Getting into the video game world (kids)

[Bingo]

I've kept my 5 year old away from it mostly ... he's into educational games on the PC etc, but no consoles to speak of.

This summer he was exposed to a cousin's PS2 and Lego Star Wars II and has the bug.

I'd like to do the Saga version this Christmas for him, but what Console do you buy?

I like the Wii idea for the motion (getting him up etc), but is that as good for games like Lego Star Wars? Should I go old and buy a PS2 or older and just go with a plug in the meantime and a bigger system later?

thanks everyone

[ken0042]

I think you should start him the way you and I started...... Atari 2600 baby!

I think when looking at buying my first console of this century, that there were a bunch of Wii games targeted towards that age group. And I like the "get your butt off the couch" factor as well.

[Mr. Ski]

I picked up an original XBOX near the end of it's life cycle and I'm glad I did for a number of reasons. The greatest two of those were the very low cost, and the wealth of excellent games available. I've got dozens of great used games (from EB Games and other places) that I paid less than $10 each for. Sure it's not all in HD with 5.1 sound, but a 5 year old isn't going to notice I wouldn't think. My son is only 3 and loves the racing games already. He mostly crashes (over and over and over) but still has a blast. The PS2 has an even greater game library and is an equally good price these days.

I figure once he and I have exhausted ourselves on the old XBOX, ver 3 may be out, and if not, the 360 should be a lot better price (with mayble even all the bugs worked out - oh to dream...)

[The Yen Man]

If you want a cheaper system, I think picking up an original Xbox or PS2 may be the way to go. They're really nicely priced right now and the games are getting cheaper and cheaper. A 5 year old isn't really going to care about how powerful a system is, as long as the games are fun. Both systems have accumulated an awesome library of games over the years.

The Wii is also nice as it is a more unique gaming experience. I'm sure your son would have a ton of fun with that as well. What I also find little kids really like is the DS, and with that you can always get him some educational games (ie. Big Brain Academy).

[photon]

Yeah, the Nintendo consoles may have more games that are fun for that age. Can't go wrong with an old PS2 either, more games than you could ever hope to play.

[Bobblehead]

Add me to the "Wii for the younger folks" crowd.

Plus Nintendo it slowly releasing their back catalog for download onto the Wii. So he can play many of the older classics.

And Ken, I had the Atari when it was still called the VCS.

[Wolfwood]

I definitely agree with the Wii would be good for kids (and adults too). Nintendo is definitely a very family friendly company.

Of course if price and availability are a huge issue a PS2 would supply you with a large selection of games at somewhat cheaper prices.

[KevanGuy]

Id say go with the PS2, there is even one on sale here for pretty cheap.

[Bingo]

will be a big jump in tech in my house ... as the last console i bought was Sega Genesis.

Still have it and perfectly functional orginal Nintendo and Intellvision too!

[arsenal]

Get him started on the PS3, and inundate him with GTA, Bully and other games like those. Just kidding!

You can't go wrong with the Wii. There are lots of games that the whole family can play. And they are probably pretty easy for the younger crowd to pick up as far as the controls go.

But you can also pick up one of the other new systems for yourself. If you ever wanted to play more adult games, or more button orienated.

[bigtmac19]

Have two boys, now 13 and 19, and have been through most of the consoles. Would recommend Nintendo out of all of them, because of the family friendly games as well. You can't go wrong with Mario. The ability on the Wii to download the older Nintendo games is great as well. Wii really is fun for the whole family as well, though my younger one has complained about lack of game titles so far, but they have more coming out all the time. Wii Play and Wii Sports are both a lot of fun.

[Bingo]

Which Wii system do you buy? I see the $289 Toysrus price, and then $500 bucks with bundles no ebay.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Which Wii system do you buy? I see the $289 Toysrus price, and then $500 bucks with bundles no ebay.

What's included in the bundle?

An extra remote and nunchuck is $70 (for the two) and games are around $60 if that helps...

[mykalberta]

Wii only has one system hardware configuration, the difference in prices is based on bundles.

Wii with 2 wiimotes and chucks should be sufficient.

I highly recoomend WiiSports and the Brainage game.

MYK

[mac_gurl]

I agree with the Wii for the family aspect. My family often comes over, and we have played the Xbox 360 together. Now that we have the wii, we almost always have a game of bowling/tennis when we get together. My parents even loved it so much, they went out and bought their own Wii.

[mrdeeds]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Wii only has one system hardware configuration, the difference in prices is based on bundles.

Wii with 2 wiimotes and chucks should be sufficient.

I highly recoomend WiiSports and the Brainage game.

MYK

Someone after my own heart. Boxing is the bomb and a great workout. Big Brain Academy is also very addictive.

[FlamesPuck12]

I recommend getting a Wii console with Wii Play game. Wii Play is about $60 and if you buy it, it comes with an extra remote so you're getting a game for about $10.

[Jagger]

Wii is definitely a good choice. My kids all love it, 9 year old , 4 year old, and even the 2 year old jumps around when we are playing it. We give her a 'special' wiimote though (Old remote control!!) We also have a Nintendo DS, gameboy and a Leapster which are great when you are travelling. Any of those are good for kids with kid appropriate titles. The Leapster is educational too, which is a plus for some people.