I hate video games. There, I’ve said it publically. I’ve never been one of those humans obsessed with hour upon hour of gaming. I’m a reader and a writer. Give me a computer and I’ll become engrossed in some obscure blog or bit of eclectic news. Plunk me in front of the T.V., and I’ll suck up crime shows, the history channel or America’s Got Talent. At forty-four, I thought I was leading a video game free life forever. And I’ve enforced this as much as possible with my kids.
And then, Nintendo Wii came along. This is an exception I make to the “video game free” lifestyle. Unlike traditional video games, where the only sounds are the clicking of controllers and heavy breathing of players, (coupled with a fixed stare), Nintendo’s Wii, involves the whole family. There are cheers, whoops and groans of defeat. You can move around the room while bowling or playing tennis. Practice realist swings on a virtual golf course or water ski a few laps around the lake, right in your living room.
Admittedly, Wii is not the same as doing these things in real time. But Wii is light years from the singular, non-verbal, glazed eye encounters with other video games.
Another decent video game system choice is the Nintendo Ds, which has tons of fun, but mind expanding games. Today, Toys R Us released a “buy one, get one half off” Wii and Nintendo game sale which should send savvy parents hustling off to nab these deals for video systems worth owning. Many of these games are over $20.00. Saving ten bucks or more on a second item seems like a welcome gift to our parental pocketbooks.
Stock up on Christmas gifts with a vengeance, while keeping your budget intact. Try Wii Sports Resort or Star Wars Clone Wars with Light Saber Duels for a wild time of family room frolicking.
If you want to keep the kiddos brain sharp while providing a few hours of learning time, pick up a few great Nintendo Ds Games that make education enticing. Two to try are, “Brain Age 2, More Training” (which offers brain boosters and puzzles to stimulate learning) or the language teaching, “My Spanish Coach.”
Enjoy the savings and stock up. While you’re there, peruse the site for brand name specials offering free shipping. Spend 30 bucks on any of the featured brands, and receive free ground shipping! (See link for details).
Link to Toys R Us August 23, 2009 Sale: