Video games may actually be good for you, a new study claims

By Patrick Hearn Published December 26, 2024

A person enjoys gaming with Viture Pro smart glasses and Pro Neckband. — Viture

Despite all the claims, playing video games won’t rot your brain. More and more studies have shown that playing video games — in moderation, of course — comes with its own set of benefits, including improved coordination, better spatial recognition, and much more. Now a new study suggests that in addition to cognitive buffs, gaming can actually help improve your mental health.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Japanese scientists found themselves with a bit of a natural experiment on their hands. Retailers had created a randomized lottery to fairly distribute Nintendo Switch consoles, and this lottery allowed the scientists to study the link between gaming and overall mental well-being. The study analyzed 97,602 responses from gamers between the ages of 10 and 69, according to The Brighter Side.

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According to the report, Nintendo Switch ownership was linked with an improvement in mental health by 0.60 standard deviation units, while the PlayStation 5 only increased mental health by 0.12 units.

A speedrunner playing a game at Awesome Games Done Quick. — Games Done Quick

That sounds like medical jargon, but it boils down to this: There is a noticeable effect on mental health when gaming, and this study suggests that Nintendo might have an edge in that category. Of course, the Switch is loaded with a lot of lighthearted, feel-good games, while the PlayStation 5 has a reputation for focusing more heavily on story-driven narratives.

The study also revealed that age and biology both play a role. Adolescent female participants felt greater changes in mental health with a Nintendo Switch than a PlayStation 5. The lead researcher, Hiroyuki Egami, said: “Our findings challenge common stereotypes about gaming being harmful or merely providing temporary euphoria. We’ve shown that gaming can improve mental health and life satisfaction across a broad spectrum of individuals.”

The study is interesting and could help further fuel the shift that’s already happening: the idea of gaming being promoted as beneficial, rather than the waste of time it was thought of in the 1990s. Let’s be clear: playing a video game won’t be a cure for what ails you, but the boost in mood and social aspects can act as a balm.

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Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…

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