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• Gaming Systems

Ages 3-9 yrs.

Educational gaming system.

MSRP   $59.99

Learn through motion

Get kids jumping, dancing and more as they learn core skills across reading, mathematics, science and problem solving.

100+ games & videos*

With a library of educator-approved† cartridge games, game downloads and videos, kids will never run out of fun!

Grows with your child

Games adapt the learning to your child starting with age, then auto-adjust the level for just the right challenge.**

Made for young kids

With audio instructions for kids who don't yet read and a controller made for small hands, even the youngest can play.

3 ways to play

Gets children into the action 3 easy ways: body motion, pointer play and classic control. Play solo or with a friend!

Body motion

No controller needed—the camera captures it all as kids explore Disney Sofia the First's world or have fun dancing.*

Pointer play

Swivel one end of the controller out with a simple click to play as Jake from Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates.*

Classic control

Press the A and B buttons for fast-paced gaming. Swing as Spider-Man or tilt and shake the controller to kart race!*

• Transforming Controller Requires 2 AA batteries. (Sold separately.)
• Product dimensions:  13Wx11.5Hx3.1D
• Product weight:  3.1 lbs
• LeapTV Parent Guide Adobe PDF File
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• Browse All LeapTV

Educator-approved games and apps †

Choose from 100+ fun learning games, apps, videos and more—Scale skyscrapers, dance, swashbuckle and learn through motion with grow-with-you games that get miinds and bodies moving.

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LeapTV™ LeapFrog Kart Racing: Supercharged! Educational, Active Video Game

Game Cartridge

MSRP  Price: $19.99

LeapTV™ Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates Educational, Active Video Game

LeapTV™ Transforming Controller

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Best educational Nintendo Switch games for kids 2024

Your kids can learn while they play these Nintendo Switch titles.

Game Builder Garage

Eat Your Letters

Little Mouse's Encyclopedia

Abbie's Farm for kids and toddlers

Educational Games for Kids

Memory Lane

while True: learn()

TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live!

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Colors Live

Planet Quiz: Learn & Discover

The Nintendo Switch is a great console for kids. Aside from setting your child's console up with one of the best Switch cases to keep it protected, the next best thing is to set it up with some educational games for Switch. That way, your kids can play in a way that's good for their brain instead of just traveling a fantasy land saving a princess, although that is fun too. With the best educational games for Switch, your kids will have so much fun that they won't even know they're learning. Here are a few we recommend.

This science-based game is for kids age 6+ with different content for age groups 6-7, 8-9, and 10+. Players are trying to save their friend Finn from an evil infection! They are shrunk down to fight off bacteria and viruses. Along the way, they learn about the musculoskeletal, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Finn caught an infection! Luckily for him, you are able to shrink down to the bacteria's size and fight off the virus while learning about the body.

Buy from: Nintendo

Learn what it takes to make a game with this visual, step-by-step guide to programming and game design. Through fun, game-like lessons, players will be able to create their own games and play them when they're complete! This is a fun option for middle school kids, parents, and grandparents alike to enjoy some time together learning a new skill. Bring the game of your dreams to life for the whole family to enjoy.

Build a game and get a taste of game design life! After you build it, test it out and see how great of a game you're able to create.

Buy at: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart

Teaching kids to clean their plates and how to look for words in letters all in one! This cute game is all about figuring out how many words you can spell when given a select few letters. Find them all to get to the next level! There is a selection of difficulty levels, so both younger and older children will get just the right level of challenge in the 540 available levels.

In this fun food-based game there are puzzles where you have to find all the words in letters to clean your plate. Choose a difficulty level and dig in!

Buy at: Nintendo

Explore nature as Little Mouse! While you find new things in nature, a new encyclopedia page with all kinds of information on the plants, animals, and other items you discover is created. Interact with the things nearby to choose what you'd like to learn about. This children's-book-illustration-style world has four fun areas to see.

An interactive encyclopedia where players go through the pages as a little mouse, learning about the nature around him along the way.

Being on the farm includes a lot of chores that involve everyday learning! Kids will have a great time learning about animals, how to grow food, counting and cooking in the kitchen, and more. Join Abbie throughout the day and see just how many opportunities life gives you to learn. These simple games are easy and fun for little kids to play and learn.

Abbie takes kids on a journey of learning through daily activities. Help her out around the farm and in the kitchen and learn about every step along the way.

This game offers 20 different games for kids ages 3-11. Playing these games will help kids learn math, logic, reflexes, memory, and more. Keep things simple and relaxing with a jigsaw puzzle, test your knowledge with a world geography game, and get musical by playing around with instruments. This game will even keep track of your child's progress so you can see what they're learning.

Enjoy 20 activities available for kids from ages 3-11. Track progress along the way and see how far your child comes from the beginning!

A great game for all ages, Memory Lane is a simple test of memory. Cards are laid out across beautiful, peaceful backgrounds with a match to each card. Select two and find the one that matches. Remember where you found the matching pair and clear the board!

A memory game for players of all ages! There are beautiful cards and backgrounds to choose from while you try to find the matching pairs.

In this cute coding game, you play as a coder whose cat is also good at coding. Build a cat-to-human speech recognition system so you can talk to your cat! This silly game actually teaches kids about coding and programming and how machine learning works. The best part is it's beginner-friendly, no experience needed. 

Cuteness, cats, and coding all come together in while True: learn(). Learn coding while you try to build a system that will allow you to talk to your coding cat.

Jeopardy! is a long-time family favorite TV game show with trivia in many areas. Get everyone involved with Family Mode, adapted for family play. Think fast and test your overall knowledge across several categories. Each question is worth a different amount of money based on the difficulty level, and the person with the most money at the end wins! 

Bring a game show favorite into your own home for your family to join in on. Test your trivia skills and earn the most points to win!

Buy at: Best Buy  

Another classic trivia option with family mode is TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live! There are six general categories throughout the game. You can choose which categories you want to play, the way your questions and answers are entered, and even the difficulty level with a special kid-friendly difficulty setting. Up to four players can join in on the fun. 

Adjust your trivia categories to fit for little kids, or keep it traditional for an adult game night. This gives your trivia game some options!

Buy at: Amazon | Best Buy

Train your brain with a variety of games and watch your Big Brain Brawn score rise. Choose to focus on building a specific skill or do a variety of activities to get some well-rounded play. You can play together as a family, each with your own score and difficulty level, or play online against other players in Ghost Clash. As you play you even get to customize your avatar with items you unlock by completing goals!

A series of games and activities designed to strengthen your brain. Play as a family with each member playing at the difficulty level that matches you.

Make education creative with Colors Live! Follow the color quests to create different images based on the prompts and learn how to use the different tools together. Participate in weekly challenges to grow your skills even more. This game comes with a special pen to use with your Switch to draw on it.

Creativity on the go! Colors Live comes with a special pen to make drawings and follow color quests that teach you how to use your tools. 

From cultures to animals, agriculture, and more, Planet Quiz tests your knowledge of all things planet Earth. There is also a complete edition of this game that comes with additional questions about oceans. Choose from four modes: tournament, quizpedia, quick play, and campaign. Although it doesn't allow you to customize the difficulty level for each player, as a group you may choose to do easy, medium, or hard.

Check your knowledge on a variety of topics about our home, Earth! Play a quick mode or enjoy a whole tournament.

Fun for everyone

You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

These video games help give kids something fun and educational to do on the Nintendo Switch . Our favorite is Game Builder Garage, as it shows the behind-the-scenes of the games they enjoy playing. Another option for behind-the-scenes tech is while True: learn(), plus it has the bonus of having a cat in the game; who doesn't want to talk to their pet? For more traditional topics get into BodyQuest and have them learn about their body inside and out!

If you are looking for something for a younger audience, get a case on your Switch and check out Abbie's Farm for Kids and Toddlers for simple gameplay that's educational and easy to learn. Or get the whole family involved with the classics, Jeopardy! and TRIVIAL PURSUIT Live! These show that learning can be fun, and video games don't have to be mindless. Your kids are sure to enjoy learning as they play.

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Alex has been working with iMore as a Freelance Gaming Writer for three years. You can also find a few articles of hers on Android Central and Windows Central. She regularly covers Nintendo Switch games and accessories as well as iOS game apps. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, you may also find her playing on the PlayStation and PC. When she doesn’t have a controller in hand she likes to spend her time with her husband, son, and dogs, exploring new places, or hiding away with a book (or comic book). A few of her favorite games include the Zelda franchise, Little Nightmares, and Animal Crossing.

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7 Educational Nintendo Switch Games That Kids Will Love

These video games encourage children to think critically, strategically, and creatively.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Parents / Alli Waataja

Gaming has become a huge part of 21st-century life. The world of esports is continuously growing, with many gamers proving successful in turning their long-time passion for virtual competition into flourishing careers and sources of income . Though it can be easy to chalk children's gaming up to something that's lighthearted and only for playtime, there are potential benefits to gaming , and almost any video game will force players to think strategically and activate their problem-solving skills. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch game for your child that incorporates more traditionally educational components, we've rounded up some of the best options.

While there may be something new to learn from any video game, some admittedly have a more overt educational purpose than others. They can help players develop new skills, interests, and knowledge that can prove useful outside of gameplay.

There are Nintendo Switch games like Game Builder Garage designed to teach players about programming, and also multiplayer brain teaser games like Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain that allow players to competitively flex their logical thinking skills among friends and family. And don't underestimate the educational power of role-playing games (RPGs). There are plenty of RPGs for the Nintendo Switch that will teach players about lifestyles that are different from their own and provide facts about different environments throughout the game. Some RPGs may also require players to manage virtual, in-game money, as well as perform other tasks that rely on everyday math skills.

Our Favorites

Nintendo game builder garage, nintendo big brain academy: brain vs. brain, nintendo clubhouse games: 51 worldwide classics, animal crossing: new horizons, nintendo labo variety kit, super mario maker 2, nintendo pikmin 3 deluxe.

Playing video games is fun, but learning how to make video games is fun too. Game Builder Garage has two modes: Interactive Lessons and Free Programming. In the Interactive Lessons mode, your child will follow fun, interactive lessons and learn about game design from the perspective of Nintendo game-makers. The lessons will walk your child through building seven different games (via highly visual and easy-to-follow directions), allowing them to see what the gamer sees on screen and the programmer sees behind the scenes throughout each stage of the creation process. Free Programming mode allows them to apply their new knowledge from the lesson and create games of their own. ESBR Game Rating : Everyone.

This is a brain teaser game that has a multiplayer and a single-player mode. The single-player mode allows your child to practice brain teasers by themselves, while the multiplayer mode challenges friends and family to see who can correctly solve the puzzle fastest. One of the best things about this game is that you can set individual difficulty levels for the players. You can set the game to an easier mode for a young child and a more difficult model for an adult. That means people of all ages can play together and the game will be fair, making it a great game for families to learn new things together. ESBR: Everyone.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics allows you to play different board games, card games, and other traditional types of games virtually. As they master each game, your child will become well-versed in the strategies and principles behind them. The video game includes games popular to an array of different cultures and countries, making it a great way to combine cultural exploration, strategic thinking skills, and a fun gaming experience. Some of the games available to play are Chess, Shogi, Hanafuda, Chinese Checkers, and Hare and Hounds. ESBR: Everyone.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most popular games for the Nintendo Switch. In the game, your child will create and design their own island. As they explore the island, they'll learn about different aspects of the world through the different challenges offered in the gameplay. For instance, your child can discover insects, fish, and fossils (all of which have a real-world basis), and bring them to the island's museum. When they donate the items, the owl in charge of the museum will teach them about what they brought. Your child will also have to work to distinguish between real and counterfeit pieces when curating the museum's art gallery, so there are opportunities to learn about works of art too. ESBR: Everyone.

If you have a kiddo who is always creating and building something, or want to encourage them to do so, you'll want to consider Nintendo Labo Variety Kit . The kit includes five IRL, tangible cardboard toys that your child will need to construct: two remote-control cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike, and a piano. Rather than following a set of paper instructions, the game will walk your child through the process of building a functional version of each toy. Once the building process is finished, real-life and virtual worlds collide as the cardboard creations are incorporated into gameplay , with each toy having its own place to hold the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons. For instance, the Switch will sit above the keys on the piano, and when you press on the cardboard keys, the Switch will make music. Your child essentially helps design components for the game, making this kit great for tying STEM concepts and creative thinking into playtime. There's also a Nintendo Labo Vehicle Drive Kit , Robot Kit , and VR Kit . ESRB: Everyone 10+.

