# Xbox versus Wii versus other options **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 19, 2011, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472 "2011-11-19T18:22:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/21 "2011-11-21T12:24:37Z")
> [@Red\_Barchetta](#): > > You’re inferring a lot from a system whose specs are barely known. And if Microsoft and especially Sony learned anything this generation, it’s that losing money on expensive hardware isn’t necessarily the best business model. Exactly. They made a big deal out of [an awkwardly-sized tablet-style controller](http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20111118124128_Nintendo_Wii_U_s_Second_Screen_to_Disrupt_the_Market_Like_Motion_Sensing.html) (which can also be used as a standalone unit) and pretty much nothing else of real detail in terms of what the specs of the system are. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/22 "2011-11-21T12:46:19Z")
> [@Wolverine](#): > > Additionally, there are no new games coming to the Wii. Which he amusingly posted in the same week as Nintendo released a new Zelda. ---
**Author:** ![Wolverine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba9def/32.png) [@Wolverine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolverine)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/23 "2011-11-21T14:15:59Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > Which he amusingly posted in the same week as Nintendo released a new Zelda. Yes, but that was last week (I was keenly aware of the release as I’ve posted in the Zelda thread as well). But what else is there until Wii U? Fortune Street? As soon as February comes along and people are done playing their Christmas games, we’ll start hearing a lot about the Wii U but still no Wii games. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/24 "2011-11-21T15:01:18Z")
> [@Wolverine](#): > > Yes, but that was last week (I was keenly aware of the release as I’ve posted in the Zelda thread as well). But what else is there until Wii U? Fortune Street? As soon as February comes along and people are done playing their Christmas games, we’ll start hearing a lot about the Wii U but still no Wii games. > **[The Last Story](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Story)** > > The Last Story\[a\] is an action role-playing game developed by Mistwalker and AQ Interactive and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in Japan in January 2011, Europe in February 2012 and North America by Xseed Games in August 2012. The Last Story takes place upon the island fortress of Lazulis, in a world that is slowly being drained of life by an unknown force. The story focuses on a group of mercenaries looking for work on Lazulis; one of their number, Zael, dreams of becoming a... > **[Pandora's Tower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora%27s_Tower)** > > Pandora's Tower\[a\] is an action role-playing game developed by Ganbarion and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The game was released in Japan in May 2011, in PAL territories in April 2012 and in North America by Xseed Games in April 2013. Focusing on the efforts of protagonist Aeron to rid his love Elena of a curse that is turning her into a monster, the player explores thirteen towers, solving environmental puzzles and taking part in platforming while battling enemies—a key part of gameplay ... > **[Rayman Origins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayman_Origins)** > > Rayman Origins is a 2011 platform game developed and published by Ubisoft. It is the fourth main installment in the Rayman series and the first main installment since Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc (2003). The game was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii platforms worldwide, with PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and Microsoft Windows versions being released the following year. The OS X version of the game was released on December 12, 2013, by Feral Interactive. The story follows Rayma Ray... [Kirby's Return to Dream Land - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby%27s_Return_to_Dream_Land) (well, it isn’t out here yet). And anyway, seeing as they may not have played the earlier games, since they are thinking about getting one _now_, ones that were released over the past few years won’t magically stop working. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/25 "2011-11-21T15:15:54Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > **Attack** , I’m going to be a bit stereotypical, but I’d go with what your son wants. Teen girls aren’t big gamers for the most part, and if she’s basing her desire for a Wii just based on the movement thing, she’s going to be disappointed. The other consoles have just as much to offer when it comes to movement, and offer far more for your son if he’s looking for fighting games. My first inclination would be to a PS3, but since your son wants a 360, I’m guessing that’s what his friends have - and that should be the #1 deciding factor. As a girl who spent most of her childhood/teen years watching the boys get all the cool toys because of attitudes like this, I have to call you out on it. WTF? I find it incredibly offensive that the girl’s desires get automatically discounted because “teen girls aren’t big gamers for the most part.” You have no idea what this girl is into, and it’s entirely within the realm of possibility that she would spend more time than her brother with whatever gaming system the OP eventually buys. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/26 "2011-11-21T15:25:32Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > As a girl who spent most of her childhood/teen years watching the boys get all the cool toys because of attitudes like this, I have to call you out on it. WTF? I find it incredibly offensive that the girl’s desires get automatically discounted because “teen girls aren’t big gamers for the most part.” You have no idea what this girl is into, and it’s entirely within the realm of possibility that she would spend more time than her brother with whatever gaming system the OP eventually buys. And that is why I clearly labeled my comment as stereotypical. If you’re unable to pair that up with an appropriately sized grain of salt, that’s not my problem. And if the OP is incapable of determining which of his offspring’s needs/desires he should prioritize, there’s nothing I or you can say that would be able to help him out. ---
**Author:** ![Wolverine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba9def/32.png) [@Wolverine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolverine)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/27 "2011-11-21T15:37:11Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > [The Last Story - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Story) > [Pandora's Tower - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora%27s_Tower) Now I’m jealous because neither of these are coming to North America (nor Xenoblade Chronicles). I do love my Wii. Living in China, I have the opportunity to purchase a pirated system at a fraction of the cost but I import my full price games from the US. Having a 4 year old son, the Wii is about perfect. Kirby’s Epic Yarn and New Super Mario Bros Wii appeal to him, are fun for me, and allow me to assist/take over if it gets too difficult. The Kinect is great for medium to large size adults but has a hard time staying focused on my son. I will say this. My 2 closest friends in college bought PS2s so I of course bought a Gamecube. That way I could play Final Fantasy X and other games on their system while they played Zelda and other games (cough)Animal Crossing(cough) on mine. Sometimes it is good to have the same system as your friends for similar experiences (maybe Xbox for the OP’s son), but sometimes it is good to have more variety. Also for the price of motion controls, the Wii is by far the best deal. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/28 "2011-11-21T18:50:04Z")
> [@Cubsfan](#): > > Wii is only “good” for people from the NES era who want to see the same characters and stories over and over in the name of nostalgia. Nonsense. The wii succeeded on innovation, and overcame my _usual_ resistance to console gaming (crappy graphics, weak controls) by being loads of fun. No nostalgia for me in these games. Depending on priorities, the Wii might actually be a good choice as better-balanced for a teen girl and 11yo boy. If budget is a concern, then it being at the end of its cycle may actually be a plus - the console itself is dirt cheap and there are a lot of great games re-released with attractive pricing. Super Mario Galaxy is just $20 and loads of fun. On the other hand, it _is_ standard definition which may be a drag if you are going to hook it up to your 50" flat screen. The Wii is certainly not the right choice if you are only concerned about pleasing a 17yo boy who wants to spectacularly blow things up and enjoy showers of gibs, but an 11yo boy and an older girl? Might be just the thing. ---
**Author:** ![Brandus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@Brandus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brandus)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/29 "2011-11-21T19:08:53Z")
The wii is a dead end. It has terrible graphics and even worse games. I think most people realize this and you should be able to get a used one for cheap, maybe 100 dollars. So get both. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/30 "2011-11-21T19:58:43Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > We’re discussing investing in a gaming system. Kid1 (teen girl) wants Wii, on the grounds that it’s move movement oriented. Kid2 (11 year old boy) wants xbox for the fighting games. > > Advice, suggestions, comparisons? Look at the game libraries in terms of what the gamers want to play and are willing to play. Take into account who’s likely to use the system more. Play the games in demos and at friends’ houses. Ignore everything said here about technical superiority–it’s totally irrelevant. You can’t measure fun in pixels of resolution or megahertz. Take “but what about newer games in the future” with a grain of salt–both are going to get supplanted pretty soon, so the rumor mill goes, and both have pretty deep libraries of extant games in any case. If possible at all, go used and get both (each offers things the other lacks). > [@Cubsfan](#): > > Did any of these moments involve characters other than Mario, Zelda or Metroid? Didn’t think so. Does it matter? Good games are good games–and all of the Wii offerings in those franchises have been solid examples of good games. > [@Munch](#): > > **Attack** , I’m going to be a bit stereotypical, but I’d go with what your son wants. Teen girls aren’t big gamers for the most part All that will do is reinforce the stereotype. This is a bad idea on every level–it’s more than possible for the boy to be the one who wants to be running around outside, while the girl is the one who’d get more use out of the console. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/31 "2011-11-21T20:54:30Z")
