Since the holidays are rolling around and people are completing their Christmas lists, I’m sure a lot of parents and grandparents are wanting to know which console is the best gift to get for their children and grandchildren. The true answer is that every console has some good and bad (gasp!) games, but my professional answer starts with one simple question: how old is the child?

If the child is 16 years old and above:

Then I would suggest the Xbox One or PS4.

Outside of the console wars, both consoles hold their own well.

With these two consoles, you are dealing with games that can be for everyone, but mostly have a Teen or higher rating. I don’t personally own an Xbox, but from what I have seen and helped sell, the Xbox console focuses on more games geared toward violence and intense action not really made for children’s eyes (though that opinion should be determined by the adult buying it).

The PS4 also has some games that have the same formula (the Xbox and PS4 pretty much have the same games, excluding some exclusives), but there are also plenty of colorful indie games that young children and adults can play. Another thing to consider is that both consoles have games made for more than one player (though I think the PS4 might have more options).

If the child is 15 years and younger:

Then I would suggest getting a Nintendo 3DS.

This handheld does more than you think.

I have one myself and trust me when I say that out of all the consoles and handhelds of today, the 3DS is probably the most played system because it is highly accessible. It can be carried ANYWHERE because of its small size, and it has plenty of games for young children and young adults alike (even adults have a 3DS!). With the 3DS, the options for games is grander – there are plenty of Action and Adventure games, Puzzle games, and even games that can be played with family and friends as long as they have a 3DS too. And because it is Nintendo, most of the games are colorful and insightful with deep stories but comical violence (and by that I mean easy on the eyes).

The only console I wouldn’t suggest getting at this point is a Wii U.

It was a promising console.

With Nintendo working on their newest console, the Nintendo Switch, games for the Wii U have pretty much stopped and there have been reports stating that the Wii U is not going to be produced anymore (at least in Japan anyway). There are some good games on it, such as Splatoon and the Mario games as well as remastered Zelda games, but that’s still not good enough for 300 bucks. However, if you’re really trying to incorporate family time and don't mind buying games from the eShop mostly then the Wii U might be a good starter console (when it’s on sale of course!).

There are plenty of other gifts to get for the holidays, but when it comes to picking out consoles and video games, the most important thing to really look out for is what is best for the child. If the parent or guardian feels that the child is mature enough to play certain games then that is their choice, but professionally speaking, I feel everyone should focus on games geared for, well, everyone.

Happy Holiday Shopping!