Courtesy of Amazon

This is another game that allows your child to take on the role of game creator, though with a Super Mario-focus. Super Mario Maker 2 will have your kiddo creating side-scrolling platformers (in the traditional Super Mario style) featuring none other than Mario himself. With all the items available to use during the game-creation process, such as those classic coins, Super Leafs, and Fire Flowers, and all the different gaming concepts available for your child to tinker with, it's a great game for players to explore their own imagination. Your child can play the games they make, but they can also take on the challenge of the ready-to-play courses available in single-player Story Mode. ESBR: Everyone.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a strategy and puzzle game with charming visuals. The game follows three explorers from a starving home planet who land on planet PNF-404 in hopes of finding food. In the game, your child will lead plant-like creatures called Pikmin, who will help the explorers combat enemies, explore the planet, and find food. Your child will have to work with their team of Pikmin and think creatively if they hope to overcome the obstacles they'll face on planet PNF-404. The game also offers a Story and Mission mode that allows your kiddo to play with friends, which further adds to the game's collaborative nature, teaching lessons in teamwork. ESRB: Everyone 10+.

Sarah Toscano is a writer and current Henry Luce Foundation fellow. When not writing or working on her fellowship, some of Toscano's hobbies include longboarding, watching anime, playing video games, and eating new desserts.

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Educational Games for Kids

This item will be sent to your system automatically after purchase.

A well thought-out, smart, polished, ‘console quality’ educational game pack is out for your kids.

You are a parent and you are trying to relax a little by playing your favorite game. Your child keeps asking you to let them try it… But this game is not suitable for children (because it’s a little scary and not educational at all). Does this situation sound familiar? At last: a well thought-out, smart, polished, ‘console quality’ educational game pack is out for your kids. Suitable for boys and girls from ages 3 to 18. A pack of 21 different games with 51 variations that educate in various ways like: reflexes, logic, math, memory and knowledge. Keep track of your child's progress with our statistics. All games have easy-to-learn controls with interesting and fun things to do. At last, a pack of games designed to educate and make your children smarter. The game runs natively in FHD when supported. What's included in this Educational Games pack: 1) Reflex: Riding a tricycle. (Ages: 3-4) 2) Reflex: Riding a scooter. (Ages: 5-7) 3) Reflex: Riding a bike. (Ages: >8) 4) Logic: Jigsaw puzzles with four variations. (Ages: >3) 5) Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division with many variations. (Ages: >6) 6) Knowledge: World Geography of Countries/States plus capital cities. Huge game that includes all the world. (Ages: >11) 7) Knowledge: World Flags. Another huge game with many variations. (Ages: >11) 8) Memory: Sharpen your child's memory. Three difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 9) Logic: Mazes. Find your way out the maze. Five difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 10) Just for Fun: Dress up a girl just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 11) Just for Fun: Color many sketches just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 12) Logic: Categorize the animals, birds and fish. (Ages: 3-5) 13) Logic: Categorize the colors of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 14) Logic: Categorize the shapes of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 15) Knowledge: Get to know the sound each musical instrument makes. (Ages: >6) 16) Logic: Learn how colors are mixed. (Ages: >6) 17) Logic: Build IQ by understanding patterns. (Ages: >4) 18) Logic: Is it a toy or is it food? Simple and fun game for young children. (Ages: 3-4) 19) Logic: Match the shape to its identical hole. (Ages: 3-4) 20) Knowledge: Learn and hear the number from 1 to 20 by popping balloons. Translated professional speech in eight languages included. (Ages: 3-4) 21) Hidden Dragon Game. Needs all games completed with 3 stars to unlock! (Ages: >4) Features: 1) Runs natively in FHD at 60FPS (when supported). 2) Twenty different games with many variations designed to make your children smarter. 3) Suitable for boys and girls, even from very young ages i.e., 3-18. 4) Focuses on many areas like: reflexes, logic, math, memory and knowledge. 5) Statistics included to see your child’s progress. 6) A hidden dragon game ready to be unlocked by completing a task. 7) Budget price. 8) Many interesting Achievements.

Software description provided by the publisher.

ESRB rating

Supported play modes, product information, release date, no. of players, game file size, supported languages.

Play online, access classic NES™ and Super NES™ games, and more with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

This game supports: Save Data Cloud

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WARNING: If you have epilepsy or have had seizures or other unusual reactions to flashing lights or patterns, consult a doctor before playing video games. All users should read the Health and Safety Information available in the system settings before using this software.

A Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) is required for Save Data Cloud backup.

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The 12 Best Video Game Consoles for Kids of 2024

Our picks have large video game libraries, parental controls, and more

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Lecia Landis

Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo (and many more)—game systems are fairly involved pieces of tech , so there’s a lot to consider when deciding which one best suits your needs. Some features that make a good video game console for kids include easy-to-access parental controls , a large and varied library of compatible games, durable construction, and an easy-to-use interface.  

In order to select the best video game consoles for kids, we spoke with a game designer , and assistant professor of the practice of cinematic arts, and a licensed clinical psychologist with video game expertise about what to look for in a video game console for kids. We also surveyed 875 parents to learn what toys their children play with, including game systems, and why kids love them. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on healthy and unhealthy video game habits . Next, we researched and analyzed dozens of gaming systems on the market. A pediatric psychologist on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding how often kids can play video games and important features to look for, like parental controls. 

• How We Selected and Tested

Our Experts

• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Family

Best overall, sony playstation 5.

Powerful and fast

User-friendly interface

Backwards compatible

Why We Recommend It

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is feature-packed and offers one of the highest quality gaming experiences you’ll find thanks to its incredibly fast load times, clean and easy-to-use interface , beautiful visuals (courtesy of its 4K support and frame rate of up to 120 fps), and immersive 3D audio. Plus, the innovative PS5 DualSense controllers are super comfortable and easy to grip, and they have improved haptics that allow you to better feel what’s happening in the game in your hands—ultimately creating a more engaging gaming experience. The system also supports VR gaming and Blu-ray movies , and it has substantial parental control options .  

Games for the PS5 can be purchased digitally or as hard copies . There are many well-loved PS5-exclusive games, adding to the allure of the system. Many of those exclusive games are better suited for older players, but part of what makes the PS5 so great is that its extensive library means your child can easily adjust the games they play as they age , making it a good long-term investment. Some games available for younger players include Sackboy: A Big Adventure , Overcooked! All You Can Eat , and Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles . The PS5 is backwards compatible with Playstation 4 (PS4) games , too. That means if your child previously owned a PS4, many of the games they played on their PS4 will also run on the PS5.

The biggest issue with the PS5 is that it’s typically difficult to find in stock, even nearly two years after its release—which, while unfortunate, speaks to its enduring popularity . You should also keep in mind that this is quite a large system , measuring 15.35 inches by 4.09 inches by 10.23 inches.

• Controllers: 1 DualSense controller
• Battery Life: Plug-in
• Storage: 825GB
• Age Recommendation: 9 and up

Best Overall Runner-up

Microsoft xbox series x.

Great power and speed

Easy-to-use parental control app

Not as many exclusive games as the PS5

User interface could be better

The Xbox Series X loads games impressively fast . It also has 4K gaming resolution , a frame rate of up to 120 fps, and comfortable-to-grip controllers, which allow for an overall smooth gaming experience. Its 3D spatial audio and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos can make your game sessions more immersive as well. This Xbox is backwards compatible with the previous models. So if your child previously owned an original Xbox, Xbox 360, or Xbox One, many of the games they played on those systems will also run on the Microsoft Xbox Series X. The Xbox’s interface isn’t as neat as the PS5’s, but the system has an overall sleek, inconspicuous design, as well as a sizable 1TB of storage . 

Parental controls can be easily set up and accessed through the Xbox Family Settings app , and games for the Xbox Series X can be purchased digitally or as hard copies. The Xbox Series X's main downfall is that it lacks as many system-exclusive titles as the PS5. However, it still has great game options for kids , such as sports games like Rocket League , classic platformer games like Sonic Mania Plus , and simulation strategy games like Overcooked! All You Can Eat . You will also have the convenient option of subscribing to Xbox Game Pass , which grants you access to a large library of games. There is a subscription fee, but it allows your child to try out a bunch of different titles under that one monthly fee rather than requiring you to buy each title individually. This is especially handy for gamers who are new and trying to discover what types of games they like. 

• Controllers: 1 Xbox controller
• Storage: 1TB

Best Budget

Microsoft xbox series s.

Xbox Game Pass

Compact and lightweight

Handy parental control app

Lower specs than the Xbox Series X

Digital games only

The Xbox Series S launched alongside the Series X and is less expensive —but you get less advanced hardware and features. The Xbox Series S has 1440P gaming resolution and 512 GB of storage ; despite these lower specs, it still loads games fast and can offer you a seamless gaming experience . It's great for more casual gamers or those who want to get their foot in the door of gaming without investing in a higher-priced, more feature-packed system. The same game titles are available on both the Series X and S, but you’ll only be able to play digital copies of games on the Series S, as it does not have a disc drive—which means this is definitely not the system for staunch advocates for owning hard copies of games. 

Just like the Series X, the Series S is backwards compatible with original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games . You still have the option to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass and gain access to a bunch of different titles. You also still have easy access to parental controls through the Xbox Family Settings app , through which you can easily do things like restrict your child’s spending and monitor their online friends list.

In terms of design, this is a wonderfully compact and lightweight system, measuring only 2.6 inches by 5.94 inches by 10.82 inches and weighing 4.25 pounds. So while this is not designed to be portable in the same way as a handheld device, it’s still manageable to pack this system up and bring it elsewhere if your family goes on a trip or your child wants to take the console to a friend’s house. 

• Storage: 512 GB

Best for Families

Nintendo switch oled.

User-friendly design and interface

Great parental controls

Multiple ways to play

Lacks 4K compatibility

Not too many upgrades from previous model

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model trades in the LCD display of the previous version for an OLED display , which brings you a brighter picture with deeper contrast for a more visually pleasing experience. It also offers better audio and a larger screen, but it has the same 720p resolution when used as a handheld device. The Switch is still straightforward to use in every way, with user-friendly controllers and a simple interface that makes accessing your games easy. Plus, the Nintendo library is packed with games of different genres and difficulty levels —you should have no problem finding games, either single-player or multiplayer, to entertain a child, teen, young adult, or grandparent. The Switch’s parental controls are also extensive and easy to manage through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app , and the option to play it as a handheld system or on your TV is convenient as well. 

Games for the Switch are available as downloads and game cards, and the library includes options designed to teach young kids how to code and design games , such as Game Builder Garage and Super Mario Maker 2 , role-playing games like Pokemon Diamond and Shining Pearl and Animal Crossing: New Horizons , and strategy-based games like Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker . Overall, the system's user-friendly design, upgraded screen, and expansive library that can cater to different age ranges and gaming skill levels make the Nintendo Switch OLED Model our favorite system for families to share and use together.

• Controllers: 1 pair of Joy-Cons
• Battery Life: 4.5-9 hours in handheld mode
• Storage: 64 GB
• Age Recommendation: 3 and up

What Our Experts Say

"The Nintendo Switch OLED is the most kid-friendly gaming option because of the nature of the system, the games on it, the choices and parental controls are easiest to use, and most of the games are geared toward more child-friendly minds.” — Anthony Bean, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist with video game expertise

Best for Young Kids

Leapfrog leappad educational tablets.

20 different educational apps

Straightforward parent controls

Sturdy design

Screen resolution could be better

Screen on smaller side

The LeapPad Academy Educational Tablet has 20 different apps pre-downloaded onto it, all of which are geared towards learning different skills and subjects, such as reading, art, math, coding, environmental science, and more . You can also head over to the LeapFrog App Center to purchase and download additional game apps, such as PAW Patrol: Ready for Action! , Disney Pixar Finding Dory: Mathematical Memories , or Disney Pixar Monsters University . There are plenty of easy-to-set-up parental controls on the tablet that allow you to do things like limit screen time and block certain content. 

On the more technical side of things, the tablet has a 7-inch screen and a 1024x600 screen resolution . The tablet is sturdily built, with a protective bumper and shatter-proof screen , so you don’t have to worry about minor drops and accidents. The tablet has a built-in kickstand that lets it sit stably on a surface as your child plays, and it comes with a stylus to play and practice writing skills . With this tablet, you also get a three-month free trial of LeapFrog Academy , which is LeapFrog’s interactive game program designed for children who are 3 to 6 years old. As a bonus, the tablet is available in green or pink, and its home screen is customizable, so your child can add things like stickers and animations to it to make the tablet really feel like it’s their own device.

• Controllers: Stylus and touch screen
• Battery Life: 9 hours
• Storage: 16GB
• Age Recommendation: 3-8

Best for Tweens

Razer kishi v2.

Ergonomic design

Cloud gaming compatible

Pass-through charging

Smartphone required

No headphone jack

Tweens who  own smartphones  may want to opt for a mobile game controller over a handheld system since it’s easier to tote around and more inconspicuous. The Razer Kishi V comes with two pieces that make up each end of a typical gaming controller. Each piece easily slides and grips onto each end of your phon e, effectively turning it into a traditional handheld gaming device. The controller has clickable analog thumbsticks, function buttons, an 8-Way D-pad, and face buttons to bring you more intuitive control as you play. The controller is responsive, too, and brings you a low-latency, smooth gaming experience. Please note that there is a model of Razer Kishi V2 for Androids and a version for iPhones, so be sure to add the right one to your cart if you decide to buy it. Also, parental controls will have to be handled through your child’s phone rather than through the device itself. 