> [@Zeriel](#): > > All that will do is reinforce the stereotype. This is a bad idea on every level–it’s more than possible for the boy to be the one who wants to be running around outside, while the girl is the one who’d get more use out of the console. Which the OP will be completely able to discern on his own, since they’re his own children. All we have to go on is what he wrote - and what he wrote is that the teen girl believes the Wii to be the one with motion controls. It’s not all the information we could have about these two kids, but I think it’s enough to guess with pretty good certainty that the teen girl is unaware that the PS3 and 360 have their own motion controls available. Thus, it’s not “more than possible”. It’s possible, but not more likely to be the case than conforming to the stereotype we’re all familiar with. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/32 "2011-11-21T20:56:34Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Which the OP will be completely able to discern on his own, since they’re his own children. All we have to go on is what he wrote - and what he wrote is that the teen girl believes the Wii to be the one with motion controls. It’s not all the information we could have about these two kids, but I think it’s enough to guess with pretty good certainty that the teen girl is unaware that the PS3 and 360 have their own motion controls available. Thus, it’s not “more than possible”. It’s possible, but not more likely to be the case than conforming to the stereotype we’re all familiar with. Or she’s aware that the Wii’s motion control setup is more mature and has a better selection of games when measured on the “are these actually fun” scale. :dubious: Regardless, it remains a bad idea to even bring up the stereotype–if it applies, the OP already knows that, and if it doesn’t, it’s useless. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/33 "2011-11-21T21:04:59Z")
> [@Zeriel](#): > > Or she’s aware that the Wii’s motion control setup is more mature and has a better selection of games when measured on the “are these actually fun” scale. :dubious: > > Regardless, it remains a bad idea to even bring up the stereotype–if it applies, the OP already knows that, and if it doesn’t, it’s useless. 1. The OP and the children had a discussion about this, and he came away with no realization that the Kinect existed. I’m placing the odds of your assertion much closer to 0% than “more than possible”. 2. I brought up the stereotype because it’s based in reality, _pointed it out as a stereotype so he’d be aware of it_, and provided additional advice and information to make a more complete decision. If you would like to argue with the actual advice and information I provided, please do so - I don’t see anyone having a problem with the actual facts/advice given, especially the #1 piece of advice I gave - to go with whatever system their friends have. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/34 "2011-11-21T21:24:24Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > 1. The OP and the children had a discussion about this, and he came away with no realization that the Kinect existed. I’m placing the odds of your assertion much closer to 0% than “more than possible”. My parents, in a 1988 conversation, knew the Power Pad existed, but not that R.O.B. existed. Why? Because I wanted one, but not the other. Similarly, they knew that the NES existed, but not the Sega Master System. Same reason. The kid has no reason to mention Kinect if she has no interest in the Kinect, especially inasmuch as it would have weakened her own stated preference for a Wii. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/35 "2011-11-21T21:27:14Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > And that is why I clearly labeled my comment as stereotypical. If you’re unable to pair that up with an appropriately sized grain of salt, that’s not my problem. And if the OP is incapable of determining which of his offspring’s needs/desires he should prioritize, there’s nothing I or you can say that would be able to help him out. > [@Munch](#): > > 1. I brought up the stereotype because it’s based in reality, _pointed it out as a stereotype so he’d be aware of it_, and provided additional advice and information to make a more complete decision. If you would like to argue with the actual advice and information I provided, please do so - I don’t see anyone having a problem with the actual facts/advice given, especially the #1 piece of advice I gave - to go with whatever system their