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About Sweetmama Editor

Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.

Play It Smart

silver spoons: choosing a video game system canada (Nov.08.10)    


If you're the parent of a child who can hold a game controller in his or her hands, you are probably a little overwhelmed right now. In the past month, Sony PlayStation and XBOX have both released competitors to the juggernaut that is the Nintendo Wii. Thankfully, I've tried all three and I'm here to tell you the pros and cons of each system.

While I could wax poetic about how the Wii has my heart, I will say that playing the other two felt like stepping into the future and will probably gain swift favour with hardcore gamers (especially those Call of Duty/Grand Theft Auto lovers, who are now parenting young kids). Here's what you need to know to make an informed purchase.

Game System
Price $25 for most recent addition: the Motion Plus add-on $100 for add-on to existing PS3 system (though if you factor in second controller, $150) $150 for add-on to existing XBOX 360 system
Price of Complete System $210 for Remote Plus Console Bundle $400 for 320GB Move Hardware Bundle $300 for 4GB Kinect Bundle; $400 for 250GB Bundle
Comes With
One controller (including nunchuck), Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort games. PS EYE camera, one controller and Sports Champion game. Kinect Sensor, wireless controller (a.k.a. no controller needed), Kinect Adventures game.
Controllers One controller and a nunchuck for two-handed play (additional controller $60). Strange-looking, but amazingly accurate. Move Bundle comes with one (additional controller, $50). No need! Camera logs your movements, so all controlling is by your own hands.
Family-Friendly Game Sample Where to start? A robust offering, including Lego games, plus other kid favourites like Disney Princesses and Kidz Bop. Start the Party

EyePet
Kinectimals

Motion Sports
Average Price of Games  $20-70  $40 $50
Built-in WiFi
Yes Yes Yes
Other Capabilities Few. It can't play DVDs or store anything more than your stats and a few downloaded games. The PlayStation hard-drive allows you to play your stored music, movies and photos all from one place. Can download games, TV shows and movies (so get the 250GB).

 
Cute Avatars The Mii, which can be customized to look like a Japana-cute version of you and stored for repeated use. Not really, but seeing yourself in certain games makes up for it. Yes, but more James Cameron than Hello Kitty.
Sweetest Things 1. Super kid-friendly and the price is right.

2. Level of interactivity and physical activity (for a video game system) is second to none for kids.

3. Amount of games geared towards kids at many price points.

4. Really gets the "family plays together" concept more so than the other two.
 
1. Also a Blue-Ray player.

2. As previously mentioned, its a home entertainment centre.

3. Kids' minds are blown when they see themselves on the TV. The EyePet, for example, plays with your kids on the screen!

 4. Range of motion of controller is incredible.

5. Add-on means you don't lose your investment in all the games you bought previously.
1. No controllers means even the littlest kids can maneuver with a bit of hand-eye coordination.

2. It also takes pics of you while you're playing, which you can upload directly to Facebook.

3. Voice recognition!

4. Anyone can step in and start playing alongside you.

5. Add-on means you don't lose your investment in all the games you bought previously.
Not So Sweet 1. Would be nice to have a multi-function unit (DVD/CD Player, data storage for downloadables).

2. While the variety of accessories (tennis rackets, light sabers) are fun, storage of accessories becomes an issue. (Where to keep the Rock Band gear?)
1. Not many kid-friendly games yet.

2. Space and lack of direct sunlight are factors for the camera to work really well.

3. Set-up is frustrating.
1. Not many games for Kinect yet.

2. Space is a factor for the camera to work really well.

3. Set-up is frustrating.





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