Any gamers about? Want something like a Wii...

[PantyhoseAndRoses]

Have got DC's birthdays coming up, and in terms of presents, have been thinking what we could enjoy doing together. Up until now, I've avoided any sort of games console for them at all because I just know they'll end up spending all their time on it also why I don't let myself own any sort of games console
At 5 and 8 I'm not sure I'd be massively happily about that.

BUT...I know we'd have a laugh together on something like a Wii, or something where we could play together like Super Mario Kart. I'm not interested in spending £££ on the latest model of whatever, I'll happily get an old second hand model of whatever, if it fits the bill.

Is there anything the gamers of MN would recommend for young kids that is multiplayer and is good for adults to play with too?

Disclaimer: the last time I had a games console it was a Sega Megadrive.

The switch?
You can get Mario kart on that

The Nintendo switch is very similar to the Wii and you can buy Mario and Mario kart with it.

Why not an actual Wii?

Definitely a switch

I agree that a Wii fits the brief of what you're looking for. They're cheap to pick up from Game / CEX and the games for them are dirt cheap.

Nintendo Switch. They will play it a lot but some good games, Animal Crossing is nice and relaxing for them, Mario Kart everyone can compete.

You need Nintendo Switch. That’s the modern equivalent. Nintendo games are lovely!

Wii U is similar to the switch in that you can play on a hand held device as well as on the TV

I just bought a Wii from eBay - our original one broke. Quite cheap as a bundle with lots of games and accessories. I think the old type one us better than the ones that can also be used as a handheld device as more interactive.

Thanks. Oh yes, forgot to say cheap is also good! Hadn't thought of a Switch, but it seems to be the overriding recommendation here. Quite pricey though so am leaning towards a second hand Wii...

@PantyhoseAndRoses

Thanks. Oh yes, forgot to say cheap is also good! Hadn't thought of a Switch, but it seems to be the overriding recommendation here. Quite pricey though so am leaning towards a second hand Wii...

I think the Switch is brilliant, but it is expensive, and the games are pretty pricey. I think for a first foray into gaming the wii is accessible with the benefit of being cheap.

Get a second hand Wii not the switch, games are cheap on eBay and it's old tech, Mario games will still be kinda pricey though, they tend to never go down in price

If you go for a second hand older console I'd recommend you look for the Wii U ather than the original Wii. Wii U is backwards compatible with original Wii games as well as playing the newer Wii U games.

I don't think a Switch is the best sharing console tbh. Alhough it's a lot of fun for a single-user, I don't think it's as good for multi-play. A Wii or a Playstation would be better imo.

Thanks - have plumped for the Wii after all, with an eye on the Switch for a future purchase if the Wii goes down well. Suspect I'll have a couple of rather excited DC though, so thank you.

We have a switch and it’s great for multiplayer family games. The graphics are not al good on the wii and it’s a lot slower. We have an old wii aswell which has been relegated to the basement.

My DS has a Switch but plays the Wii at his after school club. All the kids really enjoy playing Mario Kart together, so it's perfect for what you want. Enjoy!

We have both the switch and an old Wii. Both are good but to have all the family playing on the switch involves more expensive extra bits, whereas the Wii is all 2nd hand. We do lots of family stuff on both, but I do like the Wii. I like the Wii board for whole body things like hooks hooping.