Please recommend me a first games console

[WellTidy]

DS is 10yo, and has never expressed any interest in a games console, nor has he wanted to play with one at a friend’s house. But I think it is something he would enjoy if he got going. He is borderline dyspraxic, and obviously a complete novice. What should I go for? Considering the Xbox one and also the nintendo switch, but open to suggestions.

BUmp

We have a ps4 and our boys (8 and 4) got a Nintendo switch for Xmas. The switch is brilliant for family games and I think it would be better as a first console.

I would find out what the majority of his friends have, usually xbox or PS4 and get that. Playing cooperatively with friends online is a very big part of socialising at this age. Getting a console which doesn't allow that will limit the enjoyment he will get out of it, especially if as you say he isn't interested in playing on his own.

Don’t just think of the here and now op, think about what will suit his needs in a couple of years time too.
Any console is a big payout, so while the Switch may be better now at 10yo to play family games, he may well be asking for a Xbox or PlayStation in a year or so when he goes to secondary school based on what all his friends have got.
Can you ask him what console he played on at his friends house?

I partly agree with IceRebel in having a shared experience could be good; but also having the 'other' can also be a boon to a collective of friends - depends on the extent to which you think it'll be a component of his friendship developments.

DS (7) has a Switch (and DS) and Wii before that. Switch's biggest boost over Xbox/PS is that it is both portable and playable on TV.

@PoptartPoptart if you’re thinking like that then the OP might as well wait and save. The xbox and PS4 will be replaced soon enough.
I’d get the switch as a first console, the parental controls are pretty good (a lot better than either the Xbox or PS4)

Oh and with the switch you effectively start with two controllers so having friends over to play is easier to begin with.

I don’t necessarily agree @Faithless12
It’s about buying something the op’s DS can use now but will still be appealing in a couple of years also.
OP - I think your best bet is to find out what console his friends have and even maybe ask your DS his opinion too

THANKs for all the opinions. I hadn’t been a clue, so they’re really valuable. DS doesn’t really want a console, so he has no opinion, but I think he would like one if he gave it a chance. He hasn’t played on one at all.

His friends bought a mix of nintendo DS, Xbox, wii etc,so no steer there. I am not buying one for now for now! The majority seem to be saying to go with the switch so I think we will do that.

Those with a switch, any recommendations for first (easy) games please?

If you’re going for the switch it has to be Mario Kart. That is the best game ever!
We just got Labo for Christmas but haven’t built it yet, so I can’t vouch for it.

My 9 and 7 year olds got half a switch each at Xmas.
They got Mario cart, and Mario odyssey, as well as a more niche game they had played elsewhere.
DH was adamant about Mario cart. Odyssey seems to have been more popular.
Games are eyewateringly expensive!

I'd say the Switch. Has a good mix of games and easy for a novice to pick up. There's also the really cool Labo stuff, where you craft stuff out of cardboard and then it can be controlled by the Switch.

Considering the battles other parents have over the DCs gaming too much, maybe it's better if yours doesn't have one .

I'd consider the 2DS/3DS range. A third to a half the price of the home consoles and there are so many great games. It's a very strong console for RPGs and puzzle games such as Pokemon or Professor Layton, which don't need quick inputs so might be easier with the dyspraxia.

Speaking as someone who has a child who literally wont get off the darned thing i advise you to buy.... something totally different! Honestly wish these things had never been invented.

I'd say Nintendo is the best place to start if you want something simple and easy to start with.

But PP about the online element have a point. At his age he's likely to be asking for something like the Xbox or ps in a year or two. If your DS was 7, I'd say get the Nintendo. But at this age, I would look to the future. You don't want to spend £300 just to fork out another £400 on an Xbox in 18 months time.

If he isn’t asking for one and he isn’t bothered at the moment then to be honest op why don’t you just wait awhile?
Like a pp said, once they get a proper taste for gaming it can be a real bone of contention and cause all sorts of arguments!
Maybe consider waiting a year or so until he shows an interest and then take a view as to which console suits his needs at the time.
You’ll likely find he shows more of an interest when he goes to secondary school anyway.

I understand what you’re saying about not getting anything at all until he shows an interest. But he is the only boy in his year not to have one, and he is being left behind. Conversations and games in the playground are around what children are playing or building in their games. And they play each other. There is social currency in it, whether any of us like it or not. With that in mind, and as nobody from his primary is likely to go to his secondary school, I having some experience and conversation about a game will help him.

I will go with Mario kart and Mario odyssey I think.

Thanks all.

Another vote for Mariokart and Odyssey. Sonic is always good fun and Animal Crossing is coming to Switch soon but that might not be his thing.
The Lego games are really fun too.
Legends of Zelda seems really popular but I haven't tried it myself.

The Switch is brilliant and I like that the games are more family friendly. I don't think I'd encourage Xbox/PlayStation as that opens up a lot more games with very adult content that a lot of kids are playing.