Wii or DS?

Unless the kids spend a lot of time in the car, I would go with the Wii. Call around to places like Gamestop (EB Games) and Game Crazy, they sell used items there so you can get the extra controllers cheaper that way, if they have them in stock, you can also get used games there. If you get lucky you might even find a used one there. I have also seen Wii's for sale on Craigs list with great pricing, I have even seen a posting that someone was giving away a Wii.

If you decide on the Wii, Costco has them right now for $249.99 Just thought I would let you know:)

My kids like both the Wii and the DS. The problem with the portable DS is that a couple of times my son has lost the DS and some of the games. I thought it was lost for good one time he left it at the park. I bought a used one at gamestop. It is actually a original DS which was cheaper but plays all the same games as the new lite. My kids love the Lego StarWars, Lego Batman, and Lego Indiana Jones on the Wii those are their favorite games of all time. Oh, and you can play the DS against someone else who has a DS-that is fun. So I guess it is a hard decision....

Hi R.!
The Wii by far!!!!!!! SOOOO much fun and for multiple people to play at the same time! You won't go wrong! Have a great Christmas! :.)
D.

Santa brought the Wii for our kids last year and it is awesome. It is the first video game system that they were allowed to have. We love the fact that you are active while playing instead of sitting mindlessly playing a game. You can actually work up a sweat playing the sports. They initially just had the Wii and the sport games that came with it. We eventually bought the Wii Play game which comes with another controller. I think Santa is bringing the Wii Fit and the Nerf covers this year. Like any gaming system there is always more to buy if you choose.

Hi R.. This one I can throw in on. The WII. Definitly.
The WII is family oriented. The entire game system with all the goodies will run you about 500.00. The DS is about $150.00 each then you end up buying additional games.
With the WII, the family has the ability to play and interact together. Plus they have made this system idiot proof. None gamers such as myself can figure it out. With the WII "fit", everybody gets off the couch and stays in shape and the best part of all...it is the most fun I have had in years. Grandma and Grandpa and everybody can play. With the DS...the system wears out in one way or another. Then you will probably have one kid with a system that didn't wear out and somebody is mad. The WII without a doubt. And my husband has bought my kids dang near everything that has come out.
The WII is something I am encourageing to buy. I can't wait to get the funds together for this "investment". Also...don't forget to do it before Christmas...they will sell out again. I am 45 with a 19 year old and a 14 year old.
Married 21 years. Good Luck and God Bless
T. T

R.,

My son is too young for these, but I can speak from experience with my sister's children who are 6 and 10. They have both and love both. The problem with the DS's is that they seem to carry them around all the time with their heads stuck in them not paying attention to anything else. My nephew actually got terrible headaches and was very moody when he first got his until my sister drastically limited the time he could play it (1 hour a day). The other problem is that they are easy to lose and people like to steal them. You also need to consider that each game costs money, so you are not done with the expense once you buy them. The Wii on the other hand is very interactive and gets the kids up off the couch and playing with one another and you. It is a lot of fun. I guess you have my vote. Oh, someone told me that Costco on occasion gets Wii's in and they are packaged with more accessories at a better price if you can find out when they will get them. Also, they suggest you have extra accessories with Wii, but realistically everyone can share and that will lower your expense. Hope this helped.

We like the Wii MUCH better because it encourages participation and activity where as the DS they just sit there and play and play and play.... The Wii comrs with active sports games and fitness. It also has games where you can sit and play but most are active.

R.- I have 3 boys and they do have the DS. They're nice because they can take them with, however I have found that that is not always a good thing (for example when you're out to eat, etc). What I have heard and seen with the Wii is that it does offer a lot more of the games that are interactive, like bowling or tennis. Looking back, my personal preference would be the Wii.
Good luck!

Hi R.,

Well I know how your feeling. I reviewed all the system out there. I was also debating a Wii or DS. The wii is nice because the kids are active with it, down side there arent very many games that interested my child and if your children are different in ages you may have to buy quite a few different games to the age level needed. I bought my daughters the DS and what is really nice about it is that they dont fight over which game to play since they have there own and of course the mobility of having one. The ds games are not to expensive but you can get GREAT deals on all the games if you buy ____@____.com luck to you.. any concellation they will enjoy whatever it is you get them.

I vote wii all the way. My nieces and nephew have both and they use the ds more but they are always playing it and not paying attention to anything else. My girls do the same thing when we go over.

We have a wii, and my girls love it. During school they are only allowed to play on Friday and Saturday. As for accessories, for Mario Kart, I only bought one steering wheel and my 5 year old gets to use it. It is easier with the wheel to be sure but the older girls (7 & 9) don't need it. Any other game you just need the controls. One player games usually require the nunchuk but one of those come with the console. After that you have to buy them extra.

If you intend to buy the wii, consider buying wii play for about $39.99. It comes with a control. Seperately, the controls are $49.99 I believe.

Hope this helps,
K.

We love our Wii. And although they do have all the attachments for golf clubs, tennis rackets, etc... you do not need to have these to have fun! If you do want the attachments, I would wait until the day after Thanksgiving to shop for them. Last year there were several stores (like Best Buy) that had the set on special for something like $10! Enjoy it!

I own both. My husband and I bought DS's for each other a few years ago and a Wii last Christmas. I would recommend the Wii. The DS's are small and portable but not as fun as the Wii. My son has gone bowling, thrown darts, ran Mario around in circles and went downhill skiing! My husband and I went 2 rounds in a boxing match! It really is a family affair. Here's the downside - you do have to buy accessories, games, and so on. I think it's totally worth the money. You get a workout (just bought Wii Fit - love it) and get to spend some fun family time together. Good luck on your decision.

