Anybody have a recommendations for the Best game console to buy? [Archive]

Stelliform

Dec 2, 2003, 11:34 PM

We are thinking about getting a system for my 5 year old and.... me. :D

Which system is a better fit for a 5 year old and.... me.

Playstation 1

Pro: Price
Con: Old

Gamecube...

Pro: Price
Con: few games... (Correct me if I am wrong)

Playstation 2

Pro: Plays lots of games PS1 and PS2
Con: Expensive

XBox:

Pro: Backing by a Bazillion Dollar Corp
Con: Made by M$

Don't get ugly please, but what do you guys think. Remember, I am not going to mod the box, or try to boot Linux (I have OSX thanks. :)) I just want it for games for primarily my 5 year old. And me a little bit...

WorshSean

Dec 2, 2003, 11:38 PM

Well, if you gamed when you were younger, you'd love the new Metriod and other Nintendo games. Plus, the third party on the Cube isn't as bad as people make it out to be. But if it's mostly for your son, I'd definitly recommend the GameCube. It will be the easyest for him to learn and play.

hugemullens

Dec 2, 2003, 11:44 PM

GameCube rocks. Mario Sunshine is great, metroid, the starwars games, plus a great deal of the games are on all 3 consoles. I would avoid the ps2, its kinda old now days, it still has great game support but the xbox and gamecube are doing just fine for game support now. I have had all 3 (ps2 died), and i modded the xbox so it gets used the most, but i love the gamecube to. And its cheap. If you not going to mod, gamecube all the way.

Stelliform

Dec 2, 2003, 11:46 PM

I had kind of started hearing good things about the gamecube. Did you know it is outselling the XBox? I heard that a few months ago...

Isn't the Gamecube around $100 now?

Nermal

Dec 2, 2003, 11:46 PM

Get a Pippin :p

Stelliform

Dec 3, 2003, 12:03 AM

If I could find one I might consider it!

Thanks for showing me something new today. I had never heard of a Pippin before.

I had no idea that the XBox was an Apple idea stolen by M$!!! What a Pippin is... (http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Pippin)

here is an ebay auction for one...

Ebay Aution for Apple Pippin (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3059852463&category=187)

LethalWolfe

Dec 3, 2003, 12:04 AM

The GC has the best variety of games in terms of age group. You can get everything from Pokemon and Mario to Hitman 2 and Resident Evil.

The only drawbacks to the GC, for me, are the controller (which I don't think is handles the variety of gaming genre's as well as other controlers do) and the fact that Sega Sports doesn't develop GC games anymore.

Lethal

HasanDaddy

Dec 3, 2003, 12:11 AM

whats the GameCube mod?

etoiles

Dec 3, 2003, 01:06 AM

another question would be: what kind of games would you and your kid like to play ?

Like Lethal said, I think the GC has the best selection of 'kid' games (for kids of all ages ;)) as well as a good selection of more 'serious' stuff. But if you are into a particular genre like racing, RPG or some sports, then you might want to consider the PS2, too.

I don't know of any game on the Xbox that would be suitable for a 5year old, but you might want to investigate.

manitoubalck

Dec 3, 2003, 01:26 AM

The Dreamcast Lives

themadchemist

Dec 3, 2003, 02:01 AM

The GameCube is the platform with games best targeted for that young cohort. I think you'll definitely be disappointed with the quality of Playstation & Playstation 2 games for kids that age. I convinced my parents to buy a PS2, saying that it would be great for my little bro, as well. They bought it and a couple "kiddy games," which were terrible.

Now, I thought it would end there. When I was little, it took a long time before I used to get a new game. But they are always softer on the younger son. They bought my little brother a GameCube the following summer.

He plays the PS2 sometimes, but it's mainly I who play it, when I'm home for breaks. It's geared toward an older audience.

He and his friends have a great time, though, with GameCube games, and I'd say there's enough of a range for the system to grow with him. He'll have a good time w/games like Sonic, Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Brothers (in a year or two), etc.

