Joybuy Insights

Buying Board Games and Video Games: Choosing the Right Games by Age, Platform and Play Group

If you're looking to buy board games and video games, you'll find a huge selection for families, children, couples and groups of friends. However, the product description alone isn't always enough to make the right choice. Games are often promoted through well-known brands, eye-catching packaging or seemingly extensive content, while important details such as number of players, age rating or required hardware can easily be overlooked.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Games

1. Age rating and actual complexity are confused

An age rating doesn't automatically tell you whether a game is suitable for your intended group. A board game rated for ages 8 and up can have long rules, lots of small pieces or a playing time of more than 45 minutes. For games for children aged 6 and up, simple mechanics and straightforward decisions are usually more important than a lavish set of components.

With video games, parents should also be aware of the difference between USK and PEGI. USK is the German age rating system. A classification such as USK 0 or USK 6 is not an educational recommendation, but a legal guideline for youth protection.

2. Platform and edition are not checked carefully

With Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo Switch 2 games, system compatibility is crucial. A title for Nintendo Switch 2 is not automatically compatible with the original Switch. It's also worth checking the format for PlayStation products: a "Code in a Box" may contain only a download code rather than a disc, and requires internet access and a suitable platform account.

3. Number of players and playing time don't fit your lifestyle

A game for 2 to 8 people isn't much help if your typical group consists of two players and the rules only become clear after a lengthy introduction. Before buying, you should match the number of players, approximate playing time and game mode to your own habits. This applies equally to family games, party games, card games and social games.

These Parameters Should Be Clear Before You Buy

Age, safety information and small parts

Pay attention to the age limit stated on the packaging and the warning labels. Many board games contain small cards, figures, tokens or markers. These can pose a choking hazard for younger children. With games like Catan Junior or compact travel games, the age rating is therefore particularly important.

Number of players and game mechanics

The number of players tells you what group size the game is designed for. Cooperative board games such as a shared detective or strategy game are ideal for groups who want to make decisions together. With competitive titles, buyers should check whether direct confrontation, trading, bluffing or time pressure suits the group's playing style.

Materials, storage and digital requirements

For board games, sturdy cardboard or plastic components, clear storage and an understandable instruction manual are practical selection criteria. Games with large game boards also need enough table space. For digital titles, consider storage capacity, download size, internet connection, online membership and whether a disc or just a code is included.

Recommendations by Game Profile

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners
Kosmos Catan Junior board game

Kosmos Catan Junior

Why this product fits the profile: The game is designed for 2–4 players aged 6 and up, offering a simplified introduction to trading, resources and planning.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age limit, number of players and material information are clearly stated. This makes it easy to check suitability against your family group before buying.

Main advantage & strengths

2–4 players, recommended age from 6 years, no batteries required.

Best for: Quality-conscious buyers
Ticket to Ride Europe board game

Ticket to Ride: Europe

Why this product fits the profile: This strategy game combines a clearly described route-building system with 2–5 players and a stated playing time of around 45 minutes or more.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data lists the number of players, age, materials and approximate duration. This reduces the risk of choosing a game with the wrong level of complexity or format.

Main advantage & strengths

2–5 players, ages 8 and up, German edition with components made from paper, cardboard and plastic.

Best for: Special uses & frequent players
Kosmos Sky Team board game

Kosmos Sky Team

Why this product fits the profile: Designed for two players, this cooperative strategy game offers a clearly defined format with 21 airport missions and scenarios with varying requirements.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The limitation to two players is transparent. Buyers don't need to hope for a large group to make good use of the game.

Main advantage & strengths

Cooperative game for 2 players, 21 missions, ages 10 and up, no batteries required.

Best for: Nintendo & solo players
Nintendo Switch 2 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Nintendo Switch 2 – Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Why this product fits the profile: This single-player adventure uses TV, tabletop and handheld modes and is clearly labelled for Nintendo Switch 2.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The supported console, USK rating from age 6 and the game modes are all stated in the product information.

Main advantage & strengths

1 player, physical version, German language available, TV, tabletop and handheld modes.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Further Choices by Game Type

  • Card games: For short rounds and limited space, compact titles with a clear number of players, such as 2–5 people, work well.
  • Strategy games: With games like Azul or Ticket to Ride Europe, check the playing time and the level of decision-making you're after.
  • Cooperative board games:MicroMacro Crime City combines joint investigations with a large game board; note the age rating of 10 and up.
  • EXIT game: This series often uses puzzle materials that can only be used once. Factor this into your value assessment before buying.
  • Party games: For larger groups, such as with 30 Seconds or "Werewolves of Miller's Hollow", the minimum number of players and whether a moderator is needed are important considerations.
  • Games for adults: With PEGI 18 titles, such as a Grand Theft Auto game for PlayStation 5, you need to check the age rating, download code, internet connection and platform account.

FAQ on Buying Board and Video Games

How do I find a game for the whole family?

Start with the youngest person who will be playing, then choose based on the number of players and playing time. For families, titles rated from age 6 or 8 with straightforward rules are often a good fit. Also consider whether competition, cooperation or quick rounds suit your group better.

What's important when buying Nintendo Switch games?

First, check which console the game is intended for. With Nintendo Switch 2 games, the system information is especially relevant. You should also check the language, game mode, number of players and whether an online membership is required.

How long do board games last?

Durability mainly depends on the quality of the cardboard, how you store the game and how you handle the components. Keep cards and tokens dry, protected from direct sunlight and stored complete in the original box. With games that use single-use materials, such as certain EXIT editions, reusability is limited.