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Help!! Console nOOb needs advice on PS3

Fern

Fern

Elite Member
PC gamer here. Played very little on consoles. So, I don't know jack 😀

Kid is 11 yrs old, I'm guessing the PS3 has better age appropriate games?

But checked threads here, many seem to prefer 360 for gaming.

What issues to pay attention to when shoping for PS3. How big a HD should I get?

Any other issues inportant?

Where to buy, and should I wait for Black Fri?

TIA,

Fern
 
The new Ratchet & Clank game is really hot. Great for kids and adults alike. PS3 has
more reliable hardware and when you feel like playing online its free.
 
1) If you're looking for age appropriate games, then you might want to look to the Wii or getting a DS. That being said, all the games are marked with ESRB ratings these days--it doesnt matter which console you're buying for. I just mentioned the Wii because it's backwards compatible with the Gamecube and there are a host of kid related titles there.

That doesnt mean there arnt kids games on the 360 or the PS3--there are. It's just the Wii probably has the most.

2) If you're getting a PS3 for sure, then you might want to consider the new 40GB model that just surfaced. It's $400, comes with Spiderman 3, but lacks the backwards compatibility with PS2 games.

3) Sorry, can't help with the buying part. I think it's the same anywhere you go. But black Friday will be crazy and the PS3 might be sold out? Hard to say because it's always insane.
 
360 is not the best for young gamers I would think. Most games are fps and contain decapitation and F-bombs lol.

I was going to get my daughters one until I realized there's nothing I really want them playing besides a couple of games.
 
Does said kid have a preference? Has he/she been skipping around saying they want a 360 or a PS3? Or are there any games that the kid has shown interest in?

Judging by the upcoming PS3 releases, there are more "grown up" games being released aside from all of the multiplatform children games. But I second the Wii notion. Also the Wii can only do 480p so there will be no need to purchase an expensive new TV. Unless of course you are using this childs new game system as an excuse to get a new TV for yourself.

I also find it hard to conceive spending $400 on something for an 11 year old unless it was like a bike or a new snowboard/skiis and gear.
 
The first thing to always consider when buying a console is the games. Find out which one has more games which your kids will enjoy playing and you will approve of and then make your choice. Both the PS3 and 360 have come out with many Mature rated games as well as games rated Teen. Many of the games also come out on both systems anyways so do not concern yourself with ratings.

Most agree that the best online experience comes with the 360 but you have to pay an annual fee which is $60 I think? Maybe $50.

Given your situation and my lack of knowledge about your kid and your feelings about what games they can play that is about all I can tell you other than I am a 360 fan and would recommend that in general.
 
There are plenty of age appropriate games for the 360 both via retail and Xbox Live Arcade. I have a 5-year old and I manage to play plenty of games that aren't FPSs or full of f-bombs with him frequently.

Also, I like the parental controls on the 360. I'm not sure about the PS3 but I think the 360 parental controls are better and they're supposedly going to be adding a timer later this year.

Ultimately, it should come down to the games though. Take a browse through the catalogs for both the 360 and PS3 (existing and upcoming) and use that to make your decision.
 
Thanks everybody. Keep the comments coming. I appreciate the help.

Fern

Originally posted by: gi0rgi0
The new Ratchet & Clank game is really hot. Great for kids and adults alike. PS3 has
more reliable hardware and when you feel like playing online its free.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that game sounds like something he'd like. I like the sound of free online gaming too.

Originally posted by: warcrow
1) If you're looking for age appropriate games, then you might want to look to the Wii or getting a DS. That being said, all the games are marked with ESRB ratings these days--it doesnt matter which console you're buying for. I just mentioned the Wii because it's backwards compatible with the Gamecube and there are a host of kid related titles there.

That doesnt mean there arnt kids games on the 360 or the PS3--there are. It's just the Wii probably has the most.

2) If you're getting a PS3 for sure, then you might want to consider the new 40GB model that just surfaced. It's $400, comes with Spiderman 3, but lacks the backwards compatibility with PS2 games.

