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).

Retr0gamer

Post in the games forum. There's no need for 3 seperate threads and you'll get biased opinions in the console forums.

Also there is this thread:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=61930471

RedXIV

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

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.. :-)

I could answer the question right here for you, the Wii is the way to go. your kids are too young to really get any benefit from a PS3 or 360, when the Wii is tailor made to appeal to kids. Its by far the most child-friendly console, in terms of interaction, game choice and appeal.

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

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?

The wii has motion control controllers as well as old school classic. I don't know the ins and out's of you're little lad's condition but if he needs a rest from waving the arms about, the option is there. However, most kids usually have an abundance more of energy and will have no problems. Make sure you buy an extra controller though, Wii's only come with one as standard!

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

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?

Anything with Mario in it. While the Wii is nearing the end of it's life cycle, this also means you can get it cheap as well as its games. By far the greatest selection of games aimed at kids.

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

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?

Ah this is where it gets more interesting. A PS3 is undoubtedly the more powerful of the three but as time goes on, Sony is stripping more and more functionality away from it. The only thing you can really do, Legally, with these consoles is store media. Both PS3 and the 360 are capable of streaming but the Wii is useless as anything other than a games console unless you softmod it.

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

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).

I'm gonna stick with my Wii recommendation with the age of your kids in consideration. While I appreciate your desire for a more sophisticated console, purely for the kids, you can't beat a Wii.

Hope this helps!

Remouad

As an owner of all three systems my unbiased opinion is RedXIV is spot on.:D

Wii is definitely the best console for kids and by the time the want a higher spec console there'll be a new generation of them.

I would recommend that you get multiple pairs of controllers. you can get these online pretty cheap. You'll need one set for each of the kids and at least one more set so that you can join in with them!

F1ngers

As Retr0gamer said, already a thread for this.
No need for 4 threads in different fora.