Category: Guides

When selecting a video game console for public or commercial environments—such as libraries, schools, hospitals, or retail demo stations—it’s important to consider more than just game selection. Factors like durability, user-friendliness, parental controls, and physical security all play a key role in determining which system is best suited for shared use.

Below is a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the three major consoles: PlayStation, XBOX, and Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch (Standard, OLED)

Pros:

• Highly popular with children and families.
• Great for multiplayer with intuitive and recognizable games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
• Compact design and relatively low power draw.
• Joy-Con controllers can be used by multiple players without extra purchases.

Cons:

• Limited to less graphic-intensive games compared to XBOX or PlayStation.
• Handheld mode is not possible for public setups—docking is almost always required. Our Nintendo Switch security case secures the Nintendo Switch when docked.
• Because many Joy-Con games rely on motion controls, Secure Entertainment does not currently offer a tethering system for these controllers. Attaching a tether can pose a safety risk, as the swinging motion may cause the tether to behave like a whip. We are currently working on a tether system for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

PlayStation (PS4, PS5)

Pros:

• Offers a wide library of single-player and story-driven games that are great for solo play.
• Familiar interface and intuitive controls for most users.
• Strong parental control settings and user account restrictions.
• High-end graphics and immersive gameplay experiences.
• PlayStation Plus offers access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a rotating catalog of downloadable games—great for keeping content fresh in public environments.

Cons:

• The DualSense (PS5) and DualShock (PS4) controllers are relatively expensive to replace if damaged or stolen. Fortunately, this issue can be prevented with our anti-theft controller tethers, designed specifically for PlayStation controllers.
• Not ideal for quick, drop-in play; most games are more complex or story-based.
• Consoles are large and may require more physical space to install the PlayStation with Secure Entertainment’s CAGE.
• System updates and account login requirements can slow down setup in public spaces.
• PlayStation Plus requires a recurring subscription to access its full benefits, and content access is tied to the primary account used—potentially limiting flexibility in shared or rotating-use environments.

Xbox (Xbox One, Series S, Series X)

Pros:

• Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of downloadable games, including family-friendly, multiplayer, and casual titles—ideal for rotating public use without needing to purchase each game individually.
• Great for drop-in gameplay and local multiplayer experiences.
• Solid parental controls and guest account options.
• Strong compatibility between models and accessories.
• Xbox Series S is compact and budget-friendly for public spaces.

Cons:

• Controllers are at risk of theft or damage in shared environments. To prevent this, Secure Entertainment offers durable controller security tether that keep Xbox controllers safely tethered at all times.
• Game Pass requires an active subscription and internet access to install and launch most titles. This can be a challenge in restricted networks or offline environments.
• Some Game Pass titles rotate out of the catalog, which may confuse users expecting consistent availability.
• Interface may feel slightly more complex for new or young users.

Final Thoughts

Each console has strengths depending on the use-case. If you’re prioritizing graphics and immersive gaming, PlayStation may be your best bet. For access to a broad, rotating library of games with a focus on multiplayer and family content, Xbox (especially with Game Pass) is a great value. If you’re catering to younger players or want quick, casual fun, the Nintendo Switch excels.

No matter which system you choose, our CAGE™ Security Cases and Anti-Theft Controller Tethers offer industry-leading protection against tampering and theft—ensuring your equipment remains secure, functional, and ready for use in public environments.

At Secure Entertainment, we specialize exclusively in video game console security. With over 15 years of experience, we offer expertly designed solutions to protect your gaming setup without compromising performance. Here’s why our products stand out from the rest:

Dedicated Expertise in Console Security

Unlike general security brands, Secure Entertainment focuses solely on video game console protection. Our deep industry knowledge ensures that our security solutions are optimized for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems. This specialization allows us to provide the best protection without interfering with your gaming experience.

