Talk to me about gaming system?

[jellybeans0607]

We have decided to get my boys some gaming systems for xmas. We aren't big gamers here and the only system we have is a very old handy me down game cube.
For my 3yo I think we have decided to get the Vtech version of the Wii. I'm not sure what its called.

So becuase of that we have decided not to get a Wii, but instead soemthing with a joystick. So what are my options? Do they still make regular old nintendo? What do your kids have that they like?

 

[melancholywings]

I'd get the older child a Nintendo DS Lite. The games are cheaper than the large next gen systems. It's got a great library - lot's of kid titles even games that teach lanuguage, it helps eye hand coordination and fine motor skills with the stylus, and it travels. My family each has their own, and it's the one game system I can't imagine doing with out.

If your looking for a system with a joystick on the controller the 360 is wonderful - but and I adore my 360 like a rabid fan girl - it isn't the best kid system as the core audience is adults.

 

[Dr.Seuss]

Here is the way I approached it when we were thinking about getting our children a gaming system.

The Nintendo Wii is aimed at all age groups, they tend to have games that are geared toward children moreso then the 2 other competitors.
X-box is something for the tweens and young at heart, looking for a first person shooter type game, not as many selections for younger kids.
Playstation 3 is pricey due to the blue ray player, and also similar to the 360 for game selection. Now if you are looking for a blue ray player this might be a good option as you get both in one system.

We ended up purchasing a wii and have not regretted it at all, it gets you active while gaming and something the whole family will enjoy.

If you are looking for a portable gaming system, the DS is nice, although they have announced a new system for next year I think it is. There is the PSP but I don't know anything about that system either.

Just one guys thoughts

 

[JimR24]

We just got my daughter the DS and she loves it. We also puchased the Wii for our family christmas present. It's killing me not to crack that sucker open and play it.

We wanted something we could play as a family and I think the Wii fits that.

 

[jellybeans0607]

The thing about the Ds is, my 8yo daughter has one and barely uses it. So he ends up playing with it all the time. So pretty much, he has one, but it's pink.

I'm a bit heitant to buy the the Wii for 2 reasons. One, we want to get the vtech one for my 3 yo. And 2 because its been out now for a couple years, rumor is they are upgrading it. seems silly to buy it now when next year it will be outdated. Had I bought it 2 years ago it probably would ahve been great. but my kids were too young them.
As for the 360 and play station, I know nothing about those.

 

[DisneySoccerScouts]

Another opinion weighing in:
I know you are definite about getting the VTech system but....
I wouldn't rule out the Wii for your 3yo - no matter who visits this is the system of choice and nintendo back dates their systems so that if you have games now for game cube they can play on the wii, so I am guessing if they have something new the wii games will play on it.
The games are family friendly making it easy for everyone to get in the game - many require physical action not just finger fitness and many are simple enough for every age
Our PS2 is very popular in our house but our kids are older - best advantage to that is that it is an extra movie player
PSP is for older children than yours
DSLite is best portable system - but you have one

 

[jellybeans0607]

Another opinion weighing in:
I know you are definite about getting the VTech system but....
I wouldn't rule out the Wii for your 3yo - no matter who visits this is the system of choice and nintendo back dates their systems so that if you have games now for game cube they can play on the wii, so I am guessing if they have something new the wii games will play on it.
The games are family friendly making it easy for everyone to get in the game - many require physical action not just finger fitness and many are simple enough for every age
Our PS2 is very popular in our house but our kids are older - best advantage to that is that it is an extra movie player
PSP is for older children than yours
DSLite is best portable system - but you have one

I just went to gamestop site and looked ta the PS2. It isn't too expensive.PS3 is out, theres no way i'm spending that kind of money.
My children have played the Wii, other famliy members have it and they do love it.

aarrGhhh...it really is a hard choice.
The vtech one is just like the Wii, its all motion sensor stuff. Which is why we liked it as an alternative until the new Wii came out.

I guess I just thought there were more options than this, but I guess there really isn't.

 

[Scurvy]

Nevermind! I see my reading comprehension is not good today and you already have a Gamecube. I'm leaving this in case it would help anyone else, though. Sorry!

