Parents have asked us if should they invest in the XBox One for their 8-13 aged kids?  Or should they wait until their kids are older.  A very good question.  Are there even kid friendly Xbox One games available?

The newest generation of XBox brings the latest technology to gaming such as up to 4K graphic quality, 500 GB of included storage, a far superior advanced tracking Kinect system, Blu-ray player, voice commands, an 8 core processor, and support for up to 8 controllers.  See this article for a more in-depth view of the differences between the XBox 360 and Xbox One.

So this is all good, but how does that answer the question?  The key here is that although games will continue to be offered for the XBox 360, more effort will be geared towards the XBox One, as it allows for the best possible gaming experience.  So if you want to start building your collection, getting an XBox One is a good direction to move towards.

Can You Play Xbox 360 Games on the Xbox One?

If you already have a XBox 360, will you be able to play your games on the XBox One?  The answer is yes…eventually.  During the E3 Video Game Conference earlier this year, Microsoft committed to allowing their gamers to utilize their current investment of Xbox 360 games at some point.

And the good news is that beginning in November, the backward compatability about 100 of XBox 360 games will be ready to play on Xbox One.  Microsoft will be rolling out more games, so if your game isn’t on the first rollout, hang tight.  The new generation technology used on Xbox One is so different that it inherently cannot handle older generation games.

For each game, Microsoft is emulating an environment on the Xbox One box that allows for XBox 360 title gameplay. It’s because of this lengthy process that not all games will be available for play at once.  Each game will take Microsoft a while to recreate.  

Games for Your Kids

So eventually, you can use your current Xbox 360 games on XBox One.  Great.  But what about if you own a Nintendo Wii or Wii U, should you still consider a Xbox One?

The Nintendo Wii/Wii U is a great game console.  Their games offer fun for the whole family and many will never lose their appeal, no matter what your age is.

But the advanced tracking Kinect camera is pretty amazing and can bring about a more immersive gaming experience than the Nintendo Wii/Wii U is able to afford.  Expect to see many more kids games using the Xbox One’s Kinect camera.  There are a number of great ones available on the Xbox 360, but they can be quite faulty with its Kinect camera.

And the good news is that there are some really good kid friendly XBox One games that your kids will enjoy.  All games are available right now.  Oh, and we just found out about a new game your 10+ kids will LOVE, see the honorable mention at the bottom of this article!

1.)  Minecraft – ESRB Rated E+ 10

Do your kids love Minecraft?  The best selling game on Xbox 360 is now available on Xbox One.  Kids can build unique worlds, shelters, castles, barns, even roller coasters – whatever they can imagine they can build.  Up to 4 players can play at once with the split screen mode.  Rated E 10+ due to cartoon violence…watch out for the creepers!

2.)  Zoo Tycoon –  ESRB Rating E for Everyone

Do you kids love animals?  Do they love the zoo?  Now they can set up their own zoo, complete with zoo guests to admire their fine animal creations.  Available exclusively at Walmart, Zoo Tycoon allows kids to adopt, care for, and release animals into the wild.  Kids can build out there zoo while ensuring both their animals and zoo guests are happy.

The Xbox One version of Zoo Tycoon sells for $13.99 at Walmart.

3.)  Hasbro Family Fun Pack – ESRB Rated E 10+

We always love the Hasbro Family games.  Brand new this month is the Hasbro Family Fun Pack, including family friendly titles like Monopoly Plus, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and Risk.  Monopoly Plus includes a lively 3D game board.  Scrabble allows players to test their word skills with new game modes to liven things up.  

Trivial Pursuit Live! allows you to introduce this fun game to your kids, featuring unique question formats and a plethora of education wrapped up in one game.  Lastly, the strategic war game of Risk puts players at the head of their own armies to fight global wars to fight off enemies.

The Xbox One version of Hasbro Family Fun Pack sells for $39.96 at Walmart.

4.)  LEGO Dimensions – ESRB Rated Everyone 10+

Sure to be a hit this Christmas season, LEGO has come out with their own transforming portal game where physical toys are transformed into a very unique video game.  One of our favorites from the E3 Video Game Convention earlier this year, LEGO Dimensions offers kids the ability to bring some of their favorite movie characters together to find off the evil Lord Vortech.

It’s part video game, part LEGOS, where kids follow instructions either in the video game or from the enclosed instruction booklet to create the portal, Batmobile, and other sets that can be purchased separately.  Characters from various Warner Brothers movies and TV Shows work together to solve problems, each possessing unique characteristics to aid in game play.

LEGO Dimensions mixes it up allowing players to unite The Dark Knight, a Wizard, and a LEGO Master Builder as they travel the Yellow Brick Road together!  Additional characters include the cast from Scooby Dooby Do, DC Comics, Back To the Future, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, The Simpsons’, and more!

The Xbox One version of LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack sells for $99.88 at Walmart.

5.)  Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack + Playset – ESRB Rated Everyone 10+

The anxiously awaited Star Wars version of Infinity is now here with Disney’s latest Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack.  Disney will be selling three play sets.  This first one, shown here is the Twilight of the Republic Starter Pack.  Though please note, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, pictured above cost extra.

