Im not much of a gamer (ironically I make games for a living) but I made a bet with my kids that if the Detroit Lions make the playoffs this year I’ll buy them a system, and its looking like almost a lock to happen, so I want to get in on some Holiday deals.
This is their first non-Nintendo system so I’m a little lost on which way to go at this point in the generation cycle. For reference they’re 7 and 9 year old boys and are gonna be new to gaming that isnt based around crafting or Italian brothers. (i made them use my old NES, then SNES first, then got them a Switch a couple years back)
In my honest experience, I recommend getting them a PC, preferably a desktop (so the rest of the family can use it at home too). A PC will let them develop curiosity and problem solving skills (googling, playing with config files, modding, etc), and allow them to be able to use PC’s and other technical devices without being soft-locked to the current generation’s tech disability with phones and Apps.
With respect to PS and Xbox, and other handheld/portable gaming devices… I’ve lost most of my eyesight to them while playing with my PS 1-3 and Gameboy; couldn’t see past 3 feet/1m by age 10. I wouldn’t want anything like that to happen to other kids.