Xbox or GamesCube or PS2?

[robaustin]

PS2 is putting out a new version in a few months btw, and its loaded with more personal features than with gameplay options, so thats a good reason right there not to consider that one.

I wouldn't consider that a BAD thing. What you're speaking of is simply built in IR, with remote for DVd playback, and included network adapter - so that online gaming becomes a no brainer. And since most online gaming is free on the PS2 - that one ups it over X-Box live.

Now - as for a family console - for the little ones the GameCube is great. No doubt about it.

BUT - the PS2 CAN be just as good if you know what games to get. There is a much bigger variety of family games for the PS2 then most people know about. Looking at Amazon's top sellers - there is a Finding Nemo game, Hot shots golf (cartoon golf); Scooby Doo, Jimmy Neutron, Yu-Gi-Oh!, SpongeBob, Spyro the Dragon, Jack and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Disney Golf - and that's all just in the Top 100. Favorite characters all. All kid friendly games. Saying the PS2 isn't good for the little ones is absolutely untrue - just get the right games.

Now - when people are looking at game consoles my best advice is this: Ask the kids friends' what they have (or ask the parents). Why? Because your kids will be trading games, taking memory cards to friends' houses, etc.. and will want to play the same games they play. If the majority of the kids' friends have PS2 - get PS2. If it's gameCube - then get that. It's common ground, they'll be able to share the expeirence with friends.

I think it's a 50/50 split between PS2 and GAmeCube.

--*Rob

 

[robaustin]

Oh yes and did I mention PS2 will have DVD with Remote out of the box? (Xbox costs extra, GameCube doesn't use DVD discs). Good for the kids - especially if they game in a room that doesn't have a DVD player. Even better if you don't own a DVD player yet.

--*Rob

 

[rafrost]

Hmmmm,
Thanks everyone for you're help. I've still got to think about this some more.

Did I mention that my 6 year old son is a Godzilla maniac. Probably will have to get that game too.

 

[drothgery]

I agree with everything except owning multiple consoles. You have a problem if you own more than one brand of current consoles.

Maybe, but it's a problem I like having. I've got all three consoles, though I've gotten the least use out of my Cube. But a 27-year old single guy who plays mostly RPGs and a handful of sports games (though I keep DOA3 around for an outlet for senseless violence) has rather different needs than someone buying a console for two young children.

Because of the RPG-nut status, the PS2's been my primary game system, but that's likely to change later this year. Fable, Sudeki, and Knights of the Old Republic on Xbox and FF:Crystal Chronicles, and Tales of Symphonia on the Cube all look more interesting than any PS2 offerings in the 2H2003/1Q2004 stack.

 

[John Crichton]

Maybe, but it's a problem I like having. I've got all three consoles, though I've gotten the least use out of my Cube. But a 27-year old single guy who plays mostly RPGs and a handful of sports games (though I keep DOA3 around for an outlet for senseless violence) has rather different needs than someone buying a console for two young children.

Similar here. I haven't used my Xbox for much but that will change later this year.

I still say that even with kids the PS2 is a solid choice even when compared to the Gamecube. The sheer number of choices plus all the old PS1 games makes that possible. But the addition of the Gameboy player helps the Cube a great deal. Honestly, you couldn't go wrong with either.

 

[Alzrius]

(Xbox costs extra, GameCube doesn't use DVD discs). Good for the kids - especially if they game in a room that doesn't have a DVD player. Even better if you don't own a DVD player yet.

Here in Japan, a hybrid Gamecube/DVD player was made a little while ago by Panasonic. It's called the GameCube Q, and was never offered for sale outside of the country.

However, many websites do offer it for sale. Most of those websites also have modded the console so that it can play DVDs from any region, and can play American and Japanese games. It can be a bit pricey, but if you want a Cube and a DVD player, thats it.

One thing to note is that they have stopped making them over here due to the fact that the thing rests on legs, meaning that the system will NOT work with the new Game Boy Player. All the other accessories work fine though, and it even has a wireless remote (albeit in Japanese, but there are sites to help with that).

 

[robaustin]

I still say that even with kids the PS2 is a solid choice even when compared to the Gamecube. The sheer number of choices plus all the old PS1 games makes that possible. But the addition of the Gameboy player helps the Cube a great deal. Honestly, you couldn't go wrong with either.

Ah yes! Hadn't thought about that - all the PS1 games that are available. Usually the kids don't much care about the graphics, and PS1 games are very cheap now (you can get used ones for under $5 at most game stores). Also most of the new titles being made for PS1 are kid games.

Yes PS2 is quite a good choice.

--*Rob

 

[Ristamar]

PS2 is putting out a new version in a few months btw, and its loaded with more personal features than with gameplay options, so thats a good reason right there not to consider that one.

Originally posted by robaustin

I wouldn't consider that a BAD thing. What you're speaking of is simply built in IR, with remote for DVd playback, and included network adapter - so that online gaming becomes a no brainer. And since most online gaming is free on the PS2 - that one ups it over X-Box live.

--*Rob

I think Alzrius is referring to the PSX due out this fall, which will include a hard drive to support TiVo-like functionality, a DVD burner, built in ethernet, and other "home entertainment hub" features.

Of course, the PSX isn't really a console option. It's more of a 'I have too much money so what can I spend it on' option since there is no chance this thing will weigh in under $499.

 

[Welverin]

I think Alzrius is referring to the PSX due out this fall, which will include a hard drive to support TiVo-like functionality, a DVD burner, built in ethernet, and other "home entertainment hub" features.

Actually I don't think he was. Sony will be releasing a new series of the PS2 with the network adaptor and hard drive built in, or one or the other.

 

[robaustin]

Actually I don't think he was. Sony will be releasing a new series of the PS2 with the network adaptor and hard drive built in, or one or the other.

The "PS2 Version 2" will have the network adapter and IR built in and come with the DVD remote. That is all it will have added. You will be able to turn the unit off from the remote as well. That is ALL it will have. It will cost $199


The PSX is a different animal altogether - incorporating a PS2, hard drive, DVD writer, TIVO like capability and other features all in one. I'm betting it will cost upwards of $499.


--*Rob