Game Systems

Just an opinion of a different sort.... My kids are 13 and 9 and we never went the video game route. They spend a lot of time in creative play, reading, interacting with friends, etc. Just something to think about. There is so much electronic stimulation out there...computers included...already!

I dont have an xbox but we do have a playstation 3 and a Wii. My husband loves them both. I like the wii best though because you have to be active and not just sit there with a controller. To bowl you stand up and walk through the motions. My 4 year old can bowl almost a 200 game....she even knows how to get spares....it is hilarious. I know you didnt ask about the wii but it s by far my favorite of all the new systems.

I would go with a PS3 because like may others have said you have the option of using it as a Blue Ray player. Besides all of the PS1 & 2 games are backward compatible. (I verified this with the guys at work... i work in the training dept at a communications and technology company)
We have a PS2 at home and are planning to buy a PS3... for the same reasons.

I would definitely go with the Wii, too! We have one and our 5 yr old loves to earn it, she plays golf, bowling, MarioKart and super mario galaxy. There are so many games and believe me mom and dad will be playing too! Its really nice because its so active, there are some games that aren't but most are and its a whole new experience. Otherwise, I don't know much about the xbox, but if you got the playstation 3 you would still be able to play all the games from 1 & 2 on the 3 also! I really think though that the Wii (there is much more availability now) would be a much more fun change for your family. The system comes with one game, you can choose between the Wii Play and Wii sports, the Wii sports has, boxing, tennis, bowling, golf and baseball. Then the Wii play has table tennis, pool, racing, fishing, matching, and some others. They are both good. Oh my daughter really likes the one called Playground, the characters are kids adn you can you play school yard games, its a fun one. I would also suggest getting the charging dock for the controllers otherwise you are going through batteries. Good luck Jennifer

My son is only 5, so we have none of the game systems right now. However, my son's friend (14 YO) likes the XBox 360.

I would recommend the Nintendo Wi. It gets you physically involved that way if your child is playing video games all day they are being physically active and not just sitting in one spot all day.

L.,
We have the xbox 360 and thats what my son and nephew prefer.

hope that helps a tiny bit

As a person who owns three video game systems I would say that if the system is for the boys the Wii is your best bet. You can get just about every game for the Wii as you can for the 360 and the PS3. The Wii specific games are more conducive to group and family play and gives you opportunities to play all the classic Mario and Zelda games. Plus it will keep your kids moving.

With the 360 and PS3 what you're paying for is the graphics card which will make the games look amazing on an HDTV. The PS3 comes with a Blu-ray disc player with 1080p output. The 360 comes with a DVD player that will upconvert to 720p. It's kind of a waste to play them without an HDTV.

Also with the 360 and PS3 you can play a lot more games live against other people from across the country (you can do some with the Wii). For the 360 there is an additional fee to play online games. I love playing xbox live but wouldn't let 8 year olds play it.

My husband and I have been talking about this also. He eventually wants to get the Play Station 3 since it also plays Blue Rays. Me on the other....well, I don't play video games so we will probably end up just getting the Play Station 3 since it also plays Blue Rays and the picture quality on Blu Rays are AMAZING. Hope this helps.

It is definitely not a weird question to ask. I've already been thinking about Christmas. I don't have any experience with the systems that you mentioned, but a couple of months ago we got the Wii system. I have an 8 yo, 6 yo and almost 3 yo and all 5 of us LOVE it! Our family favorite is the bowling, even the youngest likes to throw the ball. My personal favorite (the one that I sneak at playing after the kids go to bed) is Mario Kart. It is more expensive, but I think the controllers are much more friendly and the kids love being able to jump and swing their arms while playing. Merry Christmas!

For younger kids, I recommend the Gamecube and the Wii. We chose the gamecube because there are so many more kid friendly games. There are also plenty of games for more mature kids like my husband. But we were happier with the array of games with the gamecube that didn't have bloody mutilation in them. We also have the Wii which also has a ton of kid friendly games. With the Wii Fit out, they'll have a chance to be a bit more active when the cold weather hits. I realize these aren't the game systems you asked about, but I thought I'd give you my 2 cents in case you were considering the 'violent game' issue.

Merry Christmas! ;)

Hi L.,
We have both the PS3 and XBox360.. My son is 12.5 and my husband both play both systems. My son prefers the XBox for some reason better, but with that system you have to purchase the XBox live if you want that. With the PS3 it is free, but you do have to pay for downloads and such. If you go to a GameStop store and explain who the system is for and what kind of games your kids like to play (and husband of course) they can more then likely recommend something that would suite your family. The Wii is sopposed to be great too for younger kids! I know the GameCube we used to have I loved too. Its got more kid friendly games and not as much as the M rated or Teen rated games you would have to worry about more with the other 2 systems. So I would say maybe even consider the Wii as well. Hope this helps!!!

L.

