My daughter want's a Play Station for her B-day.

Ron-P · February 2003

What do you all recommend? Is Play Station the best of the lot? Which one has the most kid type games? How does it compare to X-Box?

Never bought one of these before, enlighten me.

Peace Out~:D

phuz · February 2003

How old is she?

The best system for kids is the Gamecube. It has the most games for kids and isn't really marketed to adults.

PS2 and XBox are both heavily marketed to adults/teens, and the games are geared a lot more towards that audience. Not to say that they don't have games for kids, just a lot less of them.

Ron-P · February 2003

She will be 6. I kinda want one that can grow into adult useage as well, besides, I might wanna play some games:)

Peace Out~:D

phuz · February 2003

Well then a PS2 should be ok. She probably wouldn't have interest in the teen/adult games for quite a while anyway, and you can definately have fun with the PS2.

Let me know when/if you get it. Pickup SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals and the broadband adapter if you can and I'll kick your **** on some seal action.

I've been addicted that game since I bought it!

TonyPTX · February 2003

This is going to become a heated PS2 vs. XBOX debate here. Gamecube will still be a contender because it still has some "adult" games made for it. Run for the money, PS2 is just completely smashing XBOX and Gamecube in numbers (sales, games, failures). MS XBOX is finally overtaking Gamecube in the sales numbers and still it is "finally" getting a decent number of video games made for it. XBOX is totally marketed to adult/teens from the get go (reason why MS built an online adapter into the unit at first production rather than having to buy an "add-on" like PS2. I don't know much about the "kiddie" games available for PS2, but there aren't very many for XBOX. I still choose the XBOX over the PS2 because I wanted to try something new and different. I have no regrets and I love the system and the games have good game play and great graphics. That combined with the ability to play games in Dolby Digital 5.1 just blows away the competition in my opinion (Halo with DD 5.1 is like unleashing WW3).

Just my two cents...

UPDATE: As a bonus adder, you can use both the PS2 and the XBOX as DVD players. You'll need to buy a $30 package for the XBOX to enable the capability. DVD playback is native to the PS2, however from what I hear, it's a bit arkward using the gamepad to navigate all the menus (you can buy a remote for the PS2 for about $20). Gamecube does NOT have DVD playback capabilities.

phuz · February 2003

I don't understand why everyone makes a big deal about XBox and 5.1 - PS2 does it as well.

TonyPTX · February 2003

Originally posted by phuz
I don't understand why everyone makes a big deal about XBox and 5.1 - PS2 does it as well.

Guess because it's not a widely known feature about the unit. I had to do some searches about add-ons before I even found out that the PS2 was capable of doing it.

phoneisbusy · February 2003

Originally posted by Ron-P
She will be 6. I kinda want one that can grow into adult useage as well, besides, I might wanna play some games:)

Peace Out~:D

Hate to say this but by the time she's interested in more mature games, she'll want the PS5or6or7 or the XYZBox.

So, I'd just get the system that'll work for both of you now. Find the system that has the games that both of you would like to play.

Some other thoughts:

If dvd playback is important, my understanding is the Xbox has a better dvd output although the PS2 is adequate. Neither would be adequate DVD player for a serious HT setup though. Are you planning on integrating the system into the home theatre or with it be on a separate TV for your use, er... daughter's use?

Someone already pointed out that the Gamecube has a lot of good childrens game content so that might factor into your decision.

The PS2 is the most popular console and backwards compatible so you can play the old playstation games also.

XBox seems to have the better hardware (debatable I know). If you're into hacking, it seems to be the most hackable. There's some groups working on CD ripping, and video streaming, and TiVO like front ends. A bit geekish but interesting.

Both the PS2/XBox support 5.1 for DVD playback. XBox can support 5.1 for actual gameplay though. I've heard that 5.1 during gameplay for the PS2 is possible but it's a pain to program.

Hope this doesn't confuse you more...

Dave

ChrisDurano · February 2003

If you plan on playing at all "online" then go with XBox and get XBox live. Tons of users online. Games are faster with XBox too.

hoosier21 · February 2003

for my 8 and 5 year old we went with the gamecube, more kid games and such. I want the PS2

faster100 · February 2003

Well i would say PS2, we have a 4 year old girl and plan to get one, My mother actually has one and my daughter plays when she visits her, They have sponge bob,rocket power, Monsters inc. rug rats, all the games my daughter likes so i would guess a 6 year old would be interested as well, spyro the dragon also just to name a few, its not like you will need 20 games to keep her happy i wouldn't think.... The ps2 plays dvd's nicely as i have see and and useing the controller is no big deal, you push 1 button that brings up all the buttons on screen and you navigate to what you want, ie: play, pause, forward, scenes and so on, game cube is also a kiddie friendly game but don't think you would be happy as an adult with all the games available, although your daughter would be covered for avail. games...

Steve@3dai · February 2003

GTA: Vice City does DTS 5.1

scottvamp · February 2003

PS2

PETERNG · February 2003

The X-box has a better DD sound track than PS-2 but less selection of games. I fyou could wait a little longer, the new PS3 will be out soon and it'll be one heck of the machine (player)

Steve@3dai · February 2003

A little longer? Try 2-3+ years.

Better DD soundtrack? In what way? The DTS in Vice City is awesome, I must say. But on the other hand, the DD in Rallisport Challenge on the XBox is also very very good. I've had all three systems.

I'd get the Gamecube personally, but that's just me. She can hook up her GameBoy Advance to it and have extra stuff like that.

Jstas · February 2003

The Gamecube has a decent set of adult games. They aren't the bloody/gorey kind you get on the XBOX or the PS2 but they are fun. I have Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters for my girlfriend's Gamecube and that is a fun game. The Mario games can be fun too. There are alot of games for the Gamecube.

The PS2 has a nice array of games also. More of them cater to adults and even the "kiddie" games have a more adult-ish theme to them. PS2 also has a good deal of highly rated sports games and the benefit to the PS2 is that you have a whole slew of PS1 games to choose from too. So you have alot more variety than either of the other systems. The PS2 also has the most options that you can add on and IMO, the controllers are teh most comfortable to hold.

The XBOX is nice and the benefit is that the games are highly detailed with alot of game play and depth. This is mainly because of the PC industry's influence. It is easier for the game companies to develop a game for the XBOX or port it from the PC world because of the PC based platform it runs on. Consequently, many of the games you can get for a PC are becoming available for the XBOX. However, the XBOX's choices of games leaves alot to be desired for the small children side. Adults will love most of teh games and kids will love teh games too. It's just a question of whether you want your kid subjected to that sort of thing.

IMO, I'd go with the PS2 for a family geared console. It has enough variety for the adults and the kids and you aren't limited to just PS2 games. You have lots of options including the broadband access. Also like what was said before, it doubles as a DVD player for the kid's room or a 2nd Tv which can come in handy when you want to watch a movie on the HT and the kids are screaming for Barney or something.

ChrisDurano · February 2003

Bottom line: a 6 year old isn't going to know the difference and will enjoy whichever one you choose. But, if you're going to plan on playing some games, you might want to study all of 'em and look at the game choices and decide which games you might play and enjoy.

Shizelbs · February 2003

Okay, I haven't read any of the other posts, so here goes. PS2 blows. Xbox is the best, but for you and your daughter the Gamecube may be best. Gamecube does have good titles for adults too, mostly sports stuff though. I would go either Xbox or GC, PS2 is terrible.

Ron-P · February 2003

Damn, this is requiring WAY more effort on my part than I thought. I should go the more kid-friendly route though as she and her friends will use it the most.

Peace Out~:D

shack · February 2003

Buy all three and lots of games for each one. Nothing like a little overkill to spoil a kid.

Jstas · February 2003

Originally posted by shack
Buy all three and lots of games for each one. Nothing like a little overkill to spoil a kid.

I like that idea too! I don't know what Ron's budget is but a grand for video games is a little steep for anyone I think. Except maybe Bill Gates.

mjk91383 · February 2003

here's one good reason to go with the gamecube:

Animal Crossing

this game is awesome! your daughter can learn the value of a dollar, plant flowers, decorate and upgrade her house or just go fishing. there is something different happening every single day of the year. the game uses the gamecube's internal clock to keep everything running the same as our world does.

one of the coolest perks of this game is the ability to play your favorite classic 8-bit nintendo games from yester year right on your gamecube!

if i'm not mistaken, nintendo has a pretty good deal going on the gamecube for the next month or so. purchase a gamecube for $149 and get your choice of four premium first party titles. among these is metroid prime, one of the coolest shooters out there (and one of the more teen/adult titles for you to enjoy).

from my time playing the three major consoles available, i've come to the conclusion that all three play about the same. the only decisive factor for me is game selection. PS2 has the largest game catalog available, including many premium exclusive titles such as the grand theft auto series. xbox has some pretty cool exclusive titles including halo and mech assault. then again, nintendo has metroid, mario, and zelda in their corner.

