Getting Personal
A new generation of personal gaming systems deliver a powerful, portable experience for video game fanatics. But now, kids can stay glued to the screen even when they\'re outside, and wireless features allow them to play games with strangers.
A new generation of personal gaming systems deliver a powerful, portable experience for video game fanatics. But now, kids can stay glued to the screen even when they\'re outside, and wireless features allow them to play games with strangers.
While the news isn\'t all bad -– the systems are technically impressive and can be used for more than just gaming -- parents need to consider the implications of gaming on the go. What do these systems do to kids\' free time? Their reading time? Should children disconnect from the real world this much and will this undermine their link to a community outside their screen? Parents, take the top systems for a test drive:
Game Boy Advance SP
Released: March 2003
Price: About $80
Most popular game: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Features: GBA SP comes in cool colors and has a flip-top for easy carrying. It improves on the original GBA with a front light and rechargeable batteries.
Common Sense Note: This is a flashier gaming system than the old Game Boy, but you can still play your old games on it. You\'ll need special adapters for headphones, multiplayer gaming (there are both wireless and non-wireless options) and to link to your GameCube.
Nintendo DS
Released: November 2004
Price: $119.95
Most popular game: Super Mario 64 DS
It’s wireless enabled for multi-player gaming (up to 100 feet away), and features PictoChat software that allows you to interact with up to 15 other DS users. Included stylus and touch screen display allow you to draw and control games in a different way. The DS is the only system that has dual displays, allowing you to do cool stuff like read a map on one screen while playing in live action on the other. The game also has a rechargeable battery and larger screens than GBA. You can play GBA games but not your old Game Boy games.
Common Sense Note: Once chat is enabled, your DS will display other users nearby who are in chat rooms. You’ll want to set firm limits with your kids about who they are allowed to chat with, and play online with.
Sony’s Playstation Portable
Released: March 2005
Price: $249
Most popular game: 24 games will be released with the system, including FIFA 2005 and NFL Street 2 Unleashed.
Features: This is more of an all-in-one entertainment center: It plays games, DVDs, and MP3. Like DS, it is wireless and allows you to play with up to 15 other players. But the PSP screen resolution is much higher and promises better graphics. Plus, Sony is working on making it into a mobile phone, and there are rumors that there will be Web browsing and email available. The battery is rechargeable.
Common Sense Note: The system has parental controls, allowing you to set limit on the games your kids play. The system is being released in a value pack that includes a battery pack, ac adapter, headphones with remote control, and more.