There are less games, but it's the same as with the Mac software market. It doesn't matter how many games are out there; it only matters if the games that you'll enjoy exist. And, I think, that for you and your son, enough of those games exist for GameCube.

edit:
dreamcast lives

Yes! Soul Calibur was THE GREATEST game for Dreamcast. That game had brilliant graphics for the time, its gameplay was superb, it was really amazing. I can't wait to get SC2!

scem0

Dec 3, 2003, 02:20 AM

get a gaming PC.

scem0

themadchemist

Dec 3, 2003, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by scem0
get a gaming PC.

scem0

no need for a gaming PC when you're looking for games targeted at 5 year-olds.

Stelliform's not exactly going to be playing Halo with Stell Jr.

medea

Dec 3, 2003, 06:23 AM

I say go for the gamecube as well, it's $99 dollars now, and with that extra hundred dollars you area saving you can buy plenty of extras or some games, and if you shop at walmart I saw an ad that they were selling it for $80. There are also a lot of really good games on the system, thing is they go for quality not quantity.

000111one111000

Dec 3, 2003, 07:19 AM

Definately GameCube.

And for the so called "kiddy" games. They're still great fun. Like the new Mario Kart, Mario Party, etc. I'm 24, and I play em all the time. :)

And a note on console sales. As of yesterday, I believe, the GameCube is currently the best selling system (current sales, not total sales since system launch. PS2 is still winning there, I believe.).

But yeah, get a GameCube. LOTS of great games coming. Lots of great games for you to play and lots of great games for your kid to play. Plus, I'm assuming the controller on the GameCube would be a lot better for your kid's hands. Buttons aren't tiny and it's not as big as two baked potatos. hehe.

enoch

edesignuk

Dec 3, 2003, 07:32 AM

Normally I'd say xbox hands down, but if it's for a 5yr old, I'd have to go with the crowd and say go with the gamecube.

(Can't wait for the new mario kart to arrive for my little bros gc ;) :D)

Sabbath

Dec 3, 2003, 07:49 AM

I would also have to recommend a gamecube

I much prefer the exclusive games available on the cube, which are the ones you have to consider when comparing games catalogues. The price is another plus point as are the wavebird controllers and I find the actual power of the console far superior to a PS2 and not far off an xbox. As far as negative points go I live in the UK and Nintendo really dont care about Europe, it can be really infuriating waiting for games.

I wouldnt recommend the PS2 I had one for a while before I traded it in for the cube. I find it graphically weak and the controllers horrible, however it has a huge catalogue of games although few are exclusive. The main plus point of the PS2 to me are the peripherals, eyetoy is amazingly good fun, (I can remember my whole office spending a good 2 hours playing it when we should have been working oops) and the dancemats should not be laughed off until youve played one (I thought they were such a bad idea until I found myself working on one this summer). Also if you possibly think of buying the PS2 as a DVD player also, dont bother its awful quality, buy a cube and one of those $29.99 DVD players the woman got trampled trying to buy the other day.

Finally the xbox, I hate to say it but its remarkably good, except for the fact its the size and weight of a table, although this is a plus for yusing it as a cube stand or a doorstop (sorry cheap stab). It has a good selection of exclusive games, although id say the cubes are better especially for younger players and the graphics are the best of the current consoles. I would strongly recommend against the original controllers even for your bigger hands theyre not good, the smaller controller S controllers are great however. Also the xbox is a decent DVD player although you have to buy a remote to activate it, however remember you wont have to buy a memory card for the xbox. Additionally if you have a Malaysian housemate like myself then xbox games are remarkably cheap ;)

Overall: Cubes are always best (please apple give me a G5 cube)

sorry for typos my girlfriend is yelling at me we have to leave :/

hvfsl

Dec 3, 2003, 08:28 AM

You need to decide between the Cube and the Xbox. I would not get a PS2 because the graphics look really dated now.

To make your decision, you need to look at the exclusive games on it console, and decided which games you like the most.

