Xbox or Nintendo switch

[TheRealKimmySchmidt63]

My 8yo would like a games console - unsure of which one to get any help appreciated

Nintendo switch as it doesn't connect to the Internet I think where the xbox does. Also getting my 8yo a switch and it seems he's last of his friends most already have it

We have a ps4 and a switch and love the switch for the handheld capabilities. I take it everywhere, and it's great for Travel, flights etc. It be more inclined to recommend that.

@imjustsolost switch does connect to the internet but you can't use it browse or watch Netflix etc like you can with more powerful consoles

The Switch absolutely does connect to the internet.

Nintendo switch as it doesn't connect to the Internet I think where the xbox does

Both can connect to the internet. Both can be used without it.

Personally, for the home I would go with an xbox. If it would be handy to take it into the car or travelling, the switch.

Definitely the switch! My boys have one & it is so handy when we go camping/holidays keeps them entertained in the car etc. Plus the joypad are really cool as 4 people can play at once, we all play Mario cart and its alot of fun!

Switch but make sure you buy a USB C cable so you can charge it when out and about as the battery doesn't last long

Switch every time. They are so good, while Xboxes are overwhelmingly full of shoot-in-the-head games.

(I have both, plus Playstation4, plus basically everything else. The Xbox is the least used console we've ever had)

@woogal The current Switches last nearly twice as long as the original ones.

I think it’s important to find out what his friends have- playing with others is the best bit!

For an 8 yr old, I would get a console that doesn't have tiny gaming cartridges.

Unless you're loaded for 50 quid a shot to replace the games.

It's really weird the way people push the switch on here for young kids.

Thank you I didn't realise that! I heard somewhere that it couldn't connect. Can you disable the Internet function on it? I'm getting the Switch as it connects to tv and can be played in car, going away etc.

It's really weird the way people push the switch on here for young kids.

It's hardly rocket science, you teach the child to be careful when switching games, at 8 the child should be well capable of managing small objects, my son is 7 and has yet to lose a game.

The OP asked which would be better and we gave our opinion we are hardly pushing the switch 😂

@imjustsolost

If you don't have a Nintendo online account you can't play any co-op online gaming etc. It auto defaults to you needing your password and payment details to buy games online and has parental controls

Or just download the games and then you don't need the cartridges...

It's like people like the idea of a console but an Xbox or playstation is the devil's work.

Switch's are expensive to buy and expensive for games compared to anything else out there. Even pre-owned games are silly prices.

The OP asked which would be better and we gave our opinion

And I'm just giving mine

I agree the Nintendo tax isn't great! But it means DH and I can be in the same room and be antisocial on our respective consoles.

The games on the Switch are much better for a younger child but they are very expensive and I suspect within a few years he'll want a PS4 or XBox depending on what his pals have. Personally I'd get neither yet and wait and see what his friends all get.

Don't get me wrong, I like the switch. It's a decent bit of kit but it wouldn't be my first choice of console for a young kid. I'd go for something like an Xbox or a playstation (I have both also) which can be used as a media centre if said child doesn't take to it and games can be bought a lot cheaper than 50 quid a shot that you don't need a magnifying glass to find a lost game disc.

@gamerchick Odd comment. My child had a switch from age 6 and takes good care of the games and the console, always putting them in the travel/storage case. I'm sure he can't be the only child who takes care of their precious games!

I'm giving my opinion as has been asked for. There's nothing odd about not bowing down to the almighty switch as a first time console for young kids.

@gamerchick Our first console for the children was an Xbox. It's still in use (as is the PS4, the wiiu, the ds's and the switch) but key to them being allowed to use these is taking care of them. If hardware and games were being left where they shouldn't be left, broken or handled badly then they wouldn't be allowed. That's what I don't understand, why assume children will break things? In my house they know the value and therefore the importance of looking after them.

I never said anything about breaking anything.

I also said first console, so not sure of your point.

What kind of games does he want to play? My son has been playing various Mario games at after school club and he loves Pokemon, so it's a Nintendo for us.

If your DS wants FIFA etc, I believe it's better on Xbox/PS.