Nintendo Switch or other console?

[GottaPickaPocketorTwo]

My 8 year old DS has played with a Nintendo Switch at a friend's house, and is asking for one for Christmas.

We don't have any consoles here (very non-techie family), I am not against them, I just don't really have an interest in them, so have never bothered.

So, is the Nintendo Switch the best console to get? Or should we be looking as a PS or Xbox? Those are the ones that I've heard of - are there any others?

I also have a 10 yo DD, and I dare say that she would use it too, if allowed by her brother! So maybe a joint present?

He loves Super Mario (when he's played it on one of those machines at the cinema) so having a Mario game would be a bonus. He also likes Roblox (plays it on my phone when he can get hold of it) - not sure if that kind of game can be played on a console too? I am clueless!

Thanks for any guidance and suggestions!

Following because I'm in the same situation. My DS 6 wants a console to play games, particularly Mario. I have no idea what to get!

We got a Switch as a joint present for our 10 and 8 year olds last year. Great purchase - easy to use, versatile, plenty of games they can play on together (mine love minecraft). It gets a lot of use. Never bought a console before, but really pleased with this one.

Switch seems good for younger dc. I think x box is for older teens and grown ups lots of gun killing violence etc. Switch has mario cart so thats why we went for it. And it does double duty as a portable device. We got the wheels for mario cart.

I deliberately refused to get the one with fortnite preloaded on it.

Suggest a joint pressie as its very expensive and they will both use it. Will cause arguments who can use it in portable mode but teaching them to share.

We also got some proper controls as the portable controls are very small.

You will need a screen protector and a case for it, plus games it all adds up.

My ds doesn't play on it all the time which is good but its fun for groups of kids and adults alike.

Mine love
Minecraft
Mario party
Just dance (good for your dd)
Whats that paint gun game?
Lego games like the incredibles
Lets go pikachu

Mario cart is a good all ages game

Get the switch! Has games you can play as a family, plenty of 2 player games can be on the tv or if others want to watch the tv is handheld, portable for journeys!

I recommend the original switch rather than the newer one as the controllers don't detach

Look at a nintendo online membership too easy shared present each year

My 3 boys got one as a shared gift, best console we have bought

There have also been the nintendo labo (cardboard put together things) online reduced to a tenner in the sales.

You won't regret getting the switch. They are great. They don't play Roblox though, no console does.

I'd get a ps over an xbox if you decide to go down that route.

Thanks everyone! Off to look at the prices of the Switch........

We got a switch with Mario cart for £300 from Smyths.

I think the switch is perfect for that age group. Some of the games in the other consoles are more aimed for teenager and adults.
We have the switch and the dd’s love mario cart and the Pokemon games.

We got a switch last year, first console we have had and its been great. I like that ot can be portable or played with others on the tv. Havent seen any downsides yet (apart from prices of the games!)

We got a Switch last year for our oldest two DC (6 and 9). It’s been a hit as the games we got allow us all to play together so it’s surprisingly sociable for a console. I can highly recommend Mario Kart, Lego City Undercover (surprise hit), Lego Harry Potter and Donkey Kong. We have got Minecraft for them to share this Christmas.

I found the Switch was selling out online over the weekend, so you may need to look around unless places have restocked - eg, Smyths sold out online but had them in store...