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Even though you don't want to spend the money....i highly recommend the wii. We have them all my husband loves video games and so does our 10 yro son. But as a family especially if you want to spend time with your son and play a game the wii is what i would recommend. My son and I have a blast playing it together whether it be the will sports or mario party 8 which is like a board game. plus it gets you active instead of just sitting there.
On a slightly related topic, is there any developmental benefit to video game systems for children? Our kids watch a little TV, and I think there's actually some benefit to the shows they watch. They do increase their vocabulary and imagination, up to a point of course. Is there any benefit to games? Our kids aren't asking for them yet. Should I let sleeping dogs lie? Thanks!
On a slightly related topic, is there any developmental benefit to video game systems for children? Our kids watch a little TV, and I think there's actually some benefit to the shows they watch. They do increase their vocabulary and imagination, up to a point of course. Is there any benefit to games? Our kids aren't asking for them yet. Should I let sleeping dogs lie? Thanks!
The Wii has had a big fitness focus, especially with games like Dance Dance Revolution. The new version for the Wii, for example, not only incorporates foot movements (with a pad) but also your arm movements (the Wiimote and chuck in your hands). Its being used in homes to help maintain muscle strength for the elderly, and games like Mario party I personally think make for a fun time for all involved, with minigames that better hand-eye coordination. For my cousin (who was a premie, 8 months) who has horrible fine muscle controls because of his early birth, video games have actually helped him quite a bit.
There are new games coming for the DS, and I would assume the Wii, that focus on mind games (memory, logic, etc).
Personally, I put the Wii above all other consoles - the fact that its by far cheaper than the other new games is a significant bonus.
Thanks for the input, CuCullin. I like the idea of the pressure sensitive mat input on the wii. My kids love dance, so that dance revolution game sounds really interesting.
As far as the latest and greatest graphics go, the Xbox 360 and PS 3 have the edge on the Wii. But as far as overall family fun, best deal for your money, and good clean games the Wii is the best deal. I wouldn't think of it as spending $250 on your kids. Think of it as spending $250 on your entire family because your all going to get hooked on it.
We bought our kids a refurbished game cube, I'm sure there are other systems available. Much more affordable and it's been absolutely fine for over a year.
Thanks for all your input, guys. We decided to get the Wii, but it will be a Christmas present from Santa instead. I was able to pick one up at my local Walmart today since I was up early. I actually met an older gentleman there who was picking one up for him and his wife. They're planning on having Wii parties with their neighbors!
I'm sure my son will really enjoy it. Now he'll just have to save his money to buy more games (I ordered Carnival Games, which he wants, and Big Brain Academy from Amazon today)!
As far as the latest and greatest graphics go, the Xbox 360 and PS 3 have the edge on the Wii. But as far as overall family fun, best deal for your money, and good clean games the Wii is the best deal. I wouldn't think of it as spending $250 on your kids. Think of it as spending $250 on your entire family because your all going to get hooked on it.
When my son got into video games I decided he could only have one system because the games are so expensive I wasn't going to keep up with a bunch of them. So he got a Gameboy Advance...then of course they came out with the better one Gameboy SP (which you had to buy because the kids were going blind with out the back lit screen) then I had point on my Mastercard so I got a gamecube and gameboy player for it..still the same games..so we were doing good. But then last year the Wii hit. Well I didn't even try to get it for Christmas because I wasn't ready to go there...but he did get it for his birthday. Luckily I was able to coordinate it amongst the entire family so it didn't cost that much. But for more than one person to play you have to buy extra controllers and numchuck things....and they add up quick, plus memory cards, and those online points things for download games....I'm pretty sure on Games and accessories and the system it's been about $1200 but like I said about half of that was from family....so for that I am grateful. The games are better for kids in that there are a lot of E rated games...and the sports package is a blast for the whole family. So we do like it. Definitely the one I'd go with if I were to do it again.
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