Affordable Gaming Devices for Kids
by Jennifer Thayer
The holidays are quickly creeping up on us and video games have been the hottest toys for years. Today’s kids want the latest in gaming consoles and handheld devices, both of which can easily costs hundreds of dollars. If you’re like most parents who want to get their children electronics they’ll love, there are several devices and consoles on the market that are age-appropriate, fun and even educational, that won’t break your holiday spending budget.
Gaming Consoles
LeapTV: This is an educational, active video game system teaches reading, mathematics, science and problem-solving skills. Users can play three ways: body motion, classic control or pointer play. Equipment includes console, camera mount, transforming controller, HDMI cable, AC power adapter and 16GB of memory. Works with 100+ LeapFrog LeapTV cartridge games. (Ages 3-8)
Nintendo Wii: Still a favorite among children of all ages, the Wii comes with many motion-control games to keep them moving, such as Wii Music. The Wii costs less than most gaming consoles. (Ages 3 and up)
Xbox Kinect: Users can enjoy full-body gaming and voice control with this popular gaming console. There’s no controller required, it’s easy to use and gets you moving. It also has built-in Wi-Fi for easier connectivity and instant TV and movie streaming. (Ages 4 and up)
Sony PlayStation 4: This popular gaming console comes with powerful graphics, speed, personalization, integrated social capabilities and second screen features. Comes with Dualshock 4 wireless controllers, HDMI and power cables, wired mono headset and USB charging cable. It also offers remote play on the PlayStation Vita mobile system.
Nokia Lumia 2520 Tablet: While not necessarily a traditional gaming console, the Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet runs an Adreno 330 GPU inside the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. This allows the simple Android tablet to operate as a gaming system because these GPUs have quick response and amazing graphics. Typically a mid-range tablet, you can find a great deal on this tablet online at Newegg. (All ages)
Handheld Gaming
Fisher-Price iXL: This six-in-one learning system includes a digital reader, game player, note pad, art studio, MP3 player and photo viewer. The Fisher-Price iXL opens like a book and made from rugged plastic. (Ages 3-7)
LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Game System: Children can discover and learn through educational games, eBooks, online games and videos. They can play with game cartridges or download some of the hundreds of apps and games available for the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Game System. They can also take pictures and video and store them on the 2GB of on-board memory. (Ages 4-9)
PlayStation Vita System: If your child loves the gaming console, then he or she will also like the PlayStation Vita System. The mobile system includes a five-inch OLED touchscreen, dual analog sticks for precision control and has more than 900 games available. (Ages 10 and up)
Nintendo 3DS XL: This is the next generation of portable gaming with amazing 3D visuals. Take 3D photos, connect with other Nintendo 3DS XL players and interact on two screens that are 90 percent larger than other DS models. Users can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots with its wireless StreetPass and SpotPass modes. (Ages 10 and up)
Kindle Fire XDX: A less-expensive solution to an Apple iPad, the Kindle Fire XDX allows users to watch movies and TV shows, play games and more on an HD display. Parents can create profiles and set time limits with Kindle FreeTime. It also features fast web-browsing with built-in Wi-Fi, updated e-mail and calendar support. (All ages)
Rather than spending upwards of $600 on a gaming device, try opting for one of these alternatives. Not only will you love their affordable price tag, but your kids will love their fun and entertaining features.
About the Author: Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California. She is passionate about exploring new ways technology can be used to make day-to-day tasks easier. Follow her on Twitter.