The controller’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable and easy to hold, even over a long period of time. One end of the controller connects to your phone’s charging port, but don’t worry—you won’t lose your ability to charge your phone as you play since the device allows for pass-through charging . Unfortunately, there is no headphone jack, which means you will have to rely on the device's speaker ports or Bluetooth headphones, which can sometimes lead to audio lag while gaming. You can use the Razer Kishi V2 to play certain games from the app store, but it's also cloud gaming-compatible . Cloud gaming refers to games that are streamed rather than downloaded or purchased as hard copies. For instance, this means the Razer Kishi V2 can work with PC and  Xbox games  your child streams to their phone.

• Controllers: 1 Razer Kishi controller
• Battery Life: N/A
• Storage: N/A

Best for Learning

Osmo genius starter kit for ipad.

Off-screen components

STEAM topics

Great for playing together

Tablet required/limited compatibility

Many pieces to manage

Upon first glance, the Osmo Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night probably doesn’t meet the expectations of what you may imagine a typical gaming system to look like. However, this kit really is like a dynamic console for your tablet . It utilizes tangible, off-screen components, such as tangram pieces, number and letter tiles, and pen and paper in coordination with on-screen displays to create a unique gaming experience . The kit conveniently comes with a stand for your tablet, as well as seven different games . It also comes with stackable storage, which makes keeping track of all the different pieces easier. Something to keep in mind, however, is that this kit is only compatible with certain tablets —namely, the latest iPads, as well as the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 tablets.

Five of the seven included games are part of the Starter Kit: Tangrams, in which your child will have to arrange tangram pieces to match on-screen images ; Words, which teaches kids how to spell and has both a single-player and multiplayer mode; Newton, a problem-solving game in which your child will use pen and paper to guide on-screen balls; Masterpiece, which turns photos into on-screen outlines your child copies and draws ; and Numbers, in which your child can learn different math skills. There are also two other multiplayer games to be played with family and friends. The first is Math Buzz, in which you create teams of up to four players and solve equations to complete a task. The second is Lettertopia, in which teams traverse a board together by spelling out words. Since all the games are intended to teach your child some type of STEAM skill and blend physical, real-life actions with digital fun , this kit is our favorite system for learning. 

• Controllers: N/A
• Age Recommendation: 6–10

Best Handheld

Nintendo switch lite.

Expansive game library

Great parental control app

Lightweight

Available in different colors

Does not support TV mode

No vibration

The Nintendo Switch Lite is different from the other Switch models because it’s only made to be played as a handheld and tabletop device , as it doesn’t support TV mode and it doesn’t come with a TV dock. Also, unlike the other Switch models, this mode’s controls are built-in , and it does not have detachable Joy-Cons. Despite these major differences, it still has a lot in common with the other Switch models—it has a 720p screen resolution, relies on a straightforward interface that makes buying and accessing games easy, and lets you efficiently set parental controls, such as the ability to limit screen time and in-game communications through the  Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app . Weighing just 0.61 pounds and measuring about 3.6 inches by 8.2 inches by 0.55 inches, the Switch Lite is well-suited for gaming on the go . The 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen is a good size for playing games, too.

With the Switch Lite, you still get to choose games from the same large Nintendo game library and purchase games as either digital or physical copies . You can play fan-favorite RPG games, such as  Animal Crossing: New Horizons , platform games like  Super Mario Odyssey , brain teaser games like  Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain , and even photography adventure games like  New Pokemon Snap . An unfortunate way this Switch differs from other Switch models is the lack of vibration feedback when you play a game. On the plus side, up to eight different Switch Lite systems can link up together via a wireless connection to play games together, so it’s just as great for multiplayer gameplay as it is for single-player. The device is also available in five different colors —blue, coral, gray, turquoise, and yellow—which give it a bit of a personal touch since your child can pick their favorite color for the device.

• Battery Life: 3-7 hours
• Storage: 32GB
• Age Recommendation: 6 and up

Best for Sports Games

Nintendo switch.

Plenty of parental controls

Play in TV, tabletop, or handheld mode

Straightforward interface

OLED model is better in handheld mode

Battery life could be better

If you’re looking for a system specifically to play sports games that are designed to get you moving, the Nintendo Switch is a good option. Just like with the Switch OLED, this model has a clean interface , can be played in TV, tabletop, or handheld mode, has a 720p resolution in handheld mode, and lets you easily access and set parental control through the  Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app . You may be wondering: What makes this model a better option for sports games than the OLED model? Well, it comes down to price. The Switch OLED is more expensive than the Switch. If you intend to primarily play movement-reliant sports games, you’ll mainly be playing games with the Switch docked to your TV rather than in handheld mode. The OLED only brings you a better visual experience in handheld mode, so it could be superfluous to shell out extra bucks on the OLED screen if you're mostly playing in TV mode. 

The Nintendo Switch is compatible with great, innovative games that incorporate physical movement into gameplay , namely  Nintendo Switch Sports  and  Ring Fit Adventure . Nintendo Switch Sports is available as both a digital and physical edition and lets you play virtual versions of soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and swordplay. Your Joy-Cons come to act as rackets, wooden swords, or an extension of your wrist as you swing, hit, and perform all types of actions you would do if you were playing these sports in real life. The physical copy comes with a Leg Strap accessory, which lets you attach the Joy-Con to your leg, so the Switch will register your kicking movements when you play soccer . You can play this game online with people from around the world, but you can also play on the same system with family and friends. Ring Fit Adventure is an exercise game, and it comes with Nintendo's Ring-Con and Leg Strap, which help translate your off-screen movements, such as jogging, squats, and yoga poses, into on-screen gameplay . There’s an Adventure mode too, where your exercise movements help you defeat enemies.

• Storage: 32 GB

Best for Serious Gamers

Alienware aurora r13 gaming desktop.

Great graphics and performance

Upgradeable

Sleek, futuristic design

Additional parts required for setup

Complex for parental controls

PC gaming is one of the most popular and competitive forms of gaming, and it's the type of gaming you’re most likely to see in esports tournaments and on streaming sites like Twitch. The Alienware Aurora R13 Gaming Desktop provides an optimized game experience at a good price—it runs fast, has great graphics and 4K performance, and has plenty of ports , all while looking cool and futuristic. The games your child plays on a PC will likely be downloadable. Steam is one of the most popular platforms for buying and playing PC games, and it has a large library of games , including  kid- and family-friendly titles . You won’t be able to set up parental controls through the PC, but you will be able to set them up through  gaming platforms such as Steam . You can also set typical  Internet parental controls   since the PC will have to be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. 

Most PC gamers will recommend that you build your own custom PC, but if you don’t feel like going through the added steps of picking out your own individual pieces and putting them together, this is one of the best pre-built PCs you can buy. The main qualm gamers have had with pre-built PCs is that some models can be difficult to upgrade. As the years pass, sometimes newer games that are released require a computer with more power or better graphics processing units (GPU) to run properly, so the ability to order a new piece when necessary and replace it in the PC is important since it spares you from having to drop money on a whole new unit. It’s easy to access this model’s interior , and it's possible to upgrade the GPU if or when that should prove necessary . Keep in mind, this is only a PC, and you will need to buy equipment such as a mouse, keyboard, and monitor to complete the gaming setup or rely on equipment you already own.

• Storage: 256 GB
• Age Recommendation: 12 and up

Best Tablet for Video Games

Apple ipad (9th generation).

Tons of kid-friendly apps

Powerful and smooth operation

Headphone jack and home button

Stylus sold separately

Speakers could be better

The Apple iPad (9th generation) has a sizable 10.2-inch screen, 2160p by 1620p resolution, Retina display, and True Tone feature that calibrates the display according to a room's color temperature—all of which work to bring you a top-notch visual experience as you play games (or watch movies and draw). Unlike most of the newer or more advanced iPad models, this one still relies on a home button , which can make navigation and operation more straightforward for children. The speakers are not the best on this iPad; however, it does have a headphone jack , which is great since your child can easily plug in wired headphones for audio rather than going through the added steps of connecting Bluetooth headphones to the device. Bluetooth headsets are usually more expensive, too, so you won’t have to worry about investing in another pricey piece of equipment for your child to listen to their games. 

With iPads, you will be downloading games from the  Apple App Store , which is packed with kid-friendly titles across a range of genres . There are platformer games like  Monument Valley , minigame apps like  Sago Mini Friends , puzzle games like  Inbento , endless runner games like  Alto's Adventure , open-ended play games like  LEGO Duplo World , educational coding games like  Kodable , and many more. Please note, if you would like a stylus for your child to use with their games, you will, unfortunately, have to purchase the  1st Generation Apple Pencil  separately. You might also want to consider investing in a screen protector and a strong case if you buy this iPad to protect it against damage from accidental drops, bangs, or crashes since it’s a pricey piece of equipment. 

• Controllers: Touchscreen
• Battery Life: 10 hours
• Storage: 64GB
• Age Recommendation: 7 and up

"The iPad and Android tablets are a good option for kid-friendly gaming, particularly if you use a sturdy case and screen protectors.” — Margaret Moser, game designer and assistant professor of the practice of cinematic arts at the University of Southern California

Best Gaming Laptop

Acer predator helios 300.

Smooth gaming performance

Bright display

Great value

RGB keyboard

Extra equipment may be needed

Gaming laptops and PCs are among the most expensive pieces of gaming equipment you can buy, but the Acer Predator Helios 300 is value-friendly, offering a lot of high-quality features for its price point . It has a bright and vibrant display and a great 1080p resolution courtesy of its GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. It can also run heavier-duty games thanks to the combined efforts of its impressive GPU and Intel Core i7-11800H processor, and it has an RGB keyboard to really imbue it with that gamer aesthetic. All these factors come together to make it one of the best models in terms of game performance without going over that $2,000 price mark that many other gaming laptops breach. It falls a bit short in the battery life department, with an average battery life of 6 hours , but that, of course, will vary depending on what games are being played. Also, shorter battery life isn’t unusual for a gaming laptop with impressive graphics. 

Gaming laptops are essentially portable PCs , just typically with less power behind them. This means, just like with PCs, the games your child plays on a gaming laptop will likely be downloadable through online platforms like Steam. Some kid-friendly titles available include  Alba: A Wildlife Adventure , which is an open-world wildlife adventure game, as well as  Among Us , which we consider to be one of the  best video games for kids . Also, just like with PCs, you will need to set parental controls through the online game platforms your child uses. You can also rely on Internet-based parental controls since online gaming will require you to connect the laptop to a Wi-Fi network. Please note, you may also want to invest in a mouse for a smoother gaming experience, as well as a privacy shutter since one is not incorporated into this laptop's design. 

• Battery Life: 6 hours

How We Selected and Tested Video Game Consoles for Kids

To find the best video game consoles for kids, we spoke with a game designer, and assistant professor of the practice of cinematic arts, and a licensed clinical psychologist with video game expertise about what to look for in gaming systems. We also surveyed 875 parents to learn about what toys their children love to play with, why they love them, and how they interact with them. Lastly, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on healthy and unhealthy video gaming habits.  

After speaking with our experts, surveying parents, and reviewing guidance from the AAP, we researched dozens of video game consoles on the market. We carefully considered design, features, technical specs, types of games and their age recommendations, parental controls, durability, and overall value. Moreover, we researched reviews from customers and competitors and analyzed shopping trends to view the latest and newest gaming consoles on the market. 

Verywell Family spoke with two experts to help parents and caregivers determine what to look for in a gaming system for kids, including parental controls, durability and build, screen time, and features. Below, you’ll find background information on each of our experts and what they recommend parents and caregivers look for in gaming consoles for kids. 

• Margaret Moser , a game designer and assistant professor of the practice of cinematic arts (associated with the Interactive Media & Games Division) at the University of Southern California. Professor Moser recommends iPad and Android tablets for kid-friendly gaming, especially when paired with screen protectors and a sturdy case. 
• Anthony Bean, PhD , PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist with video game expertise. Dr. Bean suggests parents and caregivers find games you can play with your child. 

What to Look for in a Game System for Kids

Parental controls.

Parental controls allow you to manage the content your kids have access to and help you keep them safe in the digital realm. When it comes to managing screen time, some systems allow you to limit how long your child can play games, set times for when the system can or can’t be used, or keep track of how much time your child spends playing games. Other popular controls include limiting access to certain games, restricting in-game interactions and communication with other players, and monitoring your child’s friends list. 

A parental control option that both our experts listed as being very important is the ability to limit your child’s access to real-money purchases. While there are some free-to-play games on the market, there are plenty of downloadable games that cost money, as well as many others that allow you to make in-game purchases. You want to make sure the system you are looking for gives you some way to prevent your child from making these purchases without your permission, such as by requiring a password or sending you notifications on your phone to approve purchases. 