The set includes Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano who will help you fight to save the Republic.  Familiar villain Darth Maul is a force to be reckoned with in this fun engaging video game, very reminiscent of the movie.  Additional Star Wars characters can be purchased to fight alongside Luke and Ahsoka.  Other upcoming play sets include the Rise Against the Empire Play Set and The Force Awakens Play Set.  It’s going to be a Star Wars Christmas, for sure!

The Xbox One version of the Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack + Play Set sells for $84.99 at Walmart.

6.)  Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Kit- ESRB Everyone 10+

Skylanders, one of the most popular video games of all time, is at it again with their latest SuperChargers Starter Pack and video game.  For the first time, Skylanders is incorporating vehicles that can be placed on the portal, transforming them into ultimate machines to power Skylander’s performance as well as compete in head-to-head races.  Vehicles of Land, Sea, and Sky will be available.  Villain Kaos has introduced the Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction, promising to destroy all Skylands.  Players will utilize new Skylanders characters and vehicles to defeat him.

The Xbox One version of the Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Kit sells for $49.99 at Walmart.

7.)  Angry Birds Star Wars – ESRB E for Everyone

Angry Birds brings kids (young and old) another fun way to celebrate Star Wars!  Angry Birds Star Wars is available for XBox One allowing Jedis everywhere to show their force against Pigtroppers of the Pig Star.  This unique game utilizes XBox One’s robust Kinect technology to allow Jedis to grab the bird in the slingshot and open their hand, launching the bird forcefully towards the pigs.  It’s a whole new way to play the game.  May the birds be with you!

The Xbox One version of the Angry Birds STAR WARS sells for $21.88 at Walmart.

8.)  LEGO Jurassic Park – ESRB Everyone 10+

Jurassic World has been LEGO’ized, allowing kids to relive and experience all of the Jurassic Park films including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III, and Jurassic World.  LEGO Jurassic World recreates memorable scenes from the movies allowing players the opportunity to explore and discover new ways of escape. 

Kids can even create their own customized dinosaurs using LEGO amber and experimenting with DNA to create original dinosaurs.  LEGO Jurassic World allows for easy drop-in, drop-out game play so family and friends can easily play along at any time.

The Xbox One version of the LEGO Jurassic Park sells for $34.49 at Walmart.

9.)  Just Dance 2016 – ESRB Everyone 10+

Another one of our favorites from the E3 Video Game Conference, Just Dance 2016 solves the problem you have when you turn on a song and everyone wants to dance and get scored.  We throw a New Year’s Eve party every year, and Just Dance is always a hit of the party.  Now, players can download a free Just Dance Controller App on their phone to dance with and they will be tracked.  The free app is available for Android and Apple users.

Dance to fave songs like Want Me by Jason Derulo,  Born This Way by Lady Gaga, Meghan Trainor’s All About the Bass, and more.  Not having a party?  Try the Sweat Mode to burn calories with personalized workouts.  Just Dance 2016 is a great family game sneaking in exercise with fun.

The Xbox One version of the Just Dance 2016 sells for $49.96 at Walmart.

10.)  Guitar Hero Live, 2 Guitar Bundle – ESRB Teen

Guitar Hero or Rockband 4?  You can’t go wrong with either one!  Our family loves rocking out together and our kids have taken to The Beatles and Michael Jackson as a result!  Guitar Hero LIVE has created a more authentic experience, as now you are playing to a live audience…as opposed to a computer generated audience.  And if the audience doesn’t like you, they are not afraid to tell you either!

This bundle at Walmart comes with 2 wireless Guitar Hero guitars two can join in on the fun right off the bat.  Play in large arenas or bring down the house in intimate small clubs.  As a Guitar Hero, you’ll experience it all.  With the new 2×3 guitar button layout, beginners can play using just 3 buttons, while more advanced users can play “strings” and “chords”.

Guitar Hero Live will definitely appeal to your teenager including songs like All the Small Things by Blink 182, The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars, American Idiot by Green Day, and many more.

The Xbox One version of the Guitar Hero Live, 2 Guitar Bundle sells for $149.96 at Walmart.

And an Honorable Mention!

11.) Minecraft Story Mode – ESRB Everyone 10+

Your kids can’t get enough of Minecraft?  Minecraft Story Mode was just introduced offering Minecraft aficionados an exciting adventure across the Overworld, through the Nether, to the End, and beyond.  As Jesse, you and your friends set out on a quest to find The Order of the Stone in order to save the world from total destruction.

Players choose their own path through the story based on the decisions they make, what they say to people, and what actions they take during thrilling adventures.  This is only the beginning.  Minecraft Story Mode will include Episodes 2-5 available by download, which will be included in this purchase, when they become available.

Kids will love this new twist on their beloved Minecraft game.

Minecraft Story Mode is brand new and not yet available at Walmart.

There you have it, our top 11 picks for some great kid friendly XBox One games available right now.  Have some other suggestions?  Share it with us in the comments below!