Comprehensive Testing for Maximum Reliability

Every product we develop goes through rigorous testing to ensure top performance. This includes:

• Heat Dissipation Testing – Our security solutions maintain your console’s proper airflow and cooling to prevent overheating.
• Functionality Testing – We make sure that our security features do not impact console performance, connections, or usability.
• Durability Assessments – Our products are built to last, providing long-term protection against theft and unauthorized access.

Patented Controller Tethers for Ultimate Security

In addition to console protection, we offer our patented controller tethers, designed to prevent theft and unauthorized removal while maintaining full controller functionality. These tethers are built for durability, ensuring that your controllers stay secure without interfering with your gameplay experience.

Security Without Compromise

Our products are designed to offer robust security while preserving the sleek look and performance of your gaming setup. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a collector, or a business protecting valuable gaming equipment, our solutions deliver peace of mind without sacrificing functionality.

Innovative Protection for the Modern Gamer

At Secure Entertainment, we continuously refine and improve our products to meet the ever-evolving needs of the gaming industry. Our solutions provide cutting-edge security that adapts to emerging threats and technological advancements.

Protect Your Gaming Investment Today

Your console is more than just a device—it’s a gateway to immersive experiences. Don’t settle for inadequate security. Choose Secure Entertainment for industry-leading console protection backed by 15 years of expertise.

Discover our full range of security solutions at Secure Entertainment and safeguard your gaming experience today!

As short-term rentals become more tech-friendly, Airbnb hosts are adding gaming consoles to attract guests and enhance their stay. However, providing these entertainment systems comes with risks—theft, damage, and unauthorized removal can turn a great amenity into a financial liability. Secure Entertainment offers high-quality gaming security solutions to help Airbnb hosts protect their PlayStation, XBOX, and Nintendo consoles and controllers, ensuring they remain secure while still being accessible to guests.

Why Gaming Consoles Are a Smart Investment for Airbnb Hosts

Adding a PlayStation 5, XBOX Series S, or Nintendo Switch to an Airbnb listing can make a rental more appealing, especially for families, gamers, and long-term guests. A gaming console can:

✔ Increase Booking Rates – Listings with entertainment amenities attract more guests and can command higher prices.
✔ Enhance Guest Experience – Providing gaming options helps guests feel more at home, leading to better reviews.
✔ Differentiate Your Listing – Standing out in a competitive market is key, and offering a secured gaming setup can be a unique selling point.

However, leaving a console unsecured poses risks, including:

• Theft or Unauthorized Removal – Guests may accidentally (or intentionally) take controllers or even the console itself.
• Damage from Misuse

How Secure Entertainment Helps Airbnb Hosts

Secure Entertainment provides high-quality security cases, controller locks, and anti-theft solutions designed to protect gaming consoles while still allowing guests to enjoy them.

1. Game Console Security Cases to Prevent Theft

Airbnb hosts can install PlayStation 5 security enclosures, XBOX anti-theft mounts, Nex Playground or Nintendo Switch 2 Lock Boxes to keep gaming systems in place. These solutions ensure the console remains secure while being fully functional for guests.

2. Controller Tethers and Anti-Theft Locks

Loose controllers are often misplaced or taken by mistake. Secure Entertainment’s controller security tethers and tamper-proof locks prevent controllers from leaving the rental while still allowing guests to play comfortably.

3. Durable Protection for Long-Term Use

Short-term rental properties see high guest turnover, increasing the likelihood of wear and tear. Secure Entertainment’s tamper-resistant security solutions protect gaming equipment from accidental damage, saving hosts from frequent replacements.

4. Secure Yet Accessible Setup

Guests should be able to enjoy gaming without compromising security. Secure Entertainment’s solutions allow hosts to keep consoles and accessories locked in place while ensuring they remain fully operational.

5. Ideal for Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacation Rentals

Secure Entertainment products are perfect for:

• Luxury vacation homes offering high-end amenities.
• Family-friendly rentals where gaming keeps kids entertained.
• Long-term Airbnb stays that include entertainment setups.

