Game Systems

[Marco van Herwaarden]

I just went thru this a few months ago when my son turned 7. Looked at all the newer consoles, and finally decided for the Nintendo Wii. Couldn't have made a better choice.

What made me decide:
- Nintendo has a large history of games suitable for children. The XBox and PS3 both have many games aimed at older audience, but only few for children under 10 years old.
- The controlers for WII are wireless, easier for children, no wires get tangled.
- children learn much faster to use the movement controler then an old-fashioned controler where they only need to press buttons. The movements are mostly natural. Lol, even i can not stop playing tennis with it, it is so much fun.
- they will not just sit on the couch, but will actually be moving around. They get an excercise while playing.

PS Make sure they have enough clear room, becuase they will often get so much into the game that they will forget their surroundings and hit anything within reach.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

One of my biggest questions is- I know the Wii is the really interactive console where the kids will be standing up and moving around (Which is another big reason why I favor this one versus the traditional controllers) but is there an OPTION to use a standard controller with it? Or do you have to use the interactive ones? I think it would be kind of cool to alternate, but I'm not sure if the system is made to be used with the regular controllers.

It depends on the game. Some games can be played with a regular controller also, some don't.

You do have the option to play your old GameCube games with GameCube controlers.

[no mods]

Since there young go with a Wii, since most likely it will have more games suitable for younger kids.

[Lag]

Seeing as your kids are still fairly young I would recommend buying them a Wii. I think there is a lot more younger orientated games, and seeing as how you said you and your husband won't be playing too much I don't see a need for you to get anything different.

Now one of the advantages the PS3 is the ability to play Blu-Ray disks, as well as yet another price drop bringing one of the PS3 versions down to $400. There are the Gran Turismo series and Metal Gear Solid is coming soon too. But both are games I wouldn't recommended for kids that are just 3 and 5

On to the Xbox 360. I see no reason to buy this for your kids unless there were a bit older. Maybe anywhere from 10+. It does have the Xbox Live Arcade, where you can download plenty of small games. Now along with the Xbox 360 comes Xbox Live. But I don't think your kids are old enough to really enjoy that. And of the course the Halo trilogy (My personal favorite).

Now all of what I just said was me trying to be as un biased as possible. Now, I'm only 16 (and an avid gamer), one of the things the really makes a gaming system to me, is strong online play. I don't mind paying the extra few bucks a month for Xbox Live. A lot of people say that the PS3 is better and some say the Wii is better. Well, there is a fan boy for everything.

I guess I've strayed a little off topic here, but I think you should go for the Wii seeing your kids are still pretty young and it has some fun family safe orientated games. On top of that it's the cheapest one of the current three systems. Not to mention it's a very interactive system.

[Paul M]

Just bought my Daughters a Wii between them for xmas.

[BrandiDup]

Thank you so much for your help! We have decided to get the Wii, but now we're just unsure of where exactly we should get it. I guess I should probably get to business and get one soon, before the price goes up even more. I really do appreciate all the input I received, and I think we'll all be very happy with the Wii. My son is going to LOVE the controllers.

[deezelpope]

<i>Do you have GameStop in your area?</i>

[Wayne Luke]

Gamestop is where I bought mine. The other local stores (Wal-mart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart and a few others) are always running out but Gamestop always has them in stock. The employees are also gamers so can answer a lot of your questions and since they aren't crowded all the time, you can get some good service. You can also pre-order games coming out in the next month so that they are ready for you on release day. No lines that way.

I think there are Gamestops everywhere.. They own EBGames as well.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

I think there are Gamestops everywhere.. They own EBGames as well.

Never seen one.

@Brandi
I think you made the best choice. You will all have fun with it, even more then you think now.

[G0F0RBR0KE]

Depending on who you're planning to buy the game console too. It's best to do your resource on all 3 consoles.

Nintendo Wii = For young people and for family.
PS3 and XBOX = For teenager and adults (maybe for young kids; depending on what game you're planning to buy for them).

So, if you have children, my suggestion will be Nintendo Wii and of course, hook them up with Mario games. We all grew with those games, it's time for them to grow up with those games. Try to get something you and your children will enjoy spending time together. If they're not teenager, don't buy 360 nor PS3 as many games aren't suitable for their age yet.