..good luck, hope this helps!

dthomps · February 2003

I would say that PS2 would be my choice given the situation. It is very versatile, and has a very broad range of games (and quite a few of them, too) It is a lot of fun. IMO the PS2 controller might fit better in your daughters hands than the XBOX controller, but probably not as well as the Game Cube. I actually prefer the Game Cube's controller to any of the above, its very comfortable and I have big hands too. The only real drawback I find with the Game Cube is that the discs are small and there is no DVD playback. Some people dont care about this, but I travel a lot and it is nice to bring something to watch DVDs on. I own all three systems and I seem to have the most fun with the PS2. Then again I AM the demographic for the system, a 19 year old college student. Maybe you should go and demo all the systems and see what is best for you!

Mike

phuz · February 2003

Xbox live costs money. You have to pay a monthly fee for it. PFFFT. Gotta love Micro$oft.

PS3 will not be out till 2005 or 2006.

There is a hard drive kit that will be coming out for the PS2.

Not sure about why the Xbox has better DD features? You are sending a digital signal to your recevier/pro... thats where the it will count. Not the console.

I'm in the PS2 camp. Better games. More games. Less $$$$$$.

Animal crossing IS an AWESOME game. Wish they had it for PS2. :P

goingganzo · February 2003

ron when is her b-day mine is the 4th of march i am also thinking of getting my self a x box for my b day.

Ceruleance · February 2003

I would get PS2 hands down.

backward compatability with PS1 means in total there are probably like 500 games out there, now tell me you cant find a few suitable for your daughter in that lot.. not to mention PS1 games are cheap as hell.

I have gamecube (it was a gift) and I dont like it. very poor decision to not be able to do discrete 5.1 audio.

Ron-P · February 2003

Her B-day is this Wednesday.

I'm headed over to BB at lunch today to check'em out. Looks like the PS2 is the most versital. Thanks for all the info guys.

Peace Out~:D

faster100 · February 2003

Good luck i am sure she will love anything you decide on, My daughter almost "pooped"

when i pieced together and gave her the "Barbie" computer for her Birthday last year, patriot computers sold them a few years ago, do you remember the hot wheels and barbie computers they had fliers all over for?? I found the tower, and everything else except the monitor for her through e-bay about 3-4 diff dealers had all the items i needed.. anyways good luck

Ron-P · February 2003

PS1 ($50)
PS2 ($200)

Went with a PS1. There are loads of games out there for cheap. Coupled with the fact that she is only 6 and it will be mostly her and her friends playing. I cannot justify the additional $150 for the PS2. The PS1 will tie us over for a couple years until the PS3 comes out.

I'm not a gamer, so I highly doubt I'll play any games unless they are with her. Besides, if I decide later to pick up a PS2, I'm only out the $50 and I can have it for my HT room:)

Thanks for all the assistance guys!

Peace Out~:D

dthomps · February 2003

Good decision. The PSone is also a really great system and you are very right, lots of games can be had way cheap. I still play Tony Hawk 1 all the time, you should pick yourself up a copy its a great game.

scottvamp · February 2003

PS2
Hands down.
Let me tell ya a short story:
Playstation has always killed the competion. Back in the day it SNES was the $hit. PS was in the works and adapted the same controller. It was called the SNES controller on steriods. I was reading about it a year before it hit the market. I bought it the day it came out. Owned it all the way to the PS2 launch - never had a problem with it. It brought Sega to its knees. Nintendo fans stayed true and have been in denial ever sence. Nintendo has always been two steps behind which is disappointing because they had there foot in the door first and let it shut. Now Nintendo is talking about NOT putting out another system and going the Sega - making only games route. As for Xbox - it was a million dollor company copycating PS - get there hands in the "the market". Now with PS3 coming out in 2005 with another insane gaming system - Xbox has its work cut out. But for the "hardcore" - they simply will buy both.
Fact: PS2 has sold more units than ANY of the current gaming systems on the market combined.

Went with a PS1. There are loads of games out there for cheap. Coupled with the fact that she is only 6 and it will be mostly her and her friends playing. I cannot justify the additional $150 for the PS2.

Ron - Being able to also play ALL PS1 games does justify the purchase not to mention DVD playback. I'm thinking that $150 you saved went to one of those Adcom amps.;) Dam - I paid $330 for the PS1. But that was long ago.

My daughter want's a Play Station for her B-day.

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