Knowing what video game console to get for your kids can be daunting. Especially if they show an interest in Esports. Here are our top three picks for your growing champion.
The video game console market has always been competitive. From flash ads to confusing specs, a novice parent may have a difficult time trying to answer what should be a simple question: “What machine should my child play video games on?”
If your child has expressed an interest in esports, the buying decision carries even more weight. You need to ensure that you purchase a console suitable for their age but with the capability to progress their skills in-game (solo and on teams).
We’ll go over our top three best gaming console for esports for kids of diverse ages and skill levels in esports.
Nintendo Switch
It is no surprise the Nintendo Switch is on our list. With over 111 million units sold, it is one of Nintendo’s highest-grossing hardware consoles of all time. Coming in at around $300 for the classic model (and $349 for the OLED model), Nintendo has always been good at keeping games simple and fun - the same goes for their hardware.
The Switch is incredibly easy to operate. With touchscreen features, simple buttons, and a portable, rounded body shape, the hardware seems to be built with ageless accessibility in mind. A five-year-old can open a game on the Switch with the same amount of ease as an adult or senior citizen.
Beyond usability, the Switch hosts games particularly appropriate for young players (under 12 years old) interested in esports. These games include Mario Kart, Rocket League, Fortnite, and more. For young players, the ability to experience these games is a huge first step to learning the skills and communication necessary to play with a team.
The Switch does offer online play and can be connected to the TV or any monitor with an HDMI port should a larger screen be desired. It is important to note, however, that the Switch’s performance is a bit lower than other consoles on this list.
For a novice player, frames per second and connection speeds should not be a major issue. However, when playing competitively on an established team or during a tournament with stakes such as a title or even cash prizes, a Switch is not an ideal competitive machine unless the tournament is designed to work within its hardware limitations.
This is because if a Switch is not performing as fast as a PC, for example then the PC clearly has a competitive advantage.
Xbox Series S
If your child is adamant about improving their esports skills and desires a large catalog of games, the next logical step on their console journey is the Xbox Series S. For $289, the competitively priced console offers gamers exposure to a wide variety of games and developers.
Esports titles such as Overwatch and Forza find their home on the Xbox Series S. In general, the online Xbox community (and games themselves) introduces gamers to more competitive play, focusing more on achievements, points, and ranks than the Switch, who’s games focus on fun, casual competition. The Xbox Game Pass subscription service also pushes the envelope in terms of ease and access.
With the Game Pass, you can pay a flat monthly fee (around $10) to access the entire catalog of Xbox games. This means you’d never need to buy games in isolation anymore. This is a game-changer (pun intended) for a growing esports player to learn different gaming mechanics without breaking the bank on individual games.
In terms of performance, the Xbox Series S is a step up from the small and portable Switch, thus, making it more formidable for long-term play and competitions (with home internet speeds depending, of course.)
A long rival to the Xbox has been the Playstation. You can’t search for one without seeing ads for the other. Why aren’t we recommending the Playstation 5 in this story? The answer lies in the next progression for an esports player. To go from casual to pro, you’ll need to be able to transition to our final recommendation.
PC
A PC isn’t exactly a “console” the way the other two items on this list are. A PC is, well, a computer. The most expensive machine on the list, a full gaming PC can set parents back between $800-$1500. Oftentimes, that is just the PC alone. That does not include the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other necessary peripherals.
Investing in a PC, from a parent's standpoint, is not easy. A child should fully demonstrate their love for gaming before considering this purchase. It is also better suited for teenage gamers as a PC requires maintenance and general tech literacy that the other two consoles on this list do not require.
With all that aside, it is hard to deny the gaming power and potential of a PC. When you look at the esports landscape, League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite Rocket League, and more are all playable on PC. And, PC is most predominantly used in large professional tournaments.
Earlier, we mentioned the tug of war between Xbox and Playstation. The reality is, that both of those consoles are comparable, but, the Xbox Series S will most likely set young players up for success if they wish to become proficient or even professional players. Microsoft owns Xbox and is the software most PC gamers will utilize. Understanding how to work with the operating system of the Xbox will give players a leg up on the PC. Additionally, the Game Pass we talked about before is available on both the Xbox consoles and PC.
You’ll often hear about people building their own gaming PC. A young teen is fully capable of building their own, too. It is an excellent STEM project and builds lifelong skills in problem-solving and project management. Again, the student must be proficient in the upkeep of their PC however. Even when buying a prebuilt PC, the user must know how to update and modify the machine to their user specifications.
PCs in the classroom
In most educational settings, students will utilize PCs bought by or donated to the school. This is what makes esports clubs and teams at school such a vital component to stem education. Working with PCs is common across countless job industries.
Installing games and updates on a PC mimics the process of installing professional software for career purposes. While having a PC in the home may be admittedly difficult for an entry-level player, working with and having access to gaming PCs in schools lowers boundaries for STEM education. It allows any student interested in games to also learn technology.
Bottom Line
The Nintendo Switch is the perfect introductory console for young gamers interested in esports. It offers a streamlined and simple user experience with access to age-appropriate competitive games. It is the best console for kids to discover if their affinity to gaming is a hobby or something more serious they want to continuously improve on.
The Xbox Series S is the affordable stepping stone for an aspiring professional player. It offers a wide array of games and plays styles while teaching the fundamentals of operating software. It is best suited for pre-teens and teens ready to take gaming more seriously.
A PC is the gold standard for esports. But, it is b means entry-level, even if you buy a pre-built one. If considering purchasing a PC for your child, we recommend you work with them to determine their comfort level with technology (hardware and software) and gauge their commitment level to the craft of playing games professionally (or even playing as a lifelong hobby).
Fortunately, schools allow students to utilize PCs in an exploratory way, bridging the gap between STEM skills and interests.
If your child is ready to start gaming more often, their first console is a memorable experience. It is important to consider their likes, dislikes, and comfort level before investing. Even if they seem younger than what we recommended here, there really is no age limit to expanding your knowledge of the technology involved in playing and making games.
Esports requires dedication and hardware that matches your skill level as you progress.