Electronic Children's Games

Video Games

• Video games have several systems available for children. The games for the systems vary, but there are child-friendly options for all of the major gaming systems, such as Disney games or games based on children's cartoons. The game systems include options like the Wii, PlayStation, Xbox and Game Cube as well as the hand-held systems like the Nintendo DS or the PSP. These are entertainment games and vary in game play depending on the specific game. Parents must watch games carefully to prevent children from playing inappropriate age level games.

Educational Games

• Educational electronic games take an approach similar to video games, but the games are designed for educational purposes and usually teach a specific skill or set of skills. For example, some games will require children to add or subtract numbers and deliver education in math, while other games work on reading skills. The educational games are designed for specific ages and grade levels and base the information in the system on the child's grade or age. The games vary in type, but often have cartoon characters from popular children's cartoons or have new characters developed for the game.

Electronic Board Games

• Electronic board games vary depending on the game and the purpose of the game, but usually require batteries and light up, make sounds and require child interaction. Games might include items like quickly naming a word beginning with a specific letter in a specific category, to quickly touching lit-up keys or even working on memory skills by repeating a pattern given by the game. These games are usually geared toward improving mental speed, memory skills or even hand coordination and speed.

Specialized Items

• Electronic toys or games which have a specific purpose, but which are not video games or board games, are specialized. This might include items like electronic children's cameras, children's computers with games built in or walkie-talkies. These are electronic items which children use for a wide range of games and interests.