Protect your school’s gaming investment so students can keep using it.
Video games have moved from the arcade into the curriculum, and the research shows it’s working. Schools across the country are integrating consoles into libraries, STEM labs, student lounges, and esports arenas. But shared gaming hardware in high-traffic school environments faces a constant risk of theft and damage. Here’s how to protect it and what the numbers say.
Gaming in schools: what the research shows
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. The global game-based learning market is projected to reach $26.3 billion by 2026, growing at a rate of 21.6% annually. Gaming in schools is no longer a fringe experiment — it is mainstream pedagogy.
For more on the educational case for gaming, these are authoritative 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
- Texas A&M: 5 Reasons Video Games Should Be Used in Schools
- Penn Today: Gaming as a Teaching Tool
How schools are using gaming hardware
Titles like Minecraft: Education Edition and simulation games teach math, science, engineering, and problem-solving in ways that keep students engaged. Many teachers now connect specific games directly to curriculum standards across multiple subjects.
Competitive gaming clubs and varsity esports teams are growing rapidly at the high school and university level. These programs require dedicated hardware setups that hold up to daily use. See our esports security guide for college-level specifics.
Many schools install consoles in recreation spaces as part of student wellness initiatives, providing structured downtime that keeps students on campus and engaged.
Game rooms in school libraries drive significant foot traffic and increase overall resource use. See our gaming in libraries guide for setup details and research on the patron engagement benefits.
The security problem schools face
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:
Without physical security, schools face frequent replacement costs that strain already tight budgets, and missing or damaged equipment means students lose access to programs the school worked hard to build. The solution isn’t to lock the hardware away; it’s to secure it so students can still use it normally while it cannot be removed or tampered with.
What to get for your school
For most school gaming environments we recommend Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series S for student lounges and classrooms (family-friendly games, easy drop-in play, lower cost), and PlayStation or Xbox Series X for esports programs where performance and game library matter more. Secure both the console and the controllers:
Intuitive controls, family-friendly game library, lower price point. Secure when docked.
Compact, quiet, and with Game Pass gives you hundreds of games without individual title purchases.
Best for esports programs and student gaming centers where graphics and game library quality matter.
Full performance, compatible with existing Xbox One controllers and accessories, great for esports rooms.
The cost of not securing it
Schools operate on tight budgets. Replacing stolen or damaged hardware is not just a financial hit, it removes equipment from students who need it. Here is what a single unsecured PS5 station can cost in one school year, versus the one-time cost of securing it:
Replacement costs based on typical 2026 retail pricing. Product prices as listed on our store. Confirm current prices before purchase.
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 well, are strong, and we have never had a theft problem thanks to the CAGE products.” Shoreline Community College — Seattle, Washington
“Using the CAGE gives you peace of mind that your equipment isn’t going to wind up missing. It’s easy to use and assures me that our gaming consoles will be used by hundreds of students! And it looks awesome.” Cal State San Marcos — San Marcos, CA
How to set it up
Use our console security lookup tool to confirm the correct case for your exact console model. Cases ship within 2–3 business days.
Install the CAGE™ case with four standard Phillips-head wood screws onto a shelf, desk, or wall-mounted surface. See our installation guides for each model.
The controller bracket installs with a tamper-resistant screw (included bit provided). Route the 10ft cable for continuous charging. No ongoing supervision needed by staff.
We also help with
Whether you are equipping a single classroom station or building out a full esports room, we can help you spec the right solution. We work directly with schools and can accommodate purchase orders.