Xbox or PlayStation for 7 year old's Christmas

[Wellhellothere1]

I'm half thinking about biting the bullet and getting my 7 year old DS an Xbox or PS for his Christmas. He hasn't asked for this but I know he will love it. I'm completely clueless and have no idea which one to go for. He loves Minecraft on the iPad if that's any help. I know this has been asked before but I can't find the thread. Would anyone recommend one over the other? Thanks

[Thesmallthings]

Xbox all the way imo.

You can get a Xbox one from cext for under 200

[mrsmuggins53]

Don't do it!

[BlueberryMarshmallow]

I think it’s down to personal preference (or price!) what do his friends have? There’s some good deals about for both and most games are available on both consoles.

[AliPfefferman]

If he hasn’t asked for it why would you introduce it?? My 8-year-old asked for an Xbox but I told him I don’t think we’re quite ready for that yet, but maybe next year. I’ve gotten him a bunch of fab things I know he will love, so I know he won’t be disappointed on Christmas morning. There are a million things i’d rather see my DS doing than staring at a screen, no matter how much he might love it (and he does!). And once the video game horse is out of the barn it can’t ever be put back in.

[FannyFifer]

Nintendo Switch. 👍

[TooSarcastic]

PS household here but at 7 would probably be better off with a Switch for gaming variety and portability

[Phosphorus]

PlayStation has more age appropriate games.

But really a Switch would be better. The games on that are great, and getting better all the time.

Mario, Sonic, Zelda...

At that age, playing online with friends isn't really an issue, and the switch is so portable.

[Wellhellothere1]

Thanks for your replies everyone. His friends aren't really that into gaming yet. One is getting a switch for Christmas, one has a PS and I'm not sure about the rest. I think I'm just panicking now as he doesn't really need anything big this year (has bike, scooter, trampoline etc).

[Wellhellothere1]

Oh and the only reason it's not on his Santa list is we have always said no straight away when he mentions an xbox or PS. If we were open to the idea he would definitely be asking for one from Santa!

[Dailystuck71]

We got DS an x box direct from Microsoft with minecraft and cash back via quidco. Got a good deal.

[MyOtherProfile]

I would wait and see what his friends get or contact their parents and ask if they're going down this route. Ds has an Xbox one and his social life revolves around it. He meets his mates on it, they play a game together while chatting then they make arrangements to meet at the park. You prob don't want a 7 yr old doing that just yet but you will soon! The kids who got a PS miss out on the social interaction as so few of their classmates have it. But in your community it could go the other way.

[Wellhellothere1]

Thanks everyone

[Corneliusmurphy]

Depending how much you wanted to spend and that he's not fussed, a wii u might be good. It plays wii games too which you can pick up really cheaply (you'd need a wii controller though) and you can get stuff like mario and Mario kart and party games - just personally find it more age appropriate and fun. Our Xbox (360 it's pretty old) only gets used for Fifa 17

[StreyyTV]

We have a PS4 and a Switch. The PS4 used to be the 'family gaming' system, but once we got the Switch it's now just for my own exclusive use (which is awesome for me!). The Switch has all the age appropriate games you can get on PS4 (including Minecraft), plus all the Nintendo games which are great fun for kids and families.

Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart, Mario Party, Zelda, Splatoon, 1,2 Switch...you'll all love these and you can't find them on anything else.

It also 'switches' to handheld mode, so you can take it with you, or he can play without hogging the TV.

I know they're a tad more expensive, but for a 7 year old a Switch is definitely the best choice.

[WhatWouldTheDoctorDo]

I'd be tempted to wait a year until his friends start getting into gaming. DS is getting an Xbox because that's what his friends are getting so easier to play together.

Is he into Lego? What about Lego boost if you're stuck for ideas for a main present?

[Wellhellothere1]

Thanks all. We've taken your advice and will hold off another year. We also have Amazon fire TV which has brilliant games on it for free. I didn't think my DS played with it much until he reminded me that the new controller we got for it wasn't programmed for the new TV we got a few months ago. Since we fixed that he's been playing games on it with DH. I think he's got enough gaming things at the moment- iPad, Nintendo DS and Amazon fire games.
What he's massively into Lego and my BIL is getting him Lego boost as a joint birthday and Christmas present. I think he'll love it!

[PersianCatLady]

He is a bit young for either the PS4 or Xbox and I would wait until he asks for one himself.

PP have suggested Switch.

I used to like the Wii because it was something we could play together.

[mrsmuggins53]

I'd hold off on Xbox forever. Son completely addicted. Impossible to get him to do homework, eat, get to bed on time. Everything's an argument if it means he has to come off Xbox. Not every kids like this but have read and seen that lots of kids do get addicted. I just wish we'd never bought the damn thing.

[MyOtherProfile]

I think if and when you do get an x box you have to start as you mean to go on, and set firm rules. We did that and while we so get the odd tantrum usually he comes off when the time is up or we are doing other things as a family. And he doesn't go on it til homework is done.

[StreyyTV]

You've got to have clear time limits and a list of priorities. If he's not doing his homework, then homework comes before gaming. Take the controllers if necessary - once he shows you homework is done he can have them back.

[mrsmuggins53]

Thanks all easier said than done unfortunately!

[dkb15164]

Asked partner as he's a gaming enthusiast, Nintendo is more age appropriate and portable, focuses less on real life graphics/violence and more on fun and learning however some of the games that he likes such as FIFA would be on PlayStation or Xbox. Best thing is to ask what his friends have as a lot of gaming platforms are a lot more fun if he can actually play with his friends. Alternatively, minecraft is better on PC - maybe a small computer for him might be better? Put on parenting controls and he'll be able to get help on homework etc as well.

[Lackingimagination6]

Switch!

[AllPizzasGreatAndSmall]

Thanks all easier said than done unfortunately!

Plenty of people manage it.

[mrsmuggins53]

Allpizzas didn't say it wasn't done!