Am lost, confused, afraid...

[notnowbernard]

As a family we have zero in the form of games technology

But dd1 (7) has started on about a DS or a Wii for Christmas

I need to know:

Are they worth it - will the dds get into it aged 4 and 7?

What is better for a 7yr old, a DS or a Wii?

Am truly clueless. Don't even know where to go to buy something like that

[dietstartstmoz]

Ooh a wii definately, my DC are 3 and nearly 6, and although the little one is too young to play, they both love it. It is something they can play together and the whole family can play games on it, create people etc. Good games for the family would be the new one, wii party, sports resort is also good fun. I'm sure you will all enjoy it, good luck.

[fifitrixibell]

We are exactly the same, and our DCs (7 and 5) are desparate for a Wii. We are clueless also, so I can't help you but can sympathise, and will watch this thread to enlighten myself!

We are thinking of getting a Wii as a family present,from grandparents too, thus cutting down dramatically on the amount of junk presents around on Christmas day

[thisiswhataluv]

the wii is more of a family thing where everyone can get involved, however some games can be 1 player.
the ds is 1 player only and aimed at children 4+,
imo , the ds and the wii are both worth the money, both have pros and cons aswell....
as mentioned above the wii is great for family time as up to 4 players can play at once providing you have all the remotes etc...
speaking of remotes, the wii costs more in respect of accesories, whereas the ds doesnt need any extra bits... and the ds games are slightly cheaper than the wii games
hth

[ConnorTraceptive]

I would go for a wii as others have said it can involve the whole family, also being able to use i player on it is dead handy

[TmiEdward]

We have a Wii, and my DS1(5yo) loves playing with DH. Sometimes we'll all play together, DS2 (2) has a controller with no battery and so thinks he's playing!

On the other hand I have a DS, which I let DS1 use occasionally, like on long car journeys. I think a lot of the appeal though is because it's used as a treat.

[bluecheesedip]

Wii definitely. I have 3 dc - 8,6,4 they all love it but ds1 in particular. That's he reason we didn't go for the ds - hard enough to get him away from the wii - wouldn't want him to have something portable

[TmiEdward]

Oh yes, we use iPlayer on the Wii all the time. We don't have a digital recorder, so it's great for catching up on programmes, and being able to watch on the TV rather than computer is a huge bonus!

Extra controllers and nunchuks are pricey, but you can often get them in a games bundle. I think we just got an extra set with Wii Party.

[notnowbernard]

Right. Thanks all, this is very helpful

I do prefer the idea of something that can be played with others in a communal area rather than in an isolative way

Next query:

Am clueless as to where to purchase a Wii, or what I need to go with it... is it 'all in' or do I have to buy accessories separately?

DP and I are Neanderthal when it comes to this sort of thing

[Danthe4th]

Good offer on the red wii in asda its £150 also mario kart is brill, make sure you get an extra controller and nunchuck.

[notnowbernard]

Pardon my ignorance but WTF is a Nunchuck

[minipen]

Nunchuck is another type of controller.

If you are wanting more remotes (some games you need one each to play games together) it may be worth looking at buying wii party which is a new game and comes with remote, it's a cheaper way of getting more remotes & games we have found.

[TheNextMrsDepp]

Go to Game and ask one of the nerds nice chaps who work there - they are well used to helping clueless parents unravel the mysteries of gaming. You can guarantee that whichever package you buy you will always need to shell out for more bits and bobs (controllers, docking stations etc.).

The Wii is great fun, but the DS is extremely handy as it's portable - great for those half-hours of hanging about while dd-whatever finishes her swimming lesson.

[thisiswhataluv]

some of the games require the normal wii remote and a nunchuck ...
there are a couple of things you can buy to go with the wii

wii fit board - to use with wii fit game
wii steering wheel- to use mario kart
and the nunchuks to be used with a few of the games

[tefal]

Another one for wii! Speak to the guys in game and they will help....I'd do it sooner rather than later though as they can be difficult to get for Christmas.

[Lynli]

Definitely like the wii, bought it last year but with wii fit and four controllers and games and dance mat it cost an arm and a leg.

I would recommend the controller chargers you can buy for about £10 as you will spend a fortune on batteries if you don't have one.

[notnowbernard]

Will be going into town tomorrow, will go to Game, thanks for the tip

So the Wii Party thing... what is that exactly? Is that lots of games in 1 that we can all play?

Just to give you an idea of what we're like:

We have the dds who are 4 and just 7. They are quite 'girly' and have not owned any sort of games technology before

DP is by no stretch of the imagination a gamer. The last thing he was enthusiastic about was Defender

I haven't played on a DS/Wii/Xbox ever so know diddly squat

What games/package would you recommend?

[notnowbernard]

bumpety bump

[tefal]

Don't know about wii party but ours came with wii sports where you can bowl and play tennis so they include all of the family.

Off to look at wii party.

[taffetacat]

We have capitulated and are getting DS(7) a DS for Christmas. DH is a bit anti so a Wii wouldn't work here, he'd rather not hear it/be involved. Its our first piece of gaming technology.

I have done lots of research, Game are indeed great for advice but not the best value, IMO. John Lewis were the cheapest ( I know! )for what we want, and although the bundles look like a good deal, only really are if its the game you want included. DS games that I will be recommending rellies to buy include:
Animal Crossing
Junior Brain Training
FIFA 11
Doctor Who - waiting to see what age recommendation this is when its released next week

I don't really want him having any shoot em up games, more puzzle type.

I am quite excited - I think I may get a Prof Layton game and pinch his DS whilst he sleeps.....

[TheNextMrsDepp]

Top tip - buy a Pre-Owned DS from Game. You save a fair amount of money, and your dd won't give a stuff. Dd2 had one for her 7th birthday; it was pristine, just in a brown box.

Pre-Owned games are also great value - we have never had any problems with them as apparently they are pretty bombproof.

[angelpantser]

If you buy a Wii invest in a battery charger and a few rechargable batteries. My DCs can go through a couple of sets (vv competitive in Mario Kart). DS (3 nearly 4) has just mastered Mario Kart and is already challenging his sisters. I also bought a pre-owned Wii Party game from Game. Cost about £14. Games on it are OK but worth it for the free controller alone.

Also try Amazon and Play.com for games.

[notnowbernard]

Thankyou all

Ventured into Game today and spoke to a young chap who was helpful

Still none the wiser to which 'bundle' I want

There was 1 with Wii Sports and Sports Resort

1 with MArio Brothers game

1 with something (can't remember what) and a choice of an extra game

[notnowbernard]

Can I ask which games your DC like? Mine are girls, 4 and 7

Can't see them being into Mario Kart or such like tbh

[TheNextMrsDepp]

Wii Sports and Sports Resort are pretty good for the whole family - there will be something for your 4yo to have a go at.

Mine love Mario, but are a little older than yours (11/9/7).