I have two step kids. and I'll give you the pros and con's of them.

DS:
Pro's"
Each kid get's one, no fighting
Rechargeable
Can play both fun games and learning games.
Kids can Sync the DS's and play against eachother from up to 50 feet away (We have been known to be driving in seperate cars and the kids can play the wireless is THAT good on it)
Can Get on the internet with the right software

DS Con's
Twice the amount of games to buy since each child will want specific ones.
very sedentary type games
Cant play full games in the Dual Sync mode

Wii Pro's:
Kids actually have to get active on quite a few of the games
more people can play it at one time
even the parents have games that they can play
Internet availability
Options for games are so much better, ie: Guitar hero, band games, Wii Fit etc.
Compatible with the previous Nintendo Game Cube games. and I believe there is also the option to play the DS games if you buy an adapter.

Wii Con's
Definately not portable.
many different parts are required IE: sports set for the sports game,
Getting to fight the "it's my turn to play!"
The game system and generally the games are more expensive

I don't have the DS but I can tell you that we love the Wii!

Hi R., I have two girls and we invested in the ninetendo DS 's, it's portable, they can play in the car, restaraunt, anywhere. It is very entertaining, a multitude of games to chose from and they can play against each other as well. Hope this helps.

Hi R.!

I actually have both and I know for sure that the DS gets more use. If you are looking money wise it would be best to get the Wii. The Wii does come with most of what you need, the only thing you will need to get is two more controlers. I think it comes with one. It does come with a game so at least there you would not have to worry. The DS does not come with a game. So you would have to buy them separately and that could add up. I like to play them both. Its a fun night at home with the family with the family with the Wii, and its occuping my time with the DS. Hope this helps.

M.

I have a Wii. If you have multiple children, you would need to buy them each a controller. I'm not sure how much the DS costs but the controllers can be bought online for $15 a piece. Or you can also buy Wii Play and it comes with a bonus controller. But as you said, the DS is more travel friendly so if you went on a trip they can take it with them.

Definately the Wii! We bought the system before the summer so that the kids could actually play the games and move at the same time. Too hot here to go outside in the afternoon! Plus, we got Wii Fit and I'm sooooo happy! I'm really the only one who uses it religiously but it's been great for me! I'm back to being in the shape I was in my early 20's! It's so awesome for Mom's who have little or no time to go to the gym etc. Also with the Wii, the kids can all play together depending on the game. All four of us will play Mario Kart at the same time! Great for families.

Kat - two kids, 8 and 4

I vote for the Wii because it encourages them to be social and play together. The DS will isolate them from each other.

Whatever you decide...the great thing about video games these says is that they have all sorts of learning games (Braing Age Academy, Math) We have a DS and a game cube. We like the DS because we travel a lot, eventaully we will get the WII. When you buy it from Sam's or Costco they come in packages (Console, games and attachments) and their return policy is the best. Happy playing!!

I honestly think that the Wii is a better investment. It is interactive and the kids won't be tempted to zone out and disconnect from others in the room. The Wii also has a great sports package and fit package so the kids are actually moving and working on balance. It is something that the family can do together. Personally my favorite time of the day is when we are in the car and have nothing to do but talk to each other.

Well I do not have either system but what I will tell you is from experience from another situation but apply it here.

If you get the Wii there maybe fights over who's turn it is, but they will be able to be up and moving while playing that is a fitness plus. (kids will be kids)

If you get DS's then you have less fights, kids can take them with them, play them at everytime imaginable. (good for trips but bad for socialization)

HTH

Last year we got a Wii. We have 4 kids (7,5,4 & 1). We probably use it differently than most - we use it as a reward for good behavior for the day. The kids get to play two games shortly before bedtime if they have had in general good behavior. We sit down as a family and all watch each other and make it a family time as well as a reward.

As far as attachments go, we play the Wii sports w/o any attachments, but when we got Mariokart we decided to get two steering wheels. It is great bcse the kids can play on the same team (instead of having to compete). Our 4 yr old is still learning, but all really enjoy it.

I would expect if you are looking for them to entertain themselves the DS would be the better option.

I don't know if you still need help with this but i would recommend the ds all the way we have the wii which is fun but with multiple kids it could lead to fighting. My daughter has her own hand held that she plays with way more then the wii plus she can take it on trips or play in her room when her brother is driving her nuts. Honestly our wii hardly ever gets played anymore. My husband has playstation which has more adult games then the wii & my daughter has the hand held so the wii collects dust till i wanna playzelda.

Hi,
It depends on your lifestyle... My kids have DS's and they're great for traveling. We take long road trips and if we go on vacation, they're great on the plane/car etc.
The WII however is nice because it is physical and the kids have to share, which is a good lesson.
Both have advantages, you'll have to look at your life to see how they can moderatetly fit into your schedule.

We bought a Wii for our boys. We found it at Game Stop, I just called ahead and they had a whole box full. Also Blockbuster used to sell them, so try there too.

I have been thinking about same thing and I have decided to go with Wii because they actually have to get up and move around when playing this game system instead of vegging out in front of tv for hrs on end. I have heard its a great game system. I just figure my kids sit and watch tv enough,so this would be great to get them up and moving around,well I know it wasn't much advice but good luck with your chose....Let me know what you go with if you don't mind.thx

I love my DS. It is portable, fits in my purse the battery lasts a long time. My husband bought a PSP and I only found 2 games I liked to play. So I begged him for DS and now I have tons of games I like. Even sweeter he bought it with his birthday money.