In the old days, choosing a video game system for kids wasn’t that difficult. After all, parents didn’t have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available in compatible games from major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system includes the most kid-friendly games, the ones that youngsters will enjoy and the ones they will love. parents will not regret it. spend money on.

Let’s start with Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, catering to all age ranges. There are approximately 600 PS2 games that are rated “E”, meaning they are suitable for players ages six and up. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. The games that can be enjoyed by children aged ten and above are rated E10+, while those with an EC (Early Childhood) rating are of course suitable for little ones. The PS2 offers around a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet, Eggo Mania, and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo’s GameCube console remains popular because it includes titles popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 E-rated video game titles for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among kids today and years past, such as Sega’s Sonic GEMS Collection, Mario Nintendo Party 6. and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and various Pokémon titles are also available exclusively on the GameCube.

Microsoft’s Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles also have many, many E-rated titles; the Xbox with about 270 games and the Xbox 360 with about a dozen so far, but expect the number of Xbox 360 titles to increase since it’s a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for Xbox and Xbox 360 and that are rated E are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release cross-titles or games that are available on multiple platforms. For example, LEGO Star Wars from Eidos Interactive (rated E) is available for GameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision’s Madagascar (E10+ rating) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software’s Dora the Explorer (EC rating) is available on PS2 and Xbox, but not the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, Xbox and Xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock features. Parents can set limits on the games and movies that will play on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, children will not be able to play Teen, Adult, or Adult-rated DVDs or games. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit less effective. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that can be problematic for kids (for example, the amount of blood seen in games), but it doesn’t crash the game at all. It doesn’t even filter or beep offensive language. PlayStation 2’s parental control feature is even worse: it doesn’t allow parents or anyone else to restrict access to video games. The most parents can do is set the PS2 to prevent their children from watching DVD movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube stands out. Available for just $99, it’s significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, which range in price from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the most expensive. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that gamers can use to talk to other people online, a 20GB hard drive loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system for themselves, as well as see the different titles available to them before deciding which one to purchase. Factors such as the number and age of users in the household, availability of the game title, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be happy with the limited but popular GameCube games; some might prefer the broader offerings of PlayStation 2 or Xbox; others may opt for the high-tech features of the Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of healthy, fun, and carefree entertainment for little ones and their parents alike.