Over at Babble.com I just posted something that I want to promote here too - Ten Best iPhone Apps for Distracting Young Children. Throwing my keys or random pieces of paper in my pocket to quiet a toddler in a shopping cart is nothing new to anyone, but with the new iPhone there are a lot of new and interesting diversions to throw at them. Provided of course you make sure they don't actually throw your phone back at you.
It's no secret I'm a big fan of the XBOX 360, but after playing with my new Nintendo Wii for a week or so, I have to say that it is much better suited for families. Although it's missing some features in my opinion, it's got the other systems beat in a few key areas.
First is the price. If you can find one in the stores, it's only going to cost you $250, which is $100 cheaper than the standard XBOX 360 and $250 cheaper than the standard Playstation 3. Sure it's not going to play BlueRay DVDs (or even regular DVDs) but for a next generation video game system (that plays great games) it's a bargain.
Next is the interface or "usability" of the system itself. Everything is based around using a remote control (or "Wiimote") and everyone that's tried to use it in my house - from my 3 year old daughter to my parents - understand how to use it immediately. Not only does the game know you're pointing it at the television, it also knows if you're rotating, tilting or moving it around anywhere. Personally I think it's easier to use than an XBOX 360 controller and way more approachable to kids and novice video game players.
And let's be honest, the biggest reason it's probably best for families is - it's Nintendo. Nintendo did something smart and didn't try to create a system that would be all things to all people. Instead they created a great little console that plays games (that are challenging but easy to play) with some of the most classic names in video game history like Mario, Zelda, Metroid and all the rest. One of my personal favorite things is that you can download via an internet connection old-school Nintendo games like Temco Bowl, Super Mario Brothers, Punch Out, and Wave Race 64 right to your Wii.
There are a few things I wish were different. You can view pictures on your Wii, but unfortunately you can't connect it to another computer in your house to view photos or listen to music like you can with an XBOX 360. I was able to download a web browser and view pictures on my flickr page, so it's kind of possible, but not as simple. The web browser (which the 360 doesn't have) is pretty useful - my aunt uses the web browser to listen to her Sirius Satellite Radio online through her home stereo, which works out well.
So if you're starting to think about a video game system for the family for Christmas this year, I'd definitely give the Wii some serious consideration. If you can find one.
I've written here before about how much I love my XBOX 360, but recently I haven't been using it very much to listen to music or view photos on the TV. Halo 3 for the XBOX 360 launched a week and a half ago, and I have to admit all of my free time since then has been spent in front of my TV with a controller in my hand. Everything about it rules, but the multiplayer aspect is the best. I'm not sure exactly why other game companies don't just copy what Bungie Studios does with Halo, but it is hands down the best online multiplayer game on a console.
But from a dad's perspective beware, this isn't a game for kids. It's a violent shoot-em up that, while fun, probably isn't appropriate for small children. Also, if you've got a son (or daughter? but I doubt it) playing the game at home and online, know that the language among the players might not be what you would ideally want him to hear. But then again, if he's playing Halo 3 online, it probably isn't anything he hasn't heard before.
So if you're a dad and you've got an XBOX 360, it's a must-own game. In fact, it's probably worth buying an XBOX 360 for too.
Buy Halo 3 for $59.99 from Amazon.com.
And if you don't have an XBOX 360 yet, you can always pick up an XBOX 360 Elite system at Amazon.com.
Normally I don't shill for Amazon so blatantly, but this is a pretty good deal. Right now they've got a two for one sale on all Hasbro, Milton Bradley or Parker Brothers games, with free shipping. It might be a good time to stock up on the classics you remember playing when you were a kid like Sorry! Or get your kid a new-school classic like Disney Princess Monopoly Jr., where you:
"Choose your favorite princess and dash around the gameboard to buy homes for as many Disney friends as you can! Then when other players land on your spaces, they must pay you to visit."
Princesses, capitalism and paying for friends. So many mixed messages in one game!
Check out the 2 for 1 sale on games at Amazon.com Offer expires 10-15-05.
NOTE: I just tried this and it's pretty confusing. What you have to do is go to purchase the more expensive item, then click the "second one for free" link in the "Special Offer" paragraph on that page. Then get the coupon code for the cheaper item on that page and follow the step by step instructions
If that doesn't work (it didn't for me), then make sure you get the coupon code for the cheaper of the two items, put both items in your cart and use the coupon code when you check out. It should work then.
Sometimes my gut reaction is just wrong. I found a press release the other day for a board game called “Hey Dad - Let’s Talk,” designed to encourage dads and their children to communicate. At first I wanted to mock it. I know I’m new to being a dad, but how hard is it to be interested in what your kids are up to and talk to them about it? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that things aren’t so simple for everyone. Every situation and relationship is different, and if this game helps fathers connect with their children, then that’s a good thing. And I certainly shouldn’t judge.