Backwards compatibility is one of the most important features you want to consider if you have a little gamer at home. Backwards compatibility refers to the ability of a new model of a video game system to run games that were made and played on previous models of that system. For instance, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are backwards compatible, meaning if your child owned an original Xbox, Xbox 360, or Xbox One and built up their video game collection for one of those older models, they won’t need to completely rebuild their game library, since the Xbox Series X and S can run certain titles made and played on those older systems. The PlayStation 5 is also backwards compatible and can run many of the games played on the PlayStation 4.

Two other features worth looking into are 4K compatibility and app support. Many games now can be played in a 4K resolution, but you will need a video game system that supports it to experience that level of image quality. 4K resolution brings crisper, more-detailed images, which ultimately allow for a more immersive and visually satisfying gaming experience. Some video game systems are capable of doing more than just running video games—they can also support streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Spotify, allowing you to use your game system as an all-in-one entertainment hub for your family.

Durability and Build

According to Professor Moser, “durability and the total number of parts” are important considerations when it comes to video game systems for kids. The fewer parts a game system has, the easier the setup and upkeep. Durability is an important factor since children are inevitably going to have accidents and may drop, knock over, or spill things, so you want to make sure you’re investing in a system that’s sturdily built. 

In regard to the durability of gaming systems, Professor Moser notes that “most consoles and controllers are engineered to be pretty bulletproof out of the box, but after-market controllers are either cheap and likely to break, or expensive.” This is important to keep in mind since you will probably need to buy more controllers than the typical system comes with if your child is looking to play multiplayer games with friends and family. With game systems your child is likely to be taking on the go, such as handheld devices, tablets, and gaming laptops, you will want to make sure that you also invest in a strong, rugged case that prevents damage in case of an accident or drop. 

Game Library

Before purchasing a console, you should research the types of games available on that gaming system. While many games are available across a variety of platforms, this is not the case for all of them, and certain games are exclusive to certain systems. For instance, if you know your child is really hoping to play  Kirby and the Forgotten Land  or  Yoshi's Crafted World , you wouldn't want to buy them the  PlayStation 5  or the  Xbox Series X  since these games are only available on the Nintendo Switch.

More generally, you should also make sure that there are a good number of games available on the systems you are looking to buy that you would be comfortable with your child playing. Dr. Bean also recommends investigating which types of games a system has to offer and suggests looking into whether the system has games you can play with your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most family-friendly gaming system will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you have a family of casual or intense gamers, the age range of your kiddos, and each family member’s preferred genre of video games. However, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is one of the most user-friendly gaming systems out there, and the expansive Nintendo gaming library is full of family-friendly and multiplayer titles across a range of genres, making this system particularly well-suited for accommodating all types of families and gamers.

According to Professor Moser, “the Switch is probably the most user-friendly console. Its all-in-one design reduces some of the complexity—for example, you don't have to charge or pair the controllers, and they have fewer buttons than the TV-based systems. And Nintendo works very hard to make its products accessible to a broad audience.”

The  Nintendo Switch  also has a straightforward, minimalistic, and fast interface that leaves little room for complications and makes it easy to access your games. Furthermore, both the classic and OLED models of the Nintendo Switch can be played as a handheld device or on your TV, making them easy in terms of gaming flexibility since you don’t have to be home to continue playing your game of choice.

When it comes to monitoring a child’s use of media, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents and guardians “set media use limits that factor in other health-promoting activities such as physical activity, sleep, family meals, school and friends” for children who are 6 years old or older. In general, the organization suggests that the amount of total entertainment screen time be limited to less than one to two hours per day.  

The AAP also stresses the importance of personalized strategies for media monitoring, noting that parents and guardians should “take into account each child’s age, health, personality, and developmental stage” when setting boundaries and granting freedoms for a child’s media use.

Sarah Toscano is a freelance writer who specializes in all things related to tech, pop culture, and gaming. She grew up playing video games with her family and has been gaming since the GameCube and Game Boy Advance days in the early 2000s. She has hands-on experience using many of the video game systems on this roundup, and she spends most of her free time playing video games on her PC or Nintendo Switch.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Video games: establish your family’s own rating system.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Unhealthy video gaming: what parents can do to prevent it.

Council on Communications and Media. Hill, David, MD, et al. Media use in school-aged children and adolescents .  Pediatrics . 2016;138(5):e20162592. DOI:10.1542/peds.2016-2592

Council on Communications and Media. Strasburger VC, Hogan MJ, et al. Children, adolescents, and the media .  Pediatrics . 2013;132(5):958-961. DOI:10.1542/peds.2013-2656

Beyond screen time: a parent’s guide to media use .  Pediatric Patient Education . DOI:10.1542/peo_document099

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The Best Educational Video Games for Kids (and Adults)

Teaching your kids at home doesn’t have to mean painfully tearing your kids away from their games console. There are plenty of video games with educational content that you can incorporate into their learning.

We’d argue that a  lot  of video games offer valuable skills. Text-heavy RPGs or graphic novels encourage reading. Co-op games encourage teamwork. Skills like following instruction, map-reading, logic problem solving are more are frequently embedded in a host of games. But what video games are the best  educational games?

We’re not here to agree with your children when they tell you that Fortnite is beneficial to their education. It might be. We’re not sure. But there  are  a host of games that are blatantly educational in a number of ways.

We’ve highlighted a number of the best educational videogames below. Each of these games has an educational benefit to anyone who plays it, whether young and old. While we’re recommending these as beneficial to kids, they can also teach us adults a new thing or two, too.

1. Minecraft

• Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and Android/iOS

Minecraft  has long been used as an educational tool, with schools using it to bolster their curriculum for years. At its most basic, it’s an open sandbox game that allows players to build their own world. That means utilising tools to manipulate the landscape around them.

But it’s much more than that. Microsoft has even doubled down on Minecraft ‘s educational properties by offering free-to-download educational add-ons . These allow children to explore a recreation of the International Space Station, for example, or look inside a human eye. The downloadable educational worlds have been created to focus on a variety of topics that kids will benefit from, such as marine biology, Greek history and renewable energy. There are even supporting lesson plans available, offering puzzles, writing challenges and building tasks to go along with.

Check latest prices of  Minecraft

2. Zoo Tycoon

• Available on PC and Xbox

Zoo Tycoon is a lot of fun to play, but it’s also one of the best educational games out there. At its most basic, it allows players to design and run their own zoos. It also allows you to wander around your zoo. It’s here where it becomes educational, as it teaches players about the animals they’re hosting.

It’s an excellent tool to teach children about animal conservation, learn facts about specific species and see their digital recreations up-close and personal. Almost every kid goes on a school trip to the zoo at some point; this allows you to do it from the comfort of your own home. Add to that the planning and management aspects, and Zoo Tycoon is brilliant for all ages.

Check latest prices of  Zoo Tycoon

3. Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey

• Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch

Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey  sees you play as a cartoonified Grim Reaper. You’re on a mission to rid the world of monsters, but rather than fighting them directly, you do so by spelling out words. Each level presents players with a grid of letters. In a set amount of time, it’s your job to spell as many words as you can – the longer the word, the more damage you do to your opponents.

If kids need a little help with their spelling, then  Letter Quest  is one of the best educational games they can play. The gameplay system in place encourages children to try to spell longer words while also offering a fun challenge at the same time.

4. It’s Quiz Time

• Available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox

It’s Quiz Time  might be more of a party game, but this general knowledge quiz does have some educational merit too. Players go head-to-head to answer questions in a series of categories. Some are multiple choice, some require you to sort answers into some kind of order. The more questions you get right, the higher you score.

There’s a varied selection of subjects on offer, including things like Nature, History and Geography. It’s a great way to strengthen your child’s (or your own) general knowledge – while also having a bit of fun at the same time.

5. Scrabble

• Available on PlayStation and Xbox (other versions exist on PC and mobile)

This digitised version of the popular board game allows you to play a family game of Scrabble without the risk of letter tiles getting tossed at each other. Is that a thing that happens? We can imagine that’s a thing that happens.

Scrabble , like  Letter Quest , encourages children to spell words out of the letters provided to them. The longer and more complex the word, the better they’ll score. The video game version allows players to play together locally as well as compete against CPU opponents if nobody else is around to play. Just like the traditional board game,  Scrabble  is not only fun, but also one of the best educational games out there.

6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Available on Nintendo Switch

While Animal Crossing might not me the most obvious choice when it comes to the best educational video games, it’s one that’s worth letting your children play around in. Not only does it encourage useful skills like inventory management, money management (paying off debt, investing, etc.) and teamwork, the game’s Museum is where the real educational content begins.

A large part of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is fishing, catching bugs and digging for fossils. These can be taken to the museum where they’ll be displayed. But the Museum also provides an excellent bit of information about every creature or fossil you collect. Children will learn facts about weird and wonderful bugs and fish, as well as about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.

Check latest prices of  Animal Crossing: New Horizons

7. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes  started life as a VR game but it’s since been ported to other formats. It’s not educational in the  traditional  sense, since it deals with diffusing a bomb. Not exactly the most child-friendly subject, but hear us out.

What’s special about Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes  is how it encourages players to work together. One player is presented with a randomly-generated bomb, with a series of numbers, wires, and symbols on it. The other player(s) are given a series of instructions, and it’s up to them to carefully relay how to diffuse the bomb to player one. It’s about communication, understanding instructions, and working well under pressure. They’re all very useful skills to have, and that’s why we think this is one of the best educational video games out there.

• Available on PlayStation

Dreams  isn’t your typical game. While there  are  games to play, the main draw of  Dreams  is as a creativity tool. Players can create their own games, works of art, and interactive experiences. While super complex things can be created with it, it’s also great for children too; providing a digital blank canvas for them to unleash their creativity onto.

The great thing about Dreams is it can be as simple or as complex as you like. For beginners, its tools are easy to get to grips with. But there’s also everything a user needs to create an incredibly detailed 3D world. It’s cute, colourful and provides extensive tools for bringing ideas to life. You never know; your kid might be a budding game developer, and Dreams  is a great tool to practice in.

Check latest prices of  Dreams

9. Assassin’s Creed Origins: Discovery Tour

While the violence and adult themes of  Assassin’s Creed Origins  means the main game isn’t suitable for children, it packs in a separate mode called Discovery Tour. It’s set in Ancient Egypt, and Discovery Tour allows players to explore the game’s world like a virtual museum.

Discovery Tour is free of any type of combat or quest; it’s simply about visiting historical sites, learning about them, and discovering what life in Ancient Egypt was like first-hand. It’s available to buy separately on PC, too, so there’s no risk of your children accidentally launching the main game. Young or old, this is one of the best educational video games you can buy.

Check latest prices of  Assassin’s Creed Origins

10. Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training (or Brain Age)

Available on Nintendo Switch or 3DS

Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training (or Brain Age as it’s known in North America) might be aimed at ageing adults who want to keep their brain functions tip-top, but it’s absolutely a useful tool in keeping youngsters sharp, too.

Brain Training is made up of a series of minigames, designed to be played every day, that test a variety of brain functions. You’ll do mental arithmetic, memory tests and complete word games. The games are quick and fast-paced, but are useful in improving basic skills, speed and competency. It’s one of the best educational video games for all ages, and picking it up for 10-15 minutes a day really does help to stay sharp and focused.

Check latest prices of  Brain Age

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13 (Secretly) Educational Video Games That Kids Will Actually Like

Yes, it's possible for video games to be fun and educational.

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

Games are a great way to keep kids entertained. It's an added bonus if they're educational. 

Video games have come a long way from the Super Mario Bros. games of the '80s and '90s -- and I'm not just talking about graphics. Developers have gotten super creative at sneaking in educational lessons where kids would least expect them. And one of the best ways to learn is when you're having fun .

In addition, an ongoing study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that kids who play video games daily show improved cognitive skills in comparison with kids who don't play at all. 

Check out our list of mobile apps, PC and video games that can educate and entertain your kids.

What your kids will learn: creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, reading, math and more

Minecraft is available on multiple platforms.

World-building game Minecraft lets players explore, gather resources, craft tools and engage in some mild combat. The game has different modes -- survival, creative, adventure, spectator and multiplayer -- so players have flexibility in how they approach it. 

Creative freedom and self-direction isn't all that the game lends its players, according to iD Tech . Minecraft teaches teamwork and the motivation to improve reading and math skills. To get better at the game, parents told iD Tech that their kids started reading about biomes and calculating rations for adventures, dividing supplies and how many minutes until "night" in the game. Minecraft's educational benefits have also been packaged for the classroom . 

You can play the game on PC, mobile, console, Amazon Fire and Oculus. 

The Oregon Trail

What your kids will learn: historical events, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and more

Are you tough enough to survive blizzards, disease and snake bites in the retro "Oregon Trail" game?

The Oregon Trail came onto the scene in the '70s and has gone through quite a few changes since then. My 10-year-old self spent many an afternoon trying to get my digital wagon 2,000 miles west to safety. Before you start the trip, you pick a job (each has its own unique benefits), name your companions and purchase supplies. 