3) Sorry, can't help with the buying part. I think it's the same anywhere you go. But black Friday will be crazy and the PS3 might be sold out? Hard to say because it's always insane.
Click to expand...

Yeah, he's already got a DS. I was thinking about a Wii also, yet he never mentions it? I'm guessing his friends in school have eithr a PS3 or 360.

Think the 40GB has enough storage (i can only guess it's for game saves?)


Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g
360 is not the best for young gamers I would think. Most games are fps and contain decapitation and F-bombs lol.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's what I was afraid. I've always thought the XBox was aimed at an older market.


Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
Does said kid have a preference? Has he/she been skipping around saying they want a 360 or a PS3? Or are there any games that the kid has shown interest in?

Judging by the upcoming PS3 releases, there are more "grown up" games being released aside from all of the multiplatform children games. But I second the Wii notion. Also the Wii can only do 480p so there will be no need to purchase an expensive new TV. Unless of course you are using this childs new game system as an excuse to get a new TV for yourself.

I also find it hard to conceive spending $400 on something for an 11 year old unless it was like a bike or a new snowboard/skiis and gear.
Click to expand...

I think he'd take either (PS3 or 360) and be happy. I also think he's heard of 360 HW problems etc. So, I think he'd prefer a PS3.

TV is gonna be a regular one.

Yes, D@mn $400 is expensive. But there will be several people (grandparents, uncles/aunts etc) going in together on it's purchase.


Originally posted by: Xavier434
The first thing to always consider when buying a console is the games. Find out which one has more games which your kids will enjoy playing and you will approve of and then make your choice. Both the PS3 and 360 have come out with many Mature rated games as well as games rated Teen. Many of the games also come out on both systems anyways so do not concern yourself with ratings.

Most agree that the best online experience comes with the 360 but you have to pay an annual fee which is $60 I think? Maybe $50.

Given your situation and my lack of knowledge about your kid and your feelings about what games they can play that is about all I can tell you other than I am a 360 fan and would recommend that in general.
Click to expand...

OK, I'll check out the games available etc.

Fern
 
Viva Pinata (360 only) > all other "kids games" on either the 360 or PS3.

In terms of 11 year old children, I would not let them game online unless I was able to completely lock them out of voice chatting and hearing other people talk.
 
Originally posted by: CKDragon
Viva Pinata (360 only) > all other "kids games" on either the 360 or PS3.

In terms of 11 year old children, I would not let them game online unless I was able to completely lock them out of voice chatting and hearing other people talk.
Click to expand...

OK, will do.

Thanks,

Fern
 
40GB will be enough for demos, saved games, and game videos. If you guys plan on streaming in video or general media (HD content), you might want to consider buying a bigger HD and installing it. With a PS3--it's pretty simple to do. Not sure how far you want to get in to it.
 
Originally posted by: CKDragon
In terms of 11 year old children, I would not let them game online unless I was able to completely lock them out of voice chatting and hearing other people talk.
Click to expand...

Parents for the 360 can set the kid's profile to where they can't talk/hear at all to where they can only talk with/hear friends to where they can talk with anybody. You can also restrict based on the rating level of the game to where they won't even be able to play M rated games.
 
Originally posted by: Queasy
Originally posted by: CKDragon
In terms of 11 year old children, I would not let them game online unless I was able to completely lock them out of voice chatting and hearing other people talk.
Click to expand...

Parents for the 360 can set the kid's profile to where they can't talk/hear at all to where they can only talk with/hear friends to where they can talk with anybody. You can also restrict based on the rating level of the game to where they won't even be able to play M rated games.
Click to expand...

Ah, there you go. I'm 25 and shouldn't have to worry about that for a few more years, so I never checked those options.

Oh, and keep the little ones away from the Xbox Live Vision camera for a bit. As we discussed in a thread the other day, even in what should be an innocent game, strip UNO does happen!
 
Originally posted by: CKDragon
Originally posted by: Queasy
Originally posted by: CKDragon
In terms of 11 year old children, I would not let them game online unless I was able to completely lock them out of voice chatting and hearing other people talk.
Click to expand...

