Our families are stuggling with the question of what game system to buy for the children of our two households. (6 & 4yr old)& (4 & 2yr old) It would be closely monitored as the TV & computer time already is. None of the adults have a clue of what to buy or what to look for, any help would be great.
The Wii is a great family system and it comes with the sport package already. It's all in one and walmart is selling them for 50$ cheaper than target!
the wii system is supposed to be good for families. they have several family friendly games. good luck
Are your children asking for a game system? If not, I would avoid it altogether until the subject comes up on its own. I've found that so far the tv and computer are enough for my older boys, ages 7 and 4 - I would wait before introducing more.
J.
http://gvpeasachantrant.blogspot.com
A 4 year old should not really be on it much. Maybe once a week at that. the 6 year old can handle a little bit longer. I've found Jump Start was a good start. had some nice counting games etc. Also pbs.com had some games for little ones. My child was not allowed to get tv computer games or a ds until she was almost 8 years old. I just believe younger than that they should be using there imagination away from the tv. They will sucked in soon enough. A good alternativce is a leappad
hi, i'm 30 been gaming for 25 years. You want to get them a Wii it's much more family friendly and cartoonish and gets the kids up and active. A lot of the games are controlled by your motion (i.e. swinging the controller like a baseball bat or doing push ups) It's really targeted at kids and older adults. the xbox and ps3 are really for teens and up, hardcore gamers. i recently had a baby so I've quit my gaming... when my kids are 4-5 and have earned it I will get a Wii for the family. best of luck!
There is a great website called www.tektoyz4kidz.com. There are different game systems available and you can shop by age in addition to shopping by category. Also, most products on the site also tell you what age they are for. The site is extremely use friendly. If you order today, you can still receive your purchases by 12/24 with ground shipping, otherwise, other shipping options are available. The site also has terrific other items such as remote controlled toys, robots, science kits, build your own gears toys, hand held video games, wii, cameras, ipods, and much more! Basically it has all of the "tech" stuff that adults have and want, but it is geared for kids, of all ages, including early childhood development. Check it out!! There's also free shipping with $100 or more. Have fun shopping!!
I have heard that the Leapster II is a pretty neat portable gaming device. They are a bit pricy at $50-$60 but from what i understand all the kids can use it -- except the 2 yr old.
As far as the 2 year old a toddler computer game might be good. It would give them the coordination to use the mouse and keyboard when necessary.
Another option -- and this one is free--- is to go to the site www.starfall.com i have a 4yr old and a 2yr old and both can play the "games"... it is educational and is, frankly, the best computer "game" (i say that in parentheses because it teaches reading and ABC's in game format) i have ever seen.
I think the Wii game is the best. When you play, you have to move and be active, unlike all the other game systems that you just sit and play. The whole family can play Wii. We have never purchased any game systems in the past. I would rather have my child reading or riding a bike, etc. But I found out that the Wii systems are used at senior housing facilities because they promote movement and exercise, i.e., as rehab therapy, etc. Too many kids become glued to the TV playing video games and doing nothing else. They become big couch potatoes. I would rather see them be active.
Good luck.
If you are looking for something for the kids only, I would have to agree the the Leaptser is the way to go. The games are all fun yet educational. My daughter used hers until she was about 10 or so. But they will outgrow it. If your looking for something for the entire family, I wholeheartedly recommend the Wii. The games range from children to adult, and are rated, taking the guesswork out of if games are appropriate(sp?). What I like best is the interactive sports games that get you moving. There are running and cardio games, boxing, even yoga or bowling. Many of the sports games have multiple games per unit. Plus there are also all of the typical games as well. The initial purchase can be confusing as there are a ton of accesories. I would recommend going to Best Buy if for no other reason than the sales staff seems to be the most knowledgable. As far as what you'll pay, the system itself should cost no more than $199.00 no matter where you go. I'm a comparitive shopper and I find with all systems the prices in the retail stores are always the same no matter the store. Most stores will also honor a competitors advertised price to get your business. Online however the prices are usually higher. If you go to the Nintendo website it will give you an idea of the variety of items to choose from. Good luck to you.
NONE!
They're all way too young for video games.
Wii is cool but for older kids. They have a kid version, not sure who makes it but it is for younger kids. It has sports stuff with it, and plays like the WII!
Also, Leapster game systems (handhelds)are easy for ages 3 plus. I got them for my 3 and 6 year old. The 2 year old is tough, They have a fisher price camera that is cool. I got those for my nieces and nephews. Or v-smile learning games system or v-motion is also cool, they are geared toward younger kids versus the WII and much cheaper.
Good luck!
M.
Hello! Unfortunately, since I just moved, I can't look up the name, etc,...but, I whole-heartedly recommend a small, inexpensive game "system that my daughter still loves (she's 12!!!) I do believe it is from Disney. If you go a large toy store, like "Toys-R-Us", & describe it, they may know right away what you are talking about. It has three or four games built into the hand held device (which uses the TV screen), but you can buy other games to plug in the side. One game is Mowgli from Jungle Book, collecting little groups of fruits as fast as he can, before the ants catch up with the ,...hmmmm,...picnic, I think. All the games are gentle-minded, easy to play & non-violent. And, the graphics are nice too. Actually, after reading your note, I'm contemplating talking my 12 year old into giving it to her 2 year old niece for Christmas!!
Hope you find what you need! B. :)
(my daughter is less mature than most her age. We have probably had the game system three or four years)
P S: Just went "googling",..found one that looks a bit like it on Amazon,..."Jakks - Disney TV Game". Not the same, but gives you an idea of what I'm talking about. Small, hand-held, joy stick, a couple buttons, & small plug-in slot, cord going to TV. Not very expensive either! :)
