Never thought I'd be actively looking to encourage playing computer games but...

[dameofdilemma]

Dd (8) isn't that into computer games (the odd 'fashion makeover' game on the Kindle Fire is about all) but more and more I can see some of her friends are starting to play SIMs, Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite etc.

Dd isn't into Minecraft/FNite/Super Mario but would like SIMs, mainly as her friends are on it.
I'd like her to have:

• something to play as an alternative when friends come round (lots are happy playing with toys etc but some aren't)

• something active to do as a family (for the inevitable bad weather/lockdown scenario - we all like Just Dance)

I don't want to encourage her to stop reading books/playing with toys and be glued to a console though.
She has (my old) laptop which she uses for schoolwork but would rather that doesn't become a games portal too...

Not sure what we should get? Am a bit lost (none of us have ever been into gaming).

We love Untitled Goose Game here and there is now a two player mode.

My daughter loves Animal Crossing and Breath of the Wild.

If you’re leaning towards multiplayer for family and stuff to play when friends are round, it’ll be the Nintendo Switch that would be best. Things like Mario kart, Mario party, etc are good for multiplayer.

If she's not overly bothered yet, how about an xbox 360? Will be able to play Minecraft and obviously really cheap, with the new ones coming out soon.

Xbox 360 only has the old version of Minecraft so she wouldn’t be able to play with friends online and it’s a bit limited and dated in terms of gameplay if she’s wanting to chat about Minecraft with her friends. It’s the old version of Minecraft basically (smaller maps, none of the new updates and animals). Xbox one would be better if OP goes for Xbox.

Dd isn't into Minecraft/Super Mario - she's tried it at a friends and thought it was boring (think my OP might have been bit unclear).
Sims is the only one she's shown an interest in.

Am wondering whether its worth spending hundreds of pounds on a games console on the off chance she only likes Sims and Just Dance...

I'd be looking at a Switch for her age. It's an all round family console and lots of age suitable games.

If she likes the idea of SIMs, Animal Crossing would be right up her street. Mario Kart for family competitions, Mario Odyssey is an amazing game, so would be an excellent one too.

Roblox has a huge range of games, from single player to multiple and - includes many unusual themes - including makeover, very surprised if you couldn't find things on there to interest her.
(but I'd suggest you don't point anyone at fortnite.)

We're wondering ahout the switch for family games. A non gaming family but fancy having something to play, rather than dedicating serious time to it!

Switch does look fun for playing together. Im wondering if black fridaybwill have them cheaper.