Choosing A Video Game System: Which One Is Best For Kids?

In the old days, choosing a video game systemLEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the
for children wasn't all that hard. After all, parentsGameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision's
didn't have to worry about games carried byMadagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same
systems like Atari (there was nothing threateningplatforms, while Global Star Software's Dora the
about Pac-Man or Space Invaders). Today,Explorer (rated EC) is available on the PS2 and
however, with the proliferation of games withXbox, but not on the GameCube.
mature content available on games supported byWhat about parental control options? Among the
the major system manufacturers, parents wantfour systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 have
to know which system carries the mostthe most efficient parental lock functions. Parents
kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones willare able to set limits on the games and films to
enjoy and one that parents will not regretbe played on the systems. If you set the system
spending money on.to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to
Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, theplay DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or
best-selling game console on the market today.Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a
There are literally thousands of titles available forparental lock feature, albeit a less effective one.
this system, which cater to every age range.Users note that all it does is tone down certain
There are approximately 600 games for the PS2effects that might be troubling for children (for
that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitableexample, the amount of blood seen in games) but
for players ages six and above. However, manydo not block the playing of games at all. It doesn't
of these games are too complicated for youngeven screen or bleep offensive language. The
children to play. Games that children ten years oldparental control function of the PlayStation 2 is
and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while thoseeven worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone
that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course,to restrict access to video games at all. The most
suitable for the very young. The PS2 carriesparents can do is to set the PS2 to prevent their
about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-basedkids from watching DVD movies with
titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 andinappropriate content.
Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoyWhen it comes to price, the GameCube comes
include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purpleout tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly
Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presentscheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose
Gallop Racer.prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if
Nintendo's GameCube console continues to bebundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being
popular because it carries titles that are popularthe newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For
with children. The Entertainment Software Rating$299, you get the system and a wired controller.
Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated EFor $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset
for the GameCube, and these include some ofthat players can use to talk to other people online,
the most popular and beloved among the childrena 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with
of today and years past, such as Sega's Sonicgame-related videos and music, and a remote.
GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 andParents should go out and try each system
Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series andpersonally as well as look at the different titles
several Pokemon titles are available exclusively onavailable for them before deciding which one to
the GameCube as well.buy. Factors such as number and age of users at
Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 video gamehome, game title availability, and budget should
consoles likewise have many, many titles that arealso be considered. Each system has its own pros
rated E; the Xbox with approximately 270 gamesand cons, and families will differ in their
and the Xbox 360 with so far about a dozen --preferences: some will be content with the limited
but count on the number of Xbox 360 titles tobut popular games of the GameCube; some
increase since it's a new release. Some gamesmight prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation
published by Microsoft exclusively for the Xbox2 or the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech
and the Xbox 360 and which have the E ratingfeatures of the Xbox 360. But all things
are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However,considered, making the right choice will provide
remember that most game publishers releasehours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free
crossover titles, or games that are available onentertainment for the little ones and for their
multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive'sparents as well.