Need an idiots guide for what to buy DS

[NotGaming]

Name change because I’ve asked friends for advice too :)

DS is 7 and desperate to get an Xbox or PS5 because ‘all his friends have one’. The issue is, I literally have no idea where to start. Most importantly, DS has ADHD and suspected ASD so can’t read or write and doesn’t watch screens. He has an iPad that he barely touches, and doesn’t really like tv unless he’s very tired at night. Even then he’d rather play with Lego.

But he’s desperate and I was given some Christmas money so thought I might look into it for a birthday present. But I have no idea where to start. We only have one tv, so would I need another one? Can he play games if he can’t read instructions? I’ve seen people getting them for 3 year olds etc so there must be stuff they can do if they can’t read?

I saw a Switch, would that be something he can take out and play with in the car or play at home? Does it matter that I only have one tv (I don’t want my only tv being used for games as I have other kids). My my younger child play with the older one, or would she need one too?

I literally have no idea about any of it, any advice or suggestions would be great, thanks!

A switch is a portable handheld device, there are two types - a Switch lite and a normal switch.
Switch Lite- purely handheld and can not be played on tv
Switch - both handheld and can be played on tv
lots of good games, family ones such as mario cart etc - don’t need to read or write for it.
can play fortnite, but not Roblox. Lots of Lego games available.

Xbox / Ps5 for me are for older games, not as child friendly, games more limited.

Weve a switch and Xbox , switch my 7 year old uses, Xbox is for our older DS although 7 year does play Roblox on it.

Also my 7 year old (year 3) is very much in the minority having a switch! Not many in his year have them or games consoles

This isnt going to be a popular opinion but 7 is too young for an Xbox or PS5, and he only wants one because all his friends have one. So I'd say no to those.
If all his friends have one, does he go to their house to play on it with them? Has he ever actually use one?
I'd consider the Switch but I'd want him to try one first.

(DS is mad about gaming, he always knows which console he wants next, he is saves for it. He knows which games he wants and why and he never shuts up about them.)

A switch, X Box or Ps5 is a LOT of money for someone who barely touches screens. If I were to go for any from your situation as described, I'd go for the Switch (full version) as it can be played handheld (so won't use up the TV) and can be taken out on journeys. But I would still want to see how he plays and uses it before committing to spending that amount of money.

Thanks both for the help. I think he’s too young too, but a lot of the kids in his class have older brothers and sisters so seem to have them because of that. I don’t want him to be out of touch because I’m a bit of a technophobe :) the switch sounds most suitable, and cheapest which is good for me! Will I need to buy stuff online or can I just buy games from Amazon?

Does he want it to play games or to communicate with his friends? As he'll need same console as his feiends then also a live account £50? A year.

I don't think an xbox or PS5 would be suitable for him. The games tend to be geared towards older children, and many require reading instructions or remembering maps / tasks in order to play them.

You say he's not interested in screens, has he ever used one before? They're not difficult to work out, but it's an expensive purchase if he's not actually going to use it. In terms of games and usability I think the switch makes more sense, but I would also consider a second hand nintendo DS or Wii as a good starting point. There are plenty of games he would enjoy and the price is cheap enough to not worry as much if he doesn't end up enjoying it.

@Whinge i hadn’t thought of that, I thought they were the main three consoles?

im not sure about communication. He loves the idea of it, but like I say, he can’t read or write so wouldn’t be able to talk to anyone anyway. I think I’d rather he didn’t have the communication options for safety reasons since I know so little about it all?

Yes, there are safeguarding issues and you really need to know how to use and monitor the tech yourself when your DC's are that young.

If your DS wants to fit in with other kids, are there other things you can do instead, like some group activities with a few hand picked friends?

Just came on to point out what @Ohdearnotagain76 said if he wants to be able to play with friends he needs the same console as them

It's very expensive if he will barely play with it. Save your money and see what else peaks his curiosity. My now 11 year old never ever played with his switch or DS, total waste of money. Now he is older he uses his IPad and Play station, goes between back and forth. Try keep his away for as long as possible. The IPad literally does everything so if needs be, see what he likes in there.

They are the three main consoles. The two the other poster mentioned - The Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii - came out in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Neither are consoles that should be bought for the purpose of being able to play with friends.

My advice would be to say, no.

He may well want one, but he's 7 and you know better.

Revisit when he's a few years older.

@NotGaming You can download from the Nintendo shop or buy physical copies of games for the switch (including from Amazon)

I would really, really urge you to arrange him to try one first before you purchase though. Even if you don't know anybody with one, sometimes they have demo versions in shops and you can see how much interest he has in it.

The Switch is the only one that doesn't need a TV, he could also play it handheld, I find the games on it are more family friendly and suitable for children too, the PS5 and Xbox seem to pitch towards teen boys and are mainly realistic shooting, driving or sports games.

I own a Switch and an Xbox and the Switch is used daily whereas the Xbox has been used a handful of times in the 5 years or so that we've owned it.

However if you're buying one purely so he fits in with his friends then he's going to want the same as them.

Could you speak to one of his friends parents and ask if he could go and try it first?

A Switch Lite might be a good option. Handheld console, slightly smaller than a Switch but cheaper too. Can play all the same games as a Switch which you can buy on the Switch itself from the Nintendo e-shop or buy the physical game cartridges from shops or Amazon etc. Mostly played on your own but depending on the game, you can connect with other players. I love my Switch Lite. My DD loves her Switch. We mainly play 'cosy' games such as Animal Crossing where we can visit each others islands.

A switch with Minecraft on it may be good if he likes Lego?

I agree that a switch would be best out of the options. Have you considered looking at second hand bundles - I know of someone that got a pretty good deal with one recently!

Ask him what games he wants to play and see if he actually knows , there is little point in potentially spending a lot of money just because his friends have one .

It’s not so much him keeping up with his friends, more that he wants it and so many seem to have it that I assumed he was at the right age? He lives outside and does tons of exercise so it would actually be a relief to get some down time from him!

@ShrillBill as soon as he gets something I’ll work it all out and set it as safe as I possibly can, I just need to choose before starting anything like that. It’s looking like a switch is the way to go though.

id love for him to try it, but no idea how. I’ll get on dragons den with a rental idea :)