When is the Best Time for a Kid to Make the Nintendo Switch?

As adults we mostly decide on what games are a good fit for ourselves. What if we took a moment to consider the types of games the children in our lives should play? It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent yourself or you’re looking for a game for a friend or family member’s child. While the Switch has a number of games aimed at older audiences, there’s plenty to find for the children and teens in your life.

What Age Can My Kid Use a Nintendo Switch?

In the past, it’s been pretty easy to tell when a kid was old enough to use certain electronics, like video game consoles and smartphones. These days, though, there are so many different options out there that the rules of thumb don’t always apply. So how do you know if your child is old enough to use a Nintendo Switch? Let’s look at some key factors that can help determine if your child is ready for a gaming system such as the Switch!

How many years old should my kid be before using a switch?

Check the video game’s ratings before your purchase. For example, if your child is four, it’s probably best to get a low-rated game such as Paw Patrol: On a Roll instead of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If your child is seven, you might buy them Sonic Forces or Super Mario Odyssey instead. And for children over ten, consider getting them something rated T for Teen, such as Bayonetta 2 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition.

Is it dangerous for younger kids to use a switch?

As long as you limit their screen time, there shouldn’t be any danger to your kids playing on a Switch. This has been reported to be better for some children who may get headaches from too much screen exposure. There are also parental controls that you can set up to limit your child’s gaming time and what content they can view online.

Children under six should not be using a switch because they will not know yet what to do with it. It would take them longer to learn and frustrate them more than if they just had their iPad or tablet for entertainment purposes.

Should I buy an extra controller?

One of the first questions many parents might have is if they need to buy an extra controller. Not only will this come in handy if they have friends over, but it can also be used to give younger children a break and show them how games are played on a console before giving them complete control of the controller. Regarding the price tag, the Switch is more expensive than most video game consoles, and adding another controller for around $30-$50 makes sense. However, it does depend on the type of games your child likes playing. You should also invest in a pair of Lizard Skins grips for their controller to protect it and have it last longer.

 

 

Should you get your kid the Switch?

This type of console can be played on the TV or on the go. The screen can be detached from the central console and used in handheld mode. So what age should your kid be when they get it? That’s up to you, but the manufacturer recommends 6+ for parents of younger children and 10+ for preteens and teens, with some features being restricted for those younger than six. For example, there are no games rated 12+, and motion controls like shaking objects in-game to solve puzzles are only available if you use one of the two Joy-Con controllers or an older Pro Controller model. As for the pros of getting one: It can teach your little one coordination, and some games are even educational. Cons: It may cause your little one to spend too much screen time if unsupervised.

All in all, the Nintendo Switch is built for kids and teens to enjoy. However, if you are uncertain about which games your child will be playing on their console, then it is always better to stay on the side of caution and have them play games that are appropriate for their age. That way, you can ensure that your kid has the time of their life with their new console!

 

Angela W. is a WAHM and a California native that is now raising her 5-year-old and 15 month old in a city between the mountains of Utah. In her downtime, she writes posts about her role as a boy mom, a wife, her career, and her love for fashion which you can find on her blog at La Vida Mom.