My previous post on family gaming looked at Sony’s PlayStation line up. This time I'm focusing on the Wii and Xbox 360.

Nintendo Wii ($499)
The Wii is probably the most family-friendly console – its motion-sensing controllers are extremely easy to use and most of the games are aimed at a younger (or at least wider) demographic.

When you buy a console you get a single controller and Wii Sports, a collection of five different games: boxing, tennis, bowling, golf, and baseball. They’re all a lot of fun, and so intuitive my partner’s seven-year-old sister started beating me (a lot) at bowling.

There are a couple of things to note. At $500 the Wii isn’t cheap – on top of that you’ll want at least one extra controller, and probably another three. Each costs around $100, and when you toss in a couple of extra games you’re probably looking at a $1000 price tag.

There are also a large number of low-quality games available – my advice is to stick to Nintendo’s official games as they’re generally much better.

Xbox 360 ($345-599)
Much like the PlayStation 3, this console is filled primarily with “hardcore” games such as shooters, racers, and sports titles. But it’s becoming an increasingly tempting option for families and budget-conscious shoppers – you can pick up the most basic package for $150 less than a Nintendo Wii.

The 360 will play DVDs and can act as a hub for your movies and music. You can also connect to the internet to download new games and media. Most games are also available on the PlayStation 3, but there are a few exclusive titles that are worth looking into.

Mario Kart ($97-130)
Available on: Nintendo Wii

If you’ve got four controllers, this is a great racing game to play together. You hold the Wii controller like you would a steering wheel, and simply tilt it to turn left or right. It’s an addictive game, but one that places an emphasis on being family friendly.  

Wii Fit (around $200)
Available on: Nintendo Wii

This is gaming’s latest answer to the critics who complain about kids sitting for hours and hours on a couch. It’s essentially a fitness programme made fun – if such a thing is possible. It takes your body mass index and helps you set out a fitness program filled with a number of activities to perform in front of the TV - from yoga to push-ups.

What makes this game work – and explains the high price tag – is the included balance board. It’s like a high-tech set of scales and can detect any shift in weight, allowing you to play, for example, a snowboarding game much like you’d control an actual snowboard. Great for getting gamers up off the couch and moving around – although it’s still no substitute for getting out in the sun!

Rock Band (around $300 for the game + instruments)
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii

Here’s yet another expensive game with its own unique controllers. In this case four people can play together in a band, and the game comes with a microphone, a guitar, and – get this – a drum kit. Surprisingly, it’s not a big mess – it works well once you’ve got your head around the concept.

There are over 50 songs on the disc to enjoy, from the Rolling Stones to the Killers. And – in yet another bid to take your money – you can download additional tracks at $2.90 a pop.

Or you could do what I did as a kid: grab some ice cream containers and bang on them as hard as you can.

Viva Piñata 1 or 2 ($45-70)
Available on: Xbox 360

This is one cute game, but don’t be fooled – under the colourful exterior lies a game that anyone can get sucked into. Your job in this game is to build up a beautiful garden from scratch and house it with a wide variety of piñatas. Some will be demanding, others might just want some long grass to hide in. It’s a tricky yet satisfying job keeping all your piñatas happy, and can easily be picked up by kids and adults alike.

Project Gotham Racing 4 ($30-60)
Available on: Xbox 360

You might be able to find this game bundled with the Xbox 360 – it’s worth picking up if anyone in your house is into cars or motorbikes. Project Gotham Racing 4 is an easy game to play, but there’s a lot of depth beneath the hood. It has great graphics and a lot of licensed cars, so get this for your favourite petrol head.

Are there any other titles you think deserve a shout out? Or do you want to know more about anything I’ve missed? Post below!

 Tristan Clark - Technical Writer

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