Games Consoles and Platforms

Listed below are some of the more popular games consoles and platforms among children and young people. The list provides a summary with the more detailed, 'What Parents Need to Know' guides available as PDFs at the bottom of the page.

Games Consoles

Much like a television allows you to watch movies or a radio allows you to listen to music, a game console allows you to play video games. The most modern ones are names you might be familiar with – Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch – and almost all of them can now connect to the Internet and be enjoyed online with friends.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as the addictive nature of games consoles, inappropriate online content and online chat.
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

Google Stadia

Google Stadia marks the tech giant’s first proper foray into the world of video games. Not strictly competing directly with the already established household names of PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, Stadia has something else to offer; online streaming. In a nutshell, Stadia beams its catalogue of video games directly into your house via wi-fi¬, allowing you to play on compatible mobiles, tablets, computers and televisions with console quality. The technology opens up a whole new world of accessibility for those who don’t want to commit to the console cycle, but the risks of online gaming remain ever present.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as in-app purchases, hackers and online chat.
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

Nintendo Switch

The Switch is a hybrid console released by popular video game company Nintendo in 2017. It’s classed as a hybrid because it’s designed to be played both at home on a television-like traditional console (think a PlayStation or an Xbox) or out and about like a portable console, such as a GameBoy. It uses two detachable and wireless ‘Joy-Con’ controllers on either side of the console’s screen, which can be used by one or two players. The Switch can be played on the internet with the purchase of Nintendo Switch Online, in the living room together or on the go during long journeys, but bear in mind it needs to be charged just like anything else!

In this guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as indecent images, overspending and inappropriate language.
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

PS4

There’s a good chance you already know what the PlayStation 4 (PS4) is. Sony’s video game console is often touted as being one of the best-selling of all time, with over 100 million units shifted worldwide. With over seven years of polishing and fi¬ne-tuning under its belt, you’d expect the console to be one of the safest around. While this is overwhelmingly true, there are still things parents should be on the lookout for whether they’re children are starting it up for the ¬first time or they’re already experienced users.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as screen addiction, online bullying and adult content.
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

PS5

The PlayStation 5 is the next-generation video game console for Sony. It offers improved graphics, sound and much quicker loading times. It also has a new controller with motion-and force-feedback features for a more immersive experience. Parents should note that there are two different versions available that support discs or digital downloads.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as spending money, age-inappropriate content and strangers online
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR for short) has existed for decades, but it’s only in the last 10 years that the technology has really become publicly available. With VR’s rapid rise as a gaming and educational medium, there are plenty of unknowns regarding its use – for adults and children alike. Is it safe? How long should someone use VR for? How expensive is it? What’s clear is that VR is becoming ever more ubiquitous in everyday life: from companies using it for training to at-home fitness. Knowing what the technology is capable of is more useful than ever.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as physical accidents, premature exposure and eye strain.
COPYRIGHT - National Online Safety

X-Box

The Xbox One is among the most popular video game consoles on the planet. Released in 2013, there are a multitude of Xbox One variants on the market. With units sold exceeding 50 million, there’s a whole network of gamers already enjoying online experiences together through the console’s Xbox Live service. That’s why it’s important that parents and carers understand exactly what the Xbox is all about.

In the guides, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content and screen addiction.