I am buying the first game system for my son, who is 7 years old.

PS2 or Game cube? I did hear some suggestions: Gamecube has more kids games, but PS2 are more popular... Really confused me:confused: XBOX 360 is run out, otherwise...

Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.

I say buy him a ps2 and then next year when the nintendo revolution comes out pick that up since its going to be backwards compatible with all previous nintendo games ;)

I just purchased a Game Cube to replace my kids (12 and 8 yr olds) old SNES system. I looked at the games my kids are interested in and the value of the systems and thought the Game Cube was the way to go. We have DVD players so that function wasn't important and we were able to get an awesome deal on a console with two controllers and a game for $110.00. I'm sure people will come out on both sides of this but overall I think for the younger kids Nintendo is the way to go.

I think for the younger kids Nintendo is the way to go.

Ya, that is usually the role of thumb. Younger kids - Nintendo, everybody else - PS2 or Xbox.

Just like Skidz said, I also heard from salesman, that the new model of gamecube will probably be released this coming spring.

It's really make me hesitate...

Thank you for your responses.

Walmart Boxing day sale has the Gamecube going for $75. I think it's crazy to buy a PS2 now unless your a big RPG fan (overpriced IMO). You won't be dissapointed with the Gamecube; excellent graphics, great price and there are tons of great games for younger kids and for the whole family to enjoy.

Don't expect the new Nintendo system to come out untill at least next fall.

Does gamecube have some games for the older crowd as well?

Sure does. Resident Evil 4, Eternal Darkness, Timesplitters (great FPS), Tom Clancy Ghost Recon, Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, Killer 7 ect...

a list of rated M games is here: http://www.nintendo.com/gamecategory?cf=&sf=NINTENDO+GAMECUBE&ef=Mature

rated 13+ game list is here: http://www.nintendo.com/gamecategory?cf=&sf=NINTENDO+GAMECUBE&ef=Teen

I was in this same situation last summer for my daughters 9 Birthday.
I almost bought the game cube because of the children’s games, but after looking closer at the PS2 I noticed it had a very large number of games for children under 12. The most noticeable missing thing for kids on the PS2 is games with Super Mario in them.

I could be totally wrong here, and if I am someone please correct me.
I did not see as many EB game options for the game cube. (Football, hockey, racing..etc). If this is true and your son likes these kinds of games you may want to consider this.

My daughter’s favorite game is Grand Taurizmo (thank goodness something I can relate too). I just got her the Logitech forced feedback-racing wheel for Christmas. I am not sure if that is available for game cube as well.

Cam

There are EA sports titles(soccer/hockey/MLB/NCAA/NBA/Nascar) on all systems.

You won't be dissapointed with the Gamecube; excellent graphics, great price and there are tons of great games for younger kids and for the whole family...
We got a GameCube for the kids (ages 13 & 10) and they love it! Sure, I'd rather an X-box 360 but was disappointed in games available for the kids (plus the $ factor!!!). That said, a few questions:

1) With the component adapter, how much better are the GameCube graphics displayed in 480p?

2) Re: games like Call of Duty, Medal of Honour... How well do these play on the GameCube? And how well/poorly do they look?

3) Re: Nintendo's next generation console: How does/will it rate to the X-Box 360 and the PS3?

Thanks for your feedback.

I don't have an HDTV so i can't comment on 480p.

I've never tried Call of Duty or Medal of Honour but graphics wise games are generally better then PS2, and slightly worse then xbox.

The new nintendo system will not have HDTV support (other then the usual 480p that they've had for the gamecube) . That being said, on a regular TV the graphics are rumored to be similar to the 360,PS3(wait till the Entertainment Expo in may when Nintendo & Sony release all the info regarding their systems, there are too many rumors on both side right now). Once all 3 systems are out there will be much more concrete and reliable info to compare them, but it's too early to compare them now.

If you're a true graphics nut with an HDTV the 360 or PS3 would be the way to go if you can afford it and see games you like.

The new nintendo system is reported to have free online play similar to their current service for nintendo DS, built-in wifi, built-in flash storage & external slot, download pay service for some N64, super nintendo & nintendo games, backward compatible with gamecube. Rumored to be priced around $250 (cheaper with no HDTV support). Wireless controller can detect 3D movement (turn, shake, point (like laser pointer), swing ect..)

I have both GameCube and PS2 at home, bought them for me when they came on the market. My daughter is too young to play, so I ask my nephew (6 & 9 years old) and they are divided on wich one they prefer. Here are the reasons they gave me, you might wanna consider what kids think when they compare both:

PS2 :
- Many game looks real
- Lots of games, not only Mario games
- More adventure and action games (games like Kingdom Hearts are what they prefer)
- They feel like they're older as many young adult play PS2 (from my 6 years old nephew ;) )

GC :
- Controls are easier for them to use
- GC is more solid, they don't fear to break it
- More accessories like the micro, the congo (they like Donkey Konga) and the dance floor
- Easier to play with friends as they can be up to 4 players in most games
- They like Mario even if they think he's in too much games

What bundle to go with mario party or strikers.

What bundle to go with mario party or strikers.

Had the opportunity to play both over the last few days.

mario Party 7 is lots of fun (my 7 year old daughter can play it easily, even my 3 year "plays"(at least she is happy because she is included(she just keeps pressing "A" and the games continues merrily along :) ))

Played Striker with my 10 year old nephew. Amazing game. Great soccer game, but has all the Nintendo characters. (and yes he creamed me everytime)

I think the problem with Gamecube, is that it seems that every game that comes out it Has Mario and the gang.

It's getting tiring. Can't Nintendo think of something else??

I would also see what your son's friends have. My son's friends have gamecube so its easy for them to trade games.

The games for gamecube are great. Lots of variety and it will grow with him for a few years.

If you search it out, you can pick up a Gamecube for under $120. You get a couple of controllers , the cube itself and usually a game. Decent price for what you get.

Also, my son has an extension for the gamecube that allows gameboy games to be played on your tv set.

Check out the bargain finder as you can always a used Gamecube if you think you will only want for a short time.

Thank you very much to discuss here.

I finally bought GC bundle from Bestbuy, $129 with Mario Party 7 with one extra controller. My son love it very much.

Happy New Year!