The Xbox has:
Project Gotham Racing
Fable (but also coming on PC).
Halo2
Perfect Dark Zero
Half Life 2 (Also on PC and maybe on Mac).

GC has:
Mario Sunshine
Mario NG (new mario game, joint venture between Sega/Nintendo)
Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 (Although also on Dreamcast)
F Zero GX
Meteriod Prime 1 and 2
Star Fox
R Racing (lastest Ridge Racer game)
Resident Evil Series
Mario Kart

Just about every other game is multiplatform.

zim

Dec 3, 2003, 08:38 AM

My vote is for the gamecube. It is the only system that I play. The gamecube is, in my opinion, more entertaining then the previous mentioned consoles. Also, taking in consideration the age, the gamecube tends to have brighter colors and more recognizable characters, characters that will most likely be identifiable to a child. I have a nephew, age 5, he plays gamecube and gameboy, 2 of his favorite games are sonic, Super Smash Bros. I think that you will be very pleased with the gamecube, not only for your son and or daughter but for yourself as well :D

Foxer

Dec 3, 2003, 09:55 AM

I've had all three systems, and I've sold the PS2 and XBox but would never sell the gamecube. Too many cool games, especially since I MUST have all the Star Wars games that I can get, and GC has several exclusives. Super Monkey Ball is also very cool for kids (and adult kids). All in all, I think you'll be happy with that choice. XBox was also cool, and I hope recquire one for Chirstmas, but GC is the best.

SumDumGuy

Dec 3, 2003, 10:15 AM

I bought a GameCube simply for the ability to play Metroid Prime and Zelda:Wind Waker. Now my 4 year old son plays with it more than I do. He is obsessed with Zelda to the point that he dressed as Link for Halloween this year. He actually completed the game with only minor help from me.

My PS2? It collects dust.

CmdrLaForge

Dec 3, 2003, 11:09 AM

For the 5 yrs old - go for the camecube. And get an XBOX for yourself.

Can't afford both ? Then its up to you. But for the 5 yr old the CUbe is the choice.

Kwyjibo

Dec 3, 2003, 11:12 AM

A few things, I'm 18 and I have a modded xbox. It runs awesomly and I love it for the conveinences provided by the mod. You alreayd said you not doing that though so it would probably not be in your best intrerest. The xbox out performs all of the systems and newer multi platorm games usually look better on it (tony Hawk Underground). That being said

If i had to buy a system today knowing i'd have to purchase al lthe titles I wanted to use i would get a gamecube.
You can't beat the zelda, metroid, mariokart appeal. ... i play about 4 hrs of mario kart 64 a week in my dorm ... but that being said realize that you'll never get to play a grand theft auto game on the game cube ... even if you don't let your son you may want to.

1macker1

Dec 3, 2003, 11:21 AM

Gamecube seems to be targeted for the younger crowd. But I don't think they have many games for 5 year olds.

If you're looking for something for yourself, no doubt the XBOX is the best system. It has a hard drive, so you dont need memory cards, you can store music on it, and it has the best graphics.

SiliconAddict

Dec 3, 2003, 11:31 AM

Get a used SuperNES. Some of the best games ever were on that console. :)

Stay away from the XBox. Its the only game console I've ever actually seen BSOD on me. Was at a party and hear a yell from the back room. Ran back there with a few other and sure enough. BSOD with a error code on screen. :eek:

Go PS2 if anything. Its a great system. Never mind the fact that mine is collecting dust now after standing outside in line for 18 hours for it when it came out. *sighs* No time for gaming now a days.

pyrotoaster

Dec 3, 2003, 03:00 PM

I'm going to have to agree with the Gamecube folks here, but there are a few things they haven't mentioned.

First, I'll admit GC doesn't have nearly as many games as PS2, but it's definitely comparable to XBox. And, generally speaking, Nintendo's GC-only games are always great. Nintendo puts a lot of work into their games, and it shows when you play them.