Parents for the 360 can set the kid's profile to where they can't talk/hear at all to where they can only talk with/hear friends to where they can talk with anybody. You can also restrict based on the rating level of the game to where they won't even be able to play M rated games.
Click to expand...

Ah, there you go. I'm 25 and shouldn't have to worry about that for a few more years, so I never checked those options.

Oh, and keep the little ones away from the Xbox Live Vision camera for a bit. As we discussed in a thread the other day, even in what should be an innocent game, strip UNO does happen!
Click to expand...

That also can be set in the family settings to prevent the display of the Live Vision camera.

Xbox.com - Family Settings
 
Xbox and PS3 both have the same target markets and often have the same games, so I wouldn't say one is any more appropriate than the other for a younger kid. It's your choice of what games to buy that matters. Xbox 360 has a lot more games out now, and a lot more good games out. But most games (other than first-party games and a few other exclusives) are going to be cross-platform, so it's really the big-name exclusives that you need to consider. Would he rather play Halo 3 or Resistance and Killzone 2 (assuming you let him play those games)? Would he rather play Forza and Project Gotham Racing or Gran Turismo 5? Would he rather play Final Fantasy XIII or... well, 360 doesn't have a good equivalent to that. Metal Gear Solid 4? He's probably too young, but I don't think 360 has a good alternative to that either. Hey, get him Lego Star Wars - that's a great game, and it's cross-platform. Lego Indiana Jones will be coming out next year too.

40 GB will be plenty for saved games and game demos, BTW.

Consider the following from GameRankings:
Xbox 360 has 20 games rated over 80% that are rated T for Teen.
Xbox 360 has 6 games rated over 80% that are rated E10+.
Xbox 360 has 22 games rated over 80% that are rated E for Everyone.

PS3 has 8 games rated over 80% that are rated T for Teen. (out of 23 games TOTAL rated T for Teen)
PS3 has 3 games rated over 80% that are rated E10+. (out of only 5 games TOTAL rated E10+)
PS3 has 7 games rated over 80% that are rated E for Everyone. (out of 17 games TOTAL rated E for Everyone)

So the 360 has more games rated above 80% in his age range than the PS3 has TOTAL in his age range.

For good measure:
Wii has 3 games rated over 80% that are rated T for Teen. (out of 14 games TOTAL rated T for Teen)
Wii has 1 games rated over 80% that are rated E10+. (out of only 8 games TOTAL rated E10+)
Wii has 2 games rated over 80% that are rated E for Everyone. (out of 26 games TOTAL rated E for Everyone)

The Wii is seriously lacking good games. I'd expect 80%+ for at least 4 upcoming titles for the Wii though: Super Mario Galaxy, Fire Emblem, Mario & Sonic at the Olympics, Super Smash Brothers: Brawl, and maybe Battalion Wars II.


Right now I think the 360 is the clear choice for his age range or any age range, unless you're looking for a casual gaming system (in which case you'll probably want a Wii)
 
Originally posted by: mugs
Right now I think the 360 is the clear choice for his age range or any age range, unless you're looking for a casual gaming system (in which case you'll probably want a Wii)
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Also, keep in mind that you can get a $350 360 with two free games (Marvel UA and Forza 2) and supports a fairly large backlog of regular XBOX titles rather than going with a $399 PS3 that only comes with a blu-ray movie and does not support PS2 backwards compatibility at all.
 
Excellent. Great stuff! Thanks :thumbsup:

Great info on teh number of games per console. Kinda suprised me, I was under the mistaken belief the Xbox was gonna be more targeted at an older crowd.

Thanks, Warcrow. I think I can mod/upgrade if I get the 40GB. Up till now I've been building all our PCs/gaming rigs. So, hopefuly the PC stuff will help carryover to console upgrades (I'm also guessing that there are sites to help, like with PCs)

For some reason, he really doesn't want a Wii. But the Xbox 360 looks like it should be in contention, what with all the age appropriate games. OTOH, somehow he has heard of Xboxes blowing up/exploding or some kinda of HW problems. I guess some kids at school have had a problem.

