How many people can play on a single game console at the same time?

[bupkus]

How many people can play on a single game console at the same time?
IOW, how many game pads can connect to a game console? I didn't mention any one specific game console because I want to find out which brand/model can support the most kids.

 

[Sideswipe001]

As far as I know, 4 is the most on one single one. Xbox and GameCube both have the ability to use 4 controllers. I'm not sure about PS2.

 

[Matthias99]

The PS2 has two controller ports, but you can get an adapter that allows up to four. Only a few games support it, however.

 

[Holyhandgren]

You can play 8 on ps2, but there is a delay.

 

[bupkus]

I was just looking at the list of kids games for a Sony Playstation and most titles are for the PS1.
I wonder if we should look into those. Is the PS1 still available? Is it a bad investment for kids aged 4 to 12? I also need to check the price and games available for the gamecube.

 

[Matthias99]

The PS2 can play PS1 games. That's one of its biggest selling points. However, you can probably get a PS1 at a place like Gamestop for next to nothing these days. I warn you that your 12-year-old will not exactly be the envy of his teenage friends if you buy him a PS1 rather than a PS2, though. 😛

I personally think the GCN (Gamecube) is the best of the three next-gen consoles, and it has quite a few kids' games, as well as plenty of titles for more mature players. It's also cheaper than the PS2 or XBox.

 

[Tom]

I agree about the Gamecube. it's particularly nice with the Wavebird wireless controllers; with wired controllers kids have a tendency to get tangled up and get in each other's way.

Also there are several Gamecube games that really are great for 4 players.

1. Super Smash Brothers Meleee

2. Mario Kart Double Dash

3. Mario Party

4. Super Monkeyball

and others.

 

[Pilsnerpete]

Is it me or does the image quality go WAY down when 4 players are playing split-screen?