My Son wants Minecraft

Alright y’all. Im not some kind of crazy “no screen” parent, we just haven’t taken the dive into games like this. He has SO MANY other interests. He plays several instruments and makes really awesome puppets. He’s getting really good at DMing for D&D. I just don’t want a time sucker when he’s got other things he’s passionate about doing.

He wrote a persuasive essay and turned it in, the kid is getting Minecraft. My main question is: console or his MacBook Air? I know he CAN play on a Mac, but some other research I’ve done says if not computer running windows, then a console would be better.

I need opinions. He’s not really interested in Survival, he’s more interested in the creative side. I’d obviously prefer the education mode.

I guess I’m just looking for the best set up for what he’s looking to do. I was thinking a new XBox, but he already has the laptop.

Edit:

Update 3: we got an XBox as a family Christmas gift. Everyone got controllers, it’s been fun.

He’s been in creative making all sorts of stuff. Has a room, secret ways to enter it, pets…all the cool stuff his mind could make. He’s saving up for a gaming computer and researching what he’d want it to do. Another project, I’m expecting another essay when he’s done researching. 🤗 Thanks for the help everyone.

Update2: just tried his laptop and the launcher froze. It works well for everything else, but looks like it’s just not an option here.

Update 1:thanks for all the super helpful replies.

  1. He’s 11 and will definitely have a choice on game mode - just wanted to let yall know he prefers creative, so gameplay isn’t as much an issue for him. He’s already into Scratch, has been for a couple years.
  2. He really has no preference. A couple friends play on PC, others are console. He has a notebook full of plans for building. Kid just wants to play - and put his library book knowledge to use.
  3. It was never a question of if. I want my kiddo to have a good gaming experience. The best we can start him off with for a game he already loves.
  4. We already have screen time rules in place, we have three kids - we kind of have to. For them and for us.
  5. We’re a game friendly family - however, the last time we had an Xbox was when our last 360 caught the red ring of death. 🤣 Space sharing isn’t an issue. I got out my dusty old PS2 a few months ago and the kids are still just as crazy about it. Though all I have are my old games - DarkCloud, Burnout, LEGO Batman, etc.

Thanks again for responding. I need to sift through and really analyze what’s been said - some comments seem to contradict each other. Definitely taking all the info I can get to help get my kiddo set up.

Oh, and I’m Mom - not Dad. ☺️