The Family Friendly Video Game Guide
Plenty more Mario options and my thoughts about Roblox
Welcome to the third and final installment of my Video Game Buying Guides. At this point I have completely lost faith in Bard and am astounded by how many Mario related games are out there.
Although the designation for anything under 10 is “E for Everyone,” I like that Common Sense Media gets much more granular. The youngest designation is 5+ and you’ll see I gave you something for 5, 6, 7, and 8 because there is a big difference, to me, between a 5 year old and an 8 year old.
I am not suggesting everyone should be buying video games for their 5 year olds. I am also not saying a 5 year old can’t play a video game. What to introduce and when is up to every family. Just make sure you start with games you feel good about and spend some time upfront so you and your kid all have a good understanding of what’s happening and what the rules are.
These are games are equally good to introduce to older kids that you want to start them with more innocent fair. Remember just because a kid is 10 doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy a game rated for everyone.
If you’re buying video games this year please consider using my links. Happy shopping everyone!
5+
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Officially rated E and CSM says its for ages 5+. It got top honors from PCMag and 5 out of 5 from CSM. It’s new for 2023 and its basically a sim where cook, clean, live you life around other Disney characters— everyone from Goofy to Wall-E. Sounds adorable. Its available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S/One, Mac, PC. This one is actually free with the. paid Founder's Pack option. Buy it here. Read more about it here.
6+
Super Mario Maker 2
Oh hello again, Mario. Mario dominated the 10+ Video Game round up. If you missed that one check it out here. PCMag says this is 10+ but CSM says its actually ok for 6+. PC Mag gives it 4.5 out of 5; CSM says 5 out of 5. CSM says its “fun <and has> accessible editing tools expose that kids to game design.” Available on Switch only. List Price: $59.99. Buy it here.
7+
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
PC Mag Says E for everyone and 4.5 , CSM says 7+ and 5. Available on Nintendo Switch. This is a Top Pick from the Kids. CSM describes it: “Family-friendly racer gets large update with bonus content.” I’ve actually played this one and its pretty fun. Price: $59.99 Buy it.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Rated E but CSM says 7+. PcMag says 4 out of 5; CSM 5 out of 5. This is another sim of an idylic island life. The review don’t say much. Bard does point out there are “no real challenges or goals.” But for 7 year olds thats probably ok. For Nintendo Switch. Price: $59.99. Buy it here. Read more here
8+
Minecraft
CSM says 8+ and 4 out of 5. This is also a Top Pick from multiple kids. CSM description: '“Sandbox-style game with open online play fosters creativity.” BARD: “Encourages creativity and problem-solving - Promotes collaboration and teamwork - Offers a vast and open-ended world to explore with some elements of violence (e.g., fighting mobs).” This is the only one that I will rank higher despite a slightly lower rating from CSM because I have logged many, many (so many) hours watching my kid build structures and interact with square shaped animals. The fact that he wants to show me what he’s working on is a big reason to move this up vote to the top of the 8+ group. Available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Windows 10, Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS PcMag says E10+ and 4.5. Price: $26.99. For purchase here.
Threes!
CSM says E8+ and 5 out of 5. Calls it a “terrifically addictive math-based puzzle game.” Available on Android, iOS, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch. Price: $4.99. Download it on Apple or Google store, why not for $5?
Untitled Goose Game
Another puzzler. CSM says “Don't let your goose get cooked in feathered fun puzzler.” CSM gives this one E8+ and 5 out of 5. Available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Windows 10. Price: $19.99. Buy it.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Rated E10 but CSM says 8+. PC Mag 4.5; CSM 5 out of 5. CSM says “Kid-friendly classic gets fun add-ons for a new generation.” Switch only. Price: $59.99. Buy it.
Some words about Roblox
Roblox
I know alot of kids who play this but it is actually rated T with “discretion advised.” PC Mag and CSM both say 4 out of 5 but dCSM warns of its “potential for iffy content.” So that you should tell you something right there. Available on PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS. Price:Free.
Man that was alot on video games. I hope these guides were helpful! Don’t forget to subscribe to get my spread sheet!
My sources were:
“The Best Video Games for Kids” from PC Magazine (article here)
Common Sense Media’s searchable database (I refer them as CSM throughout this post) *
The results of an AI prompt (I used Bard) . The prompt was: “what are the best video games for tweens, include name, content rating, what year it was released, what platforms they are available on, price, what parent will like about them and what parents should be aware of.”
“Kids I Know” Nominated Games - These are recommendations from kids I interviewed this past year + my own kids’ Christmas Lists.
* If you want to do more research, I strongly recommend the CSM Tool here. You can limit by child’s age, platform & more. I find CSM’s reviews are pretty spot on. In fact, I trust them over the official content rating.