Recent updates to the game let you trade, upgrade your wagon and buy food and medicine to increase your group's chances of survival. Along the trip, your group encounters illness, obstructive rivers, highway bandits, food constraints and other complications of the time. Though the situations are a bit dramatic, players learn fast about pre-planning and making choices with the long term in mind.

I played (and described above) the 5th edition of the game, which you can order on Amazon. If you want a newer mobile experience, you can try The Oregon Trail: American Settler for iOS or The Oregon Trail from Gameloft on Apple Arcade .

What your kids will learn:  vocabulary

Wordscapes is a fun brainteaser game

Fans of Words with Friends and Scrabble (the app or the board game) may be drawn to Wordscapes, which allows kids to learn new words and practice logic skills. You get unlimited tries to solve crossword-style puzzles using only a handful of letters (with few free hints). The app challenges you on some levels by prohibiting three-letter words and offering daily puzzles that challenge you to guess all the words in a certain order. Wordscapes has a built-in dictionary that makes it easy for kids to add to their vocabularies. You can play on Android and iOS . 

The Little Big Planet series

What your kids will learn: logic, spatial orientation skills, design and problem solving

The Little Big Planet series.

This spunky little game follows the adventures of Sackboy and his friends. The first two games are mostly platform-jumping and avoiding obstacles to make it to the next level. Players can also create their own levels, customize characters or build complex contraptions in a level. Finally, players have the option to share their creations in the PlayStation Network.

The first game, Little Big Planet, was released in 2008  and the creators have released several entries since. Little Big Planet 3 is the newest installment , which introduced three new characters: Toggle, Swoop and Oddsock. The games are available on PSP, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3. You can also check out Little Big Planet Karting and the free Run Sackboy! Run app on Android and iOS .

Portal series

What your kids will learn:  logic, problem-solving, physics, math, science and spatial skills

Even though this mind-bending puzzle game has been out since 2012, it still feels fresh and inventive. 

Portal is along the lines of Little Big Planet, but it's a bit more mature. The first Portal got a Teen rating for the inclusion of some bloodstains, but Portal 2 is rated E. The games might be a bit scary or difficult for players under 9 , Common Sense Media suggests.

Portal places players in a secret research facility who is led through a series of dangerous tests by a humorously narcissistic AI called GLaDOS. The puzzles are solved by creating an entry portal in a wall, creating an exit portal somewhere else and walking through. Players advance by learning how to manipulate physics and spatial constraints. Just try not to fall forever. Portal and Portal 2 are available on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. 

Kerbal Space Program

What your kids will learn : physics, the solar system, mathematics and basic aerospace engineering

Kerbal Space Program is a lot more than just cute aliens. 

Your kids don't have to play in a cardboard box in the yard if they want to be an astronaut. This rocket simulation game focuses on a space program for an alien race called the Kerbals. When you start a game, you'll be tasked with building a rocket that either works or doesn't work, based on " realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics ." Once you get your Kerbals into space, you can explore the solar system, build bases and construct space stations. The game got a lot of attention from NASA and the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to planetary science and planetary defense. 

The game has three modes -- Science, Career and Sandbox. Science mode lets players unlock new tech and advance the Kerbals; Career mode has players oversee every aspect of the Kerbal's space program; and Sandbox mode is more freeform play. Kerbal Space Program and its expansions -- Breaking Ground and Making History -- are available for PC and console.

What your kids will learn: trigonometry in its basest form, angles and critical thinking

Eloh is such an addicting, yet satisfying game.

This app is another example of teaching your kids without them knowing they're being taught. Eloh is a visually beautiful musical puzzle game that teases your brain without stressing you out. Each level features island spirits that you can move. Once you get them into the right spot, tap the red speaker and music will start. The goal is to bounce the "sound waves" off the spirits and hit the spiral icon. It's kind of like banking a shot in billiards. 

The levels get progressively more challenging, but there's no timer, ads or in-app purchases. The app costs $3 to download on Android or iOS . 

What your kids will learn: logic, patterns, data analysis and problem-solving skills

Zoombinis was a game I frequently played after school growing up.

If you grew up in the '90s, you might remember this game. Zoombinis kept me busy many an afternoon. In the game, you must guide the little blue critters out of the evil Bloats' clutches and home to Zoombiniville. Each of the 12 levels such as Allergic Cliffs, Stone Cold Caves and Pizza Pass get progressively more challenging, with kids using logic and pattern identification to win. Play on iOS , Android or PC. 

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

What your kids will learn: geography, the locations of historic events and other geographical facts.

Carmen Sandiego is globe-trotting on Google Maps. 

Google Earth and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Carmen Sandiego games -- The Crown Jewels Caper , The Tutankhamun's Mask Caper and The Keys to the Kremlin -- offer something new while paying homage to the original franchise. Players use the magnifying glass to interview witnesses in different cities and gather clues, learning about geography and history along the way. When you think you've figured out the next step, click the airplane icon to fly to the next city and continue unraveling the mystery. You can play on web browser , Android or iOS . 

Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries

What your kids will learn:  historical events and important figures, critical thinking, foreign cultures, languages and customs, problem-solving skills and more

The Nancy Drew interactive mystery series is probably my favorite game franchise of all time. 

I will shamelessly say that I have played these games since they started making them in 1998 . Some are based on Nancy Drew books (The Secret of the Old Clock game, for instance, is based on the first four books in the series) while others are original mysteries. 

The point-and-click games let you play as Nancy, solving a mystery as the amateur detective would. Whether you play as a junior or senior detective, you'll question suspects, solve puzzles, discover clues and find your way out of multiple sticky situations to catch the culprit. 

The beauty of these games is that they teach kids without them knowing it. At 9 years old, I knew a ridiculous amount about the Mayan civilization after playing Secret of the Scarlet Hand, as well as the key players in the French Revolution after playing Treasure in the Royal Tower. There are 33 games to date for PC, mobile and certain gaming consoles.

Democracy series

What your kids will learn:  multiple layers of government functions like parties, funding, taxes, elections, policy changes, political capital, budgets, debts and more. In addition, they'll learn about compromise, cause and effect, strategy and conflict resolution.

Can you run a country? 

Has your kid ever wanted to be in politics? Now they can try their hand at it with the Democracy game series. In this government simulation game, you play as the president or prime minister of a democratic government and alter policies in the areas of tax, economy, welfare, foreign policy, transport, law and order and public services. The catch, like in real life, is that each policy affects other factors like voter happiness, crime rates and air quality, for example. Players also have to deal with situations like homelessness or protests and make decisions accordingly. 

You can play Democracy, Democracy 2, Democracy 3 and Democracy 4 on PC.

National Geographic Challenge

What your kids will learn: historical figures and events, geography and more

Trivia fans, anyone?

The National Geographic Challenge is a quiz game that lives up to the "challenge" part of its name. There's no shortage of questions that range from easy to hard and are divided into regions -- North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Start a game for up to four players and choose an avatar. You can try to answer 40, 60 or 80 of the game's timed questions. The games are complemented by impressive photography and video from the National Geographic archive.

The National Geographic Challenge will test kids' knowledge with questions like: In what year did Madagascar gain independence from France? In which country does the River Niger reach the sea? The game is available on Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3. 

World Rescue

What your kids will learn: geography, conservation and sustainability, global problems, healthy living and activism

World Rescue is one of the games offered by the institute. 

World Rescue was developed by ZU Digital with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Think of it as a 21st century Captain Planet, minus the superpowers. The game's levels are set in Kenya, Norway, Brazil, India and China. There, you'll help five heroes solve problems like displacement, disease, deforestation, drought and pollution, giving kids lessons on real-world issues. You can play World Rescue on Android or iOS . 

For more, check out our list of the best video games to play in 2021 ,  best online games to play with friends  and  seven great kid-friendly gifts that aren't video games .

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Best game consoles for kids

• Best game console for kids overall : Nintendo Switch
• Best handheld game console for kids : Nintendo 2DS XL
• Best learning game console for kids : LeapFrog LeapPad Academy
• Best portable game console for kids : Nintendo Switch Lite
• Best console for racing games for kids : Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console

What should I look for in a gaming console for kids?

Fun for the whole family, video games are one of the things that transcends generations and are as enjoyable for preschoolers as they are for grandparents. The video game market is packed with options, and it can be overwhelming picking what is best for your family. But the best game consoles are affordable, easy to use, and offer the games your children like to play.

It's a tall order, so when we went looking for the best game consoles for kids, we started by searching through millions of posts in BabyCenter's Community for information and recommendations on what real families use and enjoy, then fed the results to our expert editorial team for research and vetting. Keep reading to find the best handheld game console for kids, the best learning game console for kids, and more.

Why trust us?

Best game console for kids overall, nintendo switch.

This versatile gaming console gets top marks for its portability, wireless capacity, and its easy-to-set-up linkage to your TV or tablet. It has multiple hot games from Super Mario Odyssey to Animal Crossing, so there are options for most members of the family, and it connects over wifi, which means up to eight consoles can be joined for a multiplayer experience (hello, family game night). And the easy-to-use parental controls offer some piece of mind and ensure only appropriate games and content are accessible to your little ones. 

Despite Nintendo's claims to the contrary, the battery lasts for 2-3 hours when you play most games, so have a charger on hand for longer sessions when using the Switch out of its charging dock. 

Parents say

"We love our Nintendo Switch. My 2- and 4-year-old can both play games on it and there’s lots of things we can play as a family."

• Play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
• Includes Nintendo Switch console, Nintendo Switch dock, two Joy-Con controllers, Joy-Con grip, two Joy-Con wrist straps, high-speed HDMI cable, Nintendo Switch AC adapter
• Choose from 64, 128, or 256 gigabyte memory card add-on  

Best handheld game console for kids

Nintendo 2ds xl.

The Nintendo 2DS XL is perfect for gaming on-the-go, with a lightweight and ergonomic design that hands players the power of the Nintendo system in a sleak, streamlined package. The massive 4.88 inch screen folds like a clamshell, which helps avoid screen-related accidents. The Nintendo 2DS XL also comes pre-loaded with everyone’s childhood favorite, Mario Kart, and you can play all Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, and most Nintendo DS games on this system.

While this system is great for kids, it was designed with adults in mind, so teaching your little ones to be gentle is important. In addition, in September 2020, Nintendo officially discontinued the 2DS XL, so it'll get increasingly hard to find before it's unavailable at all. 

"All my kids love theirs and use them all the time!. All my son’s friends have them too so they trade games and sometimes can play with each other if they have the same games (Mario Kart is a big hit)."

• Play mode: handheld
• Choose from black/turquoise, orange/white, or purple/silver  

Best learning game console for kids

Leapfrog leappad academy.

The perfect option for young kids, the LeapPad is kid-friendly right out of the box with a built-in bumper to shield the sides of the screen from damage, a kickstand to prop it on surfaces, and a 7-inch shatter-safe screen. It also comes pre-loaded with dozens of educator-approved apps focused on math, reading, writing, coding, problem-solving, and creativity. The parental controls allows you to set time limits and add websites to LeapSearch, LeapFrog’s kid-friendly web browser. Plus there are over 750 games, apps, videos, and music files available through LeapFrog’s learning library. Another feature kids just adore: they can take photos and videos, with front and back cameras. 

This system comes with many apps and games bundled, but additional games are pricey, running from about $10 to $40. 

"I really love LeapFrog and their products. My mother-in-law is a first grade teacher and she has always raved about how great LeapPad Academy is for phonics and learning aids. The games are pricey, and there aren't many for my child’s age right now. We did buy him one of the Toy Story games for 4-7 year olds and he has figured out a lot of the game himself. So far he really likes the videos and shows you can buy."

• 7-inch screen
• 9 x 6.38 x 1.02 inches
• 1.28 pounds
• Choose from green or pink
• Requires one rechargeable lithium ion battery, included
• Recommended for age 3 and up

Best portable game console for kids

Nintendo switch lite.

Take everything you love about the Nintendo Switch and make it smaller and lighter, and you’ve got the Nintendo Switch Lite. It has a sleek design, just one piece to hold, keep track of, and store, and an integrated control pad that makes game play super simple. And if you’ve already got a Switch at home, the Switch Lite is compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode, and has wifi to go online for more NES games (for a price). Kids and parents alike enjoy the Switch Lite's trendy colors, too. 

Games must support handheld mode in order to play with the Switch Lite, and the console makes playing with others more complicated, so multiplayer family games are best on another system. 

• Play modes: TV mode, tabletop, and handheld
• Includes Nintendo Switch Lite system and Nintendo Switch AC adapter
• Choose from 64, 128, or 256 gigabyte memory card add-on
• Choose from blue, gray, yellow, turquoise, or coral

Best console for racing games for kids

Sony playstation 4 slim 1tb console.

If your child is ready to level up to a more complicated and high-definition gaming console and are interested in racing games, the Playstation 4 is where it's at. It connects to your TV and has all the latest games with intensified 4K quality. It has a built-in parental control system where you can control how much play time they get. And bonus points, it reads Blu-Ray disks so it also works for family movie nights.

The Playstation 4 is not geared towards children, so there are a lot of games out there that aren’t appropriate for young kids.