Offering a gaming console in an Airbnb rental is a great way to enhance guest experiences and increase bookings, but it also requires proper security measures. With Secure Entertainment’s game console security cases, controller locks, and anti-theft solutions, Airbnb hosts can protect their investment while keeping guests happy.

For the best security solutions for gaming setups in short-term rentals, visit Secure Entertainment.

Great data. Here’s the fully rewritten page:

Gaming Consoles in Hospitals: Therapeutic Benefits and Equipment Security

Video games have earned a legitimate place in modern healthcare. What started as donated consoles in children’s hospital playrooms has evolved into evidence-based therapeutic programs with measurable impacts on pain management, mental health, and patient recovery. For hospitals and healthcare facilities running these programs, protecting that equipment is just as important as providing it.

The therapeutic case for gaming in healthcare

The research is compelling. Studies show video games in children’s hospitals produce 1.6 to 2.3 point reductions in patient-reported pain scores, an average reduction of 7 morphine boluses per day among pediatric patients utilizing therapeutic gaming, and 70% of pediatric gaming program participants report increased happiness and reduced anxiety. Halloffamewall

Gaming is being used across a wide range of clinical settings:

Pediatric wards and children’s hospitals — Interactive gaming helps children manage anxiety, cope with painful procedures, and stay mentally engaged during long stays. Child’s Play Charity, founded in 2003, has processed over $67 million in donations since inception and maintains partnerships with over 140 hospitals worldwide, having powered over 1 million hours of play in pediatric healthcare settings. Halloffamewall

Rehabilitation centers — Motion-based games using PlayStation and Xbox systems support motor skill recovery and physical therapy in ways that keep patients engaged and motivated far longer than traditional exercises.

Mental health programs — Research published in medical journals demonstrates promising therapeutic benefits of video games for conditions including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, with studies showing video games integrating brief mental health messages provide a valuable approach to merging digital intervention with accessible commercial gaming. nih

ADHD treatment — The FDA cleared the first therapeutic video game as a treatment for ADHD, with clinical trials showing an 83% clinical response rate and nearly three-quarters of patients reporting improvement in quality of life. Nridigital

Long-term care and senior facilities — Cognitive engagement through gaming helps reduce isolation and supports mental acuity among elderly patients.

For more on the clinical evidence, these are authoritative resources:

• Child’s Play Charity — the leading organization funding gaming equipment in children’s hospitals worldwide
• Digital Therapeutics Alliance — industry body advancing FDA-cleared digital therapeutic products including video games
• Science Daily: Video Games Help Patients and Healthcare Providers — University of Utah research on therapeutic gaming for pediatric oncology patients
• Medical Device Network: Video Games as Medical Tools — overview of how the healthcare sector is integrating gaming technology

The operational challenge: securing shared gaming equipment

Running a successful hospital gaming program requires more than just the hardware. Consoles and controllers in healthcare environments face unique challenges:

High turnover environments — Equipment moves between rooms, wards, and common areas constantly. Without physical security, consoles disappear quickly.

Unattended access — Patients need access to gaming at all hours. Staff cannot monitor every station around the clock, which creates opportunities for theft or tampering.

Infection control requirements — Clear acrylic enclosures allow for easy surface cleaning and sanitizing without exposing internal components — an important consideration in any clinical environment.

Budget constraints — Healthcare facilities operate on tight budgets. A stolen PS5 or a damaged Xbox is not just an inconvenience — it removes a therapeutic tool from patients who need it and triggers a costly replacement process.

Approximately 60 Patient Gaming and Technology Specialists now work in hospitals worldwide as of 2025, with a growing number of U.S. hospitals incorporating therapeutic gaming into their clinical operations. As these programs grow, so does the need for reliable equipment security. Touchwall

How Secure Entertainment protects hospital gaming programs

Secure Entertainment has been designing anti-theft security hardware for institutional environments for over 15 years, covered under US Patent 11,103,796. Our products are trusted by hospitals, children’s medical centers, and long-term care facilities across North America — including Ronald McDonald House and St. Jude’s Hospital.

