At the bare minimum, a video-game console is basically a device that connects to your TV and allows you to play games using a controller.
What are Gaming Consoles?
A gaming Console is a gaming device designed to play video games, by connecting the console to a television or similar audio-video system (anything that can display video and play sound).
Popular examples of consoles include the Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii.
Modern gaming consoles have evolved greatly and now include other entertainment options, such as streaming video. It means, basically you can record your gameplay and share it with friends (boast about your score), you can surf the Web, and do much more.
These make high-spec consoles that deliver the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience, and provide spectacular graphics.
These have Wi-Fi, wireless controllers, backward compatibility features, upgradeable hard drive, and more. These offer high definition graphics, and loads of features to enable you to experience the best gaming experience possible.
But gaming consoles alone won’t let you have the fun. You’ll need to buy Games!
Games cost around $50 to $60, depending on what you buy. Sounds expensive? Yes, they are when they are newly released. Wait for a few months, and the pries will reduce. But is your kid going to wait for so long?
You can even play games online, but for that, you need to pay a subscription fee, or even to enjoy some of the console’s additional features.
What if you want to play with multiple people, all together? In that case, you’ll need to buy additional controllers.
Use the ESRB Ratings as a Guide
The Educational Software Review Board (ESRB) provides a rating system for every game sold, based on violence, language, mature activities or themes. Use this information as a guide; this way you will be sure that the game is appropriate for the right age.
A game will be rated for “Early Childhood”, “Everyone”, “Everyone Ages 10 and Older”, “Teen”, “Mature”, and “Adult”. Titles rated “Mature” may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language, and should be purchased only for gamers 17 and older.
So if you child asks for a particular game (may have heard about it from somewhere) and if its rated “mature”, it may not be appropriate for him/her.
Shun Passive, Go Active
It only means that rather that playing games that only require the use of thumbs while relaxing on a couch, buy exer-games (exercise based games) where you can do physical activities – it could be dance or some sort of fitness activity.
You could even choose educational games that mixes fun with learning, and teaches languages, maths, sciences, etc. Great way to impart learning outside of the classroom.
The great thing about recent interfaces (where you don’t have to use only your thumbs or a joystick) is that families tend to play together; it could be bowling, tennis, or any other game.
Games are fun, even for adults, and its a great way to bond with family.
Involve your children to find the best games, give them guidelines, let them choose from a mix of exergame and educational games. Always remember to check if the games are appropriate for the right ages.
Is Console for Kids & PC for Adults?
Most think that gaming consoles are for kids and computers are for adults. One of the reasons for that is because consoles are more affordable whereas PC is great for those who are willing to spend money (usually adults).
Consoles are specialized PCs that operate using specific software tailored for use with the console’s specs. PCs can be much more powerful (provided you have top of the line audio & video cards).
So basically, both actually serve some purpose; it’s just that one sees the other as inconvenient (which is understandable). Consoles are effective replacement for those who don’t want to invest in a ‘top of the line’ PC.
Here’s what most experienced gamer’s think about this debate?
Best Gaming Consoles for Kids
Sony Playstation
Sony PlayStation console combines cutting-edge gaming, media streaming, internet connectivity, and television integration.
You will find a variety of PS consoles and console bundles, PlayStation games, and PlayStation accessories, and a variety of game downloads.
You will find a full range of PlayStation accessories, including controllers, headsets, and protective skins.
Sony PlayStation sets a new standard in home entertainment and gaming consoles. From cutting edge gaming, streaming music or movies, and sharing with friends, PlayStation has the ability to be your home’s all-in-one entertainment system.
Microsoft Xbox (360)
Xbox is the video game console from Microsoft that is not just a gaming console but also allows you to stream videos and movies. You can also store pictures in it along with browsing through you tube and other sites.
Microsoft’s consoles have always been accompanied with the highest quality gaming controllers, and the Xbox One is no different.
Nintendo
Nintendo is one of the leading manufacturers of gaming systems. However, Nintendo’s consoles and gaming hardware have been lagging behind those of Sony and Microsoft. Nintendo, which transformed from a giant to a seemingly small player (in under a decade) is betting big on the Nintendo NX (called Switch).
Nintendo Wii
Wii is for everyone. The ease of use and interactivity of the Wii remote and Nunchuck allows for a unique social gaming experience for the whole family. You don’t just play Wii, you experience it!
With Wii, you’re not just a player, you actually become a part of the game. Because of the unique design of the WII Remote, gaming has evolved from push button to a full body experience.
If you intend to buy a new gaming console, you should ideally buy one that allows you to play exergames (video games that encourage physical activity) as well, besides the other popular games.
What is a Gaming Computer?
A gaming computer, gaming rig or gaming PC is specifically designed for playing demanding and complex video games. They include components that are performance-oriented towards playing games, and also includes better quality video cards for enhanced graphics.
Compared to conventional PCs, gaming computers have improved graphics, color fidelity, display systems, and sound system.
Extreme Gaming Computers / PCs are those that have overwhelming power, but then, you pay for it accordingly.
These computers use an all metal chassis, are built to handle any cooling solution, have dedicated exhaust chamber, and more. Most of these computers use copper-tubing cooling solution, the nickel plated pieces give them a luxurious feel.
Extreme PC rigs tend to be expensive.
Custom-built gaming computers are popular as it allows more flexibility in budgets, controls and offers upgrading advantages. More memory and a faster processor (perhaps even a dual core processor) will enhance your game-play experience.
Gaming Accessories for PC and Console Gamers
Gaming is no longer about just playing a game, it’s the whole package. The peripherals connected to gaming are just as important as the game itself.
Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards come with several macro buttons, ideal for multi player games. These are designed for performance gaming. They provide fast, low-noise operation, across all the keys. The keyboard design ensures accuracy no matter how fast you play. The frame is sturdy enough for hours of intense play.
Gaming Mice
A Gaming Mouse is designed to fit snugly under your palm and enable firm clicks, the ergonomic shape makes it very comfortable for the best gaming experience ever, especially during the most testing of battles.
Logitech G27 Racing Wheel
The Logitech G27 Racing Wheel gives a realistic feel of the world’s greatest circuits feel, and is designed to deliver the definitive racing experience for PC and PLAYSTATION. Sliding sideways around a gravely curve, screaming through the streets of Monaco, feels quite real with this accessory.
The powerful, dual-motor force feedback mechanism with helical gearing smoothly and accurately simulates traction loss, weight shift, and road feel. Six-speed shifter with push-down reverse gear allows you to quickly choose exactly the right gear. RPM/shift indicator LEDs integrate with racing game software to indicate when the user should shift gears.
Realistic 11-Inch wheel with leather-wrapped rim provides a more comfortable, true-to-life racing experience for hours on end. Steel gas, brake, and clutch pedals deliver precise throttle, braking, and shifting control for heightened realism.
Gaming Chairs
Gaming chairs include useful features like gear shifter controls for racing games and built-in speakers for a more immersive experience. They are easier to clean and are comfortable to sit on for extended periods.
The better ones are made from premium quality cushioning materials (including leather). It can help you rotate or tilt at any angle for flexible movements. Gaming chairs have heavy padding on its arms, backrest, and seat to enhance your comfort. These come with built-in sub-woofer (and a vibration system), high quality built-in speakers for better and effective entertainment. These connect with most games systems and TVs.
X Rocker gaming chairs have been gaining in popularity among gaming enthusiasts, thanks to their features and comfort. These feature ergonomic design, audio-visual enhancing technologies, device linking capabilities for better video gaming experience.
Gaming Glasses for Eye Fatigue
Gaming glasses are glasses intended for those who play games online.
- Help reduce blue light glare and strain. When you are staring at a TV, computer, tablet, or other device for too long, this emits blue light. This causes strain and can impair vision. Gaming glasses help reduce this.
- Help improve clarity, reduce glare, and provide a lighter hue (yellow tint) which will help you see colors vividly and clearly.
- Lets you keep up with fast paced games, help reduce blur or glare, and help provide enhanced definition for all games you love playing.
- These are intended to help reduce the blue light, and vision impairment you would suffer from, if you would stare at a computer or TV screen for several hours a day, without having such protections.
Digital eyewear for gamers and long-term computer users claims to increase visual performance, prevent Digital Eye Fatigue (DEF), and protect against Computer Visions Syndrome (CVS).
Computer eye-wear not only enhances your vision when indulging in activities (such as gaming or watching YouTube videos) in front of screens, it also protects your eyes from any detrimental effects. That is why Video display glasses are becoming popular. You may wear it at work, school, or at home.
The Upside of Gaming: Mental and Physical Benefits Explained
Gaming may not be as bad as it is made out to be and provides several surprising benefits including improving cognitive abilities and mental health.
Life, in many ways, is just one big game full of challenges and pressures, and people need to find some relief from stress every now and then.
While things like exercise, playing board/card games and listening to music are effective stress-busters, playing games can also serve as a huge stress-buster, and surprisingly it also has other benefits.
There are many who see video games as a form of entertainment, something to have fun with. The fact is that, leaving aside all those cool graphics, awesome music, and the intriguing plots, these games can improve ypur mind and offer educational opportunities as well.
Here are some of the learning opportunities that games can present.
- Develops Strategic Thinking: Yes, Video games do that! Rare is the video game that doesn’t require its player to make a decision two or three steps ahead of a current situation. With constant play, players quickly learn the advantage of strategic thinking and they start to apply it to actual world opportunities.
- Video games improves your problem solving. Although the same could be said about any game, video games have proven in study after study to improve problem-solving skills. This is because most (if not all) games are centered around a problem and then challenge the player to solve it. In just one game, a player may solve anywhere from three to a hundred or more different problems.
- Improves decision-making. One quality of video games that lends to quick decision making is its impromptu situations. The element of surprise is always around the corner and it’s what makes games exciting to play. To win however, players must be able to make smart decisions within a very short amount of time.
- It improves memorization. Video have a strong influence on memorization. The terrain portrayed inside some of these games is huge, yet accessing the maps can be cumbersome and disruptive to the game. To compensate, gamers will not only memorize a large portion of the terrain, they’ll remember the tasks required to get to specific areas.
- Video games feed the imagination. There are many who feel that television, videos, and gaming away from the imagination, because they supply the mind with all the things instead of encouraging the mind to come up with something new. These same people feel that a stack of blocks is sufficient to grow a child’s imagination. Well, on the contrary, the imagery in video games fuels the imagination and gives it a spring board to form new possibilities that might not have occurred otherwise. So we choose to disagree here.
- Video games encourage exploration. In role-playing games, players must venture off the beaten path and explore the unknown. They have to open doors without knowing what’s behind them. They have to enter areas of the game without knowing the consequence. And they have to interact with characters that they’ve never met before. Inside these particular kinds of games, the opportunity to gather up the courage to explorer unknown territory isn’t just available, it’s required.
- Video games teach consequence. All computer and video games operate off of an ‘action – reaction’ principle. Do something, and the game will react. This is a great opportunity to learn about consequence – whether this opportunity is experienced from a gamer’s point of view or a programmer’s point of view.
- Improves your hand and eye coordination. If you find this hard to believe, pick up a game controller and try to maneuver around the game. Manipulating a game controller demands the same skills that it takes to maneuver a mouse around a computer screen.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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