Another option would be to get a used Gamecube. Overall Nintendo has the largest selection of family friendly games. The PS3 does play many (but not all) PS2 games and the 360 plays many (though again not all) original XBox games. Sony and Microsoft have focused on older gamers for the most part, though, and even though that is starting to change there still isn't a great selection of family friendly games available for either console.

There are lots of family friendly games for the Gamecube and many game stores have used ones for a fairly reasonable price. Another plus to getting the Gamecube is that the Wii will play all Gamecube games, as well as using the Gamecube controllers. If at some point you chose to move up to a Wii you could continue to use all of those things.

To the OP -

One side note - none of the current systems use a standard joysick, but they do all use similar controllers. The Gamecube and Wii have the controllers that are easiest to just pick up and play; the other are a little bit more complicated.

If it were me, I think I'd still get a Wii. Even though there are rumors that they are working on the Wii 2, I think it will be a while before it is finally released. I'm just guessing, but they usually try to get several years out of each console and I doubt that Nintendo would release their new console so long before Sony and Microsoft do.

 

[griz_fan]

OK - time to clear up some confusion here. 1st off, there is no such thing as a VTech version of the Wii. There is only one Wii, the VTech console is nothing like a real game console. We are a gaming family, we have 4 kids, ages 6 to 14. We have 4 DS Lite hand-held system, 3 older GameBoy Advance units that don't get any play any more, a Gamecube, two Wii's and a PS3. I know kids, and I know video games.

Skip the Vtech. Again, it isn't a real game system and your kids will quickly grow bored of it, as parents there is zero apeal to the VTech, and I doubt any of your kid's friends would be interested in the VTech either. It is most definitely NOT like the Wii, it is a cheap rip-off and can't come close to the fun the Wii provides.

From what you described, just go out and get the Wii. Your 3 year old is too young to play ANY game system at this point. Your older son and you (yes, parents can play games) will have a blast with the Wii. It is a great family game system with several games you can enjoy together as a family. Your 3 year old will probably enjoy watching and participating in the excitement.

Also, the Wii will play all Gamecube games, which is a bonus, not to mention you can purchase and download hundreds of classic Nintendo games from previous systems. Finally, there will not be a new Wii (or X-Box or PS3) for at least 2 years, probably longer. The costs associated with developing a real game console (not the knock-offs like the VTech) is staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have generally followed a 5 year cycle in order to sell enough systems and games to recoup the costs in developing the system. Anyone who tells you that a new Wii is coming out clearly doesn't know what they are talking about, so ignore them

So, don't sell your kids short, and plan on getting a system you will play with your kids. The Wii is great for the whole family, you'll have a blast with it.

 

[Alesia]

OK - time to clear up some confusion here. 1st off, there is no such thing as a VTech version of the Wii. There is only one Wii, the VTech console is nothing like a real game console. We are a gaming family, we have 4 kids, ages 6 to 14. We have 4 DS Lite hand-held system, 3 older GameBoy Advance units that don't get any play any more, a Gamecube, two Wii's and a PS3. I know kids, and I know video games.

Skip the Vtech. Again, it isn't a real game system and your kids will quickly grow bored of it, as parents there is zero apeal to the VTech, and I doubt any of your kid's friends would be interested in the VTech either. It is most definitely NOT like the Wii, it is a cheap rip-off and can't come close to the fun the Wii provides.

From what you described, just go out and get the Wii. Your 3 year old is too young to play ANY game system at this point. Your older son and you (yes, parents can play games) will have a blast with the Wii. It is a great family game system with several games you can enjoy together as a family. Your 3 year old will probably enjoy watching and participating in the excitement.

Also, the Wii will play all Gamecube games, which is a bonus, not to mention you can purchase and download hundreds of classic Nintendo games from previous systems. Finally, there will not be a new Wii (or X-Box or PS3) for at least 2 years, probably longer. The costs associated with developing a real game console (not the knock-offs like the VTech) is staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have generally followed a 5 year cycle in order to sell enough systems and games to recoup the costs in developing the system. Anyone who tells you that a new Wii is coming out clearly doesn't know what they are talking about, so ignore them

So, don't sell your kids short, and plan on getting a system you will play with your kids. The Wii is great for the whole family, you'll have a blast with it.

