Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

How young is too young for a Nintendo Switch

47 replies

Pherian · 20/10/2023 12:08

My partner has a daughter from a previous relationship who is 5. Her mother is asking that we buy her a Nintendo Switch for Christmas. She asked last year as well and we felt it was too young so we did not buy one.

Is 5 still too young ? it feels to me like it is, but I am open to the possibility I'm wrong on this one.

We were thinking something like the Tonies story telling box. Not a gaming device.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

TheCurtainQueen · 21/10/2023 08:05

I think it’s too young. I’m not sure why anyone would want to encourage more screen time.

Have a look at the Yoto player. It’s infinitely better than the Tonie box and will last many years.

StillWantingADog · 21/10/2023 10:07

Agree with others it’s better to have it a a “family” thing than theirs but in part that’s to stop the siblings squabbling

Original poster

Pherian · 21/10/2023 13:55

Thank You, I did look at the stories and thought they felt a little too young. We're stumped what to get her.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Christmas General parenting

TheCurtainQueen · 21/10/2023 15:56

Pherian · 21/10/2023 13:55

Thank You, I did look at the stories and thought they felt a little too young. We're stumped what to get her.

The Yoto stories are not too young at all. You can filter them by age and they go uP to age 9+. They also have lots of really good educational cards. The toni box is defo for younger kids (and has a far smaller selection).

AegonT · 21/10/2023 17:58

We got one when DD was 6. Most of the games are better suited to 8-10 year olds though. I love it especially Zelda (not for little kids) and Mario Odyssey.

Ellemeg82 · 21/10/2023 18:08

My son is 6 and we had a switch when he was 5. He loves Mario games and we love Mario kart races. We don't play it handheld though only on the tv in the lounge. Lots of age appropriate games and family games too on the switch. Like all things, used in moderation it's good fun.

WYorkshireRose · 21/10/2023 21:21

Pherian · 21/10/2023 13:55

Thank You, I did look at the stories and thought they felt a little too young. We're stumped what to get her.

If you're inclined in that direction then Yoto's are far better for variety.

limefrog · 14/11/2023 06:31

A 5 year old can definitely enjoy and understand a Nintendo Switch as long as you get age appropriate games and supervise them a bit with learning how to use it.

I'd recommend playing it as a joint activity with an adult, rather than just leaving her to it. It can be a really nice social activity to do together.

You need platform games like Mario Wonder/ New Super Mario Bros/ Kirby & the Forgotten Land/ Sonic etc. Mario Kart would also go down well.

Don't buy games like Animal Crossing, Zelda or Pokemon - they are good but too advanced for a 5 yr old.

FannyBawz · 14/11/2023 06:35

8 and I felt that was too young: it’s very addictive.

PerspiringElizabeth · 14/11/2023 06:36

Eldest had the switch around 5. His younger brother is now 6 and not interested. Depends on the kid.

I agree with PP ’I think I would prefer a switch over a child passively watching YouTube on an ipad for hours all day.’

Animal crossing, Mario, Minecraft (creative mode only), rocket league are the main ones here.

Girlsjustwannahavefundamentalrights · 14/11/2023 06:45

5 years is a great age for the switch. Some story telling box isn't going to cut it if the child wants a switch.

MidnightOnceMore · 14/11/2023 06:46

Pherian · 21/10/2023 13:55

Thank You, I did look at the stories and thought they felt a little too young. We're stumped what to get her.

I don't understand why you don't buy what the parent has asked for?

Ultimately they are not your child and if you have no major objection to the item, it feels quite strange to refuse to buy what is wanted.

PerspiringElizabeth · 14/11/2023 06:47

We also have a Tonie and you can’t really compare it with a Switch. We’re actually upgrading to a Yoto this Christmas as think Tonie is better for tiny kids (we’ve had it since DC2 was 1, so 5 years). My point being, go Yoto rather than Tonie IMO.

OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo · 14/11/2023 06:55

Similar to others I'd say get what the resident parent has asked for as it stirs up I'll feelingnif not.

Also a switch can be great - no adverts so not like the games people have on phones to give their kids and can be controlled

Also the reason we opted for a switch is it can be active and involve the family - 123 switch for example has people standing up and is a proper family interactive game.

In favour of starting young you can. Create boundaries and expectations early on while they are young and it's definitely something that will grow with them. They can get different games as they get older.

Mine liked "just dance" which again is fun and interactive and encourages movement.

Will definitely be more of a long term buy than a story reading box. You can still read lots of stories when they come stay with you!

OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo · 14/11/2023 06:56

Also long term if non resident parent it's definitely worth giving presents the chil/family want as it oil's good relationships. It's complicated enough.

Original poster

Pherian · 16/11/2023 15:20

Because it’s my money and I’m the step parent. I’m married to her father.

If the Ex wants to go buy a Nintendo switch then she can crack on. If I’m being asked to buy something though, then I get to decide how I spend my money.

OP posts:

NameChange30 · 17/11/2023 15:42

I really don't see why you should buy her a switch if you don't want to, just because her mum has asked you to. If DSD had asked you and her dad for it herself, that would be different. Does she have a switch at her mum's already or does her mum want you to buy it so she can use it there? If it's for DSD to use at both houses maybe her mum and dad can go halves on it?

As an aside, I agree with PPs about the Yoto player. It's brilliant. I'd recommend a Yoto mini. Of course it's nothing like a switch but my screen-obsessed 6yo really likes his Yoto.

twistyizzy · 17/11/2023 15:47

I'm going against the grain here, DD got a switch when she was 10 (2 years ago).as screen time time has always been restricted.

HAF1119 · 17/11/2023 15:51

Do you know anyone who has one? Sometimes trying it is the way to know if she can manage the controls

Generally speaking I would say 6 or 7 is about right

Mummyme87 · 17/11/2023 15:52

My eldest got his switch when he was 7.5yrs and youngest was just about to turn 5. They both have tablets aswell and yeah probably far to much screen time, I would take the switch anyday over the crap they watch on their tablet.

BertieBotts · 17/11/2023 15:57

Why is the ex telling your DH what present to buy? Surely she can get her one if she wants her to have one.

I can see making suggestions/sharing lists to avoid duplicates, but instructing you on what to buy is not appropriate IMO.

To answer the question, we have one and my 5yo occasionally plays mario kart and a couple of other games, but mostly doesn't understand the controls. I would not buy him one of his own.

CloudOfDust · 17/11/2023 16:13

Has the child said she wants a switch? Does she not make list for Christmas?

I wouldn’t say she’s too young for it, my friends kids have used theirs since that age and enjoy it. My own kids who are older used to sometimes play on other consoles at that age.

Flip

1 2