Picking the correct system for your child can be a tedious problem in which many factors fall into play. There's the cost of each unit as well as the games, the online compatibility, the quality of the system in terms of shelf life, and the style of the games. So this article will discuss the different systems available and which one is suited for which age groups and or interests. To start off I will begin with last generation's consoles:
Nintendo GameCube
The cheapest choice out of all the available consoles. Some pros of buying this system would be the cheap games and the fun for all ages. But the games are centered around a much younger gaming public so this unit is not recommended for hardcore gamers looking for difficult games and Mature rated thrills. It is however the perfect system for a young kid who doesn't plan on spending his life playing but who would like some good times with friends every once and a while. Games like Mario Cart Double Dash and Super Smash Brothers are some of the most famous games for this system and for anyone ages 8-16 this can bring endless entertainment. But don't expect new games to come out each month because Nintendo has closed down all new titles for Nintendo GameCube games. Overall this system is good for families on a tight budget but who still would like a great system.
Overall Grade: B-
Playstation 2
The second installment in the Playstation series. This was the dominant system in it's time and many of the games played on this system are still great today. These games however are centered more around the older age groups although it offers games for both the casual and hardcore games. The games can still be somewhat expensive though coming in at $5 for the old games up to $45 dollars for the brand new games. Games on this system have decent graphics and the systems controls are easy to learn. The types of games offered on this console range from sports, to M rated First Person Shooters (abbreviated FPS), to adventures with vast environments. It was the king of the last generation consoles and is still a great buy today for people not willing to shell out the extra 200 dollars for the top of the line systems today.
The online capabilities for this system exist and are free but the number of players you will find online nowadays are very limited. This system is perfect for older gamers who want to be able to play great games now and again but aren't able to spend the 400 dollars on the new systems. Games are still coming out on this system so the variety of games will keep on increasing. This system is perfect for older but still casual gamers.
Overall grade: B+
XBox
The final last generation system is the original XBox manufactured by Microsoft. It is still about the same price as a PS2 and it has alike graphics and games. But some killer games on this system which makes it the superior system to some is the legendary game Halo 1 or 2. This sells the system to some people but for younger gamers or people not into hardcore shooting games Halo makes no difference. The new line of games is closed on this system so what you see in the stores today is what you will see for a year. But because of this the games are much cheaper and affordable. The online for an X-Box does need to be payed for still, although it isn't too expensive.
But unlike the PS2, gamers actually still play the old XBox Live especially games like Halo and Call of Duty. This system is alike the PS2 in the type of gamers that apply so the decision between these systems come between the types of game you like to play. Halo fans should pick the X-Box while those who aren't should pick the PS2 due to its better controller configuration and the new games keep you hooked on the system.
Overall Grade: B+
Now for next-generation systems, the kings in terms of gaming quality, as well as graphics of the games. These titles can make anything seem real they are a hardcore gamer's paradise. But they don't come cheap. Most of these systems go for well over 300 dollars and the most expensive can reach a whopping total of 500 dollars, a dent on anyone's paycheck. But in exchange you get top of the line gaming quality. As a trait of all these systems, they are for the gamers who truly love gaming, not for the casual gamer aiming to play only once and a while.