Hi L.. If you already have playstations 1&2 you should go with the playstation 3 so that you don't have to go out and buy a ton of new games. Both the xbox 360 & the ps3 are great products, the both have all the same games (more or less) but why get a completely new system that you have to buy all new games for when you are going to be investing over $300 in a system?

I don't think your silly at all considering Christmas now. I always strive to have all presents bought and wrapped before Thanksgiving. It really allows me to enjoy the entire holiday season without stress. I do enjoy shopping and all the Christmas sales....my girls all have birthdays in early spring so I take advantage and look for birthday presents before and after Christmas! Way to go! Don't you just love the 6 P's? Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance? LOL have a great holiday!

I agree with Jen - get the Wii. The kids actually have to get up and move to play the games. It is a fun activity for the whole family.

what about the Wii?

My husband says xbox 360 and 12 yr old daughter agrees :-)

we have gamecube and wii which work together..gamecube you can buy cheap used and get a deal on games my kids love it and really love wii simple to use

I know you did not present this as an option, but, I would go with the Nintendo Wii. It really rocks! I play, the kids play, my hubby plays. It's all great fun.

Hi L.
Check into the specifics of PS3 before buying it, I am pretty sure you need to have a HDTV to play that on? also, I heard that you can not play the old PS1 and PS2 games on the new PS3 system. We have PS1 and 2 and we got the kids a Wii last Christmas. You really should look into a Wii....I agree it is for people of all ages.....and if you have younger children, it is much easier for the little ones to master the games on the Wii, then it ever was for them on PS2. The Wii also gets them physically moving around while playing the game, as opposed to sitting around like lumps playing games for hours. Good for you doing your research early and getting your shopping done now! Good luck!

Why dont you forgoe the games systems and buy a family pass to the zoo or an interesting museum. You already have so many game systems maybe your family could beneift from something different. Just an idea

Larissa,
We have playstation 2 and went with the wii. The wii is awesome and I highly recommend it because more that 1 child can play at once. Having twins that may help, but also Mom and Dad can play, too. And there are games I can actually play! We have wii night and it is really fun. I know that was not one you mentioned but I think the wii is the best game system out there!

Also, my brother had gotten the playstation 3 and couldn't use some of his other ps2 games. Some required some really expensive wires ($80) and my sister-in-law said she was not happy with it and would not have purchased it again.

Further, my 4 year old daughter can play the wii as can my 8 year old son who has aspergers and does not have great motor skills. My 10 year old son rocks at it and loves that mom can play some of the games with them!

I think Xbox360 is better and more popular. We have playstation 2 and last Christmas got Wii ( which we all like alot). My husband and son want XBOX 360. Most kids my son who is 6 plays with have the XBOX360.

I agree with the advice on getting a Wii instead,to help keep your kids more active.But,if deciding beween the two you mentioned,go out and look at the games available for each.Is there variety for your kids ages,for preteens and toddlers?? ALso,look at the prices of the games.

We have a PS3 for my hubby and a Wii for our son (and well yea me too!!) I love the Wii. And my hubby really likes the PS3. Both systems allow you to download demos and games for a fee.

I would highly recommend www.gamefly.com. they allow you to rent up to 4 games a month for a fee. (like NetFlix) The nice things is that if you don't like the game, you can mail it right back and get a new one. And if you do like it, you can keep it as long as you want.

~C.

I am thinking about this 2 however i am considuring the w!!

Hi L.,
My house is full of gamers. I know you didn't mention this system, but I see other people have. I also recommend the wii. It is very interactive. You can play up to 4 players at a time on some games. The sports games are fantastic. Everyone needs exercise......this is the system for it. I actually have even read articles about people using this system for physical thereapy. You should check into this and see if this is something your family may be interested in. I even play this myself! Have fun with whatever you choose.
Kristin

I would buy the Ninetendo Wii!!! We absolutely love it, not only can they play some fun games but it gets them up and moving. Just make sure they always wear their wrist strap!

My husband and I are both gamers, we bought the playstation 3 40 gb last tax return and just love it!!! There is so much you can do with the system it's been a great addition. I love that I can load music into it and create playlists...so when I'm cleaning up livingroom I can listen to my playlist on it. You can also get the 60 (hard to find) or 80 gb which are both backwards compatible and still be able to play all those playstation 2 favorites. Any other questions feel free to contact me...we are very well informed in this area.

My husband is a big gamer and my kids love playing too. I like the 360 as it has so many more things on it. You can go on to the marketplace and download demos that the kids can play. There's also "arcade" type games that you can buy at a reasonable price. The Playstation 3 is good as well, has a Bluray player, but to me seems a little harder to navigate around. Personally I would say the 360, but look at what games are available that your kids like and see what station they come on. 360 has a lot more games. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. We have almost all the game systems, but the wii. And I don't foresee us getting that any time in the near future.