I agree. In less than 6 months, the vtech will just be a dust collector.

The wii won't become obsolete when the wii2 comes out. It just won't be the newest thing anymore. The games you already have will still work and they will continue to make new games for it for a couple of years, at least.

Buy the wii. you won't regret it.

 

[jellybeans0607]

OK - time to clear up some confusion here. 1st off, there is no such thing as a VTech version of the Wii. There is only one Wii, the VTech console is nothing like a real game console. We are a gaming family, we have 4 kids, ages 6 to 14. We have 4 DS Lite hand-held system, 3 older GameBoy Advance units that don't get any play any more, a Gamecube, two Wii's and a PS3. I know kids, and I know video games.

Skip the Vtech. Again, it isn't a real game system and your kids will quickly grow bored of it, as parents there is zero apeal to the VTech, and I doubt any of your kid's friends would be interested in the VTech either. It is most definitely NOT like the Wii, it is a cheap rip-off and can't come close to the fun the Wii provides.

From what you described, just go out and get the Wii. Your 3 year old is too young to play ANY game system at this point. Your older son and you (yes, parents can play games) will have a blast with the Wii. It is a great family game system with several games you can enjoy together as a family. Your 3 year old will probably enjoy watching and participating in the excitement.

Also, the Wii will play all Gamecube games, which is a bonus, not to mention you can purchase and download hundreds of classic Nintendo games from previous systems. Finally, there will not be a new Wii (or X-Box or PS3) for at least 2 years, probably longer. The costs associated with developing a real game console (not the knock-offs like the VTech) is staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have generally followed a 5 year cycle in order to sell enough systems and games to recoup the costs in developing the system. Anyone who tells you that a new Wii is coming out clearly doesn't know what they are talking about, so ignore them

So, don't sell your kids short, and plan on getting a system you will play with your kids. The Wii is great for the whole family, you'll have a blast with it.

wow, a bit intense about video games. We don't take them that seriously in this house.

My 3yo plays video games and is quite good at it. He plays with the DS and the cube. Maybe your 3yo was too young, but not all 3yo are.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Have you considered the Leapster for your 3-year old? DD5 has a DS and a Lepaster and probably enjoys them both equally. I think the DS is better made and will ultimately provide more game enjoyment, but you won't find too many games for your 3-year old. The Leapster has lots of educational games and the characters your three year old probably loves, and no reading is required for most games. I can't comment on the Vtech, although I know they have many preschool friendly games as well.

We do have a Wii, and my 9 year old LOVES it, but she still plays her DS more, probably just because it is portable. DD5 plays the Wii some and I expect she will grow into it, but she prefers the handhelds as well.

I agree with the PPs that while the PS2 is not that expensive, Nintendo has WAY more family-friendly games than PS or XBOX. Most of the new games (like the ones based on movies) come in all platforms, but Nintendo has the market for the Mario games, which are huge favorites in this house. My nephews are 15 and 12 - they like their PS2 a lot, but they are both playing the Wii now.

 

[bdoyledimou]

my house consists of 2 adults, and 2 kids (9 and 10) one cat (12) 2 Ps3's, 2 Wiis, 2 Xboxs.

My kids were playing video games at age 3.. and I agree.. the vtech will NOT last very long (not to mention the software is limited and difficult to find).

The Wii is the best bet hands down. Everyone can play it, even the "Wee" ones..

 

[Sheribo]

Family of 3 with 4 Nintendo DS - great for travel. We also have a game cube, ps2 and a Wii. We love the physical aspect of the Wii - bowling especially. Dad loves the golf, I love Wii fit and the puzzle, memory games. Four of us can play together and my little princess loves to be Princess Peach. We had this for 2 years now and we play it at least once a week. The ps2 is used by my oldest teen only now. The younger ones love swinging a virtual tennis raquet and jamming with Rock Band. No regrets.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Another vote for Wii. Wii got the Wii for our kids for Christmas last year. I had to be convinced by DH, and even after I was I didn't think I'd ever play it. Well, I was totally wrong. It is sooo fun. It makes for great family fun nights. While my youngest was 5 when we got it, she played Game Cube when she was 2. (There's another good point many have made, all your GC games will work in the Wii.) We love our Wii as much as when we got it on Christmas day last year. It is used pretty much daily. It is sooo cool! (Side note, we bought DD6 a V-smile when she was 2, she almost never played with it. I know it is educational, but not nearly interesting enough. I am not familiar with the Leapster game, but just a tip.)

