Question from a games virgin

[Gwylan]

I know nothing about computer games, apart from my copy of the chess program Fritz, I've never played them but my kids are now making noises about getting one.

So, here's my question to the experienced gamers of NSC - what format should I get for kids? What are the advantages of DSversus WII versus PlayStation versus anything else?

Factors to consider:
My kids are 6 (nearly 7) and 4 so they're certainly not going to get anything too complicated or gory.I want a format with plenty of kids' games (although my little boy would be happy with something that races)

I want them to have something for a while, so I don't want a format that is going to be superseded by something new in a year's time.

I want something robust to stand up to a battering from kids who don't appreciate that electronics can be delicate.

So, any ideas which is the best to go for?

 

[Oscar]

Get a Wii. Cheaper and best for the littleuns.

 

[Trigger]

If it's kids you're buying for then it'll have to be the WII, they will get more enjoyment out of that at their age plus also you have to use energy to play most of the games rather than just sit there becoming another coach potato!

 

[sam86]

In simple terms -

If you want a console (i.e. a computer that plugs into the TV and isn't portable) get a Nintendo Wii.

If you want something that is portable, get a Nintendo DS.

Nintendo = the kiddies choice.

 

[Vatican Citys No.2 Keeper]

I'd say your best bet would be headign right to Nintendo and go for the Wii or DS. Both are very young child friendly, and provide some good racers-Mario Kart Wii or DS are both great, and a new Sega Allstar game which is pretty much the same, however Mario is much superior and absolutley BRILLIANT!

In fact just get them into any Mario games and they will love it!!

 

[cw00]

seeing as there quite young id say get something by nintendo because all there games are fun and suitable for kids as opposed to ps3/xbox games. so maybe a DSi or Wii.

or if your going to use it for yourself as well, id go for a ps3 because having internet on your console can be pretty useful especially iplayer

 

[Colossal Squid]

With the younguns you can't really go wrong with a Wii. It's the cheapest of the three main home consoles and has a massive amount of games available, many of which are aimed at kids.

Mario Kart on the Wii is an AWESOME racing game for the lad. Also if you have three kids wanting to play at the same time you'll find there are more multiplayer games for 2 to 4 people on the same machine with the Wii than on any other format.

I have a Wii and a PS3 and whilst I use the PS3 more the majority of the games are rated 15 or 18 because they're violent etc.

The Wii doesn't really do violence, except in cartoon form.

As an added bonus you might also find you yourself enjoy a little bit of Wii now and again with the family as some of the games are very easy to dip into as a casual or first time gamer and are also genuinely fun waving a controller about like a loon in your living room

 

[8ace]

Wii as others have said or DS if you want something portable. Both platforms have a large back catalogue of good games suitable for children their age. You should be able to pick up some of the older titles pretty cheaply too.

 

[strings]

I'm not a gamer either, but my other half has a wii. I would say it is the most friendly console for those people that aren't really into serious gaming. My 83 year old Grandmother loved the wii bowling when she came over at Christmas!

 

[Notters]

wiiwiiwii

 

[Bozza]

A Wii via the Amazon link at the top of NSC would be spot on for all concerned.

They'll love the Wii Sports that come with it and Mario Kart will fulfil racing demands.

You'll need another controller (or Wii-mote) - pick up Wii Play as you get a series of mini-games for not much more than the cost of the controller by itself.

 

[Gwylan]

Blimey, loads of responses already - thanks very much to everyone who has responded.

Are the Wii and DS (which seem to be the people's choice) easy enough for little ones to use?

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Definately Wii. Most games are family friendly and not age dependant - my 3 year old regularly whips his older brothers arse at bowling !

If you become a semi-serious gamer then there are also the odd titles for you as well - Call of Duty : Modern Warefare being one of them.

Get a Wii and you won't regret it and your kids will love you

 

[Bozza]

My little one has been using the Wii since she was 4 and my old one (Mum) has also been using the Wii trouble-free since it came out.

It's all very intuitive.

 

[clippedgull]

A Wii via the Amazon link at the top of NSC would be spot on for all concerned.

.

Indeed.

BTW. Bozza Did you know 'haveaniceday' in the Bargains on the web' forum is linking to Amazon without our NSC link? Is he just spamming?

edit: just realised it's been cleaned up!

 

[Dave the OAP]

the only issue I have with the wii is getting the controllers to talk to the unit. can be a pain sometimes.

I have a PS2 and the gaming on that is pretty good

 

[skipper734]

All of the above.
Caution....DS you will have to buy one each, so not the cheap option or socially friendly.
Wii best option, they need their own screen though, and you have to tell them that it will not work on you main tellybox or you will lose the use of it during the time they are awake or not at school.
As they grow you will go through the range of platforms and games, so be prepared for this extra expense to child rearing.

 

[Mr deez]

Depending on your views on piracy, I understand it's also very easy to download and run free games on both wii and ds..

 

[Stat Brother]

Yeah another shout for Wii.
Ours don't play it much (we had one pre kids), but that is their console of choice.

Bizarrely enough our 3 year old probably has more of a knack for it, than our 5 year old.

We are on Wii Fit+ quite a bit, and our 3 year old carries on when we've finished, she does actually hold a record for 1 event.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Get the kids a Wii, then invest in Tiger Woods 10 and a motion plus attachment for yourself.

Best. Game. Ever.