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What Game System Should I Buy

Started by James J Skach, November 08, 2006, 12:41:39 PM

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James J Skach

November 08, 2006, 12:41:39 PM
Christmas is coming. My 5 (almost 6) year old son has been introduced to video games by a neighbor friend. He's really hoping to get one for Christmas.

I've  been out of touch with video games for a long time.  I have no idea what to buy. Should I buy a system, or a hand-held?  Are any out there where the games are interchangeable (between system and hand-held)? What's the best value? Who has the best system? What should I be looking for?

Help!

Suggestions?

Oh, and he loves that Lego Star Wars game, so I'd prefer it be capable of that.
The rules are my slave, not my master. - Old Geezer

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KrakaJak

#1
November 08, 2006, 01:28:13 PM
Given you situation, I recommend the Nintendo DS. It's portable (ie. Good for trips). It has a pretty intuative interface (a touch screen). It has more games rated for kids/everyone than the PSP. In my opinion, there are better games on the DS than the PSP as well. Also, Lego Sar Wars II is out for it.
 
The DS is also compatible with Game Boy Advance games. They put out some kids shows and movies (like Spongebob, Shrek, and Yu-Gi-Oh) on Game Boy Advance carts. There's a bunch of good GBA games too.
A new DS costs you $140. New games are between the $25 to $35 range.
 
If portability is not a deciding factor. I'd recommend the good old PS2. Huge Library of games for kids, games for adults and games for everyone. It's also backwards compatible with the PS1, so if you want to play catch up, you can. Lego Star Wars I and II are both out for the PS2
 
We're on the verge of a generation change. The X-Box 360 has been out for a year now and the PS3 and Nintendo Wii come out this month. If you want to get him Something brand new, I recommend the Wii. It has a $250 price point with a pack in game (the other systems are costing $500 or more, without a game). It has a very unique and intuitive controller, built in Wi-Fi compatibility, built in backwards compatibility with he GameCube (Nintendo's previous system) and a downloadable library of old school NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Turbo Grafix 16 games. Also, Nintendo's focus is on the whole family rather than the Hardcore gamer, so there should be something for everyone to play.
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

Joey2k

#2
November 08, 2006, 03:20:15 PM
If cost is a factor, I would suggest the Nintendo Gamecube (you can get it new for around $100 and a used/refurbished for $50-60).  It has a reputation as being more of a kiddy system (more cutesy kiddy titles, like that !@#$% Mario), but it has its share of games for older gamers too.  It is the cheapest of the current generation of consoles (which are now the previous generation with the introduction of the new systems I guess).  Heck, even if cost isn't a factor, it's not a bad system.

And it has Lego Star Wars.

Note that PS and Xbox can be used as DVD players as well, while GC cannot (I don't think), don't know if that's a factor.
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Gabriel

#3
November 08, 2006, 03:32:36 PM
I wouldn't recommend any video game system for a child that young.

James J Skach

#4
November 08, 2006, 03:47:42 PM
Quote from: GabrielI wouldn't recommend any video game system for a child that young.
I'm curious - why not?
The rules are my slave, not my master. - Old Geezer

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KrakaJak

#5
November 08, 2006, 04:29:37 PM
Why not?
 
I had a Sega Master system when I was three and was going to arcades even earlier than that!
 
I turned out just fine :)
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

Gabriel

#6
November 08, 2006, 04:34:21 PM
Quote from: KrakaJakWhy not?
 
I had a Sega Master system when I was three and was going to arcades even earlier than that!
 
I turned out just fine :)

My experience with children that age is that they destroy anything they touch.  All of the current game systems are very fragile, and the media the games are on is even moreso.  Your old Master System was practically a tank compared to what is available now.

Plus, there weren't home videogames when I was young.  I didn't get my first game system until I was 11, and I turned out fine.  :)

Silverlion

#7
November 08, 2006, 04:51:55 PM
My nephew (11) and neice (7) have been playing video games a long time. In general I'll suggest a Gamecube because the price is lower, the games tend to be more kid friendly (tend--Nintendo has finally go some more adult games in there lineup).

PS2 might (a refurbished one from some game store you can take it back) might also be an option. (I'm considering price and durability the Gamecube I /know/ can take more punishment)

Lego Star Wars has Original Trilogy and the first game for the "new" movies both available for Gamecube/PS2 etc.

In general I'm suggesting the gamecube over a handheld--it attaches to a TV, can't easily be lost and can be set up where you watch the child play.
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KrakaJak

#8
November 08, 2006, 06:24:49 PM
Yeah, I was bouncing GameCube and PS2 back and forth in my head too. I went for PS2 strictly for it's huge library of games. Either one would be great though. If it's just for him, a GC might be better. Like I said before, Nintendo makes great games for everyone.
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

fonkaygarry

#9
November 08, 2006, 07:09:46 PM
Quote from: GabrielAll of the current game systems are very fragile, and the media the games are on is even moreso.  Your old Master System was practically a tank compared to what is available now.

So very true!  My old NES suffered greatly at the clumsy hands of myself and my friends.  Those old systems were lockboxes of plastic and printed circuitry.  New systems are more along the lines of stereo equipment.  That's no issue for a grown adult, but it means that children have to keep a closer eye on how they treat their $250 Christmas present.
teamchimp: I'm doing problem sets concerning inbreeding and effective population size.....I absolutely know this will get me the hot bitches.

My jiujitsu is no match for sharks, ninjas with uzis, and hot lava. Somehow I persist. -Fat Cat

"I do believe; help my unbelief!" -Mark 9:24

KrakaJak

#10
November 09, 2006, 08:43:57 AM
I also had my own CD albums by the time I was 7, and those CD's still play today!
 
(terrible) 2 year olds tend to break shit. There is a huge difference between a 2 year old and a 6 year old (ie a 1st grader). However, if he's still the break shit type, his parents can put the games out of reach, and play the games with him (or at least monitor him).
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

Bagpuss

#11
November 09, 2006, 03:26:17 PM
Quote from: KrakaJakI also had my own CD albums by the time I was 7, and those CD's still play today!

I thought Pinky and Perky only released on vinyl?
 

KrakaJak

#12
November 09, 2006, 04:16:41 PM
Quote from: BagpussI thought Pinky and Perky only released on vinyl?
Naw, it was Alvin and The Chipmunks here in the States.
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

fonkaygarry

#13
November 10, 2006, 12:14:10 AM
Chipmunk Punk, perchance?
teamchimp: I'm doing problem sets concerning inbreeding and effective population size.....I absolutely know this will get me the hot bitches.

My jiujitsu is no match for sharks, ninjas with uzis, and hot lava. Somehow I persist. -Fat Cat

"I do believe; help my unbelief!" -Mark 9:24

JongWK

#14
November 10, 2006, 10:30:20 AM
You can't go wrong with the Wii (besides, it can play Gamecube games).

By the way, if pick a Nintendo DS, make sure it's the DS Lite (v2.0). SO much better.
"I give the gift of endless imagination."
~~Gary Gygax (1938 - 2008)
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