Which video game to choose for your child?

To choose a A video game suitable for your child, start by looking at the logo PEGI on the game's box or packaging. It indicates the minimum recommended age based on the game's content.

When chosen wisely, video games can become a real enriching experience, combining creativity, cooperation, and the exploration of new worlds.

Is there an age requirement for playing video games?

The recommended age to start playing video games is ages 3 and up. Before that age, it’s best to offer other toys. This is the basic guideline to keep in mind before making any purchase.

The official levels are PEGI 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18, no other numbers are ever included. This logo appears on the back of the box or on the online product page.

Starting at age 3, your child can play in a way that moderate, in short, supervised sessions. Most of the children aged 10 to 15 play almost every day.

Side screen time, a study by the’University of Oxford published in 2014 showed that children who played less than an hour a day showed a better work-life balance than those who didn't play at all. The key, therefore, is not to ban it, but to set a time frame.

Criteria for Choosing the Right Video Game for Children

The first thing to do before giving a video game to a child is to check for the logo PEGI (Pan European Game Information). This system is used throughout most of Europe. It classifies games into five age groups based on content, not difficulty.

• PEGI 3 : Content suitable for everyone; no violence or only very mild scenes. Ideal for young children.
• PEGI 7 : May contain scenes that are a little scary or unrealistic violence. This is the case with Minecraft or of Pikmin 4.
• PEGI 12 : slightly more graphic violence involving fantasy characters, or mild references. Recommended for older children, ages 12 and up.
• PEGI 16 : Realistic violence; may contain profanity. This isn't really a game for kids anymore.
• PEGI 18 : For adults only; contains intense violence and sensitive content. These video games for adults are not suitable for minors.

In addition to the age group, you'll also see content icons that help you narrow down your choices. Useful if your child is sensitive to certain scenes.

Two other criteria supplement the PEGI rating system:

• The difficulty : A PEGI 7 game may still be too complex for a 7-year-old player. The rating assesses the content, not the ease of play.
• Online Mode : in open-world games such as Minecraft, other players may interact with your child. It's best to supervise them or enable parental controls.

A Selection of Video Games for Children by Age Group

The right choice depends on your child's age and platform Available. The best video games for kids listed below are available on Nintendo Switch, the console best suited for young gamers. Many are also available on PlayStation, Xbox and computer.

Best Video Games for 3- to 5-Year-Olds (PEGI 3)

At this age, a child needs simple visuals and gameplay that’s free of pressure and time limits. Here’s a selection of video games that fit the bill:

• PAW Patrol World (PEGI 3, Switch / PS4 / Xbox / PC): a colorful open world featuring the characters from Paw Patrol. Perfect for first-time players, kids will feel right at home.
• Mon amie Peppa Pig (PEGI 3, Switch / PlayStation / Xbox) : slow pace, no violent action, perfect for very young players. The experience is gentle and reassuring.
• Les Schtroumpfs : Mission Malfeuille (PEGI 3, Switch (/consoles/PC): An accessible platformer that can be played with a parent. A classic of the genre for 3- to 5-year-olds.
• Yoshi’s Crafted World (PEGI 3, Nintendo Switch) : Nintendo This is a platformer set in a world made of cardboard. The levels are short, colorful, and stress-free. It’s the perfect game to play with the family.

Best Video Games for 6- to 8-Year-Olds (PEGI 3 to 7)

Children read better and can handle slightly more complex mechanics. These video games for children stimulate creativity while remaining kind. Among the best games Nintendo Switch for this age group:

• Minecraft (PEGI 7, PC / Switch / PlayStation / Xbox / mobile): open-ended gameplay, no gratuitous violence, a true a sandbox for the imagination. A must-have classic among the best video games for kids.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder (PEGI 3, Nintendo Switch) : a platform game Super Mario Bright and creative, with multiplayer co-op mode. Perfect for families to enjoy together.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (PEGI 3, Nintendo Switch) : the racing game Mario Kart Perfect for players of all skill levels. Easy to pick up, with local multiplayer available. A must-have among the best video games for kids.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (PEGI 3, Nintendo Switch) : a peaceful life on an island to explore, without competition. Animal Crossing New Horizons offers a soothing and enriching experience, at your own pace.
• Kirby et le Monde Oublié (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : a 3D adventure game by Nintendo, suitable for ages 6 and up. The levels are short, the difficulty increases gradually, and the cooperative mode allows two players to play together.
• Luigi’s Mansion 3 (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : Mario steps aside to let her brother take the lead in this funny and slightly scary adventure. A perfect video game for kids who love exploring without any real violence.

