Which game system and games would you recommend for children from 4 to 18 in a hospital setting ?

Question

My hospital is trying to decide what game system we need to purchase and install in our playroom for sick children. We are having a cabinet maker build a wall mount assembly to hold up the game system and a flat panel tv. We would need to have some age specific games for kids 4 to 9 and then 10 and up. We would also try to stay away from violent games because of the age groups. A local GameStop store has suggested that we might want a GameCube since they have more kid friendly games. Also, the GameStop people are possibly looking to donate a game or two for our special project. So if you know what games we should start with, it would be a great help for us if you listed them. Please fill free to respond whenever you get a chance. Thank you

Answer 1

gamecube is also a great choice because it allows four controllers to be plugged into the main system (just like they did for N64) - but usually the system only comes with 1 controller. extra controllers are available for purchase in stores like gamestop. a memory card is required for a lot of games to play, even if you're not actually saving.

mario party games are good, i think there are like 3 for gamecube, but one requires a microphone - don't get that, for reasons i'm sure you'd understand. it's a bunch of mini games, from what i understand

animal crossing is great, you are a townsperson setting up a town, and you can fish to collect fish, use your bug net to collect bugs, etc..

there are also many games that are video game collections -

megaman X collections is great, it's a great game that even though you can use passwords to get back to certain parts of the game, you can always start at the beginning and get right in on the action - the beginning story is quite short

sonic also has a number of 'collections' games

avoid longer games, rpgs, because even if they're great, you can't really play other people's files, they are normally 1 player and it takes long to play (in other words, only one person at a time) however, final fantasy crystal chronicles would have been good if you could use controllers for players 1-3 instead of the gba that is required. (so that's another bad choice)

i'm including a link to a site you're sure to be interested in - in the source area

Answer 2

I agree with the GameStop store on this one. The Gamecube has plenty of kid friendly games and would be suitable for a hospital. I'd suggest any games with the word "Mario" would be a great choice for your games to start with. You'll find games on this system suitable for most ages.

Answer 3

Any Nintendo system will be best, so I agree with the people at GameStop. They have the widest variety of games meant for everyone to play, so you won't have to worry about the youngsters playing violent games. Good games to start with: try the Mario Party games, try sports games for variety, look for puzzle type games that can just be picked up and played. Avoid games with lengthy plots because they won't have time to beat them.

Answer 4

I bought my Daughter a V-Tech Smile game for Christmas - it's like a game system for the TV and it has many games for it with different age ranges. They also have V Tech Flash and held hand games. Also, they have a Leapfrog game system for the TV as well. Worth looking into. They are kid friendly and they teach so many good things.

Answer 5

Wait for the Nintendo Wii. Nintendo is going to release their back catalog of SNES and NES games, many of which are perfect for younger children. In addition, Nintendo is noted for catering to the younger crowd. Whereas XBox and PS3 will have games like the Resident Evil franchise and Grand Theft Auto, Nintendo has Mario and Pokemon in addition to strategy games for the little bit older kids.

Nintendo is easily your best bet,

Answer 6

GameCube is the most kid friendly. xbox and playstation cater to a more mature user.

Answer 7

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