From a parenting perspective, handheld gaming systems are a great way to get your child into gaming (if they have been bugging you for a video game console), without having to invest in a very expensive home gaming system. At 7 years old, kids are getting to an age where the variety of games is important, so it is definitely something to consider.
If you were into gaming or handheld gaming when you were younger, or if you were never into gaming, the market can be a bit confusing these days, with tons of different models and brands.
With that in mind, we are going to review five of the most popular handheld gaming systems available on the market today and tell you about the pros and cons of each. This will ensure that you select your child a suitable, up-to-date handheld gaming system.
We’ve summarized out top two choices for gaming systems in the table below.
| Best Choice | Runner Up | |
| Preview |  |
|
| Age Range | All ages | All ages |
| Storage Size | 32 GB Expandable via micro SDHC or micro SDXC |
1 GB Expandable via Sony PS Vita cards only |
| WiFi |
✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth |
✔ | ✔ |
| HDMI Output | ✔ | ✖ |
| Screen |
6.3 inch | 5 inch |
| Price | see on Amazon | see on Amazon |
Nintendo Switch – Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con
Let’s start by discussing the Nintendo Switch, probably one of the most popular consoles around. For a while, this console was basically impossible to find because it was so popular and sold so well. Now, we have to start off this review by mentioning a technicality, this technically isn’t a handheld game system. It has a handheld function that allows it to be played on the go (such as while away from a house or while on a car ride).
Best Range of Kid-Friendly Games
The Nintendo Switch’s primary argument in favor of it is the vast amount of games available for it (or that will become available for it in the coming years). The Switch not only has access to all the Nintendo classics like Mario, Zelda, and other beloved franchises, but it also has access to more modern game titles. This is actually one of the major selling features of the console, that it has both Nintendo games and titles that would usually only be released on non-Nintendo consoles.
So, not only does your child have a large number of games to choose from, but they also have a lot of different genres to choose from as well. Puzzle games, adventure games, action games, party games, etc., are all well represented on this console. Plus, if you don’t want your child exposed to adult content, then you can rest easy because a lot of the Switch’s games are very child-friendly (Nintendo does have a deserved reputation for being very kid-friendly).
If you are worried about losing game cards, Nintendo has a solution for that too. You can now purchase digital games so you don’t need to have a physical copy of the game to use it. You can find out more on Nintendo digital game purchases via their website.
Play Games Via Your Television
One of the main features that sets the Switch apart from the rest, is that you can use it as a regular console on your television. Simply place the handheld console in the dock. The dock connects to your TV via an HDMI cable. Detach the side controls and you now have two controllers, this is great if you have multiple kids too.
The handheld function does work very well too, but the added feature of using it as a home console is one of the reasons this is our #1 choice.
Exceptional Build Quality
The system is very well-built and should last you for quite a while. When compared to other manufacturers, Nintendo products are known for being extremely durable. Every part of this system is very well-made, both internally and externally.
Is it worth the price?
There really aren’t any technical issues with the console. Really, the only downside that might bug parents is the cost. If you are buying this purely as a handheld system, then you should know that you are going to be paying console prices, for both the system and the games. It is also worth noting that Nintendo games rarely lower in price or go on sale, so buying new games for your child will add up over time.
However, since this game system double as a home gaming system too, it is very reasonability priced. Overall this is a great console and unless cost is a major issue for you, this is the one to get for your kids.
Sony PlayStation Vita WiFi
Sony is another very famous gaming company, but in recent years they have taken a slant towards more adult gaming. However, parents in the market for a handheld system for their 7-year old will still want to consider the PS Vita, as it still has a great line up of games for kids.
The Vita is a traditional handheld console. The model we are specifically reviewing is even slimmer and smaller than the regular Vita model. It will fit perfectly into your child’s hands. The design of the game system is very simple as well. The buttons are right on the sides and it is very easy for any child to pick it up and start playing.
Great Game Selection
In terms of games, there is a wide selection. Between the physical cartridges and the online store, your child has access to well over 1000 games. Also, unlike Nintendo, Sony’s games do often go down significantly in price, so you can probably get most of the games at significantly discounted prices. Some of the more popular titles on the PS Vita are Minecraft, Little Deviants, LEGO series (Star Wars, Marvel, Lord of the Rings) and many more.
