I am a video game idiot. My kids (both girls, ages 8 and 5) have been recently introduced to video games (particularly Dance Dance Revolution) and I am thinking of getting them a console for Christmas. They're just kids, so they don't need the hottest, most intense, etc. Which system is better for *little* kids? Does one have more games or are they pretty comparable regarding the games available for each?

I don't know much about Playstation 3 or X-Box 360 but if you're trying to decide between Playstation 2 or X-Box, I'd go with a Playstation 2. Many more games and games for all ages and genres. It's a game system that can grow with them as they get older.

As far as new consoles are concerned, don't forget about the new Nintendo Wii. It has a motion sensitve controller you move to control the game. It is the cheapest of the new consoles at about $250. It doesn't have high def and doesn't have a dvd drive, but looks like a lot of fun. It's probably the most kid friendly. The Playstation 3 is the most expensive, starting at $499, but it does include a BluRay drive which is a High definition DVD drive. Of course, both of those products are new and in short supply, you'd be lucky to get your hands on one. The Xbox 360 has been available since last year, so you'd have better luck getting one of those. Getting an older console like the playstation 2 would probably be your best option and would cost you just over $100. The Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 are for serious gamers and would probably be a waste for small children.

To add on, Nintendo Wii will play Gamecube games (the pre-cursor Nintendo system) as well as have the ability to download original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64 (N64), Sega Genesis and Turbografix games in an iTunes style pay-per-game system.

And yes, I will be dropping about $400 on one and some games this Sunday. I'm hopelessly addicted to video games. Hell, my junior year in high school I wrote a 15 page term paper on them. (Best. Paper. Ever.)

Thanks for your input. I bought a Playstation 2 on amazon.com for about $150. My kids don't need the bells and whistles and, to be honest, this thing will probably just be gathering dust in six months!

Nintendo has heaps more content geared for the ages of your kids. That said, the new Nintendo system has some quirks to it. Since the controls are designed to use body movements to play the games, it will take some learning to figure out. Some of the movements are repetitive, so while exercise is good, repetitive movement can actually cause some hurt. You can adjust the settings, you just have to read the documentation on how to find the right settings.

If you are primarily buying a console for some sort of Dance Dance Revolution game, I'd just double check to make sure the system you buy, has a game available to fit that need.

Don't be afraid to buy a previous system. Game Cube, Xbox and Playstation 2 are all great systems and there a plenty of games and accessories available on the cheap. Especially with the release of the newer systems. The newer systems are best utilized on HD TV's and connected to the internet. If those two elements are not part of the set up for your kids, save some cash.

Edited because i just read your last post and you already got the Playstation 2. Good call! Now have your kids teach you how to play!

Now this is just plain ridiculous! For someone to go this insane over a PS3, a little box that plays games, is just as ludicrous as our Imperious President telling us that we have to fear terror all the time. No, this is even more ridiculous. Come on, reality is better than any game someone could play. I don't get it!

From experience, I agree with the other posters. If you are a parent, Nintendo's systems cannot be challenged. There is so much more age-appropriate, fun stuff here. There's more of a mix of games that appeal to both girls and boys (as opposed to just boys). And most of the game quality translates into fun time for the adults as well. Given that Nintendo is also making its huge library available for the new system, it looks like the best bargain.

As for me, I can't live without my Nintendo DS Lite. Best portable gaming system out there - and yes, I also own Sony's PSP but again, the depth of the library and the variety of games just can't be beat.

Have you seen what PS3's are selling for on Ebay? Up to 10K... There are people in this world that will kill you for 10K. Actually they should consider making it a game.

Grand Theft Gaming System: Vice City Des Moines