Nintendo games on a console that don’t need an internet connection or include advertising. These have been the best combination for our kids where they have fun but aren’t addicted and can easily put them down.
The moment games include advertising they optimize for all the wrong things. I won’t let my kids get free games on iPad, etc for this reason alone.
Not a parent but if I was, I would absolutely get them a Switch over an Xbox/PS5. While games can be hit and miss on XB/PS, Nintendo seems to really have their shit together when it comes to releasing consistent high quality games with no shenanigans.
The downside is the games never go on sale so you aren't getting any deals but the upside is that you can give your kid just about any Nintendo game and not worry about shenanigans around loot boxes, ads and other crap they stick inside games now.
I was trying to game on my brother's iPad (M1 chip) and realised that iPad even though powerful are absolutely trash when it comes to the free video gaming market. Filled to the brim with advertisement, slot machines, lootboxes, paid powerups to levelup. Only acceptable games were paid like Minecraft, terraria, Limbo etc. But they cost too much on the iPad. I won't advise strangers on how to raise kids but a steam deck ( if its available in your region ) with parental settings on has a huge list of games which go on sale very often or Nintendo switch would be a great option for kids to play.
I tried so hard to find good free games on my brother's ipad but I realised, thats not what an iPad is good for. Its Excellent for video content consumption, reading, surfing web but not gaming period. I remember a time when there were lots of beautiful video games on my nexus tablet but the switch to freemium model has completely turned the mobile market into a dumpster fire.
Regardless of ads or Internet connectivity requirements, I can find hardly any acceptable games on phones/tablets, in mobile app stores. If you want to play games on the go, I suggest a proper videogame console, like a 3DS.
I agree, and thanks for the advice. However, as another commenter pointed out, I believe the lack of good games in mobile app stores is a direct consequence of the economic model, driven by ads and internet connectivity.
Agreed. The constant dopamine hit with sounds and flashing colors set a horrible precedence. It's bad enough television advertisements hit all the right spots, now video games are a minefield their selves.
The moment games include advertising they optimize for all the wrong things. I won’t let my kids get free games on iPad, etc for this reason alone.