Very Affordable
Overall, this is a great handheld console that a 7-year old child is sure to adore. However, there are a couple of issues to talk about. Firstly, the Vita is being phased out by Sony. This is why the price is much lower than the Switch. So, while there will still be a ton of games for your child to play, development of new games is ending in the next couple of years.
Secondly, some of the Vita games aren’t kid-friendly. Thankfully, you can overcome this by using the Vita’s very effective and easy to use parental controls, which will prevent your child from accessing adult content. If you are concerned about the WiFi capabilities, be sure to check out our post on keeping your child safe on the internet.
Nintendo 3DS
XL
The Nintendo 3DS XL (which is a better, improved version of the very popular 2DS) and is a great handheld game system.
On the technical side, the system performs very well. The 3DS is both easy to use and very intuitive. It features two screens, something that most games take full advantage of. It is compatible with all games in the DS series, making the cost of games very affordable.
While the console is has been on the market for a while, that does have some advantages. Firstly, there is a huge library of cheap games. You can either buy them physically or download them from the Nintendo store. Secondly, the 3DS tends to cost a lot less than competing handheld gaming systems.
Includes Super Mario Kart
Use the 3DS straight out of the box with a free download of the Super Mario Kart game. When it comes to game selection, you don’t have to worry at all, because the 2DS (and the 3DS) has one of the most comprehensive gaming libraries available. Every type of game is represented. All the classic Nintendo franchises have games available for the system, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and everything in-between.
Foldable & Compact
Another great feature of the 3DS is that it is foldable and very compact for a handheld game systems. This is great to keep the screens protected when not in use and easy to store when travelling.
I’m Game 120 Games Handheld Player
Moving away from established game systems, let’s now look at a lesser known handheld system. The I’m Game Handheld Player is part of a larger trend of pre-loaded handheld systems. These are intended to provide an easy to use, child-friendly alternative to the major handheld systems.
Over 100 Pre-Loaded Games
What parents will probably like most about this handheld system is that all the games come pre-loaded. With a conventional game system, you have to buy games separately (or through an online store). This can be both expensive and a hassle. With these pre-loaded handheld systems, all the games are already on the system. So, your child just has to charge it or load it with batteries, and they can start playing. With 120 games, they have quite the selection to choose from.
Also, since these handheld systems are often designed explicitly with kids in mind, there is basically no risk that they will be exposed to any sort of adult content.
Perfect If You’re on a Budget
In terms of cost, we have already covered how the games come pre-loaded, so there is no cost there. However, we should also mention that the handheld system itself is very inexpensive. So, the console is definitely a great option for those operating on a budget.
LeapFrog LeapsterGS Explorer
The final handheld system that we want to review is the LeapFrog LeapsterGS. This is another one of those pre-loaded handheld systems. LeapFrog is known as a brand that specializes in educational technology for kids. If you’re looking for a gaming system that has a slant towards learning, then the LeapsterGS is a console to consider.
Pre-Loaded Games & Apps
It offers a wide selection of games and apps for your child to play with. In addition to the pre-loaded ones, this also comes with access to over 300 different downloadable games and apps. This is a selection that is on par with most other handheld gaming systems. Plus, many of the games are educational.
The LeapFrog is designed to work like any other handheld system and it does work quite well. It is very easy for any child to pick it up and start playing because it is designed like every other handheld console.
Built-In Camera
It also has some non-game related applications. For example, it comes with a built-in camera that allows your child to take photos and edit them. This really helps to set the LeapFrog apart from other, more well-known handheld game systems.
Consider Cost vs Features
Although this is a great gaming system, there is one major issue that needs to be discussed, which is the high cost of this system. For the price of the LeapFrog, you could easily get a name-brand handheld system, which your child would probably enjoy a bit more because of the variety or popularity of games that are more advanced and challenging.
Conclusion
Handheld gaming systems are still incredibly popular and a great way to introduce your child to new technology. Plus, with the variety of both fun and educational game available on the systems, they are a great way to keep your child’s mind occupied and developing while traveling or while they are sitting in their room.
Hopefully, we have provided you with the information you needed to select a handheld gaming system for your child. If your considering an at home console, be sure to check out our post on whether the Xbox or PS4 is more family and kid friendly.
