Whether you’re part of a gaming family that loves movies or a movie family that loves games, we’ll help you figure out the best box for your brood.
Not too long ago, if your kids wanted a game console, you had your pick of five machines: Microsoft’s Xbox One or Xbox 360; Sony’s PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 3; or Nintendo’s Wii U. But the advent of streaming content has expanded family gaming options to include set-top boxes (also called Internet TVs or “media players”) such as the Apple TV, the Roku, and even gaming-optimized systems such as the Nvidia Shield Android TV and the Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition. Complicating matters, game consoles also offer TV shows, movies, and other streaming content.
If you’re more of a gaming family, a console is still your best bet. You’ll get the top game releases from the major developers (plus exclusives such as the “Halo” series for Microsoft, the “Uncharted” series for Sony, and the “Super Mario” series for Nintendo), multiplayer gaming through each company’s gaming network, and fee-based content including games, freebies, social networking, movies, TV shows, and — with Microsoft and Sony — streaming music.
If you’re more a TV and movie family, the set-tops’ gaming options just might do the trick. You won’t get the latest and greatest releases like the Xbox One and PS4 do — and the games won’t look and sound as awesome — but you will get plenty of family-friendly options (including “Minecraft” and “Lego Star Wars” on the Nvidia Shield and the Amazon Fire, “Angry Birds” on the Apple TV, and “You Don’t Know Jack” on the Roku). As with the consoles, media players use various subscription models with different packages comprising games, TV shows, movies, and other streaming content.
If you really have your heart set on a console, here are our recommendations:
—Best for Families with Young Kids: Nintendo Wii U
At $299.99, the Wii U is pricey, but it’s a platform that will grow with your kids. A wide variety of ways to interact with games — such as the included GamePad, fun extras such as amiibo figurines, and the balance board — give the device even more longevity.
And, though there are mature games available for the Wii, the vast majority are family-friendly titles, from the classic “Super Mario” series to the “Wii Sports” titles.
—Best for Tweens and Families: Microsoft XBox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3
The 360 ($199.99) and PS3 ($249.99) are older platforms, but developers are still making games for them. If you’re on the fence about whether to buy a set-top TV or a game console, the 360 and PS3 are decent options for getting the best of both worlds.
For families with a mixed age range of kids, either the 360 or PS3 may be better choices than the Xbox One or PS4, as they’ll give your younger kids some good options while keeping your older ones entertained. Of course, violent games such as “Grand Theft Auto,” “Call of Duty Black Ops 3,” and “Resident Evil” are available for each, but so are family-friendly titles such as Lego Marvel’s Avenger, Disney Infinity, and FIFA 16.
—Best for Tweens, Teens, and Serious Gamers: Microsoft Xbox One or Sony PlayStation 4
If your kids are really passionate about games, then these machines (both $349.99) are the best — if not the only — choices. Keep in mind that, though there are plenty of games for each console designed for tweens and younger, the vast majority of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games are intense and mature.
Sony has the edge for serious gamer families, as the company will also be releasing its PS4-compatible PlayStation VR headset this year, which will provide a totally immersive game experience.
Xbox One is a better choice for families who already own a lot of Xbox games, as the Xbox will play Xbox 360 titles.
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Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
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