for young kids which to get playstation 2 or xbox? (1 Viewer)

[Adam]

I want to get my two boys, ages 5 and 7 an new video game console. They have a old ps1 and have fun with the games but it is getting old and very glitchy.

Between Xbox and Playstation 2, which has better games for younger kids?

Of course I wouldn't mind having a new game console in the house myself. Don't tell my wife .

Thanks.

 

[Ken Chui]

PlayStation 2.

For platformers and adventure games, there is no equal. With the likes of Jak, Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper and Spyro*, each sequel has built on the successes of its predecessor, resulting in gameplay that is unmatched by most other gaming franchises (except Mario and company on the Gamecube).

The EyeToy is a fun accessory that encourages participation and interaction within the mini-games. Software titles that should appeal to them include Nicktoons Movin' and Sega Superstars.

Popular kids' properties are also well represented on the PS2; they include Fairly OddParents, Jimmy Neutron, SpongeBob SquarePants, and assorted Disney and WB cartoon characters starring in their own titles.

Is there a reason why the Gamecube isn't a part of the mix? It's the least expensive of the three and the first-party software offerings are stellar (e.g. Mario Golf, Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Power Tennis, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door).

* Spyro also appears on the Gamecube

 

[RichardK]

I would rule out the XBOX for the age group you are talking about. I just bought an XBOX for myself and have tried to find
games that are appropriate and easy to play for my 4 and 6yr old (Finding Nemo, Crash Bandicoot Kart, etc). The XBOX just doesnt have the library to cover the youngest of age groups. I might get a Gamecube for my kids to play. I almost went the PS2 route to try and cover Me and the kids, but Halo 2, XBOX Live, 5.1 DD sound, 480p/720p/10801i games were the difference in my decision to go with XBOX.

 

[Elinor]

Another vote for PS2. The sheer number of titles available for PS2 dwarfs what is available for XBOX, so there will be more of ALL genres.

And I have nothing against XBOX. I have both hooked up to my HDTV.

 

[Rob Silver]

Get your boys a GameCube or PS2. When you think about Xbox, it's all about Halo. What other game is exclusive to Xbox that's not about killing?

 

[Adam]

Damn,

I was hoping you would all say Xbox , but I kind of knew it would be playstation 2 for this age group.

Well, maybe my wife can get me xbox.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Leo]

Don't see it mentioned, but the other reason for a PS2 is the fact that you can use the old PS1 games and memory cards with it. So no loss of use by upgrading to the new console.

 

[Bryan Ri]

For young kids I'd say neither and go with a GameCube. If I had to choose between the mentioned two, I'd say Ps2.

 

[Rhoq]

I'm a big kid (28) and I love my GameCube.

 

[LaMarcus]

What everybody else said.

Kid ranking with consoles I'd said is:

1st. Nintendo (any of them)
2nd. Playstation 2
5th. Xbox (don't know what 3&4 would be, but they'd come before the xbox for little tots. )

 

[Adam]

The big problem now is there are no Playstation 2 consoles available. :frowning:

 

[Ken Chui]

Retailers have been struck with PS2 shortages this holiday season. Places such as Best Buy and EB do receive daily shipments; unfortunately, most allotments are sold within two hours of their arrival (you can place deposits at EB and Gamestop to increase your chances of securing a unit). Circuit City is taking pre-orders, but they won't be fulfilled until mid-January 2005. You may want to check other chains (such as MEIJER, if you live in the Midwest) for stock.

Base-model Gamecubes should be easier to get ahold of (Mario Kart bundles may be tougher; they are completely sold out in my area).

 

[Adam]

I just got back from Wal mart, where they just received a shipment. They had at least a dozen. I procured one. Thanks for the feedback.

Adam.

 

[Jeff-0]

x-box there is no comparison between the two systems. ps2 is like atari compared to x-box!!

 

[LaMarcus]

For digital big screens you are correct, but 36" and below analog, there's no real advantage for either

 

[Clinton McClure]

I personally find the PS2 controllers to be a bit less clumsy than the X-Box controllers. I don't know what all the buzz is about but I'm not at all impressed with the X-Box. My 1st gen PS2 died about a year after I bought it, but I'll most likely get a new one when GT4 comes out.

 

[GabeP]

ok, for that young of an age, definately not an xbox, too good, lol jk. but I would say GC, because it has those cartoonish games like Mario, and Shave Mario's Beard, plus, it's cheaper. $100?

 

[Ross C]

I don't know if you noticed or not but he already bought the ps2.

 

[GabeP]

so, you can still state your opinion if someone else is also in the same boat