If you have more than one child and exactly one PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you’ve witnessed it: the high-stakes negotiation that makes UN summits look like a playground tiff. One kid wants to grind for "aura" in Fortnite, while the other just wants to build a "skibidi" statue in Minecraft.

The problem isn't just the time; it's the emotional ownership. When a sibling accidentally deletes a 40-hour save file in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, that isn't just a "whoopsie"—it's a declaration of war.

Managing a shared console is about moving from a "scarcity mindset" (there's only one controller!) to a "systems mindset" (here is the schedule, and here are the rules).

Never, ever let your kids share a single user profile. It is the digital equivalent of making them share one toothbrush.

Every modern console—the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch—allows you to create separate user accounts.

Why this matters:

Learn how to set up separate profiles on every console

The biggest friction point is the transition. "Five more minutes!" usually turns into twenty. Instead of being the "screen time police," let the console do the dirty work.

When the console shuts them down, they can be mad at the machine, not at you. It removes the parent-as-villain dynamic.

The "tug-of-war" only happens when only one person can play. The solution? Couch Co-op (local multiplayer). This is where the console becomes a tool for bonding rather than a source of conflict.

If they insist on playing a single-player game like Stardew Valley or Super Mario Odyssey, use the "Death or Level" rule.

Check out our full list of the best couch co-op games for siblings

In many families, the kid who isn't holding the controller is "backseat driving" or complaining. Establish the Rule: If you are watching, you are part of the team. If you spoil the game, tease the player, or scream about how they're "doing it wrong," you lose your next turn.

Also, be aware of the "Brain Rot" factor. Watching someone play Roblox or Fortnite for an hour is often more overstimulating than actually playing it. If the non-playing sibling is getting "cranky-eyed," it’s time for them to go do something else—like reading a graphic novel or playing with Legos.

When kids of different ages share a console, the "spectator effect" is your biggest safety concern.

Even if a game is "Teen" rated, the visual intensity can be too much for a younger sibling. If the older child is playing something more mature, the younger child needs to be in a different room. No exceptions. This isn't just about "bad words"; it's about the fast-paced, high-cortisol nature of older games that can lead to nightmares or behavioral meltdowns in younger kids.

Ask our chatbot about the age-appropriateness of specific games

If your kids are sharing a console, they are likely sharing a digital storefront. Roblox, Fortnite, and Fall Guys are all "free" games that make money by selling skins and emotes.

Do not save your credit card information on the console. One kid might think they are spending "fake money" (Robux or V-Bucks) on their own profile, but it’s hitting your Visa. Use Digital Gift Cards instead. Give them a $10 allowance for the month; once it’s gone, the "bank" is closed.

Read our guide on managing in-game purchases and Robux

Sharing a console is a masterclass in negotiation and empathy. It’s annoying for us as parents to hear the bickering, but these are actually "rehearsal" moments for real life. They are learning how to share a limited resource, how to respect someone else's digital property (save files), and how to lose gracefully.

Your Next Steps:

Learn more about setting healthy screen time boundaries for the whole family