Console Questions.....

[MobBoss]

Well, since I am now in the market to get my kids a new console system, I am going to ask for advice here. The way I see it:

XBOX360:
1. Been out a year, thus has the most games.
2. More of these have sold this season than any other console - its here to stay.
3. Price is in between Wii and PS3.
4. Good graphics.
5. Most available - easily found in stores.

Wii:
1. Most likely best bang for buck as it has lowest price.
2. Least technically advanced with no HD graphics support.
3. Innovative design of interface leads to new gaming experiences.
4. Only slightly more games available than the PS3.
5. Hard to currently find, but easier to find than a PS3.
6. Outselling PS3's at about a 2:1 ratio currently.

PS3:
1. Most technically advanced...
2. Most expensive...
3. Fewest current games out that support it.
4. Slowest in sales.

Poll options coming. I would also ask for peoples input that actually have the consoles and have played with them. List what you see as their pros/cons.
4.

 

[GenMarshall]

I have heard that Wii is backwards compadible, being able to play older games.

 

[Godwynn]

The PS3 is also backwards compatible. What did you have before? Or did they take all the games as well?

 

[Kerouac]

I bought my kids a Wii for Christmas this year, but before I wrapped it me and the wife tried the Sports game that came with it. You know, to make sure it's safe for the little ones. Anyway, we had fun with it and we're happy to have bought a console that makes us move around instead of just sitting in front of the tv.

 

[Elrohir]

I didn't vote, because I've only played the 360 and PS3, not the Wii. (And those were at Target....I think we're getting a 360 for Christmas, or a Wii if we can get one. We planned on getting a Wii, but we can't find one anywhere, all the stores are sold out.)

How old are you kids? Honestly, I think getting a PS3, if you can even find one, for small children is a bad idea. The PS3 isn't terribly easy to use, and I'm not sure they would be all that impressed by the great graphics - if it's fun, the kids usually don't care.

The 360 could be good. I think it's sort of the "safe" system, the middle ground between the two others.

If you mean this to be a family thing, I'd suggest a Nintendo Wii. Apparently they're a lot of fun for everyone, and you can always buy a Wii Points card or two, and download some old games if you don't like the current small selection. (I think they have, or will have pretty much every Super Nintendo or N64 game to download for fairly reasonable prices.) Plus you can always just buy some good Gamecube games to play - apparently those run on the Wii. So while there aren't very many Wii specific games, there would be plenty to do on it.

So yeah, I'd suggest a Wii, despite the funky name, unless you really want Halo 3 (Then get a 360), or you're really big on graphics. (Then get a PS3)

 

[Mulholland]

I'd get a Wii. I might be nostalgic but playing the Legend of Zelda on the original nintendo was the best gaming experience I ever had. Taking that and putting on the next generation console with a motion sensitive controler, I'd be in childhood heaven. Plus it's more kid friendly. Plus they can laugh at dag flailing around like an idiot.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

It is really dependant on the games you want to get/play.

For me, currently PS2 is the king (for all the Japanese-type RPGs, Dynasty Warrior-type action games etc). PS3 in the future, once the good games are out.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Moderator Action: Moved to Other Games. The REAL players don't really frequent OT...

 

[TheLoneMan]

Depending on how young they are, a Wii.

If they are older and you don't necessarily have to get them one for christmas, the PS3 is the best option.

Don't be hasty and get an Xbox 360... I guarantee you you'll regret it in about six months.

Check out this thread for more information.

 

[MobBoss]

The PS3 is also backwards compatible. What did you have before? Or did they take all the games as well?

All the games are gone and we are starting from scratch.

 

[Kan' Sharuminar]

I voted for Wii, simply because it was a joy to play it the other day. X-Box and PS3 seem more like updated versions of their predecessors, which is no bad thing, but not something that would convince me to buy either at this time. Playing Wii Sports (golf in the living room ) was exceptionally fun with the remote.

To be honest I wouldn't really like to say at this moment, simply because PS3 and Wii are so recently out. I find it's usually best to wait around a year to really get an idea of how well a console is going to do, particularly given Wii is depending more on it's unique features to keep a foothold in the market. In Britain at least, the Gamecube was pretty much swamped under by the competitors, though it was an excellent console.

And as has been said before, previous Nintendo games can be downloaded to the console, rather than having to have to find the old discs.

 

[Chukchi Husky]

Don't be hasty and get an Xbox 360... I guarantee you you'll regret it in about six months.

I guess I'm an idiot for having one.

 

[Cheetah]

Wii.

Graphics isn't everything, and I can assure you that the Wii gives a whole new gaming experience.

Besides, playing Wii Sports, you actually have to move around a bit so you get a bit of exercise as well. Golf and boxing is something that I find hard to do while seated.

The downloadable games for Wii costs about 6 USD I think, and there will be a lot of them soon.

Oh, and get the new Zelda as well, it's a great game!

 

[warpstorm]

For kids a Wii, if they are teens the 360. Unlike the TheLoneMan, I do not regret buying my two 360s (Gears of War coop totally rocks). Of course, the Wii is fun for teens and adults also.

 

[Sullla]

If you have young kids, I really would suggest getting them a Wii. The games are easy to pick up and play, and (most importantly) a heck of a lot of fun. I brought my Wii home with me for Thanksgiving, and all of the young family members couldn't get enough of it. My one little cousin, an eight-year old girl, even skipped dessert so she could go back and play more Wii tennis and baseball. It was adorable.

For older kids, I'd suggest talking to them and seeing what kind of games most interest them. They'll probably be able to tell you what system they're most interested in getting. I would disagree with TheLoneMan rather strongly on the 360, however; if you are buying a system right now, there really is no rational reason to buy a PS3 over a 360.

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

Wii.

Everyone I have talked to prefers it over the other systems, saying that they have a lot more fun with it. You can't ignore the price factor, and even parents like you can get into playing it with your kids (if you so choose to).

Myself personally, I also prefer the Wii.

 

[Red Door]

I don't know how old your kids are, but the Wii seems more kid-friendly to me.

 

[Moff Jerjerrod]

Even though I'm a nutburger for Sony I voted for the Wii. It may not be what all the "cool" kids are playing but it is certainly the most child friendly system wrt to the type of games offered.

I would buy a Wii for my kids too based mostly on the fact that there are more safe child friendly games for it. The other bonus is that the Wii is so user friendly/enticing that even grownup non gamers may give it a whirl.

 

[MobBoss]

I don't know how old your kids are, but the Wii seems more kid-friendly to me.

Well, my kids are not little. They are ages 13, 15 and 18. And all three are split on what they want. The 13 year old wants a PS3, the 15 year old wants an XBOX360 and the 18 year old wants a Wii.

Go figure.

But I told them I am only buying one system, so they have to work it out somehow so that everyone is happy.

 

[Red Door]

What kinds of games are they interested in and allowed to play?

Shooters? Sports? RPGs?