The 2020 holiday season is looking to be big for gamers and the gaming industry. With the global pandemic still putting limitations on people all around the world and the release of the next generation of consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, more people are looking to video games as an entertainment source. While getting a new console for kids may be out of the question for many people this holiday season, there are still great games to consider buying for the family this Christmas.
The Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 may be getting a lot of coverage right now, but those aren’t the only consoles on the market. During the early stages of the global pandemic, the Nintendo Switch gained a lot of popularity, primarily thanks to the life simulation game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are also still viable consoles with new releases and years of life remaining, despite the release of the next generation. It may be better to wait on upgrading to the Xbox Series X or PS5 until production of Xbox One and PS4 games begin to die down.
Microsoft’s identical naming cycle for the Xbox console family caused some confusion amongst buyers trying to pre-order the Xbox Series X, but those who may’ve accidentally purchased an Xbox One X shouldn’t be too upset or cancel their orders. Despite it not being the newest version of the Xbox, the Xbox One X is still a capable console that has some features included with the Xbox Series X such as Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription based game streaming program that offers hundreds of games to play. Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief provides a parent’s guide to Xbox Game Pass that still holds up for the holiday season. But Microsoft’s Xbox isn’t the only gaming console out there with a variety of family friendly games. The PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch also have a large selection of games perfect for kids.
Kids Game Ideas For Christmas: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Tom Holland may be the new face of Spider-Man as Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Miles Morales gets the spotlight in the PlayStation exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Available on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, this action-packed superhero game by Sony and Insomniac Games is perfect for kids who’ve always wanted to be a hero. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is rated T for Teen and features violence, blood, language, and some drug references. If the PS5 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition is purchased for $69.99, a copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, starring Peter Parker, will be included for free. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales seems perfect for older kids and teens and who want a fun web swinging experience.
Kids Game Ideas For Christmas: Just Dance 2021
For those who want fun for the whole family, Just Dance 2021 seems like the perfect game. Available on the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Google Stadia for $49.99, the newest edition to the Just Dance series is the ultimate dance game. With 40 hot new tracks to choose from and over 550 songs included with Just Dance Unlimited, a subscription streaming service, dance parties can be held every day. Just Dance 2021 is rated E for Everyone and includes mild lyrics, making it a perfect gift to enjoy with the entire family.
Kids Game Ideas For Christmas: Rocket League
Described as a high-powered hybrid of arcade-styled soccer and vehicular mayhem, Rocket League is a free to play online competitive game that allows players to play soccer while controlling customized vehicles. Players can compete in various arenas against friends online or against the CPU offline. There are also in-game events and special game modes that are only available for a short amount of time.
While the game is free to play and offers free in-game rewards, there are in-game purchases that allow Rocket League players to get better rewards. The in-game currency is known as credits, with the basic premium package, or Rocket Pass, costing about $10. Rocket League is a good game for kids who enjoy competitive sports and cars. Rocket League is rated E for Everyone and available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Mac.
Kids Game Ideas For Christmas – Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing was already a popular life simulation game, but the global crisis made it to where Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a phenomenon. The game was so popular that stores everywhere ran out of Nintendo Switches. What made Animal Crossing: New Horizons so popular amongst people during the pandemic? Perhaps it’s the game’s relaxing escapism.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players escape to their own personal deserted island and slowly build it up into a community filled with animal friends. This game is perfect for creative kids who enjoy relaxing worldbuilding games. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is rated E for Everyone and is only available on the Nintendo Switch for $59.99.
Kids Game Ideas For Christmas: Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Super Mario Bros. is an iconic gaming franchise, and to celebrate its 35th anniversary Nintendo released Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This game is essentially three Mario games in one package. For $59.99 players will be able to play Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. This collection is only available temporarily though, as Nintendo has listed the final available date to purchase Super Mario 3D All-Stars as March 31, 2021. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is rated E for Everyone, a great gift for kids of all ages, and is only available on the Nintendo Switch.
Whether it’s a gift for a young child or a teenager, there are video games out there that everyone can enjoy. Most gaming consoles having parental control settings, so parents can monitor what their kids play and how long they play. There are games for sporty kids, creative kids, adventurous kids, energetic kids, and much more. Video games can bring friends and family together in a time of uncertainty. So, if upgrading to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S isn’t an option this holiday season, try finding a video game that the kids, teens, and parents alike can all enjoy. Getting a head start on Black Friday gaming deals might also the wallet happy.