If you get a GC, you should grab some extra controllers. I'd reccomend the Wavebird wireless ones. They're light weight, wireless, and actually cheaper than the regular controllers (they don't have rumble, but I never even notice the rumble when I'm playing a game).

As for games, there are great choices for your five year old and you. The number one game I would reccomend (that hasn't already been mentioned) is Animal Crossing. It's actually a game you'll be able to play with your kid (though not at the same time), and it has constant replay value (I've been playing it on and off for over a year now). It's very Harvest Moon-like (btw, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life is coming out only on GC in January), in that you're just living in a town (though there's none of that farming stuff). You simply befriend the locals (who happen to be animals) and buy furniture and go to festivals, and etc. like that. It's surprisingly addictive (once again, like Harvest Moon). Both you and your kid will be able to live in the town and send letters to each other, etc.

Of course, you want some good games, too. I'd suggest Metroid Prime (if you're looking for a FPS), Zelda: Windwaker (if you're looking for an adventure game), or Simpsons Road Rage (it's like Crazy Taxi, but funnier, and I've heard good things about Simpsons Hit and Run). A lot of third party games are available on GC (like Road Rage), and it seems (to me, at least) that more and more third party titles are GC-compatible these days.

Anyway, my vote's for Gamecube (and for Animal Crossing).

johnnyjibbs

Dec 3, 2003, 03:43 PM

Yep, GameCube's the way to go. I love it, and it isn't just for kids. Yet classics such as Mario Sunshine, Zelda, MarioKart, etc are fun for people of all ages. You will enjoy playing MarioKart multi-player with your 5 year-old, so much you'll be hooked.

krimson

Dec 3, 2003, 04:45 PM

I'll chime in, and agree with most of the ppl here... GC is the way to go, especially for someone so young.

it's cheap, has all the games that your kids age group would want, and if your kid has a GBA, even better.. also the PS2 controller can be used on the GC (because the GC controller blows IMO.)

johnnyjibbs

Dec 3, 2003, 04:51 PM

how can the PS2 controller be used on the GameCube?

krimson

Dec 3, 2003, 04:59 PM

they have adapters, sold seperately of course... this isn't the one my friend has, but you get the idea.

http://www.the-console-corner.com/joybox_adaptor_for_game_cube.htm

johnnyjibbs

Dec 3, 2003, 05:01 PM

i bet it's only a matter of time before sony or nintendo sues..!!! Remember when you could play PlayStation discs on the Dreamcast?!

krimson

Dec 3, 2003, 05:32 PM

it's been out for more than a year ... i doubt they'd sue..

1. To use it you'd have to buy a PS2 controller (I doubt Sony would complain that much), or use an existing one from your console.. in which case, there really isn't anything they can do...

2. You'd have to buy a GC to use it with the controller (Nintendo isn't going to complain)

but who knows.. gett'm while you can! :D

Kwyjibo

Dec 3, 2003, 06:12 PM

no this doesn't violate anything and its no different than companies that make other versions of controllers .. they have a ps2 controller to xbox port too

johnnyjibbs

Dec 3, 2003, 06:16 PM

i guess. Not that I'd want to use the dualshock anyway. But... GC controller on PS2...potential..:D

XnavxeMiyyep

Dec 3, 2003, 07:18 PM

Personally, I like the PS2 the best. However, for your five year old, I recommend the GameCube.

Stelliform

Dec 3, 2003, 07:35 PM

Cool thanks for all of the feed back! I was really leaning towards the PS2 before, but simply because it has tons of ps1 and ps2 games. But I think that you cannot beat quality over quantity.

The system would really be for my five year old. I might play a few times, but I am so busy with work I doubt I will find much time.

Also I think I would like to see what they have done with some of the classics like Metroid and Zelda..

Thanks again for the advice, I think I am going to go with the gamecube!

medea

Dec 3, 2003, 07:48 PM

themadchemist

Dec 4, 2003, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by Stelliform
Cool thanks for all of the feed back! I was really leaning towards the PS2 before, but simply because it has tons of ps1 and ps2 games. But I think that you cannot beat quality over quantity.

