Console Advice: for xmas

whowantstwoknow

Hi,

First as a parent with no gaming background at all, I'm hoping people here can help me decide what route to take. I'm aware the whole xbox vs Ps3 vs Wii debate is frowned upon but I do need some guidance, so your thoughts would be much appreciated.

So basically we have kids who are now in the 4 & 7 year age bracket. The eldest suffers from DCD (http://www.dyspraxiadcdcork.ie/) and so we were thinking a gaming console might be of assistance to the child wrt to motor skills/development, and of course it will also be entertainment & an introduction to technology etc.. :-)

So questions I've to consider:

1) Free movement vs console controller? I guess I'm asking should we consider the likes of kinect on the xbox or the wii interactive experience? or would both types of system interaction be welcomed for the kids development?

2) With that age bracket: Game selection? I dont know what people expect to be the life span of a console but am looking for one that lasts its purpose and have suitable games for the kids ages over that lifespan?

3) I read that ps3 is also a blu-ray reader, but another think to consider (outside of the unit being a game console) is I have both a HTPC and a WHS 2011 server at home (used to record TV, pictures, music, kids DVDs etc) so would like to incorporate a use for the device from that perspective?

I know these are sort of open ended questions but I want to get an understanding of the route to take before the xmas rush commences & with the hope that there will be some deals for the xmas period.

Thanks
W.

PS: As there doesnt seem to be a cross console forum, I've cross posted to the relevant console forum(s).

Welease

I personally, would look at the range of titles available on those machines, and see which ones would be of most interest to your children, and go with that (especially given the cost of games they won't be getting a new title every week)....

From a movement perspective, I guess it would depend on the needs of the child..while whole body movement might be useful for some development areas, the same arguement could probably be made for the micro movements and hand eye co-ordination involved in using a normal gamepad. Maybe the specialist dealing with your son would be useful for input on this one..
Either way, I would imagine like most children, the game connected to the device will have to be intersting to the child in order for them to want to play it.. So it will be worth crossreferencing which games are movement enabled before purchasing that device.

From a console standpoint.. they are all pretty much good at what they attempt to do.. The have their fanboi's, they have their haters.. and they have the sensible people in the middle who purchase what suits their needs.

I would imagine, children being children.. irrespective of which device you choose... they will have a blast playing it

Best of luck.

Edit - Just thinking maybe investigate some of the "dancing" games available.. Just Dance, Dance Dance Revolution etc.. great fun for kids.. and heavily based on movement.