Every product is engineered around a simple principle: patients and staff get full, unobstructed use of the equipment, but it cannot be removed, tampered with, or stolen.

Console security cases

Our CAGE security cases are built from premium crystal-clear cast acrylic with chemically bonded seams. They mount securely to any flat surface and provide full access to all ports, ventilation, and cables. The console operates exactly as intended — it just cannot be picked up and walked out.

• PlayStation 5 anti-theft security case — ideal for patient lounges and common areas
• Xbox Series X security case
• Xbox Series S security case — compact footprint, great for bedside stations
• Nintendo Switch 2 security case — portable form factor secured for shared use

Controller tether systems

Controllers are the most frequently lost item in any shared gaming environment. Our patented tether systems lock controllers to the station with a secure cable — long enough for comfortable play from a chair or bed, short enough to prevent removal.

• PS5 controller anti-theft tether
• Xbox Series S/X controller tether
• PS4 controller tether
• Xbox One controller tether

Trusted by healthcare institutions

We have supplied gaming security hardware to hospitals, children’s medical centers, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care operations across North America. Our products are low-maintenance, require no ongoing supervision from staff, and are built to hold up to years of daily use in demanding environments.

Browse our past installations to see real-world setups, or read customer reviews from facilities similar to yours.

Ready to secure your facility’s gaming program?

Whether you are equipping a single patient lounge or securing consoles across multiple wards, we can help you spec the right solution. We work directly with healthcare procurement teams and can accommodate purchase orders.

Contact us to discuss your setup, or browse all products to get started.

Video games have moved from the arcade to the classroom — and the data shows it is working. Schools across the country are incorporating consoles into libraries, STEM labs, student lounges, and esports arenas. But with that investment comes a real operational challenge: how do you keep expensive hardware secure in shared, high-traffic spaces where students come and go all day?

This guide covers why schools are embracing gaming, what the research says about its educational value, and how to protect your equipment so it lasts.

Gaming in schools is no longer optional

74% of teachers now use digital game-based learning to enrich their lessons, and 88% of those teachers report increased student engagement as a result. 60% of K-8 teachers use digital games weekly, with 18% using them daily, and 55% use games to cover required curriculum standards. Scoop MarketWinssolutions

The research backing this up is substantial. Students who regularly play video games show increased odds of high intellectual functioning and stronger overall school competence, and a study of more than 12,000 students found that frequent gamers scored significantly higher in both math and science. 47% of teachers who use games report that the students who benefit most are low-performing students and those in special education programs. HMHeLearning Industry

The market reflects this shift too. The global game-based learning market is projected to reach $26.3 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual rate of 21.6%. Scoop Market

Gaming in schools is no longer a fringe experiment — it is mainstream pedagogy.

What schools are using consoles for

Modern K-12 schools use gaming hardware across several environments:

STEM and classroom learning — Titles like Minecraft: Education Edition, Rocket League, and various simulation games are used to teach math, science, engineering, and problem-solving in ways that keep students engaged. Edutopia has documented how teachers connect specific games to curriculum standards across multiple subjects.

Esports programs — Competitive gaming clubs and varsity esports teams are growing rapidly at the high school level, mirroring the explosion of collegiate esports we have seen over the past few years. These programs require dedicated hardware setups that need to hold up to daily use.

Student lounges and common areas — Many schools install consoles in recreation spaces as part of student wellness initiatives, providing structured downtime that keeps students on campus and engaged.

Library game rooms — As covered in our gaming in libraries guide, game rooms in school libraries drive foot traffic and increase overall resource use among students who might not otherwise visit.

