Should I buy a PS5 for a 6 year old?
The quick answer is no – I would not recommend purchasing a PlayStation 5 (PS5) console for a 6 year old child. While the PS5 is an exceptional system for mature gamers, its games, controls, and online features make it better suited for kids in their early teens or older. Several key factors support waiting a few years before getting your kid gaming on a PS5.
PS5 Games Skew Towards Mature Audiences
Over two-thirds of all PS5 games released so far carry a T for Teen or M for Mature rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). These titles frequently contain violence, sexual themes, crude humor or other elements inappropriate for young children.
| ESRB Rating | Meaning | % of PS5 Games Released |
| E for Everyone | Appropriate for all ages | 5% |
| E10+ | Appropriate 10 years or older | 15% |
| T for Teen | Appropriate 13 years or older | 50% |
| M for Mature | Appropriate 17 years or older | 30% |
For example, popular titles like Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök contain intense violence. Online interactions with older players also pose risks of exposure to mature language. Sticking to age-appropriate games on tablets or Nintendo Switch is safer.
Complex Controls Challenging for Young Kids
The DualSense controller is an incredible piece of hardware, but its sophisticated features may overwhelm 6 year olds. Research shows fine motor skills essential for gaming develop rapidly between ages 6-9. The DualSense‘s adaptive triggers and hand placement could frustrate kids at the lower end of that range. Simpler controllers like the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are ergonomically better suited for small hands. Easy touch controls on tablets/mobiles also work well for early gaming.
Gaming Addiction More Likely Among Youth
Children‘s developing brains make them more vulnerable to gaming addiction. A multi-year study published in JAMA Network Open in 2022 observed addiction rates over 4 times higher in kids versus adults. Preteens playing mature games may struggle self-regulating and show declining academic performance. Limiting access to tablets or family consoles is easier than monitoring extensive PS5 gameplay.
Safer Alternatives Available for 6 Year Olds
Instead of a PS5, I suggest more parent-friendly platforms like tablets, Nintendo Switch, or casual gaming PCs. Touch controls allow easy pick-up-and-play on tablets with thousands of kid apps like PBS Kids Games. Nintendo exclusives have ample E-rated games, while PC games have lightweight titles like Minecraft. All cost significantly less than a $500 PS5 as well. Their better parental controls also curb spending and chat risks.
The Verdict – Hit Pause on the PS5 for Now
Based on the above analysis, the PlayStation 5 ultimately caters more towards the teen + demographic. While many excellent family games exist in its library, the majority of content remains unsuitable or overly complex for 6 year olds. Tablets, Switch and PC gaming provide safer alternatives a young child can better grasp. Revisit the PS5 option once your kid hits 8-12 years old to fully enjoy its capabilities.
| PS5 Concerns for 6 Year Old | Better Alternatives | |
| Game Content Maturity | Mostly T or M rated games | Tablets, Switch more E rated |
| Controller & Interface | Advanced haptics tough to handle | Touch & motion controls easier |
| Addiction & Safety Risks | Higher with unstructured PS5 gaming | More control over tablet/PC use |
| Costs | $500 for console & games | More budget-friendly options |
As gaming tech evolves rapidly, reassessing a PS5‘s suitability every 1-2 years is recommended. For now, best to let your 6 year old‘s motor skills and parental confidence develop further before introducing them to high-end console gaming. Their early years are better spent on easier and safer platforms building fundamental coordination. Does your child seem mature and coordinated enough to use a DualSense responsibly? If yes, a supervised test run on PS5 could work. If not, hold out for a while longer.
