TL;DR: The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a beast of a machine, but managing it doesn’t have to be a full-time job. Download the PlayStation App on your phone immediately—it’s the only way to keep your sanity regarding screen time and spending. If you're looking for the best "bang for your buck," PS Plus Extra is the sweet spot for families.
Top Game Recommendations:
- For the Littles (Ages 6-9): Astro's Playroom (Free!), Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Bugsnax.
- For the Tweens (Ages 10-12): Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Miles Morales, and Minecraft.
- For the Teens (Ages 13+): Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7, and Stray.
The PS5 looks like a futuristic white binder or a very expensive router, but for your kids, it’s the gateway to everything from Fortnite marathons to "Ohio" memes come to life. If you’ve recently brought one into your home, you’ve probably realized it’s a lot more complex than the Nintendo 64 we grew up with.
Between the three different subscription tiers, the social "Parties" that sound like a middle school cafeteria, and the constant lure of digital currency, there’s a lot to navigate. Here is the no-BS guide to making the PlayStation work for your family without it becoming a source of constant friction.
Sony recently revamped PlayStation Plus, and it’s basically their version of Netflix for games. You don’t need it to play single-player games, but if your kid wants to play Roblox or Call of Duty with their friends, you’re going to be paying for at least the base tier.
- PS Plus Essential: This is the bare minimum. It allows for online multiplayer and gives them a few "free" games every month that they keep as long as you stay subscribed.
- PS Plus Extra: This is the "Goldilocks" tier for parents. It includes everything in Essential plus a massive catalog of hundreds of games they can download and play for no extra cost. It’s a great way to avoid the "Mom, can I have $70 for this new game?" conversation every two weeks.
- PS Plus Premium: Honestly? You probably don't need this. It adds "classics" from the PS1 and PS2 eras and cloud streaming. Unless your kid is a retro-gaming nerd or you really want to play the original God of War for nostalgia's sake, save your money.
Check out our guide on whether PS Plus Extra is worth it for your family
If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: Download the PlayStation App on your phone.
Trying to set up parental controls using a controller and the TV screen is a recipe for a headache. The app allows you to:
- Set daily play time limits (and see exactly how much they've actually played).
- Approve or deny friend requests.
- Manage the "Family Wallet" so they can't accidentally spend $400 on V-Bucks or Robux using your saved credit card.
- Remotely turn off the console when "five more minutes" turns into forty-five.
Learn how to set up PlayStation parental controls like a pro
Not every game on the PS5 is "brain rot" or ultra-violent. There are some genuine masterpieces that teach problem-solving, empathy, and even basic physics.
Ages 6+ This comes pre-installed on every PS5. Most people ignore it thinking it’s a tech demo, but it’s actually one of the most charming, well-designed platformers ever made. It’s a great way for kids to learn how to use the new "DualSense" controller without the stress of a competitive environment.
Ages 7+ If you want something you can actually play with your kids, this is it. It’s colorful, the music is fantastic (think Uptown Funk and David Bowie), and it supports four-player local co-op. It’s challenging but doesn't feel unfair.
Ages 9+ This game looks exactly like a Pixar movie. It’s an action-adventure game that deals with themes of friendship and self-doubt. It’s "shooty," yes, but with cartoonish "pixelizer" guns that turn enemies into 8-bit blocks. It’s high-energy fun without the grit of M-rated titles.
Ages 10+ Miles is a relatable teen hero dealing with a move to a new neighborhood and the pressure of living up to a legacy. The swinging mechanics are meditative, and the story is genuinely moving. It’s a great bridge for kids moving into "older" games but who aren't ready for the heavy violence of something like The Last of Us.
Ages 10+ You play as a cat in a cyberpunk city populated by robots. It’s atmospheric, slightly spooky, and very clever. It’s a "cozy-adjacent" game that appeals to kids who prefer exploration over combat.
Ask our chatbot for more age-appropriate PS5 game recommendations
The most "Skibidi" (weird/bad) part of PlayStation isn't the games—it's the people. The PS5 makes it very easy to join "Parties," which are voice chat rooms. If your kid is playing Fortnite or Overwatch 2, they are likely hearing unfiltered commentary from strangers.
Pro-tip: You can set the console to "Mute All" by default or restrict voice chat to "Friends Only" in the privacy settings. This is the single best move for digital wellness. It prevents your 11-year-old from learning words you’d rather they didn't hear from a frustrated 19-year-old in another time zone.
We have to talk about Roblox because it’s now available on PS5. On one hand, it’s a platform where kids can learn "game design" and "entrepreneurship" by creating their own worlds. On the other hand, it is a highly optimized machine designed to get kids to spend money on digital clothes and pets.
If your kid says they are "working" in Roblox, they might be. But more likely, they are just hanging out in a virtual space. It’s the modern-day mall. Be wary of the "spending loop" and use the parental controls to set a monthly spending limit of $0 until they've earned a specific reward.
The PS5 has a "Rest Mode" that allows it to download updates while "off." It’s great for convenience, but it can also lead to kids sneaking back on late at night because the console isn't actually fully powered down. If you’re struggling with bedtime boundaries, you can disable the USB power in Rest Mode so their controllers won't charge, or just insist on a full "Power Off" at night.
Instead of asking "What are you playing?", try asking:
- "Who are you in a Party with right now?"
- "What’s the hardest trophy you’ve earned lately?"
- "Is that game a 'brain rot' game or an actually good story game?" (They’ll laugh at you for using the term, but it opens the door).
The PlayStation 5 is an incredible piece of tech that offers some of the best storytelling in modern media. It’s not just a toy; it’s a social hub and a creative outlet. By using the PlayStation App, sticking to PS Plus Extra, and keeping voice chat restricted to real-life friends, you can turn the PS5 from a source of stress into a tool for connection.
- Download the app: Seriously, do it now.
- Audit the Friends List: Sit down with your kid and ask who everyone on that list is in real life.
- Play Astro's Playroom: Even if it’s just for 15 minutes. You’ll get why they think the haptic feedback on the controller is "fire."
Learn more about managing gaming addiction and healthy habits