Christmas. My son. Minecraft...

[Legend83]

So there is one single thing my 6 year old son has been going on about for ages, and that is Minecraft.

I intend to get it for him in some format for Christmas but I am a bit in the dark about what the best route is.

We already have a PS3 for which I could just buy him that version, but as it resides in the lounge he will end up competing for use of the main TV with the rest of the family.

So then I thought what about a handheld console plus Minecraft...however I don't think it is available for any of the Nintendo handhelds and the Sony Vita is seemingly a busted flush?

We also have a Hudl2 tablet but it is pretty basic...

Guidance?

[Legend83]

sgtBerbatov said:

I have the PS3 version and I like it as a casual thing. But, as far as I know, it lacks mods. And when you see what everyone gets up to with Minecraft, it's the mods that make it.

Would it be possible to get it on the PC for him? I don't think it takes a lot to get it running really.

We have a very dusty old desktop PC (it can run Company of Heroes as a guide to it's grunt) in the loft and a couple of mediocre laptops...

[Legend83]

mp3manager said:

Raspberry Pi 3. Great father, son project for Christmas day.

I really like the idea of this, but the reality would more than likely be me pulling my hair out while it fails to work, the turkey burning and my son moaning "I want to play Minecraft".

I guess the alternative is I set it all up Christmas Eve for him to have when he wakes on Christmas morning.

[Legend83]

Duke of Kidderminster said:

It also runs just fine on the Hudl2 which is what you mentioned you already have.

How do you get it on the Hudl2 or any tablet for that matter? Do you pay and download direct from the Minecraft site?

[Legend83]

Ok thanks that could be the way forward, although it's not quite as tangible as opening the wrapping paper and having the game in your hands.

Last but not least, any thoughts on the Playstation Vita as an option?

[Legend83]

Tycho said:

Not the most cost effective if you haven't got the Switch though...

Whatever I end up buying, as far as the wife knows it cost £50 max .

[Legend83]

Thanks for all the advice everyone - I think the route I am going down is getting a Fire 7 tablet (£30 on Black Friday deal) for him with Minecraft pre-loaded for Christmas Day. It takes away the issue with sharing the TV, plus he can play other games and watch Blue Planet on iPlayer etc.

I'm sure he will be fine with touch-screen controls but assuming you can connect a game pad to the Fire 7 somehow (bluetooth?).

[Legend83]

Blue Fire 7 with case ordered - £20 (I forgot I had £10 credit on my Amazon account)
Minecraft App - £5

Leaves me ample budget for a couple of the 'Guide to...' books as well.