• Play modes: TV Mode
• Includes 1TB PlayStation 4 system, DualShock 4 wireless controller, mono headset, HDMI cable, AC power cord, USB cable

You have three options when it comes to gaming consoles: ones that connect to your TV or computer, ones that are handheld, and ones that do both. Each option has their own pros and cons, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something for long road trips or something your child can take on the go, a handheld option is the way to go. If you’re looking for something that will stay more centralized with excellent graphics, then one that connects to your home devices is the right choice. 

Some consoles are designed for young children, and some are designed for all ages. Choosing the right one for your child’s age, and one that can grow with your child is important. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a gaming console for kids. Features to consider include:

• Parental controls
• Separate family accounts for digital games
• Size and weight of handheld games
• Battery life
• Game selections
• Durability 

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10 Best Educational Games for Xbox Series X / S

Games do not always have to be about having fun. It is also possible to learn a few things while you complete challenges, take out enemies, or win a competition.

For grown-ups, the lessons can come from the stories that are found in single-player campaigns. There have been many games that have had stories that not only make you think but also cause you to implement changes in your life for the better.

When it comes to kids, it is possible to have games that provide both enjoyment and education. Some games are designed with this in mind, where the challenges are created to challenge the intellect and teach new information.

Others are a bit more complex in the way they teach children. There are games that are designed to test the cognitive ability of the children and to make sure that they expand their horizons in terms of the way they think and behave.

Here, we have taken a look at such games and compiled a list of the 11 best educational games for Xbox Series X / S.

We begin our list with a game that almost every kid has played at some point. Roblox truly has been a global phenomenon, with the internet littered with memes about kids begging their parents for Robux.

Even though it may seem like something designed to get kids addicted, Roblox can be whatever you make it out to be. There are literally thousands of games within Roblox, and the games your kids end up playing will determine just how much information they glean from them.

Of course, a large percentage of the Roblox population just plays a variant of the first-person shooter. However, there are a lot of games that encourage kids to think. Some of them revolve around puzzles, while others are about building things in a creative manner.

Roblox also encourages kids to communicate with each other, and it can be a very social experience at times. Lastly, it is possible for kids to put their imagination to work and create their own games in Roblox. Overall, Roblox may just be the most educational game out there.

Insects was created back in 2017 as a way for Microsoft to show off the capabilities of its console. it was originally designed with game developers in mind. It demonstrated the graphical detail and the spatial audio that could be achieved on the then brand-new generation of Xbox consoles.

Now, it has been repurposed to be an educational game. To be clear, this is not really a game in the sense that there are challenges to complete. However, it does allow kids to walk around in a field, interact with various insects, and see how they behave.

As a lot of kids are not really interested in textbooks, Insects is a great way to acquaint them with the world of science. The demo can only be experienced for a few hours before it becomes boring and repetitive. However, it is completely free to download and play.

Educational Games for Kids

As the title suggests, this is a collection of games that are designed to be fun, engaging, and educational. All of the games have gone through testing to see if they can really teach the kids something new.

There are over 20 games in the pack, and each of them is appropriate for a certain age group. While there are games for kids as old as teenagers, we all know that these games are primarily designed for children much younger than that.

Most of the games are for kids between the ages of three and five. Some of them are based on simple concepts such as riding a bicycle. Others are a bit more complex and have logic-based puzzles that the kids need to solve.

PC Building Simulator

PC Building Simulator is all about building and repairing PC. This part can only teach your child so much. So unless you are planning on raising your kid to be the ultimate PC handyman, this game might not be such a good idea.

However, the single-player mode also revolves around running a PC building and repairing shop. This means that you need to handle customer orders and manage a business at the same time.

There is no reason for us to state the obvious, but this is a great skill for anyone to learn. The mechanics of the game are simple enough that anyone who is six years or older should be able to learn them with ease. As such, think of PC Building Simulator as a tool to teach your child the basics of a business.

Bridge Constructor

Most of the titles on our list of the best educational games for Xbox Series X and S seem to be very self-explanatory. Bridge Constructor is no different. All that players need to do here is to build bridges that are both practical and well-constructed.

Sounds simple, but there is a lot of complexity here. Not only do players need to stay underneath the budget, but they also need to satisfy certain criteria. Think of it like a puzzle game that also has certain elements of resource management in the mix.

With 64 levels of varying difficulty, it will take your child quite a bit of time before he or she is done with Bridge Constructor.

Along with Roblox, Minecraft is the other game that kids seem to be crazy about. Just like Roblox, Minecraft allows for the freedom to experiment and do whatever you want.

On PC, Minecraft has a huge modding community with mods that change the way the game works. While the modding scene is not that big on Xbox, there are still endless possibilities whenever you fire up the game.

For kids, this allows their creativity to shine through. Even in something as basic as the survival mode, players need to ensure that they build defenses against the zombies and avoid all the natural elements that could harm them.

Lastly, remember that Minecraft is not a game that can only be enjoyed by kids. A lot of hardcore gamers also like what the game has to offer. What’s more, we think Minecraft is one of the best Xbox games for couples due to its cooperative nature.

Both of the Portal games in the main series have received critical acclaim for their well-designed levels, story, and general gameplay.

However, most agree that Portal 2 is the overall better game. This is mainly due to the additional mechanics introduced into the game and the higher visual fidelity. Regardless of which game you think is better, it is obvious that both of the games have a very high educational value.

Portal is a puzzle game where you have the ability to create portals and teleport from one place to the other. This will be very important for solving the puzzles, some of which are extremely difficult to complete.

We wouldn’t recommend Portal for extremely young children due to the difficulty of the game. However, this is a great game for kids in their pre and early teens to test and expand their cognitive abilities.

Jump, Step, Step

Jump, Step, Step is the next game on our list of the best Xbox educational games. At its core, it is a platformer with hilarious dialogue that any kid is sure to love. However, there is an added element of strategy to the game.

The player gets to control a robot called Bob. They need to guide him as he collects his limbs, rebuilds his spaceship, and tries to find out what happened to him. The twist is that Bob must be given a sequence of commands that he executes altogether.

What this means is that the player will not be controlling the robot directly. Instead, they will have to dish out a sequence of commands that gets Bob to the next checkpoint. This requires a lot of thinking and planning, valuable lessons for anyone to learn.

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program is a great game to play regardless of your age. The game requires you to control the space program of a faraway race known as the Kerbals.

As you are in charge, you will be responsible for exploring the universe, setting up bases on other planets, and bringing new resources back home to advance your civilization. The tools at your disposal are quite small and shabby at the beginning, but you can upgrade them as you move outward.

Kerbal Space Program is a great game for teaching resource management, patience, and decision-making. A lot of times, players will need to sacrifice one part of their program for another or explore risk-reward options. Definitely, a great thing for kids to learn at an early age.

We would also recommend that grown-ups give the game a try. It is quite fun to play and was on our list of the best space games for Xbox .

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is the last game on our list of the best educational games for box Series X / S. Those who have played it will know that the game primarily revolves around farming in a small village. That is not the reason why we have included it on our list.

Instead, the reason Stardew Valley makes this list is because of its social aspect. The town is alive with characters of all sorts, and it is possible to have long and engaging conversations with them.

Considering how much wisdom there is to be found amongst some of the older characters, we think Stardew Valley is a great educational game. Of course, it will have an additional positive impact if you and your family live on a farm.

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You are a parent and you are trying to relax a little by playing your favorite game. Your child keeps asking you to let them try it… But this game is not suitable for children (because it’s a little scary and not educational at all). Does this situation sound familiar? At last: a well thought-out, smart, polished, ‘console quality’ educational game pack is out for your kids. Suitable for boys and girls from ages 3 to 18. A pack of 21 different games with 51 variations that educate in various ways like: reflexes, logic, math, memory and knowledge. Keep track of your child's progress with our statistics. All games have easy-to-learn controls with interesting and fun things to do. At last, a pack of games designed to educate and make your children smarter. The game runs natively in 4K@120FPS/60FPS. What's included in this Educational Games pack: 1) Reflex: Riding a tricycle. (Ages: 3-4) 2) Reflex: Riding a scooter. (Ages: 5-7) 3) Reflex: Riding a bike. (Ages: >8) 4) Logic: Jigsaw puzzles with four variations. (Ages: >3) 5) Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division with many variations. (Ages: >6) 6) Knowledge: World Geography of Countries/States plus capital cities. Huge game that includes all the world. (Ages: >11) 7) Knowledge: World Flags. Another huge game with many variations. (Ages: >11) 8) Memory: Sharpen your child's memory. Three difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 9) Logic: Mazes. Find your way out the maze. Five difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 10) Just for Fun: Dress up a girl just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 11) Just for Fun: Color many sketches just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 12) Logic: Categorize the animals, birds and fish. (Ages: 3-5) 13) Logic: Categorize the colors of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 14) Logic: Categorize the shapes of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 15) Knowledge: Get to know the sound each musical instrument makes. (Ages: >6) 16) Logic: Learn how colors are mixed. (Ages: >6) 17) Logic: Build IQ by understanding patterns. (Ages: >4) 18) Logic: Is it a toy or is it food? Simple and fun game for young children. (Ages: 3-4) 19) Logic: Match the shape to its identical hole. (Ages: 3-4) 20) Knowledge: Learn and hear the number from 1 to 20 by popping balloons. Translated professional speech in eight languages included. (Ages: 3-4) 21) Hidden Dragon Game. Needs all games completed with 3 stars to unlock! (Ages: >4) Features: 4K 2D Cartoon - 4K@120FPS* (PS5) / 4K@60FPS (PS4) [* Requires >= 120Hz TV & 2.1 HDMI] 2) Twenty different games with many variations designed to make your children smarter. 3) Suitable for boys and girls, even from very young ages i.e., 3-18. 4) Focuses on many areas like: reflexes, logic, math, memory and knowledge. 5) Statistics included to see your child’s progress. 6) A hidden dragon game ready to be unlocked by completing a task.

The Rewinder

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The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people's memories to alter the past.

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Warner Bros. reverses course, won’t delist Adult Swim indie games, devs say

Adult Swim Games titles will go back to their creators

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Share All sharing options for: Warner Bros. reverses course, won’t delist Adult Swim indie games, devs say

Warner Bros. Discovery appears to have backed down from its plans to delist more than a dozen games published by its Adult Swim Games label from Steam and digital console stores. WBD now plans to transfer ownership of some of those games back to the indie devs that made them, according to developers who would have been affected by the planned delistings.

Plans to delist the Adult Swim Games catalog from digital stores — or “retire” them, as Warner Bros. Discovery had worded it — became public in March and were widely criticized as a cold corporate move that could make some indie games unavailable to purchase. That strong criticism appears to have played a part in WBD’s revised plan to transfer ownership of the games back to their creators.

News of WBD’s policy reversal was first revealed by developer Owen Deery, who is behind puzzle-adventure game Small Radios Big Televisions , which was originally published by Adult Swim Games in 2016. (Deery also broke the news of WBD’s original plan to “retire” Adult Swim titles back in March.) On the social media platform X , Deery wrote that Small Radios Big Televisions “will not be ‘retired’,” despite previous communication from WBD that it would be. “Ownership and store listings will return to me,” Deery said.

Developer Landon Podbielski said that his multiplayer platform shooter Duck Game , another Adult Swim Games-published release threatened with delisting, will also be reverted to its creator. “The game is being returned to Corptron along with its store pages on all platforms,” Podbielski said on X . “It’s not going anywhere.”

Other developers whose games were published by Adult Swim Games confirmed to Polygon that they’ve received similar communication from Warner Bros. Discovery, and will have their titles transferred back to them rather than be delisted. WBD told developers it “heard the feedback and concerns regarding the retirement of titles published under Adult Swim Games,” one developer said in an email to Polygon.

But other developers who had their work published by Adult Swim Games say they’re still waiting to hear from Warner Bros. Discovery. Two developers Polygon spoke to say they never received the original messaging from WBD back in March, and still haven’t heard from the company, despite multiple attempts to contact representatives there. Polygon has reached out to Warner Bros. Discovery for comment and will update when the company responds.

The media conglomerate’s planned removal of Adult Swim Games titles echoed similar cuts from its film and television business; Warner Bros. Discovery infamously scrapped plans to release nearly complete movies Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme , and removed multiple series from its Max streaming services. Warner Bros. has since licensed some of its scrapped television content to other streamers; animated series Batman: Caped Crusader , for example, will stream on Amazon’s Prime Video platform this summer.

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LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Active Video Gaming System Multiplayer Mega Bundle

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Customers say

Customers like the wide variety of games that come with the video game console. They also appreciate the intelligent gaming system that provides questions that are school level specific. Overall, customers say the console is a great ideal for fun and educational.

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Customers like the quality of the video game console. For example, they say it's a great game system for young kids, and it provides fun that keeps their attention.

