everyone in my class has a playstation...

[Fossil]

so says ds who is 5. The thing is, we wouldn't mind him having a playstation if we knew the first (and I mean first) thing about them. Is there some idiot's guide somewhere that can explain to us terms such as xbox, nintendo, wii3, and of course playstation, so that we can make an informed choice?

It's a minefield isnt' it Fossil ?

My DS has a PS2 (we were given it !)and DH has had a nintendo in the past.

Xbox is similar and does similar things I think, however the wii takes things to a whole new level and from what my friends tell me is a much better opportunity to involve the whole family with the games as opposed to the kids being shut in their rooms.

My DS can have 2 players on his PS2 and we do have age appropriate games for him IMO anyway (current favourite is the lego figures Star Wars)

Top tip, get yourself an egg timer or some method of recording play time, as DS would stay on it all day and however much that may suit me I dont believe its a good thing to let them do their own thing as he is 41/2 and will kick off if we get too take our eye off the ball.

It works the other way though and if we have "good behaviour" he gets a timed play and if he is not good then either time is taken off or that days play is withdrawn altogether.

We now have an XBox - apparently it's "the business" for gamers (according to my dh), oneof the attractions being Xbox Live (you can game with players worldwide, as on internet) and we also use as a multimedia device - but these features are for my geeky dh not for ds.

I think wii is probably best for younger kids as lots of activity

Wii is great lots of good games for little ones

ps3 too grown up games wise

ps2 very good games but console getting older iyswim

i would think a wii best for longevity and games, you can pre-owned too in Game shops which are cheaper.

They are all variations of the same thing made by different companies.

Playstation 3 is the most up to date version of that brand but you can still get new games for Playstation 2 so they are worth getting second hand (Game or similar shops sell them). DS1 has one and being second hand it was lot cheaper than a new PS3. Playstation also have a handheld console, the PSP.

Wii is probably the most up to date although I could be wrong - I am no expert. It is made by Nintendo. It is pretty expensive and has been in short supply.
Nintendo also make a hand held console - Nintendo DS.

You have a choice between hand held, portable console and one that you plug into the telly and can be played by more than one person.

Don't really know anything about the xbox.

Wii:
The best 'family' option. Everybody can join in with games like mariokart and wii sports.

Ps3:
Better 'gaming' and graphics, though not so family friendly (most games are 1player, with the exception of a few 2 player games). Learning curve is a little steeper (i.e games tend to be 'harder'. It does have a blu-ray player however, and upscales dvds (geeky way of saying it makes your dvds look better). Free online play

Xbox:
Similar to the ps3, except:
-It has no extras, such as a blu ray player
-You have to pay for online gaming (~£40 a year)
-Slightly more choice of games
-A bit cheaper (if you don't buy xbox live)

Hope this helps!

You can pick up PS2s cheapy and the games are cheap too. Easy to get second hand, in shops and on ebay..
If you buy a new console the games are 30-40 EACH.
PS2, games from 1.99-24.99 and theres a HUGE selection. Look on ebay.

I agree, ask on freecycle for a PS1 perhaps??? Def get a PS2 2nd hand stores such as game sell them 2nd hand with a guarantee etc, games are so cheap 2nd hand and more suitable for young children.

Or get a wii

PS2 has eyetoy, much cheaper version of wii

PS2 - very good for picking up cheap games (£3.99 ones at Morrisons etc).

When the boys full size PS2 broke a few months ago I replaced it with...........a brand new slimline PS2.

Cargirl - I wouldn't ask for a PS1, games much harder to get hold of now and not really compatible with PS2 games............

ps3 offer more than just a game player - see what Computer said about Blue-ray and read more about Blu-ray supporters scent victory

Others do games, for games only.

We only got one in December, youngest dd is now 9. Managed to live without one and they don't go on it often. Maybe 2 hours a week for games. The DVD's look great played through the ps3.

They aren't bothered by it TBH. They have used other game units mentioned here, at friends houses and it's not their thing.

Sony makes PlayStation.
Microsoft makes Xbox
Nintendo makes Wii.

We (me and dp) have an Xbox. It's defiantly an adult console. I wouldn't even consider buying one for a child under 12.

PlayStation has games that are more aimed at children and if your son wants one, I agree that PlayStation 2 (aka ps2) is the one to buy. It has plenty of cheap games aimed at your child's age and you will be able to pick up a console nice and cheap.
I wouldn't buy a PlayStation 3, its far too advanced for a five year old and IMO far too expensive.
I wouldn't buy a PlayStation (aka PS1), this is the first PlayStation console. Although it will be dirt cheap now you may struggle to find games and his friends at school may be playing games that might not be compatible with a basic PlayStation.

If I was buying for a five year old I would buy a Wii. Its a completely different way of playing computer games. Its the new technology. Its all about interaction, your movements direct whats happening on the screen, so if you are playing tennis for example you have to actually swing the controller as if you were hitting the ball and your movements are mimicked on screen. It encourages movement rather than just sitting down.It's amazing how quickly children of all ages learn the different skills needed.
The brilliant thing about this console is that its just as much fun for adults, so as everybody has said it encourages family interaction. Its also great for parties, BBQ'S etc.

Whatever console you are buying be careful what games you buy. If you are not sure I would ask the people in the games shops if the game is suitable for your DS age. Some games look innocent but have swearing and fighting etc.

(soory for the really long answer - got carried away!)

Urmmm - I think you will find that not Everyone has them. Just a couple who talk very loudly and continuously about them

Took me so long to write I x posts with everyone!