The system would really be for my five year old. I might play a few times, but I am so busy with work I doubt I will find much time.

Also I think I would like to see what they have done with some of the classics like Metroid and Zelda..

Thanks again for the advice, I think I am going to go with the gamecube!

I'm sure you'll both enjoy it!

I've made a compilation of all the suggested GC games that people have mentioned in this thread:
Super Mario Sunshine
Star Wars games (in general)
Pokemon (in general?)
Hitman 2 (doesn't sound like 5-year-old material)
Resident Evil (not for kiddies either)
Sonic Adventure
Sonic Adventure 2
Super Smash Brothers Melee
Mario Kart
Mario Party
Mario NG
F Zero GX
Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime 2
Star Fox
R Racing
Zelda: Wind Waker
Animal Crossing
Harvest Moon
Simpsons' Road Rage
Super Monkeyball
Super Mario Melee (is this the same as Smash Bros.?)
Bust a Move
Simpsons' Hit and Run
Luigi's Mansion

That's many, MANY games: Over 20, even if you knock out the ones that are for "mature audiences."

Even a couple of those games will give you hundreds of hours of good times. The list above has a lot of great games that your son won't just enjoy now, but will for quite a while (Mario, Zelda). Also above are several multiplayer games that should be a blast (Smash Bros., Mario Kart). I don't personally know much about most of these games, but the Simpsons' looks fun, Star Fox has had a strong showing on the other 2 systems on which it appeared, Metroid's a classic, a lot of people like Mario Party (though I don't quite get it), Sonic Adventures is definitely fun (multiplayer racing on that is fun, too, although it gets old much faster than Mario Kart), the kiddies like the Pokemon stuff, and the others sound pretty cool, too, in general.

I'd say, if you do have time to play at all, get Soul Calibur 2. The first one (for Dreamcast) was incredible. It's a fighting game, so it might not be best for your son, but I think you'll have a blast with it--It's the best fighting game I've ever played, and before it, I never really liked fighting games very much.

edit: additions noted

hugemullens

Dec 4, 2003, 02:38 PM

Simpsons Road Rage is nothing special, Simpson's hit and run is really good. Luigi"s Mansion is really good and i seen it for 20 bucks the other day. You wont be sad with a gamecube, thats a promise!

BaghdadBob

Dec 4, 2003, 04:27 PM

I'm not even going to jump in and defend the PS2, because the answer is totally clear here:

If you're buying for your kid, buy a GameCube.

A: Vastly suprior catalogue of games for young'n's than any system I have ever seen

B: Great catalogue of games for the old-schooler. The Zelda is awesome, I've heard great things about the Mario game as well as Metroid, although I've never played either.

BTW, if you run out and buy a cube, get the game by Sega about the kid who rolls the egg around, and also get the new Mario Party 5. If your kid has little buddies also get the Mario Kart game for sure. Oh yeah, and Smash Bros.

[Edit:] Little late to the party here. Oh well :)

themadchemist

Dec 5, 2003, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
I'm not even going to jump in and defend the PS2, because the answer is totally clear here:

If you're buying for your kid, buy a GameCube.

A: Vastly suprior catalogue of games for young'n's than any system I have ever seen

B: Great catalogue of games for the old-schooler. The Zelda is awesome, I've heard great things about the Mario game as well as Metroid, although I've never played either.

BTW, if you run out and buy a cube, get the game by Sega about the kid who rolls the egg around, and also get the new Mario Party 5. If your kid has little buddies also get the Mario Kart game for sure. Oh yeah, and Smash Bros.

[Edit:] Little late to the party here. Oh well :)

no prob bob. more feedback is always good, right? and with something like this, I think I'd rather here that Zelda is a good game 10 times than just once before I bought it.

sketchy

Dec 8, 2003, 11:32 AM

I guess I will defend the PS2. It lags in the graphics department, but as far as consoles go-- it has wayyyy more games. and more of the games are about gameplay then boobs (xbox).

the xbox is by far the best in graphics, but most of the games suck. Halo is great, but there are very few games for someone under the age of 13.

