PS3 or Xbox or Wii - DPChallenge Forums

07/23/2009 05:21:19 AM · #1

Ok so I have caved and agreed to get a game 'system' for the family for xmas. I know nothing a bout any of these systems. What can you tell me about them and their pro's and con's.
I have 2 girls 12 and 9. I am only interested in games that are good for the family, no shoot em and kill em games!
I am waiting to be edumacated :)

07/23/2009 05:31:49 AM · #2

They all three have plenty of none violent family friendly games. But if you want the most bang for your buck. Can't go wrong with The Wii. Lots of fun for everyone. on a side note. Did you enjoy todays Wellington Weather? Yuck!!!!

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 05:33:15.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 II

07/23/2009 05:37:03 AM · #3

LOL welcome back to Wellington ;) We had a very exciting trip back from Upper Hutt bout 5.30 this evening had to drive through lots of floods!

So what games does a Wii have?

Starbanana

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

07/23/2009 05:51:33 AM · #4

I would say the Wii is the best family console (I have all 3)

The games are more geared to a family style, sports games that make you get up and do stuff, fitness games which are good for the adults in the family & some cutesy games which are great for girls.

The PS3 is probably the better quality console & has the advantage of being a Blu-Ray player. Lots of variety of games so you will be able to avoid the killing & shooting games. Little Big Planet is a fab game, really cute & fun.

XBox 360 I would say is more a hardcore gamers system, most of the games we have on it are the ones you want to avoid.

Just my tuppence worth & I am definitely not a complete know-it-all when it comes to game systems as I only buy a few games a year.

Paul

Leica SL

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

07/23/2009 05:53:19 AM · #5

We have a PS3 and a Wii.

For girls of that age the Wii is far more suitable - though the PS3 is a far, far more powerful machine.

Be aware though - the PS3 offers quite a bit more than just games since it is also a media and Blu-Ray player too (it is really good at offering you a way to show off your photos and add-on bits and pieces can turn it into a Tivo-like device).

Generally the Wii is a much more social entity - many of the games are excellent family fun; however, there are some good family games on the PS3 - the quiz game 'Buzz' and 'Singstar' for example.

Other good kids games for the PS3 are the Lego series (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Batman) but their appeal to girls may be a little less.

Overall, for you - I'd suggest the Wii.

[ edit ] oops - crossed postings! Yes, I would agree - Little Big Planet is almost worth the PS3 just by itself (though only on a HD panel! Other screens don't do it justice)

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 05:55:14.

07/23/2009 05:58:11 AM · #6

Thanks, Its nice to be back. Most games are available in all 3 formats, With exception of the exlusives such as Mario themed games etc, We have a few that our kids really enjoy. Most recent purchase is a Highschool Musical sing along game. Wii sports is quite fun for entire family which usually comes bundled with the system. My best advice would be to take a trip to someplace like Queens Gate mall and check out the game shops there to get some ideas of what games are available for each system. After you decide what you like go to the Warehouse for a bit better price.

07/23/2009 05:58:19 AM · #7

Good advice so far....so does the Wii have any games that are not "motion" ones?

My older daughter mentioned itoy that she played at someone's house that is like Wii but on PS3 any thoughts on this?

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

07/23/2009 06:02:34 AM · #8

Yes Wii has alot of games that you can sit back in the recliner and play without working up a sweat. Can't say I have heard of the itoy you mention, But for the most part, I play the Xbox and leave the Wii for our kids, Or I should say for the most part our kids hog the Wii and leave the Xbox for myself. lol

eta: Wild Earth African Safari is a fun game that does not require any effort apart from pressing buttons. You travel around Africa taking photos of the Animals. If you kids like Horses like my youngest daughter does. Gallop and Ride is a fun game for kids, Most of the Mario games are good sit down games.

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 06:07:49.

