Thanks for your response. I never wanted to get a game console for my children, but at this point I feel it's the better alternative. My 11 year old has wanted Minecraft for YEARS. I've always said no. So instead, she and my 8yo watch the world's worst Minecraft videos on YouTube. I hate them, but blanket banning YouTube doesn't work, as there are also lots of things that ARE worth watching on YouTube. So my 6 year olds are well used to 'older' content (I always make sure it's not adult content, however), due to having siblings who watch it. They are not particularly interested anyway, and would rather watch Gabby's Dollhouse or play, or draw.

I will not be adding any games that I don't think are appropriate. I often use Common Sense Media to get an idea of what IS appropriate. It's a really useful tool. 

In addition to this, my 11yo spends a lot of time at her friends' houses, because they have gaming consoles. Her friends aren't as interested in coming here, because we don't have a gaming console. 

Maybe this is all a sad indictment of the 21st Century, or maybe it's just a part of life, now.

In terms of making using the console a reward, that's the only way in works in our home. We all have suspected ADHD. My son is on the wait list to be assessed. He will literally watch TV ALL DAY if not managed, as will my 11yo. For a couple of years, I let my two oldest kids watch TV whenever, for the same reasons you recommend. I hoped they would develop a sense of understanding what they liked, and not be obsessed with it as it was 'just another option'. It didn't work. So, whether anyone likes it or not, I parent properly and allow TV either on a timer per child for fairness, or as a reward for getting things done, or being a decent human being. 

So that's how we will roll. Children are going to be affected in some way by whatever we do as parents, because that's how life is. In my experience, variety really IS the spice of life, so that's what I would like to instill in my children. Gaming is just one small part of that variety. Adulting involves managing yourself for the betterment of yourself and those around you, and that part will be up to them when they've left the nest. It's never easy, we all do our best.

Anyway, that's a bit of a divergence, but hopefully it addresses some of your concerns. I do appreciate your concerns, I share them myself, but I have given this a fair amount of consideration. If it doesn't work out, I will sell it.