friends have. > [@Munch](#): > > Which the OP will be completely able to discern on his own, since they’re his own children. All we have to go on is what he wrote - and what he wrote is that the teen girl believes the Wii to be the one with motion controls. It’s not all the information we could have about these two kids, but I think it’s enough to guess with pretty good certainty that the teen girl is unaware that the PS3 and 360 have their own motion controls available. Thus, it’s not “more than possible”. It’s possible, but not more likely to be the case than conforming to the stereotype we’re all familiar with. So basically, because you pointed out it was a stereotype, it’s OK for you to reinforce that stereotype and everyone else needs to to realize that stereotypes are sometimes based in reality and we all just need to chill out. I’m not buying it; it’s a stereotype and a bad one, and it bugs me that you bring it up as a justification to discount the girl’s opinion. Is it the end of the world? No, and I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. But really, you keep saying it’s OK to make decisions based on stereotypes, and I disagree; it’s harmful. And yeah, I’m a little sensitive to this issue, because I dealt with it as a kid. A lot. I liked sci-fi, I read fantasy novels, I played D&D. And I kept all of that a BIG HUGE SECRET because girls weren’t supposed to like that stuff. I used to get in a panic when my female friends would come over to my house and I didn’t have a chance to hide all my D&D stuff; I had two sets of books I read at any one time because I had to have a “girl” book to read during our reading class at school and I was embarrassed as all hell to bring in my Pern novel or that cool Heinlein book I was reading. Was I overreacting? Probably. But still, to this day, I cringe a little when Mr. Athena mentions in public that I’m playing some new computer game because my gut reaction is that people are going to think I’m a freak for liking computer games. I wish I hadn’t had to deal with all the stereotypes growing up about what girls were supposed to be into. Maybe the OP’s daughter is really not into consoles, or maybe she is, but either way, he shouldn’t be told that it’s OK to not give as much weight to her opinion because, after all, she’s a girl. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/36 "2011-11-21T21:30:11Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > But really, you keep saying it’s OK to make decisions based on stereotypes Bullshit. I haven’t done any such thing. If you’d like to rationally look at what I’ve said, I’d be happy to discuss it. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Il_Palazzo)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/37 "2011-11-21T21:30:27Z")
It would probably help to know in what sorts of games your daughter would be interested as “movement” describes the controls rather than the content. As others have noted, the Kinect is a movement based add-on for the Xbox 360 that might offer the best of both worlds if enough of the games it works with appeal to her. (Disclaimer: I haven’t played with a Kinect myself, but I have several friends who have and who have enjoyed it.) Getting a Kinect would increase the price tag of your gaming investment a bit, but with Christmas coming up, I would be surprised if there weren’t a few specials or bundle deals to be had that could help you get more value out of the purchase. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/38 "2011-11-21T21:41:55Z")
> [@Lord\_Il\_Palazzo](#): > > Getting a Kinect would increase the price tag of your gaming investment a bit, but with Christmas coming up, I would be surprised if there weren’t a few specials or bundle deals to be had that could help you get more value out of the purchase. Best Buy currently has a Kinect bundle for $299 that includes a $100 gift card, so you can get it for $200 essentially. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/39 "2011-11-21T21:53:36Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Bullshit. I haven’t done any such thing. If you’d like to rationally look at what I’ve said, I’d be happy to discuss it. You said: > [@](#): > > Attack, I’m going to be a bit stereotypical, but I’d go with what your son wants. Teen girls aren’t big gamers for the most part… Please point out where it’s not rational to assume that you are saying to go with what the son wants, based on a stereotype about teen girls. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472/40 "2011-11-21T22:03:12Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Please point out where it’s not rational to assume that you are saying to go with what the son wants, based on a stereotype about teen girls. At no point have I said it is okay to base decisions solely on stereotypes. Period. What the OP \*does \*need to do is be aware of them, and seek out additional information that may contradict that stereotype (like the teen girl being super pumped about Dance, Dance Revolution or other Wii exclusive that’s motion only). If you’d like, I’d be happy to amend my initial statement from “go with” to “lean to”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xbox-versus-wii-versus-other-options/603472.md?page=3)