Not too long ago, if your kids
wanted a game console, you had your pick of five machines: Microsoft's Xbox One
or Xbox 360; Sony's PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 3; or Nintendo's Wii U. But
the advent of streaming content has expanded family gaming options to include
set-top boxes (also called Internet TVs or "media players") such as
the Apple TV, the Roku, and even gaming-optimized systems such as the Nvidia
Shield Android TV and the Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition. Complicating matters,
game consoles also offer TV shows, movies, and other streaming content.
 |
| © FRED PROUSER/Newscom/Reuters Launch of Microsoft Corp Xbox 360 |
If you're more of a gaming
family, a console is still your best bet. You'll get the top game releases from
the major developers (plus exclusives such as the Halo series for Microsoft,
the Uncharted series for Sony, and the Super Mario series for Nintendo),
multiplayer gaming through each company's gaming network, and fee-based content
including games, freebies, social networking, movies, TV shows, and -- with
Microsoft and Sony -- streaming music.
If you're more a TV and movie
family, the set-tops' gaming options just might do the trick. You won't get the
latest and greatest releases like the Xbox One and PS4 do -- and the games
won't look and sound as awesome -- but you will get plenty of family-friendly
options (including Minecraft and Lego Star Wars on the Nvidia
Shield and the Amazon Fire, Angry Birds
on the Apple TV, and You Don't Know Jack
on the Roku). As with the consoles, media players use various subscription
models with different packages comprising games, TV shows, movies, and other
streaming content. If you really have your heart set
on a console, here are our recommendations:
Best for
Families with Young Kids: Nintendo Wii U
At $299.99, the Wii U is pricey, but it's a platform that will grow with your kids. A wide variety of ways to interact with games -- such as the included GamePad, fun extras such as amiibo figurines, and the balance board -- give the device even more longevity. And, though there are mature games available for the Wii, the vast majority are family-friendly titles, from the classic Super Mario series to the Wii Sports titles.
At $299.99, the Wii U is pricey, but it's a platform that will grow with your kids. A wide variety of ways to interact with games -- such as the included GamePad, fun extras such as amiibo figurines, and the balance board -- give the device even more longevity. And, though there are mature games available for the Wii, the vast majority are family-friendly titles, from the classic Super Mario series to the Wii Sports titles.
Best for
Tweens and Families: Microsoft XBox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3
The 360 ($199.99) and PS3 ($249.99) are older platforms, but developers are still making games for them. If you're on the fence about whether to buy a set-top TV or a game console, the 360 and PS3 are decent options for getting the best of both worlds.
The 360 ($199.99) and PS3 ($249.99) are older platforms, but developers are still making games for them. If you're on the fence about whether to buy a set-top TV or a game console, the 360 and PS3 are decent options for getting the best of both worlds.
For families with a mixed age
range of kids, either the 360 or PS3 may be better choices than the Xbox One or
PS4, as they'll give your younger kids some good options while keeping your
older ones entertained. Of course, violent games such as Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty Black Ops 3, and Resident Evil are available for
each, but so are family-friendly titles such as Lego
Marvel's Avenger, Disney
Infinity, and FIFA.
Best for
Tweens, Teens, and Serious Gamers: Microsoft Xbox One or Sony PlayStation 4
If your kids are really passionate about games, then these machines (both $349.99) are the best -- if not the only -- choices. Keep in mind that, though there are plenty of games for each console designed for tweens and younger, the vast majority of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games are intense and mature.
If your kids are really passionate about games, then these machines (both $349.99) are the best -- if not the only -- choices. Keep in mind that, though there are plenty of games for each console designed for tweens and younger, the vast majority of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games are intense and mature.
Sony has the edge for serious
gamer families, as the company will also be releasing its PS4-compatible
PlayStation VR headset this year, which will provide a totally immersive game
experience.
Xbox One is a better choice for
families who already own a lot of Xbox games, as the Xbox will play Xbox 360
titles.
Posting Komentar