Best Video Games for 9- to 12-Year-Olds (PEGI 7)

At this age, children enjoy the’adventure, l'exploration and broader worlds. This selection of video games for children remains age-appropriate while offering more depth. Most are available on Nintendo Switch, and sometimes also on PlayStation, Xbox or PC:

• Pikmin 4 (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : a set of strategy and exploration a cute game where you guide little creatures to solve puzzles. A release Nintendo very popular among players of that age.
• Pokémon Écarlate et Violet (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : a Open-world RPG to capture Pokémon and explore at their own pace. One of the outings Pokémon the most accessible for young players.
• Sonic Superstars (PEGI 7, Switch / PlayStation / Xbox / PC): a fast-paced, action-packed platformer in the vein of Sonic classics. An ideal arcade game for action fans.
• Tintin Reporter : Les Cigares du Pharaon (PEGI 7, Switch (/consoles/PC): adventure and mystery—perfect for young fans of the comic book.
• Fae Farm (PEGI 7, Switch / PC): a relaxing life and farm simulation game set in a magical world that you can develop day by day. A great alternative to Animal Crossing for players who want more management.
• Mario + The Lapins Crétins : Sparks of Hope (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : a turn-based strategy game featuring Mario and his friends. Accessible, funny, and thought-provoking for young players who like to think.

Best Video Games for Ages 12 and Up (PEGI 12)

Starting at age 12, players can enjoy video games with more complex worlds, richer storylines, and a higher level of difficulty. Here is a selection of appropriate games:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (PEGI 12, Nintendo Switch) : a massive open-world adventure game featuring puzzles, exploration, and total freedom. One of the best releases Nintendo in recent years.
• Splatoon 3 (PEGI 7, Nintendo Switch) : an online ink-shooting game with no actual violence. Competitive and fun, it’s suitable even for the youngest players in this age group. Very popular among players aged 10 to 15.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains an excellent choice at this age for family moments or with friends. The kart 8 Deluxe offers 48 tracks and several game modes.
• Stardew Valley (PEGI 12, PC / Switch / PlayStation / Xbox) : A farm life simulation game with RPG elements. Creative, relaxing, and non-violent. Available on all consoles and PC.
• It Takes Two (PEGI 12, PC / PlayStation / Xbox / Switch) : a cooperative adventure game designed for two players. Parents and children play together, making it an ideal family game.

Which video game console should you choose for kids?

The choice of console is just as important as that of video games. Each platform has its own catalog and top titles for children.

• Nintendo Switch : the console best suited for young gamers. The game library Nintendo features the best video games for kids: Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Minecraft. It can be played in handheld mode or on a TV. Perfect for family time.
• PlayStation (Sony) : A console geared more toward teens and adults, but several PEGI 3 and 7 titles are available. The catalog is extensive, with great exclusive releases every year.
• Xbox : similar to PlayStation in terms of the catalog. The subscription Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of video games, including many that are suitable for children, which can be a good way to explore without having to buy each game separately.
• computer : the most flexible platform. Minecraft, Stardew Valley and many video games for children are available there, often at prices lower than those of the consoles themselves.

To help you decide between these consoles, here's an explanation which console to choose for family gaming in another article.

Is the PEGI rating enough to help you make the right choice?

the PEGI evaluates the content, not the difficulty or screen time. A game rated PEGI 7 may still be too complex for a 7-year-old. The label is therefore a starting point, not a definitive answer.

Three habits round out this first filter:

• Watch a gameplay video to get a feel for the game before buying it. It only takes a few minutes to figure out if the game is right for you.
• Set a reasonable playtime : less than an hour a day is still a good guideline. Limiting screen time helps prevent fatigue and leaves time for other activities.
• Monitoring Online Interactions on open-world games such as Minecraft, where other players can chat with your child. To take it a step further, you can also learn how to monitor what your Children on the Internet.

The best advice is still to play with your child. You share the experience, guide them as they explore, and see for yourself if the game is right for them. A session of Mario Kart orAnimal Crossing New Horizons Being a couple quickly becomes a real part of life together.