Buying guide
Best Gaming Console for Kids in Canada (2026)
The best gaming consoles for kids in Canada by age, and how to set up parental controls on Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation.
The best gaming console for most kids in Canada is the Nintendo Switch (OLED): it plays on the TV and as a handheld, and it has the biggest library of E for Everyone games. For kids under 8 playing alone, the Switch Lite is simpler and sturdier. Teens who play with friends usually want a PS5 or Xbox Series S. Every console has free parental controls you can run from your phone.
Find the right console for your kids
How old are the kids?
How will they play?
Our picks
- TV + handheldplay
- 7" OLEDscreen
- E-ratedhuge library
Buy it if you want one console for road trips and family games on the TV, with the biggest kid-friendly library.
Skip it if your kids want the newest Nintendo games. Some are Switch 2 only.
Why we picked it
Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Pokemon and Minecraft: the Switch has more E for Everyone hits than any other console. Docked it plays on the TV with two controllers out of the box; undocked it is a handheld for the car.
- Handheldonly
- 5.5"screen
- One pieceno detachable controllers
Buy it if it is a first console for a child under 8 who will play on their own.
Skip it if you want to play on the TV. The Lite does not connect to one.
Why we picked it
No detachable controllers to lose, a smaller size for small hands, and it plays almost every Switch game in handheld mode.
- 7.9"screen
- 120Hzhandheld
- Playsmost Switch 1 games
Buy it if you want the newest Nintendo console that will get new games for years, and still plays most Switch games.
Skip it if you mainly want the classic kids games. A Switch (OLED) plays them too.
Why we picked it
Bigger screen, faster performance, mouse-style Joy-Con 2 controllers and GameChat. It plays most original Switch games, so older game cards still work.
- Game Passhundreds of games
- Digitalonly
- Smalland quiet
Buy it if your kids want Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox on the TV, and you like a subscription with hundreds of games.
Skip it if you want to buy discs. It has no disc drive.
Why we picked it
Xbox Game Pass gives a large rotating library of games for a monthly fee, which kids love for trying new things. Xbox Family Settings lets you approve friends, set screen time and spending from your phone.
- 4KTV play
- Discor digital
- PS Familycontrols
Buy it if your teen wants the big PlayStation exclusives and plays with friends on PS5.
Skip it if your kids are young. Most PS5 hits are rated T or M.
Why we picked it
The PS5 has the biggest exclusive games and the console most teens' friends use. PlayStation Family controls let you set age ratings, playtime and spending.
Compare the picks
| Console | How it plays | Screen or output | Subscription | Parental controls | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch (OLED) | TV, tabletop, handheld | 7-inch OLED | Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app | $299.99 |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Handheld only | 5.5-inch | Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app | $139.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | TV, tabletop, handheld | 7.9-inch, up to 120Hz | Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app | $609.99 |
| Xbox Series S | TV only, digital games | Up to 1440p | Xbox Game Pass | Xbox Family Settings app | $659.99 |
| PlayStation 5 Slim | TV only | Up to 4K | PlayStation Plus | PlayStation Family on the PS App | $939.99 |
Specs from nintendo.com, xbox.com and playstation.com. Checked October 24, 2026. "From" is today's live starting price across grades.
Best console by age
| Age | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 7 | Switch Lite | Handheld, sturdy, no small controllers to lose, simple E-rated games. |
| 8 to 12 | Switch (OLED) or Switch 2 | Family games on the TV, Minecraft and Pokemon on the go. |
| 13 and up | PS5 Slim or Xbox Series S | Where their friends play online. |
Set up parental controls in 10 minutes
- Install the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone.
- Link it to the console with the code shown in System Settings.
- Set a daily play time and choose what happens when time is up.
- Restrict games by ESRB age rating and turn off posting to social media.
- Install the free Xbox Family Settings app.
- Create a child Microsoft account and add it to your family group.
- Set screen time, content ratings, and approve friend requests and purchases.
- Add your child as a family member in the PS App under Family Management.
- Set the age level for games, apps and the web browser.
- Set daily playtime and a monthly spending limit.
Read the rating
In Canada, games carry ESRB ratings: E (Everyone), E10+, T (Teen, 13+) and M (Mature, 17+). Every console's parental controls can block games above the rating you choose. Online chat is not rated, so check chat settings separately.
Consoles go through a lot with kids, so a Fair or Good grade makes sense: it works exactly like an Excellent one. Every console we sell is tested, cleaned and covered by a warranty of 90 days to 1 year depending on grade, with 14-day returns.
Questions people ask
What is the best gaming console for kids?
The Nintendo Switch (OLED) for most families, the Switch Lite for kids under 8 playing alone, and a PS5 or Xbox Series S for teens.
What is the best console for a 10 year old?
A Nintendo Switch (OLED) or Switch 2. They have the most E and E10+ games and play both on the TV and on the go.
Is the Switch Lite good for kids?
Yes for younger kids who play alone. It is handheld only, so it cannot play on a TV.
Does the Switch 2 play Switch games?
It plays most original Switch games, so your existing game cards and downloads mostly carry over.
Xbox or PlayStation for kids?
Xbox Series S with Game Pass is great for trying lots of games. PS5 is best for teens who want PlayStation exclusives and play with PS5 friends.
Can I limit how long my kids play?
Yes. Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation all let you set daily time limits from a free phone app.
Do kids games need an online subscription?
Only for online multiplayer in most games. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Roblox can be played online without one on most consoles.
See also which console to buy, Switch models compared, PS5 vs Switch 2 and every refurbished console.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the Nintendo Switch OLED pre-owned from $299.99, tested by real technicians with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
