The internet has definitely changed the world of gaming. People can now play with those who live miles away. Along with that, gaming consoles also allow you to perform multiple other activities online, some of which can be inappropriate for children.

If you have children who want a gaming console, it is important to make an informed decision before the purchase.

What to consider before buying a gaming console?
There are a few factors to be considered as a parent/guardian before buying a gaming console for your dependent. They are:

• Age appropriateness
  Remember, all games have varying content; some may be PG13, but some may be inappropriate for children. Different gaming consoles are suited for varying ages, hence it is important to know the age restriction for a particular gaming console. For instance, Xbox One and PlayStation games have content best suited for teenagers and adults and not children. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, on the other hand, have games that are suitable for young children.
• Parental controls setting
  Most gaming consoles now have direct access to the internet. Therefore, if your child is playing a video game, ensure you set parental control on it before letting them access it. This prevents them from getting access to inappropriate content on the internet.
• Multiplayer networks
  Always look out for games that have the options to play against other players in different parts of the world. This gaming console feature, although interesting, often includes interaction via voice communication or instant messaging. Needless to say, this can be a complication. Therefore, try using parental control settings that will not permit children to converse or interact with people they don’t know.
• Online purchase settings
  Many consoles are attached to the platform’s online game store which is used to download or buy games. Keep an eye out for such gaming consoles as children may accidentally buy a game or spend money on this platform. However, there are settings to prevent this from happening. Setting parental controls on such consoles is always a good idea.
• Standby mode
  In order to download various updates on the console, an internet connection is necessary. In some cases, this standby mode allows them to download content when connected to the internet even when it’s not being used. This can be prevented by shutting down the system.
• Content in games
  In today’s day and age, all games have a designated age classification, much like movies. PEGI is similar to PG13 in gaming consoles. This rating appears on the box and provides surety about exposing your child to its content. You can also check online reviews if you are still unsure about the content.

What gaming consoles are appropriate for a child?
There are some gaming consoles that are known to be more appropriate for children than others, considering the kind of content they have. They are Nintendo (2DS XL, Switch, Classic Mini SNES), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One S.