and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gaming Consoles for Kids

Do video games spoil your brain?

No. Video games will not spoil or rot your brain. It will not negatively affect your child’s mind, either. Many parents believe that playing videogames will destroy the mental development of their kids. However, this myth is not true.

Many studies have proved that instead of spoiling the brain, it actually exercises the brain and develops many mental skills in a child. It helps a child to learn about history, calculations, and different parts of the world.

Playing video games also gives you better hand-eye coordination and improves your decision-making skills. It is very helpful for introverts to learn how to socialize. They can create a positive space with people they are comfortable with, who will not judge them or taunt them.

How long should we allow our kids to play videogames?

The recommended time limit is at one to two hours (at most) per day. Nothing in excess is good for anyone. Likewise, playing videogames the whole day will not do anything beneficial for your child. You, as a parent, should learn to control the time your child spends playing games on a console or game system.

Another excellent way to know how long you should allow your child to play videogames is by observing their emotions and mood. If they seem to be low and filled with negative energy because of the video game, do not hesitate to cut back on the time limit.

On the other hand, it is not recommendable to cut off the time spent on videogames completely.

Which is better? Handheld gaming console or home video game console?

This answer will depend on what you want or what your child wants. There are different benefits for both variants. You might choose one over the other based on your preferences.

Handheld gaming consoles are portable and light. You can use them almost anywhere without having to connect them with another device like a monitor. These game systems also have their own power source, and as such, you will not need to play video games near a power socket.

On the other hand, home video game consoles have many added features like the ability to play DVDs and Blu-ray disks. The graphics and quality of images on these game consoles are usually much higher than other types of game consoles.

At what age can I introduce my child to a game console?

The best age to introduce a child to a game console is between 5 to 6 years of age. There is no harm in giving a child below 5-year-old a game console, but they do not need a separate device to play games just yet. A simple smartphone or tablet will be enough.

Children above five years will start to gain a keen interest in videogames, and this is an excellent opportunity to teach them about responsibility and limits. Your child can learn and have fun at the same time with the best game console for their age.

What is an arcade gaming console?

An arcade gaming console is a type of console, usually consisting of a separate monitor and a board with the controls and joystick on it. You can play many arcade video games on these types of gaming console.

The types of games that finds itself in arcade game systems are mostly fast-paced games that require a lot of hand-eye coordination. These are games that people of any age can enjoy. They are not difficult to learn, and expertise depends more on time spent playing the game.

How much does a game console cost?

Handheld game consoles are usually more affordable than home video game consoles. The average price of a handheld gaming console is around $150. But you can get an excellent product for children for only $35 US dollars. 

The higher price of a product does not necessarily mean that it is more durable or of better quality. However, those gaming systems at a higher price range usually come with better features and maybe better display or graphics. 

Even those gaming consoles at the lower price range have very interesting and fun games that will keep your child hooked and entertained. So, in the end, you do not always have to go for a costly handheld gaming console.

What is the most popular gaming system?

The Playstation 2 is the most popular home video game console based on its sales. If you want something more portable and affordable, you should definitely go for the products mentioned above. They have excellent features and games on them, and you do not need to connect them to another device or monitor to play.