 

[720L]

If you can download classic nintendo games for the Wii......does that mean you play those with a joystick? I want the Wii, but want to be able to sometimes just sit there and play a game. (like Mario Bros or something). It sounds like all the Wii games make you move?

 

[Fabinva]

My son has been playing PS2 since he was almost 4, daughter likes it too but she gets bored easily once the game gets tough. She LOVES her Leapster and big plus is you can take it with you and has been playing it since she was 3, she is turning 6 this week and getting a new one cause hers just started malfunctioning and she still enjoys playing with it a lot, the new games for it look like fun too and she's been complaining that she can not draw as good and they have a gave to teach her to draw...can't way for her to try it!
We bought a Wii back in July and both enjoy it, they like playing sports more than anything but it is not their favorite, my son's fav is the PS2 and daughter's is the Leapster but I think it all depends on the games available and not the console itself.
I would recommend a Leapster for a younger child, it is fun and much easier for younger ones to play and was the easiest way for my son to learn the alphabet with the Letter factory game.

 

[ISP2MCO]

If you can download classic nintendo games for the Wii......does that mean you play those with a joystick? I want the Wii, but want to be able to sometimes just sit there and play a game. (like Mario Bros or something). It sounds like all the Wii games make you move?

I dont know what the old controllers looked like for nintendo, but wii has several different controllers. Besides the standard controller, they also have the classic (to be used on older games) and the numchuck which has a joystick type toggle on it. My boys use the standard controller with the numchuk attached for the newer mario games. Not all wiii games make you jump around. There are a ton that let you just sit there and play just like ps and xbox.

To the OP, out of the 3 main gaming systems wii, xbox, ps, I would choose the wii. Sorry, I dont know much about the vtech but sounds like you 3yo would grow out of it too soon and the wii would be much more of a family gaming system that your entire family can use and grow with.

 

[mjkacmom]

My son has been playing PS2 since he was almost 4, daughter likes it too but she gets bored easily once the game gets tough. She LOVES her Leapster and big plus is you can take it with you and has been playing it since she was 3, she is turning 6 this week and getting a new one cause hers just started malfunctioning and she still enjoys playing with it a lot, the new games for it look like fun too and she's been complaining that she can not draw as good and they have a gave to teach her to draw...can't way for her to try it!
We bought a Wii back in July and both enjoy it, they like playing sports more than anything but it is not their favorite, my son's fav is the PS2 and daughter's is the Leapster but I think it all depends on the games available and not the console itself.
I would recommend a Leapster for a younger child, it is fun and much easier for younger ones to play and was the easiest way for my son to learn the alphabet with the Letter factory game.

My 5 year olds just played with their Leapsters all morning today! They also love the Wii, we've had it for almost a year, and the love playing that, too.

 

[MNdisneymom]

From the perspective of a mom with a 5 yo DS...

We have both the v-smile (tv, not portable) and leapster game systems. The leapster is much better--educational value, graphics, game-play, etc. It will last longer too, because some of the games are for slightly older kids. can't help you on the v-motion, but overall I don't think v-tech products are as good as leapfrog. (although the v-smile does have some more character games if your DS is into that sort of thing.)

We also have the Wii and love it. There are a few games for younger kids (Diego's Rescue Adventure and Cosmic Family are 2 that we have), and he also likes to goof around with Cooking Mama, but isn't very good at it. We have Mario Kart too, and he won't play it but loves watching me do it.

He loves his leapster and would play it all day long if allowed--which is why it is strictly an in-car and travel thing. Wii we rotfl: ) can do together, it is very much a cooperative experience that we both enjoy. Gaming is fun with little ones!