Joybuy Insights

Buying Board Games and Video Games: How to Find the Right Games for Every Profile

If you’re looking to buy board games and video games, you’re faced with a huge selection: board games, card games, escape room games and digital titles for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5 or Xbox Series X all differ significantly in age rating, game mode and what’s included in the box. An attractive cover or a well-known brand doesn’t tell you much about whether a game will suit your household.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Games

1. Platform and Edition Get Confused

A game can be released for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Not every version is compatible with the others. In addition, there are physical discs, Game Cards and so-called “Code in a Box” editions.

With a download code, no physical disc is included. To use it, you’ll need a suitable user account, an internet connection and enough storage space, depending on the platform. This applies to certain editions of GTA 6, Civilization 7 and EA FC 26, among others.

2. Age Rating Is Confused with Personal Suitability

The USK rating in Germany gives a legal age recommendation for video games. For board games, manufacturers also indicate small parts or recommended age groups. A game rated for ages 6 and up may still include online communication, optional purchases or complex tasks that make adult supervision a good idea.

For games rated 18+ such as Resident Evil Requiem, The Quarry, Borderlands 4 or GTA 6, the content is not intended for minors. Always check the age rating before buying a game or passing it on.

3. Player Count and Game Mode Don’t Suit Your Household

“Multiplayer” doesn’t automatically mean playing together on one device. You need to distinguish between:

  • Local multiplayer: several people play on the same console or at the same table.
  • Local wireless: devices connect within a network.
  • Online multiplayer: you need internet access, a user account and possibly a paid online subscription.
  • Co-op games: players work towards a shared goal.
  • Single-player: the game is designed for one person, even if additional modes are available.

For board games, you should also check the player count, playing time and replayability. Some escape room games alter or use up game materials as you solve them, so they can only be played through completely once.

These Buying Parameters to Check Before You Order

Platform, Medium and Edition

First, check the exact platform name. Nintendo Switch games are not automatically Nintendo Switch 2 games. For PS5 games, you need to clarify whether a Blu-ray or a download code is supplied. The same applies to Xbox games regarding Series X compatibility.

With a physical edition, the packaging language, game language and included discs are all relevant. A code in a box is not a physical game. Once redeemed, the code may be tied to an account and might not be usable if there are region issues.

Age Rating, Language and Online Requirements

Look out for USK, PEGI, text language and audio language. The packaging might be in German, for example, while several game languages are available. For online features, check whether a Nintendo, PlayStation or Microsoft account and an online subscription are needed.

For children’s games, it’s a good idea to set up console restrictions, communication options and optional in-app purchases before use. A physical game may also need updates after purchase.

Player Count, Playing Time and Replayability

A game for 1 to 4 people suits a small group, while card games for 2 to 6 people are more flexible for family evenings. For board games and puzzle games, the stated duration is an important planning factor.

The Kosmos EXIT – The Game – The Enchanted Forest is designed for 1 to 4 people aged 10 and up and is intended as a one-time play, because cards and materials can be altered during puzzling. For younger children, EXIT Kids: Monster Puzzle Fun offers a version for ages 5 and up with a reusable design, according to the product description.

Product Selection for Different Gaming Profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Schmidt Spiele 40829 Cockroach Poker

Schmidt Spiele 40829 Cockroach Poker

Why this product suits the profile: This compact card game is suitable for 2 to 6 players aged 8 and up and requires neither a console nor batteries.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Player count, age, materials and battery-free operation are clearly stated; no additional online costs are incurred.

Key benefit & strengths

Bluffing mechanic, short rounds and a box size of approximately 11 × 11 × 3.5 cm.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Nintendo Switch Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Nintendo Switch – Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Why this product suits the profile: This title offers single-player and local multiplayer for up to four people on one Nintendo Switch console.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Platform, standard edition, USK 6, player count and available languages are all listed in the product details.

Key benefit & strengths

Game Card for Nintendo Switch, local co-op mode and German packaging.

Suitable for: Special uses & heavy users
Minecraft Game Card Nintendo Switch

Minecraft Game Card – Nintendo Switch

Why this product suits the profile: Creative, survival and multiplayer modes make this title suitable for longer play sessions and different play styles.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The USK version for Germany, Game Card and supported game modes are specifically stated. Online features remain tied to accounts and services.

Key benefit & strengths

USK 6, single-console play for 1 to 4 players, plus local and online multiplayer with additional requirements.

Suitable for: Adult gamers
Capcom Resident Evil Requiem for PlayStation 5

Capcom Resident Evil Requiem for PlayStation 5

Why this product suits the profile: According to the product information, this PS5 title is aimed at people aged 18 and over and is designed as a Blu-ray for single-player mode.

How this product avoids the pitfall

USK 18, PS5 platform, Blu-ray medium and offline game mode are clearly described; an internet connection is stated as not required.

Key benefit & strengths

Single-player experience, German audio and text options, and a switchable perspective according to the product description.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Games

Which games are suitable for families with children?

The key factors are age rating, player count and complexity of the rules. For children aged 6 and up, Minecraft in the USK version or the cooperative KOSMOS Murphy Tricky Detective Game could be suitable. For families with older children, card games for ages 8 and up or escape room games for ages 10 and up are good options. Small parts should always be kept out of reach of children under 3.

What’s the difference between a co-op game and multiplayer?

A multiplayer game refers to any function that involves multiple players. A co-op game specifically means that the participants work together towards a shared goal. For video games, you should check whether the co-op mode is local or online. For board games, the term “cooperative” is usually stated directly on the packaging or in the product description.

Are there any additional costs when buying a video game?

For physical single-player titles without online features, there are normally no ongoing costs stated for playing the game. However, additional expenses can arise from online subscriptions, optional digital content, expansions, storage requirements or necessary internet connections. With download codes, you should also note that the code can only be redeemed once.