OT - Best game system for kids
I did a quick search and it looked like the last time this was discussed was a few years ago, but apologies if this is a repeat of a recent topic.
I am planning to get my 8-year old son his first game system and wanted to see if there was a consensus on the board as to which of the current options is best. The last system I owned was ColecoVision in the 80's, so I have no relevant first-hand experience on the topic.
In addition to games played while sitting, he says he also likes playing the games where you're more active (Wii, Kinnect, I believe).
I understand there is an online component to gaming, but at his current age, we're going to try to keep that under wraps for a while and keep all interaction inside our home.
My hope is this is a system that will last him a few years.
Any new systems on the horizon that are worth waiting for?
Thanks for the help.
My thoughts exactly! I remember all of the "playing outside" I did in the 80's and early to mid 90's... I'm fine with the lack of kids I see running around.
We have both the Nintendo Switch (hard to find) and a PS4. I have kids younger than 8. They don't play the PS4, but they love the Switch. I've bought all the 1st party games so far and they like to play ARMS the most. We will also be getting Splatoon 2 in a few days.
Games we own on switch:
Legend of Zelda
ARMS
Mario Kart 8
Snipperclips (download)
Just know the Nintendo Switch is much more than the initial $300 you might invest in just the system. You will obviously have to buy game(s) at $60 a pop. Then you will likely need some travel bag for it, extra controllers which are expensive, a screen protector to prevent scratches on the portable screen, a SD card to expand the memory if you download games, and more games. Also note that in 2018 they will start charging $20 a year for online services (which many games use like ARMS and Splatoon 2).
Note: If you choose the PS4 there will be a similar investment in games, controllers, and online services.
Love,
Santa
That is such a great console. I remember the first time laying eyes on the Mario game. I was like, "Wow, graphics cannot get better than this." LOL. And of course they did....by far.
Kids don't give a h*ck about graphics (hence, minecraft).
Kids will absolutely destroy your wallet if you give them access to a Xbox Live membership. You think, no, they won't uncontrollably spend my money on games and upgrades, and expansion packs. My co-worker said his son woke up at 5 am one day, and blew $200 before he got up for work!
Anyways. Save yourself some hassle. Buy them a Sega Genessis, Playstation and Xbox. Get him the classics. Sonic, NHL 94, Twisted Metal, Halo, NCAA 2003, etc. You can probably get all that for less than a new console. Then get on the hand me down train. Pull in an Xbox One from an older cousin once he upgrades. That will suffice until he can get a paper route and save up for his own brand new console. Plus he is less likely to become addicted to gaming at a young age.
While there is nothing wrong with that, there is also nothing wrong with playing video games.
First of all, the Wii is awful. Second of all, "kick the can" is one of the lamest things ever. Seriously. How is that fun?
If you can find a Nintendo Switch that is the way to go. Nintendo games are usually the most family friendly. I wouldn't buy a Xbox One or PS4 until your child is older. They don't care as much about the games, as what system their friends have. I prefer my Xbox One, but there is nothing wrong with any of the systems on the market.
Surprised no one has mentioned the 3DS (also available as the 2DS). It's a Nintendo system that is relatively cheap, will be supported at least through the end of the year, and has a deep library of family friendly games. You still can't find the Switch for sale most places and its library consists of a handful of games. Also, this could be me but I would have a hard time trusting my eight year old with a $400 portable. 3DS or 2DS is under $200, and the games are cheaper as well.
I'm not sure it's the greatest game, but it is damn great. Play on Steam though.
Normally don't post on here, been a long time lurker, but this post was able to drag me away from the cell phone and log into my computer (consider yourself lucky).
I wanted to drop a little note to you about programs that utililze video games to teach children about computer coding. Down here in Ann Arbor we have a company called GameStart that uses Minecraft (which is insanely popular with younger kids), to teach them about computer coding. In this day and age, those skills are a must-have!
GameStart is not the only company that uses minecraft to teach children about coding, as I also know that the public library also does something simlilar.
Of course my wife and I are planning to enter tech heavy fields once we graduate...so our views might be heavily influenced.
Thanks for sharing, but you should provide a link with a post like this.
Just watched your Tedx talk and now I'm very intrigued.
If he's made it to 8 without games I'll assume he gets outside and can entertain himself to an extent. Get him a regular old school Nintendo, some Q-tips for cleaning the cartridges, and Mario Bros, Zelda, Tecmo Super Bowl, RBI Baseball, Ice Hockey OR Blades of Steel, Metroid, Mike Tyson's Punchout, and Contra. Childhood complete.
So first direction you should go is are you wanting something handheld or a home console?
Next question is do you want him to start playing newer stuff or retro?
1.) Handheld retro: Buy a Nintedo GBA sp, this gives you access to all Gameboy, Gameboy color and Gameboy Advanced games. Plus the battery is internal which makes it cost effective. Most games are cheap as well.
2.) Handheld new generation: Nintendo 3DS XL, this gives your son access to all the newest Mario, Pokémon and Zelda games with access to Nintendo E shop for digital purchases. Plus it's compatible with the old DS games.
3.) Home console Retro: I suggest the Retro Duo. This is a NES/SNES combo which would start him with all the original games. It would be fun for you two to go together and hunt for games together.
4.) Home console new gen: Xbox One S minecraft edition. This comes with 4K bluray, minecraft game, and backwards compatible with older 360 and original Xbox games. This could help save money. But know about 50% of the games are mature rated. He would need to stick to sports titles, minecraft, etc
Hope this helps. Good luck!
As someone who enjoys video games....PS4 is the correct choice in my opinion. No reason it can;t last 5+ years also.
Other answers include creating your own death race and Muslims and Indians.
I'd say switch though if we're being serious.