"...Its very education while still providing the fun that keeps the kids attention . Also a great price for a great product!" Read more

"...The controllers are nice for youngsters . They have the ability to switch from a V shape to extended like a straight line...." Read more

"This is a really disappointing product . We were deciding between the WII and this product for my son to play active games...." Read more

"...But when I opened the product seems to be looking good and works as expected . How to explore more in it." Read more

Customers find the video game console very educational, informative, and fun. They say it teaches science, reading, math, and social studies.

"...My 4 year old and 6 year old love it! Its very education while still providing the fun that keeps the kids attention...." Read more

"...The games are the right amount of challenging and fun for a reluctant learner like mine...." Read more

"...I love this game system. It us very educational and teaches alot ...." Read more

"... Great educational tool that makes learning fun!" Read more

Customers like the game selection of the video game console. They say there is a wide variety of games to go with the system, and the games are the right amount of challenging and fun for reluctant learners. They also appreciate that the games play give questions that are school level specific. Customers also like that the game is cartridge based, which allows them independence. They like that there are lots of software options with familiar faces, and that children can watch themselves play on the screen.

"...Pros: Lots of software options with familiar faces Children can watch themselves play on the screen..." Read more

"...This is a very intelligent gaming system that is a great alternative to the wide array of uneducated gaming consoles available to our youth today...." Read more

"...I also like that the games are cartridges because it allows him independence while he is playing to change his games...." Read more

"Easy for the kids to use and the race game is great but all other games you can buy are awful. Just way to simple for my 4 and 5 year...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the video game console. They say it's a great price for a good product and a wonderful investment.

"...Also a great price for a great product !" Read more

"...We bought this because it was less expensive and had a lot of apps and games with familiar faces from the Nick Jr. shows my son loves...." Read more

" Great Investment ..." Read more

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Steam Deck alternatives in 2024: worth buying or worth waiting?

If you don’t have a handheld yet, should you buy now or wait?

• Differences between gaming handhelds
• Handheld Game Compatibility

Steam Deck Alternatives

• Upcoming Handheld Devices

The release of Valve ’s Steam Deck in 2022, following the Nintendo Switch’s massive success after its launch in 2017, has created a booming, competitive gaming handheld market, spanning across consoles and the PC. Handheld PCs existed before the Steam Deck (technically, decades before the Steam Deck ), but Valve’s accomplishments on the gaming front helped push the market toward its current state of regular Steam Deck alternative releases and competitive hardware. But just how competitive is that hardware, really, and how much should you be willing to spend on it here in mid-2024?

Before we get too deep into that discussion though, it’s important to establish that, thanks largely to current power and thermal limits, the Steam Deck LCD, starting at $399, is still the baseline for handheld gaming power. That’s true even though there are much more expensive alternatives. The Steam Deck has capabilities similar to modern consoles (including very light ray tracing or RT support in some titles), but is most akin to a last-gen Playstation 4 Pro. This includes the ability to play titles like Elden Ring above 30 frames per second.

This may change at some point, but for now, the only way to get a truly high-end, on-the-go gaming experience is by using one of the best gaming laptops . Handhelds are perfectly capable of delivering an enjoyable gaming experience between 30-60 fps in most modern games, though.

Gaming Handhelds Differences Explained

Essential differences between gaming handhelds, explained.

Before meaningful comparisons can be made between the different handhelds, we should establish some basic terminology. Much of this will be familiar to hardware enthusiasts and experienced PC builders. But for those considering a handheld as their first foray into PC gaming, defining some basics will be important for understanding the pros and cons of competing devices.

• Operating System — The operating system software your handheld runs will determine which online storefronts you can access (or at least access most easily) and therefore what games are available to you. Walled-garden handheld consoles tend to be more locked down than the majority of the handheld PCs below, but that can also make them easier for novices to navigate and use.
• SoC — The combined system-on-a-chip of the gaming handheld, which combines the central processing unit (CPU) with the graphics processing unit (GPU).
• RAM — Since your random access memory, or RAM, has to be shared by the CPU and GPU in  devices like these handhelds, higher RAM speeds and capacity are helpful . In general, higher speeds can increase frame rates, and higher capacities are great for future-proofing. Even the entry-level Steam Deck LCD offers 16GB, and some devices are starting to leverage 32GB for some performance boons and extra GPU buffer.
• Display Panel Type — Display panel type will determine how a display handles colors and the degree of ghosting and input lag. OLED and IPS are best in this use case. But cheaper versions of IPS can be underwhelming.
• Display Resolution and Refresh Rate — Higher display resolution means higher clarity, but also makes games much harder to run on handheld-class hardware. The same applies to refresh rate, in that it will be tough or impossible to run AAA games on modern handheld hardware at refresh rates above 30-60 Hz.
• Display VRR Support — Variable Refresh Rate is a display and GPU feature that allows the screen’s refresh to sync with the frame rate of your games, with minimal impact on input lag and generally improved perceived smoothness. VRR also has some power-saving applications. It’s usually called G-Sync or FreeSync; The latter being particularly common in these mostly AMD-based handhelds.

Handheld Game Compatibility and Valve Proton

A major factor in the success of the Steam Deck has been the Proton compatibility layer, maintained by Valve Software on Github. Proton is also bundled in the Linux Steam client, and is built into SteamOS to enable easy compatibility with most Windows games on Steam . There are some major exceptions to Proton compatibility on Steam Deck, though, including the anti-cheat software required for some major multiplayer titles. Most recently, this includes pretty much everything using EA anticheat , including Battlefield V .

The Steam Deck can also run Windows, but will often achieve its best performance on SteamOS due to its ability to leverage pre-cached shaders for Steam Deck titles. This allows the Steam Deck to reduce shader compilation stutter in some titles that otherwise don’t have the feature in their Windows release. This means most performance targets are smooth once you’ve picked the correct graphics settings. 

Ray tracing pretty much ensures a 30 fps or worse experience if you enable it in anything, though — if the game is playable at all. Mostly rasterized games (like Doom Eternal with RT reflections enabled) might be playable, but most full RT games (like Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition ) simply will not be playable on Deck’s limited hardware. If in doubt, enable resolution scaling, disable RT, and even consider disabling AA.

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Outside of Steam Deck and other Linux handhelds having access to Proton, Windows generally offers the best game compatibility and graphics settings flexibility. A proper console like the Switch OLED will have a more limited library and graphics settings, but can still turn around locked-ish 30 fps to a surprisingly playable effect in intensive titles like Doom Eternal. Of course, Nintendo’s own games tend to run at 60 FPS, with more stylized than realistic graphics — and you get those Nintendo exclusives on Switch, of course.

The Main Steam Deck Alternatives

Sub-$500 Steam Deck Alternatives

When shopping solely in the sub-$500 range for a Steam Deck alternative, your options are still quite limited. What few choices there are either opt for ARM and Android (which is starting to improve but is still less optimal for gaming today), or are just weaker than the Steam Deck overall. Perusing the used market can improve the situation, though that comes with its own risks.

In this range, your screens will usually be resolution-limited to 720p or 800p, though the streaming-centric PlayStation Portal has a 1080p screen.

• Nintendo Switch OLED — Released 2021 . Runs Nintendo’s custom Switch OS and a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC. If all you care about is gaming and you don't want to deal with the complexities PCs, the less-powerful Switch OLED and its family of devices may still be compelling— but you may also want to wait, as there are rumors of a successor on the horizon. It uses a 7-inch OLED screen.
• Asus ROG Ally Z1 — Released 2023 . Runs Windows 11 . The Ally uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 SoC, which should not be confused for the Z1 Extreme SoC with AMD’s best iGPU, Radeon 780M. It supports a high-voltage-plug-only Turbo mode that brings performance of the device closer to on-battery Deck and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, but is otherwise roughly ~35% slower in games. Uses a 7-inch IPS screen.
• Ayaneo Pocket Air — Released 2023 . Runs a custom Android distribution. Mostly just a very fancy, compact, entry-level ARM gaming handheld, particularly for Android titles and emulation. Uses a 5.5-inch OLED screen.
• PlayStation Portal — Released 2023 . Runs a custom, heavily-locked down Android distribution. Intended for streaming only from a PlayStation 5. Has an 8-inch IPS screen.

$500+ Steam Deck Alternatives

The best Steam Deck alternative right now actually might just be the Steam Deck OLED, which is a refreshed model at a higher price. While more powerful Ryzen 7840U, Ryzen 8840U, and Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds exist, these handhelds are really at their best when plugged into a wall or 65W+ power bank, and exhibit very similar performance to the Steam Deck when running on battery. The big reason to look at alternatives is if they have specific features or specifications that appeal to you — like the ROG Ally’s VRR or improved eGPU support, or if you want Windows 11 preinstalled.

Nearly every device in this pricing bracket has a 1200p, 120 Hz screen except Deck OLED. This is nice in theory, but can be a tough target to hit with modern games, particularly without using heavy image scaling or sticking to 2D games.

• Steam Deck OLED — Released 2023 . Runs SteamOS . Mostly identical internal specs to Steam Deck, but a massively-improved OLED screen with great HDR support. Our own Deck OLED review was quite favorable, and other outlets point toward Deck OLED being the leading option, as long as it’s within your budget, due to the excellent screen.
• Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme — Released 2023 . Runs Windows 11 . The first major competitor to the Steam Deck in terms of hardware power, providing superior gaming performance when plugged into an appropriate power source. It achieves this thanks to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC, which is akin to the 7840U, with an identical core layout and Radeon 780M iGPU. Has a 7-inch IPS screen like the Steam Deck LCD, but the screen is generally considered much better.
• Lenovo Legion Go — Released 2023 . Runs Windows 11 . Leverages the Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC like ROG Ally does, and has a larger 8.8-inch screen than Deck or Ally with a higher 2560 x 1600 resolution. Mostly ideal for users who want more screen real estate. Also slightly more performant than other Z1X devices in Performance mode.
• MSI Claw — Released 2024 . Runs Windows 11. The only handheld on this list to leverage Intel hardware instead of AMD hardware, or the Nvidia hardware present in the Switch. Can perform better (~5%) than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds in select games, or dramatically worse in others, as benchmarked by GamersNexus . 
• Orange Pi Neo — Released 2024 — but currently only in China. Runs Manjaro Linux . Uses AMD’s Ryzen 7840U SoC or 8840U SoC depending on kit, but entry-level at ~$500 is currently the cheapest 7840U handheld by a significant margin.
• Ayaneo Air 1S — Released 2023 . Runs Windows 11 . Uses AMD’s Ryzen 7840U SoC, but in one of the most compact form factors of the high-end handhelds due to its 5.5-inch screen.
• Ayaneo Kun — Released 2023 . Runs Windows 11 . Another Ayaneo Ryzen 7840U option with a roomy 8.4-inch screen.

Note: This category would normally include some of GPD’s devices, but they all seem to be mid-refresh and so both past-gen, and current-gen GPD hardware cannot be ordered from the company’s site at the time of writing.

Upcoming Handheld Devices: Reasons To Wait

Upcoming devices: reasons to wait.

Ayaneo is preparing multiple new devices, seemingly for release around the same time. Its most unique upcoming offering is the Flip DS , which crosses the modern Deck form factor with that of legacy Nintendo dual-screen handhelds. But there are also more traditional Next Lite and Flip KB handhelds on the way from Ayaneo. These are all slated to be 7840U-, 8840U-based, or weaker handhelds.

Alternatively, startup Playtron has announced an ambitious plan to take on Valve with a new Linux distribution called PlaytronOS and matching custom handhelds. These handhelds will most likely leverage Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon X Elite chips, or at least be optimized for them, which at least sounds interesting due to the X Elite’s supposedly great gaming performance . Playtron’s goal is to provide a SteamOS-like unified Linux interface for all PC games, not just the ones on Steam.

The ever-churning GPD is mid-refresh cycle and preparing a slew of upcoming Ryzen 8840U handhelds. The GPD Win Mini 2024 looks like another compelling clamshell option for those who don’t need dual screens and who like VRR, while the Win Max 2 refresh looks to be ideal for those who like particularly large screens on their tablets. But these all fall within expectations of a market currently dominated by AMD’s Ryzen 7840U and 8840U CPUs at the high end.

What portable gamer fans are anticipating most is the seemingly impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, and the likely price-to-performance advancements that will come with it. The latest Switch 2 leaks point toward that release being early in 2025 — possibly around March, which is when the Nintendo Switch launched back in 2017. With much more competition in the form of the Steam Deck and its contemporaries, handheld gaming has never looked better— but like with all PC hardware, it can often seem enticing to wait a little longer.

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Most Popular

40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Xbox announces 38 more games coming to Game Pass and console

• Georgina Young , Gaming News Writer
• Published : 14:12, 30 Apr 2024
• Updated : 12:40, 1 May 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

XBOX just held the ID@Xbox showcase, presenting a variety of games coming from smaller studios and developers.

The showcase featured 38 indie games from a number of studios that will be released on Xbox consoles and Game Pass over the next 12 months and beyond.

It included announcements for popular games like Vampire Survivors, Palworld, and plenty of upcoming releases.

