Yeah, I know—you already know about Minecraft. But here's the thing: it runs beautifully on Series X/S, loads faster, and the graphics are noticeably smoother. If your kid is deep in their Minecraft era, the upgrade is real. Creative mode is perfect for younger players who just want to build without the stress of survival mode.

This is hands-down one of the best couch co-op games you can play with your kids. It covers all nine Star Wars movies, the humor is genuinely funny (not just "kid funny"), and the gameplay is forgiving enough that a 7-year-old won't rage-quit. Plus, if they're not into Star Wars yet, this might be their gateway drug.

Sonic is back and actually... good? This open-world take on Sonic is fast, colorful, and doesn't have the frustrating difficulty spikes of older Sonic games. Great for kids who need speed and action but aren't ready for combat-heavy games.

If your kid loves cute things and collecting stuff, this is their jam. You're a rancher on an alien planet collecting adorable slimes, feeding them, and building your farm. It's chill, it's wholesome, and it's on Game Pass. Zero violence, maximum charm.

This game is stunning. Like, genuinely beautiful enough that you'll want to watch. It's a platformer with some challenging moments, but the story is emotional and the gameplay is rewarding. Fair warning: there are some sad/intense moments (it's about loss and perseverance), so maybe preview it if your kid is sensitive to that stuff.

Soccer with rocket-powered cars. That's it. That's the pitch. It's free-to-play, has online multiplayer (with chat that can be disabled—do that), and is genuinely fun for all ages. The skill ceiling is high, so kids can keep improving without getting bored.

The cozy farming sim that's basically catnip for a certain type of kid (and adult, let's be honest). You inherit a farm, grow crops, make friends with villagers, and build a life. It's relaxing, has no time pressure, and teaches resource management without feeling like homework. Learn more about why Stardew Valley is such a gem.

This one's for kids who like a challenge. It's a beautifully hand-drawn exploration game set in a bug kingdom (yes, really). It's tough but fair, and the sense of accomplishment when you beat a hard boss is real. Some mild combat violence, but it's all bugs with tiny swords—nothing graphic.

Greek mythology meets fast-paced action. You play as the son of Hades trying to escape the underworld, and every run is different. The writing is sharp, the voice acting is incredible, and yes, there's combat, but it's stylized and not gory. Also, the game is genuinely funny and has more story depth than most "serious" games.

Pirate adventures with friends. This is best played with a group (either friends online or family members on the couch), and it's all about sailing, treasure hunting, and the occasional sea battle. The online component means you'll encounter other players, and sometimes they're jerks, but the game has no voice chat with strangers by default. Here's how to manage Sea of Thieves' online features.

A challenging platformer about climbing a mountain, but it's really about anxiety and mental health. The gameplay is tough but has amazing accessibility options (you can adjust the difficulty without shame), and the story is genuinely moving. Great for teens who are ready for games that tackle real emotional stuff.

Real talk: Xbox Game Pass is the best value in gaming right now. For about $10-17/month (depending on the tier), you get access to hundreds of games, including most of the ones I mentioned above. It's especially worth it for kids because they can try games without you dropping $60 every time they get interested in something new.

The catch? It's a subscription, so it's another monthly bill. But if your kid plays even two new games a month, it pays for itself.

Here's what you need to lock down on Xbox:

Set up a child account through the Xbox Family Settings app. This lets you:

Disable voice chat with strangers in online games. Most games default to open chat, which is a hard no for kids. You can disable this system-wide in the parental controls.

Check game ratings, but don't rely on them exclusively. The ESRB rating system is helpful, but it's not perfect. A game rated E10+ might still have online interactions that aren't moderated, or microtransactions that aren't obvious from the box.

The Xbox Series X/S has a genuinely great lineup for kids—way better than the "kids' games" section at the store would have you believe. The key is matching the game to your kid's interests and maturity level, not just their age.

Start with Game Pass, try a few different genres, and see what sticks. And honestly? Don't be afraid to play with them. Some of my favorite gaming memories are couch co-op sessions, and games like Lego Star Wars or It Takes Two are designed for exactly that.

And if you're ever wondering "is this game actually okay for my kid?"—that's literally what Screenwise is here for. Ask our chatbot about any specific game and get a real answer, not just a rating.