Best gaming console for a 6 year old boy????

Austin 316 on 16/11/2012 - 08:29

So, I am going overseas next month and I want to get a gaming console (Wii, Xbox, PS3, etc.) for my 6 year old nephew. Budget is not a huge issue. The problem is I don't know which console to buy for him and I have been out of gaming world for a while now. I know last time I took a PS2 for my little brother, it was region specific so I had to get it modded so that he could play with it in his region.

Are the newer consoles still region specific? How about the availability of games? With the modded PS2, he was buying pirated game disks as original disks are very hard to find in my city (it's a very small town). Could you please suggest the best gaming console in terms of compatibility and no. of games available to play with?

Please ignore anything if it sounds silly as I have been out of gaming for more than 5 years now so my knowledge might not be up-to-date.

Gaming

Comments

  • mrhorseham on 16/11/2012 - 08:50
    +1

    Get the best console of all time, the N64.

  • DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 16/11/2012 - 08:53
    +3

    Wii games are strictly region locked. They have to Be PAL region. Au/NZ/Eu to work on a Aussie console.

    Xbox360 games are loosely region locked. Most games will work fine on a Aussie Xbox, some wont.

    PS3 games are 100% region free, all games will work on all consoles. Game availabilty is high.

    If it was me, I'd get him a Ipod Touch. Cheap, fun games, great availabilty as its all online.

    • Austin 316 on 16/11/2012 - 09:33

      Thanks for that valuable info. He actually wants something he can connect to the telly and play, so unfortunately I can't get the iPod for him.

  • vietbargain on 16/11/2012 - 09:10
    +2

    goosebump books yo!

    • mad__llama on 16/11/2012 - 09:20
      +1

      and a slinky!

  • CLoSeR on 16/11/2012 - 10:07
    +5

    A 6 year old doesn't need a console, he needs books and exercise. Hope you've ok'd this with Dad.

  • mskeggs on 16/11/2012 - 10:09
    +1

    My six yro (and his 8yro brother) favour Wii, as it seems to be a platform more aimed at younger kids and families. I am sure xbox and PS3 are super, but games are more complex.
    That said, the ipod touch is my kids favourite game platform by a huge margin. There are many free games and a $20 itunes voucher goes a long, long way with 99c apps, while even a used Wii game costs more.

  • scotty on 16/11/2012 - 10:30

    +1 for iPod Touch or Nexus 7 as there are heaps of free/cheap games on the app stores. They are also portable serving as an emergency baby sitter when you take him out.

    Maybe not Nexus 7, but many tablets also connect to TV with HDMI out. With USB OTG to connect a game controller you get almost a game console as well.

  • IceFyre on 16/11/2012 - 11:41
    +2

    Outside - It's a modern take on an old classic made by Reality Inc.

    • scotty on 16/11/2012 - 12:32
      +1

      Great idea — Google has just released Ingress which you play the game "outside". Another reason to get an Android phone/tablet :)

      • cannedhams on 11/12/2012 - 10:33

        interesting. I just requested an invite, wonder how long it takes.

        • _Bruce_ on 11/12/2012 - 14:37

          I have an invite code (pm me if you want it) but Australia isn't officially supported so you need to side load the app on your phone.

  • Cheap Steve on 18/11/2012 - 18:25

    PS3. If they don't like the games at least they will have a bluray player. PS game consoles are not mutually exclusive with playing outdoors and reading books.

  • dezza112 on 20/11/2012 - 18:41

    Get him a ps3! That way he can brag about it at school and tell all his friends how his "cool" uncle bought it for him!

  • IdLikeToBeATree on 21/11/2012 - 12:14
    +2

    N64.. Start from the old stuff so he really appreciates the newer consoles!

    • scotty on 21/11/2012 - 12:30

      Still get an Android tablet and then install NES emulator on it? :)

    • Eivad on 23/11/2012 - 11:36

      Completely agree - except N64 should be step 3. Start from the NES, then the SNES, then N64, etc.

      • mrhorseham on 25/11/2012 - 00:07

        The N64 was gaming at a whole new level. Go straight for the N64! ;P I still play mine and am continually buying rare games. Best console i've ever owned.

  • brandont on 23/11/2012 - 21:40

    Certainly the Wii; more family oriented, or if you can wait, the Wii U.

    But if you're looking to save, the Wii is still better, as with the new console coming out, prices will drop to about $150.

    Note: The Wii and Wii U are reigon locked, but the current Wii is easily "hackable", just get a white one, as the black ones may come with newer, "unhackable" software.

  • sarakoth on 29/11/2012 - 12:17

    FYI the old Wii was going for less than $100 including Mario Kart. There are kiddy games on all 3 platforms, but Wii is certainly more family based.. My 6yo and 3yo find the Wii much easier to control than the PS3 due to the wiimotion.. (note we don't have PS3 move to compare or Xbox with kinect).. Buy games from places like ozgameshop and get free delivery so no need to worry about small town availability.

  • sarakoth on 29/11/2012 - 12:17

    Or build them an arcade cabinet with MAME installed… start with the REAL classics!!! My 3yo loves it!!

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