Why the Nintendo Wii is Better Than Playstation 3 and Xbox, Put Together..

Maybe you're looking for a video game system to give to grandchildren as a Christmas gift this year. Or maybe your kids have been pestering you for a new video game system. (You can only beat Mario Brothers and Tetris so many times...)

Whatever your purpose is for shopping video game systems, you will likely have your options narrowed down to the Nintendo Wii, the Sony Playstation 3, and the Xbox. If you don't know much about video games, it can be especially difficult to choose. Even if you do know a thing or two about video games, it can still be a tough choice because all 3 options are too expensive, and all 3 options are likely to be outdated in only a few more years when a newer, better model comes out.

So here is where I can share some first hand experience that might help simplify the decision for you, and I promise this is not a sponsored review in any way shape or form. I am going to share my actual opinion as the mother of too many kids to count. (If they would just hold still for one minute!)

I am what the kids call a "cool mom" because not only do I allow them to play video games, but I will sit down and beat them at any racing, hunting, fighting, strategy, or any game you come up with. (Maybe I'm stretching the truth there a little...)

The point is, video games are not necessarily a bad thing for children to play. Even a Playstation game or Xbox game can be better than watching TV... at least you're interacting in some way. At the same time, too much of anything is a problem.

With that being said, it should be very clear that video game systems are a good gift for a child, and the first thing to take away if the grades drop. But to prevent any zoned-out personality problems from developing to begin with... you should avoid video game systems that are a thing of the past-- that is video games where you exercise nothing more than your thumbs.

The Nintendo Wii is a personal family favorite because even distant family members who are completely opposed to video games in general can get down and play with the kids. If you can't get your teenager outside to play some real games the way you used to as a child, you can still play baseball or tennis with that child in a synthetic manner.

If you are a parent who can not understand games like the Sims, where you apparently do nothing... then you might find yourself surprised to be fighting over whose turn it is when you purchase a Nintendo Wii. There are many different types of games available for the Wii, including some where you don't need to stand up and exercise, but there are also many other games that are nothing but exercise.

While I am making recommendations, I will also recommend adding Wii Fit to your shopping list. There are 4 basic types of exercise categories on this game, and each one will have the whole family competing for the higher score in a challenging environment.

Can a Playstation or Xbox bring the family together and help you get back in shape? I didn't think so,,,