My oldest child, aged 5, has discovered the wonders of console game systems from a school friend. Now he wants one and the wife is supporting the idea.
We’ve already got a P733 computer downstairs so my first thought is that is enough.
On the other hand, the PS/2 & XBox were just dropped to $199 and my P733 is aging fast.
I’m pretty sure that the N64 Game Cube is doomed from release. The PS/2 has the most games but the X-Box has the hard drive and the ethernet port.
Anybody have any recommendations? I’m really hip to PC stuff but haven’t paid attention to the console world at all.
BTW: I know that this was recently discussed (XB vs PS2) but I’d like to see what opinions would be specifically as a kid’s system.
Actually you will find that the GameCube (GC) is probably the most child oriented. Nintendo has always aimed for the younger crowd, with titles like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, etc. You will never see a Grand Theft Auto 3 type of game on a GC, which in your case seems to be a good thing. As far as selection goes, the other systems have some non-violent games, but 99% of GC’s games are aimed at younger kids. Lastly the GC is far from doomed, if anything the X-box will be the first to go.
I own a PS2 & N64 btw, I’m not an employee of Nintendo, just think its the most appropriate system for a 5 year old.
I must casually point out that there is some exaggeration in your previous post which needs to be cleared up.
First, you state that “Nintendo has always aimed for the younger crowd, with titles like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, etc.” This is actually not true. Though the characters you name are popular with all ages, they were not actually created for a child-only audience. I personally would find a game in the Zelda too difficult for a 5-year-old.
You also state that “99% of GC’s games are aimed at younger kids.” This is actually not true either. This is prone exaggeration, plain and simple. Violent games with adult storylines such as Resident Evil and the upcoming Eternal Darkness are definately not for children-except maybe Osama bin Laden’s (if he had any).
However, I do agree with you on all other points, including that the GameCube will last. As a sole supporter of Nintendo since at least 1994, I have always found them to be the best.
I know these are just your opinions, but I believe that others should have their say. By all means, go with GameCube. You and your 5-year old will not be disappointed. I leave you with the words commonly attributed to Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I defend to your death the right to say it.”
Sincerely,
Ryan W. Mead
President, Nintendo Anti-Defamation League*
[sub]*A non-existant organization. Not affiliated with Nintendo of America, Inc. and/or the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai Brith. Heck, I’m not even Jewish.[/sub]
My mistake. I accidentially believe it was world eater who was planning to buy the system for his son (if he/she has one, even). I apologize to you and to Belrix, the actual parent of said child.
You might want to consider going to Funcoland or some other video-game specialty chain and picking up a Nintendo 64 and several cartridges. I say this because (a) cartridges are more durable for young 'uns, and (b) you can get more games for less $$$ these days. And because San Francisco Rush on the N64 kicks major ass.
Barring that, you’re probably safe with either the PlayStation 2 or the Nintendo Gamecube – both have a great selection of games for younger kids, and the PS2 has a number of “cutesy animal platform”-style titles coming in the next few months. The XBox is the dark horse in the console race, and I’m not even sure if a five-year-old can hold the controller without hurting himself…
IMO the majority of the GC’s game selection, is geared towards younger children (not neccessarily 5 years olds though). PS2, and X-box, may offer some titles that are appropriate to children, but most of their games are not. Therefore my 5-year old (who doesn’t exist) would get a GC.
With the upcoming online playability, the Xbox and PS2 will be loads of fun. But then you are exposing your child to an onslaught of who knows what kind of people are out there. I really don’t know how or if they intend to have any kind of profanity filter, and I don’t know what Sony’s plans are for their online gaming. All I can say is that will be a load of fun, but I’d have to agree that Game Cube is probably the most “family” oriented system.
I got an Xbox, because I like to see blood (in HDTV, no less) and play online.
I note that some have reccomended an N64. I would say to jump back a bit and get youself a SNES if you are simply looking for good, solid, fun games. I picked up a SNES for about $20 and the games (except that rare ones like FF2 and Chrono Trigger) are usually in the $15 or less range. Given, the graphics are not much to write home about in comparison to the new systems and computers, but the fun factor is there. I agree that cartridges are much more durable for kids, and the SNES has a huge library with games aimed at all groups (well… not too much on the teen/adult side, but lion king is fun). I own working copies of a 1)NES (actually 2 of these), 2)SNES, 3)Genisis, 4)N64, 5)Dreamcast, 6)Playstation, 7)Game Boy, 8)Game Boy Advance. Of all of these, I play the SNES by far the most. It’s a stable and good system that you can get several years of life out of provided you don’t put it in the oven.
–if you note the systems, I own products from Nintendo, Sony, and Sega. I am not bias towards a company, I just like what I think is fun and good.
I agree with the recommendations for a used N-64 - we have a gamecube, and my 8-year old son and I found ourselves rehooking up the old 64 system after a couple of months because the games are better.
You can find violent games for any system, but the Nintendo 64 and Game Cube have the most nonviolent games, I think.
Paper Mario is a great one for kids - it’s like an epic adventure/fight game, but not bloody, and it’s Mario, and it doesn’t require quite as much coordination as other games in that genre.
Problem with GC right now is that the games selection is so dang limited…my suspicion is that they made a solid wave for the initial release, but didn’t have a follow-up line ready to take its place.
Anyway, I’m still happily addicted to my GC. A favorite is Super Smash Bros. Melee, as it’s a “cute” fighting game with all of Nintendo’s classic characters. (I didn’t think anything could top N64’s SSB, but they did it here.) Also, Luigi’s Mansion might also be good for your kid…it’s a child-friendly mix of action and puzzle. (There were one or two points that required me to find an online strategy guide.)
