Game format suggestion needed...

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

I'm not sure exactly what systems that you are interested in but from your post it sounds as though you have an interest in the Wii.

A brief breakdown of your options:

1. The Nintendo Wii
2. The Microsoft XBox 360
3. The Sony Playstation 3

of those 3 the Wii will be the cheapest, the XBox will be the next cheapest, and the Playstation 3 will be the most expensive.

The older kids will probably enjoy a XBox more then a Wii but the dial-up thing precludes them from being able to go online and enjoy onine gaming with it. The brother who is immobile will most likely still be able to enjoy a Wii but there are certain games he will not be able to use.

The Wii has a large catalog of games but some of them can be junky games. The XBox has a large and very good catalog but some of the content may be to mature for kids that age (depending on how strict you are), and the PS3 has a good catalog but still lags behind the competition and looks as though it is finally getting it's footing.

Are these kids gaming on an HDTV? if so, you will probably want to strongly consider the XBox or Playstation as they both do HD and the Wii isn't capable of doing 720p,1080i, or 1080p.

I'd say that from what it sounds like, the Wii or XBox will be fantastic choices. Beware though on the XBox because it has a terrible track record on reliability though it looks as though this may be sowly improving with the newer models.

Hope this helps!

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

Keith's post is pretty dead on. I'll add that my son is 15 and dosn't touch the Wii, but plays the X360 all the time. (Although he's on-line 75% of the time; which as Keith points out is a no-go with dial-up.)

For the Wii, my son has mentioned that despite the common perception and the commercials, you barely have to move the controller to play the motion games. So if the games available suit the kids, I wouldn't shy away due to the one child being imobile from the waist down.

Do you know what kind of games they play? That would go a long way toward narrowing it down.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

I have a daughter 14 who loves the American Idol type games on PS2. My son 16 lives on the Xbox360, primarily 75% online. We sold the Wii after the newness wore off (1.5 years)

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

At those ages, I'd go with the PS3 or X360. If they have an HDTV but no Blu-Ray player yet, and the cost isn't an issue, then a PS3 might be worth getting for the Blu-Ray player.

Also, I would talk to them about what sort of games they like. A lot of titles are available for both systems, but if they have some particular favorites that are only on one console, then that's probably the way to go.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

Any idea on what you are going to do Henry?

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

Also note that the Wii will play the Gamecube games.

As was previously noted, you don't actually have to use your legs to use the Wii remote.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

FWIW, we (me 39, son 14) have the 360 and Wii. Wii does not get used. It was neat at first, but the novelty wore off very quickly. After 3 years, the 360 still gets lots of playing time.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

One wireless controller comes with the system. You'll want to buy another wireless controller (and maybe two since there are three boys). I'd just stick with the Microsoft brand. Don't go near any wired controllers.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

Henry, I think you made the right choice. The XBox 360 is the gaming console of choice for boys and young men. They will find a lot to enjoy, even if they can't go online.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

The XBox360 is also the choice of Old Farts like myself (age 66 and counting).



Don't get me wrong. I'm talking from (vast) experience and not from any fanboy (would that be "fanman?") status. I have owned just about every gaming device ever made and currently own and use the XBox360, the PS3, the Wii, the PSP and the Nintendo DS (DSi, naturally). Each of them has its proponents and its merits so some of this is a matter of personal choice.

On the issue of (current) consoles here's my take on this.

The Wii had the novelty effect and I enjoyed it immensely when it was first released. It is innovative, has a tremendous following and a lot of interesting games (although it is definitely skewed in the direction of kid friendly games, even though the focus has been shifting recently.) But here's the thing: Although I have lots of games for the Wii I actually haven't used it in several months so that speaks volumes about my discretionary gaming time.

The PS3 is a great machine in terms of technology and graphics performance but it just doesn't do it for me as my primary gaming device. There are a couple of PS3 exclusives that are outstanding (Metal Gear Solid 4 for one) and the fact that I purchased the "original" PS3 (no longer made) means that I have a fully PS2 backward compatible device and have full access to great titles like God of War 1 & 2 and much more. But a lot of other things about gaming on the PS3 fall short for me - especially in comparison with the XBox360. The online community (which might not be important to you because you said you have dialup speed access only) is far better on the XBox360 than on the PS3. I realize that Sony keeps saying that they got a late start in the online arena but that excuse has grown old as far as I'm concerned. If one compares XBox Live (the 360 online experience) with Sony's version it's not even close in my experience on both. Far more features, content, users, etc. on XBox Live and an interface that is much easier and enjoyable to use on a daily basis for multiplayer action and other community type events including Cooperative play. Also, the XBox360 achievements become addictive and are well done in almost every instance. Sony's late-to-the-party "Trophies" pales in comparison to me. It's obvious that they are playing catch up in this area. All that said, I use my PS3 on a daily basis as a Blu-ray player. To me it's still the best Blu-ray device out there and has been since its inception. Fast loading times, latest BR features, etc. etc. Even with the quirky bluetooth only ON/OFF feature I'll be using it for Blu-ray for a long time to come. Kudos on that score. Of course, when Blu-ray players were more expensive the choice of a PS3 as a Blu-ray player was a no brainer but now that Blu-ray players have come down in cost to what good DVD players were a few years ago I just can't see sacrificing gaming experience just to play Blu-ray movies.

The XBox360, as I said before, is my favorite gaming machine - hands down. Great games (which is paramount!), great community, excellent implementation and lots of things going on in a growing gaming community. I think that you are making a good choice, given your circumstances. And since you are still a "young'un" to me at 62, listen to the Old Dude. It's not an "us" versus "them" situation here. As an owner of all of the systems under consideration I consider myself to be a member of all camps. There is no substitute for experience when forming opinions and I've been there and done that.

My 3 cents.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

It is amazing how many people I hear say the exact same thing. We (me- 32, son 1- 11, son 2- 6) have had the same experience. The Wii was great for about a year but the 360 has been great for the last 4 years.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

While you're buying, you might add in batteries. The wireless controllers need new batteries from time to time. I suggest a bulk pack of brand-name AA batteries.

(there are rechargeable solutions, which I use, but regular AA is an easier solution)

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

A good suggestion (extra batteries). However, I recommend going the rechargeable route with the XBox 360. It's not only the easiest solution (and the most elegant) but will actually save you money in the long run. I strongly recommend the XBox Quick Charge Kit made by Microsoft. I find it to be well made and better than aftermarket solutions. I use two controllers, one quick charger and a total of four rechargeable battery packs. You get a pack with the charging station (which holds two packs) so you only need to buy three additional packs along with the charger to implement my strategy. That way the controllers are always usable with two extra fully charged batteries ready to go. This results in zero "down time" at all times. It takes a couple of seconds at most to switch out the battery packs in a most efficient arrangement and the battery packs are self-contained so you never deal with loose cells. You can even get black battery packs to match your "Elite" controllers (although I've only been able to find a white charging base which is no big deal). As I said, over the life of the system the Microsoft rechargeable packs and charger will end up costing you far less than either premium batteries or some of the other after market solutions.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

I'll second the rechargeable route with the 360. Far less expensive in the the long run.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

What pains me with the Wii is all the extra stuff you need to buy, they get the money on accessories.

Re: Game format suggestion needed...

Before making a purchase, be sure to analyze ALL the costs of a system. How many controllers will you end up buying and what do they cost? How expensive is online gaming (and will you use it)? What games are available and are they enjoyable? I have a PS3 and enjoy it (along with FREE online gaming) but I think the Xbox might be the best option for the boys (given their ages).