My little guy loves his PSP so I thought it was time for something he can play at home for his 8th birthday next month. I thought of a PS3, but others have mentioned XBOX360. I know that either is a gigantic leap from my old Gamecube.

What do you guys think? And if you do say PS3, how many GB? Keep in mind, again, he's going to be 8.

Many thanks,

Thos.

Try a Wii. Or go through the lists of games for each and find out what is similar to what you give him on PSP, but understand both have a lot of kid-unfriendly titles, and he WILL find out about them.

I would go with the PS3. It has a blu-ray player built in and is much more useful for the entire family than just as a gaming counsel.

I would go with whatever his friends have.

Although I do not own a PSP nor do I know the extent of the capabilities but you can connect PSP to PS3 for certain interactions.

Although this is in its infant stages, seems like more and more is planned between the PS3 + PSP

heres a link with some information
http://psp.about.com/od/hardwarefirmware/a/pspandps3.htm

edit:
Realized there wasn't much on that link, so I'll post some more:
http://www.psxextreme.com/feature/134.html

highlights:

One of the most important aspects of this connectivity is the ability to download classic PS1 games via the PlayStation Store, then play them on the PSP

Furthermore, there have been rumors of PS1-to-PSP direct downloads before Christmas. In other words, because the PSP can't access the Store directly, Sony is supposedly working to make that a reality

Stream media from the PS3 to the PSP.

Also in the first link, it seems like game developers are possibly adding features to use the PSP while playing PS3 games (The first link talks about a game which is a racing game that uses the PSP as a rearview mirror - I realize the game is pretty old but the possibility of more is out there..)

IMHO, both are kind of dangerous if you care what he takes in and don't monitor his gameplay. I think Xbox Live is worse for kids/adults who think the entire english language should be comprised of foul language. PS3 does have it share but not quite as bad. I think the Wii is probably the safest in the way of content and games.

HOWEVER, if he's a hardcore gamer and not a "play only with other people" kind of guy, the Wii blows. I vote PS3. I won't explain why because I don't want to make a fanboy fight out of this. I have both systems, I like my PS3 much better.

For a 8 year old, Wii is best. If not then PS3, the slim 120 GB. You don't have to pay extra to play multiplayer like xbox live.

IMHO, both are kind of dangerous if you care what he takes in and don't monitor his gameplay. I think Xbox Live is worse for kids/adults who think the entire english language should be comprised of foul language. PS3 does have it share but not quite as bad. I think the Wii is probably the safest in the way of content and games.

HOWEVER, if he's a hardcore gamer and not a "play only with other people" kind of guy, the Wii blows. I vote PS3. I won't explain why because I don't want to make a fanboy fight out of this. I have both systems, I like my PS3 much better.

I agree 100% w/ the bold statements. Although I would imagine the PS3 games will soon be filled with the same type foul language of folks, it is only a matter of time.

I personally only have an xbox (and I do like it alot), but I'm pretty sure he'll be happy with either system. If you are looking to play Blu-Ray's ever, you have to go PS3.

Depends on how mature your 8 year old is. If he still prefers more kiddie stuff, Wii (even though I HATED mine but I'm an adult). If he enjoys stuff more complex than mini-games, the wii will be a bad choice.

Do you plan on letting him play online? If so, realize that the 360 requires a subscription for him to play online and does not include wireless. I prefer my PS3 to my 360 personally but there are tons of people the opposite way. PS, if you go PS3, I'd recommend the Ratchet and Clank series.

best thing you can do for that little 8 year old is get him a Ps3 and go download the Ps1 game Final Fantasy 7 from the PSstore. Its only $10 and he will be entertained for hours and will be in an epic world more intense than disney.

Wii is good for family and kids...but Beware if you have an expensive TV...:lol:

Yeah I must agree that Wii is probably the best fit, PS3 is very awesome however and would probably serve him well for a long time.

As many have stated, considering your son's age, the Wii looks like the best choice. The only downside is if he grows out of the "mini games" genre and goes into the more "hardcore" titles that are present on the PS3/360, then he may abandon the Wii.

Since hes in love with the PSP, I guess you might as well get a PS3 though it can go both ways. Whatever you do, just make sure he doesn't play all day and ruin his grades.

don't waste your money on a Wii, my kids grew out of that one so fast. PS3, as it has a friendlier community if your kid plans on playing online. xbox is rough. (my 15 yr old told me this)

do him a favor and get him a PS3. that thing is going to be around for a while.

or

I would go with whatever his friends have.

because its tough being left out because you cant play with your friends.

don't waste your money on a Wii, my kids grew out of that one so fast. PS3, as it has a friendlier community if your kid plans on playing online. xbox is rough. (my 15 yr old told me this)

agreed.

360 Halo3 is full of 8yr olds... and besides, PS3s are sweet. At $299 get the 120GB. Used 40gbs are in the $249 range, but a slim (120 or 250GB) is a better bet for an 8yr old (can't install linux, which is a biggie for me, but 99% most likely not for him, although at 8 my room had several half-assembled computers in it...)

What a lucky 8 year old. Best I had was an snes @ 8. I would say go w/ whatever the friends have, more overall enjoyment. After all, its an entertainment system, Wii, 360, and PS3 all have online gameplay anyway

I think wii is better for your kid. Even grown ups would love it to.. I would say its best for the whole family. More bonding time with kids. :D

My little guy loves his PSP so I thought it was time for something he can play at home for his 8th birthday next month. I thought of a PS3, but others have mentioned XBOX360. I know that either is a gigantic leap from my old Gamecube.

What do you guys think? And if you do say PS3, how many GB? Keep in mind, again, he's going to be 8.

Many thanks,

Thos.

Hi, I know that it is probably late but another game option if you go ps3 is little big planet. They have that for both ps3 and psp. My 8 year old loves this game. It is a basic puzzel type game that my 3 kids and I play together and have a ball. We also have a wii, but the ps3 gets played more often, although they do love the wii as well.

Get him whatever his friends have so he can play together with them. Since he is only 8, you might want to turn on some parental controls (if they exist, I can never find them - not that I need them) or have someone monitor him as he plays online.

As an avid gamer myself, I would say the Wii is the palce to be until 12 or 13. However if decident between the PS3 and Xbox go PS3. Not only does it offer a blu-ray player which is great for everyone its newer so it will take longer for it to become obsolete.