Help with Gaming System (not Disney related)

[pta-mom]

Ok Fellow Canadians with a lot more knowledge than I....for Christmas, I want to buy my kids a game system...which one?

They currently own a Game Cube but the games are beginning to seem a little too young. Should I go to a Wii? They don't seem to have a lot of games yet. I don't want an X-Box as most of the games are M...my guys are 10 & 11. Playstation 3 has 40gb, 60gb, or 80gb...what's the difference? Can you play Playstation 2 games on these?

Help!! I'm sooo confused! Why can't I just get them a ride-on firetruck??? They liked it when they were two!

 

[kc1]

I believe that the 40Gb PS3 is not PS2 compatible. The number before the "GB" indicates the size of the hard drive or how many photos, movies and music you can store on it. Otherwise, I think the 3 versions of the PS3 are the same.

I think the Wii is your better choice if you are only looking for a gaming console for the kids. It's more than a $100 cheaper than the cheapest PS3 and probably more kid friendly.

The PS3, on the other hand, has a Blu-ray player and better graphics. It might "grow" better with the boys if you plan to keep it for several years.

We have a Xbox and a Xbox360 (although I admit they're as much for me as they are for the boys) and my DS5 and DS7 have fun playing the racing and sports games. And I've read the Microsoft is trying to position the X360 more towards the mainstream.

 

[Ham Ham]

Go for the Wii. Lot's of titles for the Wii. click here
It can play all of your Game Cube titles, read the GC memory cards and uses the GC controllers for the GC games.

 

[monkeyhouse]

Playstation 3 has 40gb, 60gb, or 80gb...what's the difference? Can you play Playstation 2 games on these?

40 - No PS2 Games, comes with Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray
60 - Yes PS2 Games (discontinued)
80 - Yes PS2 Games, comes with Motorstorm game

Also, if you buy a PS3 before Jan 31/08 you can get 5 free Blu-ray movies
http://www.bluraysavings.com/newindex_ca.html

We have both Wii and PS3 and enjoy both. Another plus for the PS3 is the free downloadable game demos.

 

[Ham Ham]

40 - No PS2 Games, comes with Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray
60 - Yes PS2 Games (discontinued)
80 - Yes PS2 Games, comes with Motorstorm game

Also, if you buy a PS3 before Jan 31/08 you can get 5 free Blu-ray movies
http://www.bluraysavings.com/newindex_ca.html

We have both Wii and PS3 and enjoy both. Another plus for the PS3 is the free downloadable game demos.

Played a PS 3 for the first time last week in Montreal at a friends place. WOW!

Found a link to comparing features of both version of the PS 3, seems the only difference is the smaller hard drive and no backwards compatibility for PS2
Click for info

 

[neonurse]

Where can you find a Wii??? Looked everywhere even in florida...no one has them??? It's the only thing my boys wanted this Christmas (12 & 8 yr).

 

[Ham Ham]

I started looking early September. I would check Wal Mart, Best Buy, TRU. Zellers etc. When the Wii's arrive they fly out the door. Finally found one in stock on at EB games. A standard system with 1 controller, 1 nunchcuk and Wii Sports. I picked up Wii Play which comes with 1 controller at Zellers for $49 & a nunchuck fro $25.

If you find a unit once you get it home and test it. The night before Christmas set it up so when your kids wake up it is ready to go. If you're not accustomed to hooking things up it may take a few extra minutes and you'll need to configure the internet connection and any extra remotes.

Wrap up the controllers so they have something to open. Make it the last gift they open as once they know there is Wii in the house they'll be gone.

My suggestion is to call or visit the stores regularly. See if they will take a deposit so when the unit comes in you'll get it.

The closer we get to Christmas harder the Wii's will be to find.

 

[LittleFlounder]

Where can you find a Wii??? Looked everywhere even in florida...no one has them??? It's the only thing my boys wanted this Christmas (12 & 8 yr).

I had luck finding a Wii at HMV last Monday (yes, they now sell video games). I was surprised to find it since they probably hadn't received a shipment, of anything, since the Friday.

 

[neonurse]

I started looking early September. I would check Wal Mart, Best Buy, TRU. Zellers etc. When the Wii's arrive they fly out the door. Finally found one in stock on at EB games. A standard system with 1 controller, 1 nunchcuk and Wii Sports. I picked up Wii Play which comes with 1 controller at Zellers for $49 & a nunchuck fro $25.

If you find a unit once you get it home and test it. The night before Christmas set it up so when your kids wake up it is ready to go. If you're not accustomed to hooking things up it may take a few extra minutes and you'll need to configure the internet connection and any extra remotes.

Wrap up the controllers so they have something to open. Make it the last gift they open as once they know there is Wii in the house they'll be gone.

My suggestion is to call or visit the stores regularly. See if they will take a deposit so when the unit comes in you'll get it.

The closer we get to Christmas harder the Wii's will be to find.

When you said that you connect the wii to the internet, is it wireless or do you have to have a jack right there for it. Our wireless is just up the flight of stairs. I hope that will work ok.?

 

[tmli]

Another vote for the Wii.....my ds (11) actually works up a sweat while "playing" video games. Its great exercise and a video game at the same time!

 

[Ham Ham]

When you said that you connect the wii to the internet, is it wireless or do you have to have a jack right there for it. Our wireless is just up the flight of stairs. I hope that will work ok.?