Paul

Leica SL

07/23/2009 06:11:17 AM · #9

The iToy is a video camera which you connect the the PS3, in then allows you to do some stuff with gesture (without a controller) for certain (slightly lame) applications. The PS3 remotes are also motion sensitive by the way - the Wii doesn't have a monopoly on that, though Nintendo do make the most of this feature.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 II

07/23/2009 06:23:55 AM · #10

Hmmm it seems in NZ there is a $300 - $400 difference between the Wii and PS3.....

Having had a look at games available and the fact it is cheaper I am leaning towards Wii so is there nothing wrong with Wii that we have to watch out for?

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 06:36:08.

Starbanana

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

07/23/2009 06:50:43 AM · #11

Originally posted by joynim:

Never had any problems with mine.Think its an all round great console.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

07/23/2009 07:05:07 AM · #12

We had to take our first Wii back after the second day of use because it literly ate a disk. But I believe it was user error vs faulty product. The kids were fighting over which game to play and tried pulling on the disk while it the Wii was trying to pull it into the machine, It caused the disk to go in crooked and when the drive started to spin the disk wobbled and got ground up and remained stuck in the unit. We took it back and had it replaced with no problems. Since then we haven't had any issues.

tpbremer

Nikon D80

07/23/2009 09:58:32 AM · #13

I was going to chime in with a Wii recommendation. I have two daughters who like playing it quite a bit. If you don't have a wireless router in the home, you may want to get one so you can get online play with your games. It only connects online wirelessly.

For example, we play Mario Kart against people from all over the world. Its pretty fun. I also saw that the newest Tiger Woods golf game (which may not appeal to the girls) uses real time weather information. So if you play Bethpage Black in the game and its raining there, it will be raining in the game. Cool.

Games like MySims, and Animal Crossing appeal to the younger kids. WiiFit is also supposed to be pretty cool, but I can't vouch for it personally as I don't own it.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

07/23/2009 10:05:50 AM · #14

I'd say go for either the Wii or the PS3. I have all 3 and ps3 is a better console but the Wii is way more family oriented. Personally i use the ps3 for so much, aside from gaming i use it as a media extender so i can watch any movies on my home wireless network directly via ps3.

I have the Wii fit its kinda BS but fun nonetheless and some games even utilize it.

FORGET XBOX.... i have gone through 3 of them, crap equipment, it always gets the famous 3 red lights of death, if you call Xboxlive call center they have a prerecorded option for xbox's with that problem, THATS how common of an issue it is. xbox is a waste of cash, i dont know anyone who hasn't suffered the 3 red lights problem.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/23/2009 10:26:09 AM · #15

Originally posted by joynim:

Cost difference is because of the graphics and horsepower under the hood. That and the target market. (imo) the WII is intended for the younger and elder crowds. XBox360 and PS3 are for those in between. WII grapics aren't even in the same league as the other two. The games tend to be cuter and more simplistic. Those that enjoy true HD (1080p) will lean towards the 360 or PS3. Again they all have their target audience, my inlaws have a WII and they are in their 70's (good for them).

Xbox Live (there is a subscription cost to be Gold Member) has been around for quite a while now (2002) and the other two are still playing catch up in that arena. I can't say much about the others social networking but Xbox Live has been fun to watch grow (I was an original beta tester). It went from simple playing games with a handful of friends, to a mass media outlet. I was in a game of 1 vs 100 (

buzzrock was sitting right next to me on the screen at least) that had more than 40,000 people all playing against the 1. I also stream all my Netflix movies and TV shows from my 360.

I'm ready for next years Xbox (the accesory at least) Project Natal :)

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 10:27:22.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

07/23/2009 10:47:49 AM · #16

Also don't forget the ps3 plays blueray discs, which Xbox and Wii do not.

