Children and video games have a complicated “relationship”. Imagine then with the mini games, which can be taken anywhere. At the same time that they entertain and help to develop the motor coordination of the little ones, they can addict them, expose them to many lights, and ruin the experience of “calmer” entertainment.

Therefore, there are children’s mini games on the market, more in line with what children like and with parents’ concerns as well. The best children’s mini game is the one that meets those expectations.

They are models with simpler and more objective interfaces, softer and more durable buttons, screens with less intense lights and a very limited catalog of games, not only in quantity, but in themes and genres – children’s games in fact.

The mini game market follows the trend of portable consoles from large companies. There was an “explosion” of models after the release of the latest versions of Nintendo’s Game Boy, and more recently after the launch of Sony’s PSP and PS Vita.

Many mini games have the same design as the PSP, with horizontal orientation, with a centralized screen and buttons filling the sides. All this can generate an honest question: buy a mini game or a PSP?

Despite the similar design, there are several differences, but two are main: The mini game has built-in games, the PSP runs the games on CDs; the mini game interface is simple, while the PSP has an operating system.

Ah! The price is also quite different. The PSP even decreases its value, but the original games increase the final budget.

Purchase Criteria: Choosing your ideal mini game

Next, you will see another exclusive list. This time, they are based on purchase criteria, a help from us for the time of your choice. In the store or on the internet, try to notice these items, which are characteristic elements of the mini game and the user experience.

• Drums
• Games
• Control
• Portability

Drums

As we are talking about a portable console, it is essential to note the battery. Starting if the model in question uses a battery, or if it uses batteries, which is very common among mini games. If this is the case, give preference to the one that uses the least amount of batteries, to at least be cheaper.

If it is battery, however, look for those that are bivolt, since, again, we are talking about a portable console. It is also ideal that the battery is removable, in case it needs to be changed, and that the cable is USB, also easier to be replaced.

Games

Another practical way to choose your mini game is from your games. As we mentioned earlier, the absolute majority of models come with built-in games. So, you can follow three paths:

• Number of games : There are models with 40, with 70, 100, in short, you can choose the largest quantity, and consequently, the greatest variety of titles. But be careful with the makeup quantities …
• Classic consoles: Another common case in mini game models are the versions of consecrated retro console games, such as Atari, NES, etc. You can then be guided by the video game you would most like to relive;
• Specific games : You can also choose the mini game that has your favorite games, regardless of console. Mini Game SUP, for example, runs games from different consoles, to name just one example.

Control

Be sure to pay attention, and if possible, test the controls of the models of your choice. Note everything, the size of the buttons, the hardness, their position, the ergonomics, in general.

The idea is to choose the model that is more comfortable and that lasts longer, because ergonomics is not exactly the main focus of a hybrid device between console and control, and of low cost, to top it off.

Portability

Again we hit the key that, as the mini game is a portable console, that it is efficient as such. Let it therefore be light, compact and easy to transport, or at least one or two of these points.

Use the same logic you would use to buy a cell phone. If it is too big, let it be light; If it is heavy, let it be small; and so on.