What video game console is better for younger child
We are planning on buying a video game console for our older son's 6th birthday in a few months. My husband loved video games as a kid and is looking forward playing his old favorite games and some new ones with our oldest boy (we currently don't have any games consoles at home). Those of you with older kids and who tried the various consoles, what are the pros and cons of the various ones available in the market? We are looking at the three major ones: Xbox, Wii, and playstation, but not sure which one to pick. We hope to get one that is easy to play for a 6 year old, one that a child can play with an adult or another child together instead of having to take turns, one that has a large variety of fun games for early elementary age group and also fun games for an adult and ones that a kid and adult can play together and both enjoy. Any advice as to which of the three best meets what we are looking for? (Please no advice to not get one at all as my husband already decided to get one to play together with our son, and I'm ok with it, so that decision has been made, now it is just a matter of which one). Thanks.
Parent Replies
I have 2 sons ages 13 and 10 and I can only speak to x-box one and 360. All of the platforms are amazing compared to the old stuff. You need to research what games you want to play before you buy, it is a pricey investment for a 6 year old who has never played. Whatever you get will be obsolete in a matter of years most likely, anyway. Also, you will find that after your son finds a game he likes and becomes skilled at it, you will need to start limiting the time he plays because these things are like drugs for young boys, I have found. Oh yeah, and that thing about my husband sharing fun times playing the xbox with my son, it lasted about a month until my son was so much more skilled than my husband that it wasn't fun for either of them. We did not bring the xbox into our home until my older son was 9, and i wish we would have held off longer. The boys wake up early on weekends to start in playing, have found ways to play games (like GTA) shared by friends, that we don't allow, and they have already started to plead and work on us to allow them to play the heavy duty gun shooting games (like COD.)It started out innocently enough with the LEGO star wars and Harty Potter, KINECT movement games, Disney Infinity, etc. but they will finish each of those in a matter of months and become bored. The xbox is the source of most of the arguments in our house even though we limit the time they are on it, but that doesn't stop the boys from constantly pleading for more time, refusing to go with us to movies, restaurants, hikes on the weekend because it will eat into their "screen time." I honestly wish the machine would break, & then I wouldn't be the accursed villain for getting rid of it, which is what I long to do. BTW, my sons are both great students, active and healthy kids but totally addicted to the xbox. Best to you guys in your decision.
I'd recommend a Wii U! There are lots of fun age-appropriate games for Wii U for 6-7 year olds, and of course for older kids and adults. There are variois styles of controllers available, including a touchscreen game pad, traditional controllers, the Wii style baton controllers, something for everyone little and big. My son, who just turned 7, is especially in love with Splatoon, Mario Maker, and Mario Kart 8. We all play together-- he loves it, and it's a little bit of a video game fix for me and my husband. ;) He also loves Legend of Zelda - The Wind Waker (a one player game, but we still play together and take turns and it is still tons of fun. Lots of puzzles. Our son needs a little help with some of the more difficult parts, but it's a challenge for him and I think that's a lot of the fun). We even occasionally play these games with our 3 year old (with help from the adults or his big brother). All of the older and newer Wii games are compatible with the Wii U system, including the sports games (we love Wii bowling!!), Rayman Origins, etc. There are a lot more kid-friendly titles out there, but the ones I've mentioned are just a few of our family favorites.
I've also played both Xbox and Playstation through the years. I have nothing against these systems, and there are lots of great games available. But I'm much happier with the Wii U, and if you're specifically looking for something with a lot of family friendly games then I personally feel that it's one of the better options right now. Just my 2 cents, I hope it helps!