I've had the Wii for a while, theres a common problem with the AC adaptor popping, but that's easily replaced, hasn't happend to me yet but i have seen many that popped. Other than poor graphics in comparison to PS3 the Wii doesn't have any major issues to worry about.

cryan

Nikon D700

07/23/2009 11:07:31 AM · #17

I've never had the ring of death on my x-box. We have all three system in my home. I guess which system you get depends on who will be using it and for what. Yes the Wii is more family oriented, but both the PS3 and X-Box have more uses. If you have netfix, you can stream directly onto the tv, just pick out the movie on the computer and watch on the x-box. The x-box live is also a better server than the PS network, downside there is you have to pay for it, although not expensive. On the PS3 side you have a machine that plays blueray disks, they are supposed to be better but haven't bothered to check. PS3 I have had problems with, however Sony had me a replacement within a week so can't really complain. Basically, all three are great systems and it all depends what you are goingto be using them for.

dagaleaa

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

07/23/2009 11:17:07 AM · #18

I would suggest the Wii as well....a great system for a group of young people or a family to play together...very interactive, and in some cases very realistic too. I don't have any young children in my household anymore, but I've gathered a group of adults (ages 40's to 60's)and we had a fantastic time playing and laughing. I also have the new fitness game--active personal trainer, and you can totally customize it for a really hard work-out! I play Animal Crossing City Folk almost every day, and the new Raving Rabbits game is a great group " party" game. They are now coming out with the new motion sensor that attaches to the bottom of your controllers that gives you even more realistic movements, and a new variety of sports game, etc. that uses the new sensor.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

07/23/2009 11:18:18 AM · #19

Originally posted by cryan:

I've never had the ring of death on my x-box.

You will eventually, but seriously good for you you're one of the few I've heard of who haven't had that issue, how long have you had it? And how heavily do you use it to play games?

cryan

Nikon D700

07/23/2009 12:01:06 PM · #20

Originally posted by Timosaby:

Originally posted by cryan:
I've never had the ring of death on my x-box.

You will eventually, but seriously good for you you're one of the few I've heard of who haven't had that issue, how long have you had it? And how heavily do you use it to play games?

I've had mine almost a year now, and it gets played just about everyday for at least 6 hours sometimes more if the kids are watching movies. I got mine after Microsoft announced that they had fixed most of the bugs in the system. We shall see if it lasts, however, I do think that X-Box Live is far easier to connect with and keep the connection than the PS network.

AJSullivan

07/23/2009 12:25:25 PM · #21

I have a Wii and an Xbox. If you want family friendly games, I would go with the Wii...so many. If you want something that looks good, go xbox. If you want a blu-ray player, go ps3.

PS3 is in hot water though with some game companies, so it may be the first of the next gen to go obsolete.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

07/23/2009 12:43:03 PM · #22

I would go for a Wii as it is more family orientated. My daughter just added a Wii fit board and my grandsons love it. I love my Xbox and I do let them have a go at a couple of racing games I have, which are suitable for them.

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 12:43:37.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/23/2009 12:47:48 PM · #23

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

I have a Wii and an Xbox. If you want family friendly games, I would go with the Wii...so many. If you want something that looks good, go Xbox. If you want a blu-ray player, go ps3.

PS3 is in hot water though with some game companies, so it may be the first of the next gen to go obsolete.

I would argue the opposite, game developers are often forced to "Dumb down" games for the Xbox because the DVDs cant hold as much data as bluray discs. Add to that lack of Bluray and the monthly pay to play online fees, looks to me as though the Xbox is going obsolete long before PS3.

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

07/23/2009 01:41:12 PM · #24

The current line-up of Xbox 360 have virtually eliminated the ring-of-death issues (the Xbox Elite, for example). These latest models have larger heat sinks and have a different lead-free solder than the original Xbox 360s. Those two items were supposedly the root cause.

Also, as someone has already mentioned, if you want to be able to stream NetFlix movies or to use your console as a multimedia center (storing your videos and recorded TV shows) and watching these movies elsewhere in your house, then Xbox is the way to go.