What console for a six year old?
Discussion
The only place to play MarioKart is Wii, Nintendo don't share their toys with others.
My kids are 9 and 11 and they still go back to playing on the Wii occasionally, and when we visit my mum it's all she has. IMO the most kid friendly console, grannies love it too as the games are generally fun and non-violent.
My kids are 9 and 11 and they still go back to playing on the Wii occasionally, and when we visit my mum it's all she has. IMO the most kid friendly console, grannies love it too as the games are generally fun and non-violent.
Mario Kart is only on Nintendo. There is a new Nintendo console out soon (the Switch) which I think has Mario. That's probably your best bet if Mario is essential.
You can get 'kart racer' games of various quality on other systems (F1 race Stars for example).
Lego games are cross console and excellent. My boy likes those, Star Wars, Ratchet and Clank, Knack, Little Big Planet etc. all on PS4 or PS3.
Unless Mario is critical they are all much of a muchness. Current gen PS4/xbox1 would be my choice but then previous gen PS3/xbox360 would also be fine, and cheaper.
You can get 'kart racer' games of various quality on other systems (F1 race Stars for example).
Lego games are cross console and excellent. My boy likes those, Star Wars, Ratchet and Clank, Knack, Little Big Planet etc. all on PS4 or PS3.
Unless Mario is critical they are all much of a muchness. Current gen PS4/xbox1 would be my choice but then previous gen PS3/xbox360 would also be fine, and cheaper.
Current Gen is OTT in my opinion for that age.
A Wii would be my 1st choice as a great console to get them into it...with loads of age appropriate titles, ability to play together in the same room & fun way of playing. My now 13 year old (now on my PS4) started with Wii and used to love Karting & all the sports games at first before progressing onto the fun platform type games that are available. At that age they don't care about "hi res" or "processing power" or "online". It's all about the game play and fun which I think the Wii did very well. It also allows anyone to join the fun (Grandparents included). We've had many a laugh with all ages of family playing the various sports games mainly. We would have been hard pushed to get the older folks playing with a PS controller.
As a 2nd choice I'd consider an older PS3 but I don't think you'd get the same level of family engagement...something I was keen to have with mine as they will have plenty of time as they get older sat on their own in a dark room playing games !!
(PS alert...I've always had PS's so can't comment on the Xbox etc)
A Wii would be my 1st choice as a great console to get them into it...with loads of age appropriate titles, ability to play together in the same room & fun way of playing. My now 13 year old (now on my PS4) started with Wii and used to love Karting & all the sports games at first before progressing onto the fun platform type games that are available. At that age they don't care about "hi res" or "processing power" or "online". It's all about the game play and fun which I think the Wii did very well. It also allows anyone to join the fun (Grandparents included). We've had many a laugh with all ages of family playing the various sports games mainly. We would have been hard pushed to get the older folks playing with a PS controller.
As a 2nd choice I'd consider an older PS3 but I don't think you'd get the same level of family engagement...something I was keen to have with mine as they will have plenty of time as they get older sat on their own in a dark room playing games !!
(PS alert...I've always had PS's so can't comment on the Xbox etc)
My boy is 6 at the moment and just got into PS3 gaming.
He's got:
He's got:
- Sonic Racing Unleashed (so-so game but he enjoys it)
- ModNation racing (much more fun than sonic, the nearest to a Mario kart style game - plus you can download other people's creations which look like the Nintendo )
- Burnout Paradise (by far his most favourite!)
- Rachet and Crank (he's still not played)
- Minecraft
I'd vote for a Wii.
Its cheap
There are loads of fun games (rather than fighting/shooting games)
Parents/grandparents can join in easily
Lot of kids have them so his friends can bring extra controllers and join in.
Collaborative play in a lot of games
Just Dance is hysterical when a group try to do it while pissed
It's got Mario Kart
Its cheap
There are loads of fun games (rather than fighting/shooting games)
Parents/grandparents can join in easily
Lot of kids have them so his friends can bring extra controllers and join in.
Collaborative play in a lot of games
Just Dance is hysterical when a group try to do it while pissed
It's got Mario Kart
Quest begins to find a wii bundle that doesn't come with a barely used wii fit and wk games. Some recommendations:
-Pikmin
-Mario Galaxy although both games can be nails
-Zelda skyward sword. My boy enjoyed just watching me play
-Ghost Squad is cheap and some may frown upon a kid playing this but ours played similar at arcades
-Lego Indiana Jones doesn't have the infuriating vehicle levels of Star Wars lego
-not used virtual console but loads of Nintendo classics there.
-Donkey Kong Country
-smash bros
-for yourself I'd recommend Metroid Prime. The trilogy is expensive but number 3 is cheaper. They also remade MGS but again it's a desired game. RE:4.
You can play loads of GameCube titles but the classics can be expensive. I've not enjoyed Mario cart since the n64 TBH!
-Pikmin
-Mario Galaxy although both games can be nails
-Zelda skyward sword. My boy enjoyed just watching me play
-Ghost Squad is cheap and some may frown upon a kid playing this but ours played similar at arcades
-Lego Indiana Jones doesn't have the infuriating vehicle levels of Star Wars lego
-not used virtual console but loads of Nintendo classics there.
-Donkey Kong Country
-smash bros
-for yourself I'd recommend Metroid Prime. The trilogy is expensive but number 3 is cheaper. They also remade MGS but again it's a desired game. RE:4.
You can play loads of GameCube titles but the classics can be expensive. I've not enjoyed Mario cart since the n64 TBH!
PS4 : Really ? ......he's 6. The Wii was the "go to" family entertainment system when mine was that age, even though we had PS3 aswell. Fun for all the family. If you want him to sit in front of the gaming machine on his own, go PS4 or XB.
I'd be hard pushed to name 5 excellent age (6) appropriate PS4 games (& PS4 isn't great for same room multiplayer). There are bucket loads of them on Wii ...and cheap.
Wii is prefect for a 6 year old. They can progress to a PS or XB in about 4 years, when they will be pestering you to play 18 rated games anyway.....but that's another story :-) ....and also, as some have mentioned, Wii is much more fun for family after a few drinks aswell :-)
I'd be hard pushed to name 5 excellent age (6) appropriate PS4 games (& PS4 isn't great for same room multiplayer). There are bucket loads of them on Wii ...and cheap.
Wii is prefect for a 6 year old. They can progress to a PS or XB in about 4 years, when they will be pestering you to play 18 rated games anyway.....but that's another story :-) ....and also, as some have mentioned, Wii is much more fun for family after a few drinks aswell :-)
Steve Campbell said:
I'd be hard pushed to name 5 excellent age (6) appropriate PS4 games (& PS4 isn't great for same room multiplayer). There are bucket loads of them on Wii ...and cheap.
KnackLego Marvel Avengers
Skylanders
Little Big Planet 3
Minecraft
Leg Dimensions
Forza Horizon 3
Lego Jurassic
Ratchet & Clank
Disney infinity
etc.
Plus dozens of indie games, some of which are fantastic. (Rocket League is one of my 6yo's favourites)
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