For further reading on the educational case for gaming, these are reliable resources:

• Edutopia: Using Video Games to Achieve Academic Standards — practical classroom applications tied to curriculum goals
• University of Chicago: The Valuable Role Video Games Play in the Classroom — academic perspective on gaming in education
• Texas A&M Today: 5 Reasons Video Games Should Be Used in Schools — research-backed argument for broader adoption
• Penn Today: Gaming as a Teaching Tool — how designing and playing games develops real skills

The security problem schools overlook

A PlayStation 5 costs around $500. An Xbox Series X runs similar. Add controllers, cables, and accessories and a single gaming station easily represents $700 or more in hardware. Multiply that across a lab, lounge, or esports room and you are looking at a significant budget commitment.

In shared school environments, that investment faces real threats:

• Controllers disappear between periods
• Consoles get tampered with or damaged
• Equipment is moved or removed from designated stations
• Unauthorized accessories get plugged in

Without physical security, schools face frequent replacement costs that strain already tight budgets — and missing or damaged equipment means students lose access to the programs schools worked hard to build.

How Secure Entertainment protects school gaming setups

Secure Entertainment has been designing anti-theft security hardware for institutional gaming environments for over 15 years, covered under US Patent 11,103,796. Our products are in schools, libraries, colleges, hospitals, and military installations across North America.

Every product is built around one principle: students can use the equipment normally, but it cannot be removed, tampered with, or stolen.

Console security cases

Our CAGE security cases are made from crystal-clear cast acrylic with chemically bonded seams. They mount securely to a surface and give full access to all ports and ventilation — the console works exactly as intended, it just cannot be picked up and walked out.

• PlayStation 5 anti-theft security case
• Xbox Series X security case
• Nintendo Switch 2 security case — ideal for STEM labs and student lounges
• Xbox Series S security case

Controller tether systems

Controllers are the most frequently stolen item in any shared gaming space. Our patented tether systems lock controllers to the station with a secure cable, long enough for comfortable play but short enough to prevent removal.

• PS5 controller anti-theft tether
• Xbox Series S/X controller tether
• PS4 controller tether
• Xbox One controller tether

What school customers say

“Your Cages for the Xbox and PlayStation are absolutely marvelous! Our Game Room is a great outlet for our students, and they love playing video games. They have lasted, are strong, and we have never had a theft problem thanks to the Cage products.”

We have supplied schools, student unions, and esports programs across the country. Browse our past installations to see real setups in educational environments.

Setting up a school gaming space?

Whether you are equipping a single classroom station or building out a full esports room, we can help you spec the right security solution for your setup. We work directly with schools and can accommodate purchase orders.

Contact us to discuss your needs, or browse all products to get started.

Placing gaming consoles in public areas — hotel lobbies, waiting rooms, libraries, student lounges, arcades, military recreation centers — is one of the best ways to enhance the experience for guests, patients, students, and visitors. It is also one of the fastest ways to lose expensive hardware if the right security measures are not in place.

This guide covers exactly what you need to know: why public gaming setups get targeted, what the risks actually cost, and how to protect your investment without limiting the experience for legitimate users.

Why public gaming hardware gets stolen

Gaming consoles are among the most targeted electronics in any public setting, and for straightforward reasons. A PlayStation 5 retails for around $500. An Xbox Series X runs similar. Controllers, cables, and accessories add another $100-200 per station. That is real resale value sitting in an unsupervised space.

The broader theft environment has only gotten worse. Retail theft will cost U.S. businesses $142 billion in 2025 — a 7.3% increase from 2024 — and retail sales lost to theft have increased by 33% since 2020. Electronics like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles are consistently among the most frequently targeted items due to their popularity, portability, and resale value. GrabOnDeep Sentinel

The challenge in public gaming setups is compounded by the fact that the equipment is meant to be accessible and unsupervised. You cannot lock a console behind a counter and still offer a gaming experience. The solution is purpose-built physical security that allows normal use while preventing removal.

Where public gaming setups are most common — and most vulnerable

Secure Entertainment has been supplying security hardware to institutional gaming environments for over 15 years. These are the settings we work with most:

Hotels and resorts — Game rooms and lobby entertainment areas are guest-facing amenities that run 24 hours a day with minimal staff supervision overnight. Controllers are the most commonly lost item. Consoles are the most costly to replace.