Thanks again,

Fern
 
I'll just share my experience, from the kids perspective YMMV

We have a 5 yr old boy, 10 yr old girl, 11 yr old boy, and all 3 systems.

360 without a doubt gets the most playtime. On the order of 95% of the time, they are playing Guitar Hero, Viva Pinata, Superman, Cars, Shrek, or Blue Dragon. They spend quite a bit of time checking out the demos + arcade games too ( free trials).

The PS3 has seen some play lately with Ratchet and Clank.. This is the only "kids game" we own for the system. Its a tremendous game, but not worth buying a system over. They rarely play any demos or spend any time in the PS store.. Not a good selection of things to check out + not all arcade type games have demos.

The Wii hasnt been turned on in months. They have 5-6 kid friendly games. Last time they used it was to show a friend who hadn't seen one yet, then they went back to playing the 360. This may change ( they are getting Metroid and Mario for xmas), but I'll bet a dollar they are back on the 360 by New Years.

 
Does he have a PS2?

It has something like (wild guess) 10 times as many age appropriate games as the PS3, 360 and wii combined, and huge piles of games for it are $15-20 new instead of $50-60.

You could offer him the choice of a 360 + 1 game, or a PS2 and 14 games.

The 40 GB PS3 does not play PS2 games, only PS1. The 80GB PS3 plays 80%+ of PS2 games, but it's $500 instead of $400.
 
Originally posted by: Fern
OTOH, somehow he has heard of Xboxes blowing up/exploding or some kinda of HW problems. I guess some kids at school have had a problem.
Click to expand...

The 360s manufactured prior to September of this year had various levels of issues with heat. That appears to have been resolved with the 65nm Falcon revision.

If you buy the 360 Holiday Bundle, you'll more than likely end up with the 65nm Falcon revision. It needs to be manufactured after 8/24/07 and be Lot #0734 or later. Link to Xbox.com discussion.

 
Just as other people mentioned, the 360 does have plenty of games for kids. It's just that all the violent shooters like Halo and Gears of War usually get the attention, but underneath there are plenty of excellent titles that don't involve blood and guns.

If your kid is into racing games, Burnout Revenge seems to be something that everyone of all age groups seems to enjoy. I would highly recommend it. Viva Pinata is a very unique game that I would say everyone should try out.

Parental controls are pretty thorough on the 360, you can control almost every aspect of what your kid does while he's playing.

I would say get the 360 Arcade, which comes preloaded with 5 arcade games on it's 256mb memory stick. No hard drive though, which shouldn't be a problem if your not going to take the system online. It's meant to be kind of a competitor to the Wii. I would say that's the best thing to buy right now at $280. The normal 360 is $350 and a PS3 is $400.

 
Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
I would say get the 360 Arcade, which comes preloaded with 5 arcade games on it's 256mb memory stick. No hard drive though, which shouldn't be a problem if your not going to take the system online. It's meant to be kind of a competitor to the Wii. I would say that's the best thing to buy right now at $280. The normal 360 is $350 and a PS3 is $400.
Click to expand...

Actually, the five arcade games come on a disc and the memory stick is empty. The 360 Holiday Bundle that comes with Forza 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a better value IMHO. Especially since the Arcade version doesn't come with a HDD and the 360 HDDs are overpriced.

 
Originally posted by: Queasy
Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
I would say get the 360 Arcade, which comes preloaded with 5 arcade games on it's 256mb memory stick. No hard drive though, which shouldn't be a problem if your not going to take the system online. It's meant to be kind of a competitor to the Wii. I would say that's the best thing to buy right now at $280. The normal 360 is $350 and a PS3 is $400.
Click to expand...

Actually, the five arcade games come on a disc and the memory stick is empty. The 360 Holiday Bundle that comes with Forza 2 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a better value IMHO. Especially since the Arcade version doesn't come with a HDD and the 360 HDDs are overpriced.
Click to expand...

I forgot about Forza and Marvel: UA, even though Marvel: UA is rated Teen. In that case it's really up to you to decide if the extra $80 is worth a hard drive and two games. Though I must admit I though Marvel: UA was pretty mediocre. Forza 2 is excellent.
 
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