Xbox, PS3 or Wi for a child?

[Bob]

I'm thinking of getting my daughter a games console for her 4th birthday.

She loves all the kids programs where she has to get involved, shout out the answers or dance around and I figure a console is just a step up from this.

The last thing I want is for her to have something where all she does is sit in front of the TV and tap at a controller.

I've had a look around at a few different options but really have no idea what to get. I thought the Xbox would be the better purchaser but by the time the camera bit is added on it works out very expensive, which is fine but only if it’s worth it.

 

[tek-monkey]

The xbox kinect makes the wii look like a childs toy, but as a childs toy is exactly what you are after I'd get that. Second hand ones can often be found for £50 at places like game, games will cost but they do on all consoles.

 

[Alee]

also with the kinect you need alot of space, i had kinect not to long ago but sold it because i was sick of moving sofas everytime i wanted a go. my 2 and a half yr old loved it though

 

[Wormella]

I suspect you'll find more games that are suitable on the wii, and they'll probably be cheaper as well - and as Tek said, you can pick up 2nd hand pretty cheap.

Whatever you do buy Skylanders for them - your wallet won't thank me but your children will..

It's also worth bearing in mind, there's not ongoing costs with the wii as it were, It might be worth starting off with a wii, and if it gets used a lot then upgrade to something different when the next gen of consolues.

Also, have you thought about handhelds, my nieces - and everyone else I know under 17, are big DS fans, and there's a great range of cheap games.

Everyone I know with kids they seem happy with Wiis or PS2s for that matter - all that's important is you get them hooked on playing computer games from an early age...

These guys might be able to help too: http://www.gamepeople.co.uk

 

[tek-monkey]

I prefer the wii simply because of the motor skills involved, you don't just sit there with a controller.

 

[Em L]

We've had a Wii and an Xbox for a few years now - the Xbox is more popular with my 14 year old son who can kill the poop out of things while shouting to his friends in America. My 6 and 10 year old girls prefer the Wii and there are LOADS of games they enjoy playing. My youngests favourites are the Just Dance ones - no chance of them just sitting still with a controller with those ones! If you don't mind buying games second hand you can pick them up quite cheaply a lot of the time too.

I agree with Wormella that the DS is a great little handheld for kids, but mine never quite got to grips with my PSP. Also thanks for mentioning Skylanders - mine'd love that and birthdays are coming up...

 

[Lisa Jarvis]

Hi i have a wii console for sale it has a balance board..also with sum games..but if you just want the wii for 50 quid or the whole thing for 75.00 i live in stafford.. cheers Lisa