Which console for the kids for Christmas - Wii or Kinect?

[spiki]

Was thinking of getting this for the family, but primarily the kids, as a wee surprise on Christmas day but really stuck as to what would be the most suitable.

My two eldest girls are 5 and 8. On one hand the Wii has the Mario series which they have played on the DS and they like the look of the new Donkey Kong.

However, I feel the Kinect might be a better long term buy and I would probably get a bundle with the animals game and Sonic to start with. They like singing and dancing games too. Not really interested in it for my needs as I much prefer my PC for that (BF BC2 etc).

Any thoughts/advice, particularly from parents of young kids, as this would be their first proper console?

Thanks

 

[spiki]

Kinect is selling very well. It is a lot more detailed than the Wii and is great fun to use.

Just to make sure that you understand, in the section in bold, you say that this will be their first proper console. Kinect is not a console, but an add-on to the Xbox 360.

Thanks Centure - I do realise its an add-on. I've been gaming since the pong days & have played most of the main consoles. I'm not really interested in it for myself but want something that they will enjoy & is fun.

 

[spiki]

Thanks very much for the feedback everyone. Leaning towards the Wii, with the choice of games and more attractive price.

 

[spiki]

I've got a 4 and 6 year old, and all 3 motion platforms in the house,

After 2+ weeks, I'd expect the novelty of Kinect would have worn off, but they still prefer this to the Wii, the engaging aspect of of the games is something the Wii just doesn't have, and it very much caters for the smaller kids as well. It's the way it engages with the player that makes Kinect stand out IMO, as mentioned, it recognises the person, logs them in, and the whole 1:1 mimicking of your body in game seems to add something really good to the experience.

On top of that, obviously there are some good 'normal' 360 games that they also like to play, Trials HD is an absolute favourite of my 4 year old lad, he's bike mad.

When it comes to the Wii (Still fine IMO), you probably want to net a second hand bargain, as buying new can work out more expensive then you think, you only get 1 controller (wiimote), if you want a full 2 player experience (as you will do), add on another £45 for a second Wiimote+ and Nunchuk, then if you want more 'fitness' options, the Wii Fit costs a fair chunk etc.. but I've seen second hand deals with 3 controller sets + wii fit for under £125..

Thanks for those lots of very good points. I had been looking at the red Wii plus DK Returns and an extra controller but now its back to square one! Time to shop around for best xbox + kinect bundle!!

 

[spiki]

At the risk of appearing very indecisive, I've swung back towards the Wii - games, price, VFM. I noticed today that lots of online retailers are sold out of the ltd ed red one which I wanted, so gonna try to pick that up tomorrow after work at the local toy chain.

 

[spiki]

Eventually went for the 25th anniv red Wii as I thought it was best suited to my kids. Paid £165 for it and got an extra Wii Motion plus for £29.99 and DK Returns for £29.99 using vouchers that came with it.

Do I need the extra nunchuck and docking station as well? Any particular ones that are recommended?

Cheers.