Libraries — Public libraries were among the earliest adopters of gaming as a community engagement tool, and gaming programs have proven to drive significant increases in overall patron visits and book circulation. See our full guide on gaming in libraries.

Schools and universities — Student lounges, recreation centers, and esports facilities require hardware that can handle hundreds of users a week without disappearing. We cover this in depth in our guide to gaming security in schools.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities — Patient gaming programs in pediatric wards, rehabilitation centers, and waiting areas require accessible setups that staff cannot actively supervise around the clock. Our hospital gaming guide covers the therapeutic benefits and security requirements in detail.

Military recreation facilities — Common rooms, barracks lounges, and MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) facilities serve large rotating populations and need hardware that holds up for years.

Arcades and gaming cafes — Commercial gaming venues operate on tight margins. Replacing stolen hardware directly impacts profitability.

Waiting rooms and community centers — Anywhere that provides entertainment to reduce perceived wait times or serve the public needs equipment that stays put.

The two things that go missing most

In any public gaming setup, the same two items get stolen repeatedly:

Controllers — They are portable, valuable, and easy to walk out with. A DualSense controller costs $70-80. Lose a few per month and the costs add up fast. They are also the item staff are least likely to notice missing until a guest complains.

Consoles — Less frequent but far more costly. A console left unsecured on a shelf or entertainment unit can be removed in seconds, particularly overnight or during low-traffic periods.

Both problems have the same solution: physical security hardware that makes removal impossible without a key.

How Secure Entertainment secures public gaming setups

Our products are covered under US Patent 11,103,796 and are specifically engineered for high-traffic institutional environments. The core design principle is simple: guests play normally, hardware stays put.

Console security cases (CAGE)

Our CAGE security cases are built from premium cast acrylic with chemically bonded seams and a tamper-resistant locking system. They mount securely to any flat surface — counters, tables, wall mounts, or VESA-compatible displays — and provide full access to all ports, ventilation, and cables. The console works exactly as intended, it just cannot be picked up.

• PlayStation 5 anti-theft security case — $139.99
• Xbox Series X security case — $129.99
• Xbox Series S security case
• Nintendo Switch 2 security case — $119.99-$129.99
• PlayStation 4 security case
• Xbox One security case

Controller tether systems

Our patented controller tether systems anchor controllers to the gaming station with a secure cable lock. The cable length allows comfortable play from a seated position but prevents the controller from leaving the station. Each tether includes two sets of keys for staff access.

• PS5 controller anti-theft tether
• Xbox Series S/X controller tether
• PS4 controller tether
• Xbox One controller tether

What our customers say

“Your Cages for the Xbox and PlayStation are absolutely marvelous! Our Game Room is a great outlet for our students, and they love playing video games. They have lasted, are strong, and we have never had a theft problem thanks to the Cage products.”

We have supplied security hardware to schools, libraries, hotels, military installations, hospitals, cruise lines, and community organizations across North America. Browse past installations to see real setups or read customer reviews.

Choosing the right setup for your space

Not every public gaming environment has the same needs. Here are a few considerations:

High-traffic, unsupervised spaces (hotel lobbies, hospital waiting rooms, library lounges) — Prioritize both a console security case and controller tethers. These spaces have the highest theft risk and the least staff oversight.

Supervised spaces with controlled access (school computer labs, esports rooms) — A console case alone may be sufficient if controllers are checked in and out by staff.

Multi-console setups — We offer volume pricing for facilities equipping multiple stations. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Console selection for public use — If you are still deciding which console to deploy, our public use console picker guide compares PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch for institutional settings.

Ready to secure your gaming setup?

Secure Entertainment has been protecting public gaming equipment since 2009. We work directly with institutions, accept purchase orders, and can help you spec the right products for your specific environment.

Contact us to discuss your setup, or browse all products to get started.