Retro Gaming: 5 Smart Reasons to Ditch Roblox and Fortnite

The risks of online gaming, including predators, porn, and gaming addiction, grow by the day! 

These dangers are no match for a child’s developing brain. Their “brakes” are just not fully in place. And many online games are designed to exploit that.

Honestly, one of the best pieces of advice we've ever received came from a seasoned mom whose child had been groomed and sexually assaulted. She advised:

“You’ll never regret saying no. But you’ll always regret allowing them into a space where harm occurred.” 

That advice has such weight because the dangers of online gaming are real, and real children are the victims every single day. Here’s a quick look at the risks.

The biggest dangers of online gaming for kids

Online games aren’t just games anymore. They’re platforms—and with that come risks every parent should know:

• Predators in gaming platforms: Online games are one of the top places predators target kids. Multiple cases of real kids being groomed and exploited began inside popular titles like Roblox and Fortnite.
  

• Pornography in games like Roblox: Even “kid-friendly” platforms can contain sexually explicit content. It’s easily found in:
  
  • explicit avatars
  • roleplay scenarios 
  • links sent by other players that lead to pornographic sites or lure kids to off-platform chats
  • sexually explicit ads

• Addictive game design and lawsuits: Streaks, in-game purchases, and persuasive design keep kids hooked. Several lawsuits now argue that Roblox and other platforms exploit children’s psychology for profit.
  
  
• Isolation disguised as connection: “Multiplayer” usually means kids playing separately, each on their own device.

Games are no longer self-contained experiences—they're gateways.

Taken together, these risks make online gaming a minefield for kids. And the wise words once again echo in our ears:

“You’ll never regret saying no.”

But as parents, we do want to say yes sometimes. We want our kids to have fun, relax, and play with friends.

So what’s the solution?

Retro gaming!

Related:

• 4 Ways Roblox Endangers Your Kid: A Cop's Safety Guide for Parents
• Pedophiles Hunt Kids in Popular Gaming Apps: Roblox, Minecraft, & Fortnite

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Retro gaming: A refreshingly simple alternative to online gaming

Retro gaming is making a comeback, and it might be the best parenting hack you haven’t tried yet.

We’re talking about old-school consoles: NES, Nintendo Wii, GameCube, Sega Genesis, PS2, Super Nintendo, and more.

5 ways retro gaming keeps kids safer

If that list makes you want to unplug every device in your house—good news. You can still say yes to video games without saying yes to all that risk. Here’s what we love about retro gaming.

1. No online access = no strangers: Most older systems weren’t built for internet play. That means no chat, no DMs, and no risk of random strangers finding your child through a game. That alone cuts out the biggest safety issue in modern gaming: If that list makes you want to unplug every device in your house—good news. You can still say yes to video games without saying yes to all that risk. Here’s what we love about retro gaming..
   
   
2. Built for togetherness: Retro games were made for multiple players to play on one screen, in the same room. No extra console. No bringing your own TV. Just hand someone a controller, and you’re in.
   
   
3. No porn, no mods, no transactions: You don’t have to worry about your 10-year-old stumbling into adult content. There are no “skins” to buy or gambling-style loot boxes. And no subscriptions! Just the game, as it was originally designed.
   
   
4. You can play too: If you grew up playing Mario Kart, Donkey Kong Country, or Sonic the Hedgehog, you already know the controls. Playing with your kids builds connection. It’s a great way to be present.
   
   
5. No addicting algorithm or streaks: These games don't try to hook your kids into daily logins or addictive upgrades. They were built to be fun, not forever.

Related: 7 Smart Tips for Safe Video Game Use—and the Option to Opt-Out!

Where to start

If retro gaming sounds like the safer “yes” you’ve been looking for, here are a few great entry points:

• Nintendo Wii (2006) – A family favorite for movement-based games like Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, and Just Dance. (Note: the later Wii U looks similar but added more online features—stick with the original Wii if you want to avoid internet risks.)
  
  
• Super Nintendo / NES Classic Editions – These mini plug-and-play reissues come preloaded with dozens of classic games and hook easily to modern TVs.
  
  
• Original NES / Super Nintendo – If you’d rather go authentic, the originals still work great with cartridges (widely available used). There were over 700 NES games, and 1,700 Super Nintendo games officially released, so there’s no shortage of variety.
  
  
• PlayStation 2 – Still the best-selling console of all time, with a massive library of multiplayer and family-friendly games. Plus, it plays original PlayStation discs too.
  
  
• Nintendo GameCube – Known for all-time classics like Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Mario Party.
  
  
• Sega Genesis (or Genesis Mini) – A nostalgic choice for side-scrollers and 16-bit adventures.

You can often find affordable bundles on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Bookmans, garage sales, or local GameStop stores. I recently saw a 20 game bundle on Ebay for $170. That’s only $8.50 per game. Pretty mind blowing considering $70 is the average price for today’s video games.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick up an extra controller (or two)! Retro games are at their best when the whole family can join in.

Beyond the savings and simplicity, the real win is peace of mind. And that brings us back to the bigger picture.

A safer yes

Not every child who plays online games will be harmed. But it only takes one moment—one message, one predator—to change everything. And almost every parent who has lived through it says the same heartbreaking words:

“I thought it was safe. I never thought it would happen to us.”

Retro gaming isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about protection. It’s about fun without the fear. And in today’s digital world, that’s a rare gift.

You’ll never regret saying no to danger. But you will be glad when you discover a safer way to say yes.