Wii has built in Wireless IEEE802.11b/g, if your wireless router is secure you must configure the Wii's wireless settings so it will work with your route. There is also USB LAN adaptor (not included in box).

Also to watch the Wii your television must have video/audio inputs on your set.

click for full Wii specs.

 

[SeanK]

I own all the gaming systems and i am big into gaming as i am into Disney. If your children are 10 & 11 i would go with a WII, it's still a family type of system and the kids will have a blast with it. why do you ask? Cause i do and i also play all the adult games.

just my 2 cents

Ok Fellow Canadians with a lot more knowledge than I....for Christmas, I want to buy my kids a game system...which one?

They currently own a Game Cube but the games are beginning to seem a little too young. Should I go to a Wii? They don't seem to have a lot of games yet. I don't want an X-Box as most of the games are M...my guys are 10 & 11. Playstation 3 has 40gb, 60gb, or 80gb...what's the difference? Can you play Playstation 2 games on these?

Help!! I'm sooo confused! Why can't I just get them a ride-on firetruck??? They liked it when they were two!

 

[ChisJo]

We just got the Wii a couple of weeks ago through Costco online. It is fantastic! We are grown adults with no kids, and we have a BLAST playing....the sports game is so fun. We just bought Donkey Kong, Mario Party and Soccer, and watching others playing is just as fun as playing yourself!!!

Cannot recommend it enough! I never tried the PS3 though...

 

[F4disneyfan]

Ok Fellow Canadians with a lot more knowledge than I....for Christmas, I want to buy my kids a game system...which one?

They currently own a Game Cube but the games are beginning to seem a little too young. Should I go to a Wii? They don't seem to have a lot of games yet. I don't want an X-Box as most of the games are M...my guys are 10 & 11. Playstation 3 has 40gb, 60gb, or 80gb...what's the difference? Can you play Playstation 2 games on these?

Help!! I'm sooo confused! Why can't I just get them a ride-on firetruck??? They liked it when they were two!

40 gig PS3 is not compatible with any PS1 or 2 games and the games coming for the PS3 are all in the same category as teh X360 M and T for teen etc. The Wii has tonnes of great games we love ours. I would reccomend teh Wii over either of the other 2 systems it truly is a family fun system even the parents can have a blast playing the games.

 

[pta-mom]

Thanks all, you guys are awesome!! Special thanks to Monkeyhouse for giving me the link to the free movies!

We did go with a PS3 80gb...I gagged on the cost of it but it is their BIG gift this year for the two of them. We like that it is compatible with the PS2 games & as they are becoming old news, will be a lot cheaper to get our hands on. We decided too that as we are currently finishing the basement, it would be a great system to play on a big screen tv & can also be the downstairs DVD player. As well, as our guys are 10 & 11, we felt that this system would be best to "grow" with them...good point kc1.

Does anyone know a link that shows the ratings on the PS3 games? All PS3 players, do you have any recommendations for good games for this age level...nothing rated above a T please.

For all you Wii lookers, most Loblaws & Superstores receive a couple every week apparently. Our Loblaws get them Fridays & if you call, they will hold it for you for that day. Good luck!

 

[Shir Kahn]

I work at a Future Shop here in Winnipeg and we usually get Wii's on Monday and Friday mornings, about 20 at a time. Usually they are completely sold out within half an hour of the store opening and I imagine in the next few weeks that it won't even take that long. If you want one, better be at the store right at opening time!

 

[Exile]

I just got our Wii this week. I checked several Walmarts, Zellers and EBGames and all were sold out. EBGames said that if you call each morning they will hold a system for 1 hour if they are in stock(not bad considering that they could sell them in no time flat.)
I actually found my system by accident while walking past my local Independent Grocer( they had two). So, just a tip, don't forget the electronics dept. of your local grocery store.
Hmmm, need to test the system, eh? I've been looking for an excuse and that's as good as any!!

 

[monkeyhouse]

Thanks all, you guys are awesome!! Special thanks to Monkeyhouse for giving me the link to the free movies!
...

Does anyone know a link that shows the ratings on the PS3 games? All PS3 players, do you have any recommendations for good games for this age level...nothing rated above a T please.

NP on the link. Enjoy your movies when you get them.

For game ratings, I usually check gamespot.com. Go to this link ( http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?...&mode=all&sort=score&dlx_type=all&sortdir=asc) to get right to the PS3 ratings. Click on the game title and it will take you to a page about the game that also includes a Critic Score and User Score for the game as well as the game age rating. Two recent games I would look at are Uncharted: Drake's Fortune - T and R&C:Tools of Destruction - E.

 

[trivial]

I'd highly recommend a Wii. I've been a serious gamer for over 20 years now, and I'd say a Wii would be a great choice for 10-11 year-old boys (or any age, actually, including adults). Xbox 360 would be my second choice, but I'm honestly not too sure there are many games geared towards your boys' age, as you mentioned. The Playstation 3 would be my last choice for any gamer; relatively few games on the system, with very few exclusive ones being any good (and I'm unsure about the age issue here as well).

Edit: I see you decided on a PS3. Well, it's not too late to return it for a Wii if you change your mind!

 

[Hoogy]

I actually found mine at Shoppers Drug Mart.....so you never know where you'll find one. They do fly in and out of the stores though!