I am tempted to get a gamecube because of the price, but the lack of games has stopped me when it was at it's high price.

For every xbox game there are like 15 PS2 games released. for every gamecube game there are 10 ps2 games released.

The games on the PS2 are good and varied. many are ported to the other platforms, but there are simply really good games on the PS2. The online play of the PS2 is better then anything else. and the sports games on the PS2 are about game play, not sooper flashy graphics. Then there are the RPG's -- the PS2 is unparalleled in that realm

That seems to be the biggest problem with the xbox. It is all about graphics. Great pictures with crappy game play... Or great pictures with a joke of a game (volleyball). the best game on the xbox is Halo... It is out on the proper platform now (keyboard/mouse)

But for a 5 yearold -- get a gamecube. it is cheap. You might even consider a GBA -- everyone I know who has one loves it and the are good for kids (portable).

neoelectronaut

Dec 9, 2003, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by BaghdadBob

BTW, if you run out and buy a cube, get the game by Sega about the kid who rolls the egg around, and also get the new Mario Party 5. If your kid has little buddies also get the Mario Kart game for sure. Oh yeah, and Smash Bros.

[Edit:] Little late to the party here. Oh well :)

"Billy Hatcher & the Giant Egg"

;)

But anywho, I suggest Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, and Animal Crossing. They're all cheap. Also, basically ever Sega-made game is good.

Stelliform

Dec 27, 2003, 06:45 PM

Well as per you guy's recommendations there is a shiny new Gamecube waiting for my birthday. (In January.) The boys stuff was all bought by the time I recommended it, and the budget for me was $30 for Christmas... Anyway to make a long story short I was fixing to buy one with money from Christmas and my wife broke down and told me she has one with the Zelda CD waiting for me.

So, I think I will by Mario Cart and two extra controllers with my Christmas money. That way me and my two boys can all play at the same time...

blueflame

Dec 27, 2003, 08:28 PM

we all know that the XBOX once modded rules, there is simply no comparison
Andreas

BaghdadBob

Dec 28, 2003, 05:59 AM

That was a joke...right?

I mean, actually, if you can afford to just buy an Xbox and then never buy any games, please do. Or, you can buy an Xbox because it's a good system with a handful of good games on it. Or whatever.

But...totally wrong purchase for a kid. As established in this thread like...a year ago or something...

HasanDaddy

Dec 28, 2003, 07:04 AM

GameCube is my vote --- best system overall

however...... if you like sports games (NFL, Hockey, etc) go with a PS2

Stelliform

Jan 19, 2004, 08:02 PM

My oldest has been playing Mario Kart all day. (And my wife and I played it from 9pm to 2 am last night. ;))

I only have two controllers, but I definitely can see buying a couple more so we can all play at the same time. (My five year old is actually getting pretty good!)

Thanks for the recommendations!

neoelectronaut

Jan 19, 2004, 08:23 PM

GET SONIC HEROES.

dave1234

Jan 20, 2004, 07:35 PM

I would go with a PS2 or a Gamecube.
PS2 is great, has great games, as does gamecube. They both have the metal gear solid titles(GC is released fairly soon) and those are worth it enough.

bousozoku

Jan 20, 2004, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by Stelliform
My oldest has been playing Mario Kart all day. (And my wife and I played it from 9pm to 2 am last night. ;))

I only have two controllers, but I definitely can see buying a couple more so we can all play at the same time. (My five year old is actually getting pretty good!)

Thanks for the recommendations!

That sounds like too much fun, especially for adults. :D

I bought a compendium a couple of weeks ago. It's called Midway Arcade Treasures and has all sorts of the 1980s arcade games using some emulator. It was twenty dollars well spent. It makes up for all those quarters I lost the first time.