Here are all the games that were shown at the April 2024, ID@Xbox showcase:

• Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns DLC – May 9, 2024
• Astor: Blade of the Monolith – May 30, 2024
• 33 Immortals closed beta test – late May 2024
• Times & Galaxy – June 2024

Out mid-2024

• Dungeons of Hinterberg – July 18, 2024
• Major Palworld update – mid-2024
• Commandos: Origins – mid-2024
• Centrum – mid-2024
• Keylocker – mid-2024

More in Xbox

Candy Crush developer is open to working on games for Xbox despite layoffs

Xbox fans can save $600 in new custom console giveaway

Out late 2024.

• All You Need Is Help – late 2024
• Jackbox Naughty Pack – 2024
• Fera: The Sundred Tribes – 2024

Out 2025 and beyond

• Promise Mascot Agency – 2025
• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
• Stampeding: Racing Royale
• Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

A further 20 games were announced as coming or have recently arrived on Xbox Game Pass. Here is the full list:

• Depersonalization
• Volcano Princess
• The Rewinder
• Kill Knight
• Risk of Rain 2 – Devotion update
• Shadows of Doubt
• Palworld: Arena
• Let’s School
• My Time at Sandrock
• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
• Never Alone 2
• Streets of Rogue 2
• Death Must Die
• Broken Roads
• Dyson Sphere Program – Rise of the Dark Fog Stage 2
• Ravenswatch
• Cat Quest 3
• Brotato: Abyssal Terrors
• Wizard of Legend 2

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If you want to read more about Xbox, check out the latest custom Xbox Series X .

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Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.

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For Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, check out our full game reviews section .

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June 2024 is Going to Be Huge for the Nintendo Switch

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New Switch 2 Leak Is Good News For Pokemon Fans

Nintendo gives update on the 10 best-selling switch games, 3d sonic-style platformer with ‘overwhelmingly positive’ reviews coming to switch.

• Nintendo Switch gears up for its last major wave of games before the Switch 2 release.
• The June 2024 Nintendo Direct will reveal upcoming games for the second-half of 2024.
• Many long-rumored Switch games have yet to be officially announced, so fans should tune in.

This coming June 2024 is set to be absolutely massive for the Nintendo Switch , as it will be setting the home console/handheld hybrid up for its last big wave of games before the release of the Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch is over seven years old at this point, and so many fans are anxious for Nintendo to release new, more powerful hardware that will allow the company to release more ambitious games.

But while there are many who want Nintendo to move on and release the Switch 2 console, the company is still not done with the original console. Nintendo still has some ambitious plans for Nintendo Switch hardware, with hopes that the console will pass the Nintendo DS' lifetime sales by the end of this fiscal year. This would put the Switch lifetime sales within striking distance of Sony's PlayStation 2 , meaning the Switch stands a realistic shot at one day becoming the best-selling video game console of all time.

A well-known leaker shares some good news for Pokemon fans eager to play new entries in the franchise on Nintendo's next console.

If Nintendo wants the Switch's strong hardware sales to continue, it will need to provide new games that will draw in new customers. The upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A releasing in 2025 will no doubt help in that regard, but the console's second-half of 2024 is looking rather barren at the moment. Nintendo has confirmed that its second-half of 2024 slate will be revealed at an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation in June , which is why the month is going to be absolutely massive for the Switch.

Nintendo Direct Coming in June 2024

At the time of this writing, Nintendo has mostly kept quiet about the Switch's 2024 lineup. Fans know that the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake is releasing May 23, while Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is releasing June 27 , but otherwise, the company's plans for this year are largely a mystery. Nintendo has established a cadence of releasing at least one big new Switch game nearly every month, and while there may be a gap in the summer, it seems likely that trend will continue in the months leading up to the 2024 holiday shopping season.

It remains to be seen exactly what Nintendo has in store for the Switch in the second half of 2024, but more information on that front will come at the June 2024 Nintendo Direct. Nintendo has not provided a specific date for the June 2024 Direct at the time of this writing, but it has said that the event will be focused entirely on Nintendo Switch software. Some fans may be disappointed that they won't be able to tune in and learn about the Switch 2 console , but this means Nintendo can use the event to focus exclusively on setting the Switch up for a massive second-half of 2024 filled with games.

Rumored Switch Games That Have Yet to Be Announced

• 2D Donkey Kong Game
• Fire Emblem Remake
• Mario Baseball Game
• Metroid Prime 2
• Metroid Prime 3
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Of course, Nintendo fans will be wondering exactly what games they may be treated to at the 2024 Nintendo Direct. It's impossible to know at this point what Nintendo has up its sleeve, but there have been various leaks and rumors over the years about upcoming Switch games that have yet to be actualized. That could be because there is nothing to those rumors and they aren't based in reality, but it could also be because Nintendo has just been waiting for the right time to release those games. There's no guarantee that any of the games listed here are going to be seen at the Nintendo Direct in June, so fans should keep their expectations in check, but all of these titles have been rumored or "leaked" at some point or another.

There has been a lot of talk about a 2D Donkey Kong game that may be in development. Recently, it came to light that a 3D Donkey Kong game from Vicarious Visions was canceled, but the projects seem to be unrelated. Nintendo announcing its plans to expand Super Nintendo World with Donkey Kong content has lent credibility to the idea that a new 2D Donkey Kong game is in the works, but such a project has yet to be announced.

Other projects that have been rumored for a while but have not been revealed include a new Fire Emblem game that is a remake of one of the franchise's older titles, as well as a new Super Mario baseball game . It's been a whopping 16 years since the last time Nintendo released a Mario Baseball game, so it definitely seems like the spin-off series is due for a big comeback.

As far as Metroid Prime goes, Nintendo released Metroid Prime Remastered last year after years of leaks and rumors. Shortly after Metroid Prime Remastered was released , reliable insiders suggested that Nintendo had plans to bring Metroid Prime 2 and Metroid Prime 3 to the Switch as well, though they would be more like enhanced ports as opposed to full-blown remasters. Some have said that Nintendo actually has finished work on these games already and is simply sitting on them.

The same goes for Switch ports of the Wii U Zelda remasters . Unfortunately for franchise fans, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD remain trapped on the Wii U at the time of this writing. For many, bringing those beloved games to the Switch is a no-brainer, but Nintendo has yet to pull the trigger for one reason or another. Since it's highly unlikely Nintendo has a new Zelda waiting in the wings for the Switch, bringing these classics to the system could help fill the void and keep fans satisfied while they wait for the inevitable main series Zelda game for the Switch 2.

Confirmed Switch Exclusive Games That Have Yet to Be Released

• Metroid Prime 4
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Nintendo has two major Switch games that still need proper showcases. Pokemon Legends: Z-A was revealed earlier this year with a somewhat vague concept trailer that confirmed its setting and the return of Mega Evolutions. No gameplay of Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been shown yet, and so the game seems like a safe bet for the June 2024 Direct. Pokemon Legends: Z-A 's release date is planned for 2025 , so the game could very well be the Switch's swan song whenever it's out.

That really depends on Metroid Prime 4 , though. Metroid Prime 4 was one of the first games Nintendo ever announced for the Switch, yet seven years later, fans still have yet to see a single screenshot. The reason is Metroid Prime 4 development was rebooted , with Nintendo seemingly unsatisfied with the work that had been done by Bandai Namco. The project was then handed over to Retro Studios, the team that made the original Metroid Prime trilogy. There have been some rumblings that Nintendo is going to bring Metroid Prime 4 to the Switch 2, but as of the latest official word, the game is still expected to come to the original Switch.

Maybe it will be a Breath of the Wild situation where Metroid Prime 4 is released simultaneously for the original Switch and the Switch 2 hardware, but since the Switch 2 is rumored to be backward compatible anyway , that seems unlikely. Whatever the case may be, here's hoping fans get a long-awaited update on Metroid Prime 4 at the big Nintendo Direct that's set to take place in June.

A late addition to the eighth console generation, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid platform that can be experienced as a home or portable system. Launching with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the platform has amassed a wide selection of triple-A and indie titles. Since the console's debut, Nintendo has released two other models: the Switch Lite and OLED. 

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Upcoming PS5 and PS4 Game Launches: The Release Schedule for the Week of March 25, 2024

G ear up, PlayStation fans! The upcoming week, starting March 25, 2024, sees a fresh batch of new games for PS5 and PS4 consoles. While the week might be light on blockbuster releases, it offers a diverse selection of titles cutting across various genres. From the anticipated new South Park title to the immersive console experience of Planet Zoo, there is something for every gamer to look forward to.

Complete List of PS5 and PS4 Game Releases from March 25 to 31, 2024

Below is a lineup of the PS5 and PS4 games slated for release in the week spanning March 25 to March 31, 2024.

• Clown Art (March 25)
• Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles (March 26)
• Last Case of Benedict Fox: Definitive Edition (March 26)
• Planet Zoo: Console Edition (March 26)
• Prison Architect 2 (March 26)
• South Park: Snow Day! (March 26)
• 3D Arcade Fishing (March 27)
• Terra Memoria (March 27)
• Ario (March 28)
• Felix the Cat (March 28)
• Fortress S (March 28)
• The Master’s Pupil (March 28)
• One Last Breath (March 28)
• Open Roads (March 28)
• OTXO (March 28)
• 7 Days Heroes (March 29)
• Forest Farm (March 29)
• House (March 29)
• OVRDARK: a Do Not Open story (March 29)
• Re:Touring (March 29)
• Sticks Aim Trainer (March 29)
• Kitten Island (March 31)
• Grandia HD Collection (March 26)
• Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth (March 28)

Ahead of the pack is the co-op multiplayer escapade South Park: Snow Day!, where iconic characters from the series tackle a snow day with world-saving stakes. For those passionate about animals and management, Planet Zoo: Console Edition offers a delightful experience, with exclusive bonuses for early-bird pre-orders.

The beloved Grandia HD Collection, alongside reimagined classics like Felix The Cat, will also delight fans on PS4. With backwards compatibility, PS5 owners can join in the nostalgic fun. Those looking for something different can engross themselves in the action MOBA game Predecessor or get a sneak peek at SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada during its closed beta, both starting on March 28.

FAQs About The Upcoming PS5 and PS4 Releases

Will Planet Zoo: Console Edition include any special content?

Yes, pre-ordering before the release will grant access to exclusive in-game animals.

Can PS5 users play PS4 games?

Yes, PS5 offers backwards compatibility for an extended library of PS4 games.

Are there any Beta opportunities in the list?

The action-MOBA game Predecessor enters open beta, and SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada begins its closed beta—though signups may already be closed.

How many games are releasing for PS5 this week?

There are 22 new games scheduled for release on PS5 during this week.

How many games are releasing for PS4 this week?

The PS4 is gaining 10 new titles over this time frame.

This week appears to be an exciting time for PlayStation enthusiasts with an eclectic mix of titles hitting the PS5 and PS4 platforms. Whether you’re in for some lighthearted fun with South Park’s latest game, strategizing a wildlife haven in Planet Zoo, or testing your skills in new indie releases, there’s a new adventure waiting for every type of gamer. Keep your eyes peeled for release dates and get ready to dive into new worlds!

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

• Patch Notes
• Hardware and Tech
• PC Invasion Staff

When is Hades 2 coming to consoles? PS5, Xbox, Switch, explained

Early access to Hades 2 is available for PC players to stress test, but when will it be out for the eagerly awaiting players on Switch, PS5, and Xbox? Here are all the platforms Hades 2 is available on.

When will Hades 2 be coming to other platforms? All Hades 2 platforms, explained

Currently, Hades 2 is only available on Steam and Epic Games Store . The beauty of being a PC gamer is the huge array of games that can be enjoyed in early access. The nature and freedom of platforms like Steam mean that we get games like Hades 2 first to ensure the final release on other platforms like Playstation, Xbox, and Switch is perfect. So, although PC players can play Hades 2 already, everyone else will just have to wait .

As of yet, there is little information to be found about when Hades 2 will be ready to leave early access. No date has been set for Hades 2 release to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Switch. For now, we know that Supergiant Games plans on keeping Hades 2 in early access for the full year of 2024. First, the game will need to be thoroughly tested on PC. This is intended to work out any problems before it comes to any kind of console.

However, while I’ve been playing Hades 2, I’ve seen the quality and perfection of the first game are already shining through. It plays like a dream , with incredible optimization and wonderfully in-depth gameplay . Knowing that this is only the early access testing stage promises another very likely GOTY from Supergiant.

When is the PS5, Xbox, and Switch Hades 2 release date?

At this point, Supergiant has said that Hades 2 will be in early access till at least the end of 2024 . This means that console players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch will have to wait until at least 2025 for Hades 2 to be playable.

Although this may seem like a long wait, it only means that the team will be releasing a game that runs perfectly and is jam-packed full of features. Early access, especially of this popularity and size, usually results in a game that has had plenty of time to receive fans’ feedback. The roadmap looks to be full of interesting developments.

By the time Hades 2 reaches Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, it’ll be ready to demolish the competition at the Game of the Year awards.