Question for the Console Crowd

[Ksyrup]

I haven't so much as played a console game for over 15 years, but my 7 year old has been bugging us about gettin one, and I'll admit, I'm itching to try the Guitar Hero games. So my question is this...is the PS2 still worth buying? I know the PS3 is going to be coming out, but does that mean the PS2 is going to be discontinued (or that they won't be making compatible games for it anymore)? I don't feel like spend hundreds of dollars, and it seems like the PS2 might be worth the limited investment since it's relatively cheap and there's a good back-catalogue of games to choose from. But, I don't want to buy a dead game system, either. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Eaglesfan27]

Usually, they will support the console for a year to two after the "next-gen" system comes out. So, you should be seeing new games for at least that time period. Looking at Gamespot's coverage of the Tokyo Game Show, it looks like at least 100 new games are scheduled to come out on the PS2 in the next year-18 months including some very good ones such as Final Fantasy 12. Also, as you mentioned, there is a huge library of older games that can be had cheaply. I think the system is well worth it, particularly at the relatively cheap price.

[Kodos]

Actually, the PS2 is a great investment. A huge lineup of great/cheap games. The one downside is that the stream of AAA games is going to dry up in the coming year. But like I said, with the back library PS2 has at $20 each, it'll be more than enough to keep your kid happy. The PS3 is going to be terribly expensive, and usually early game lineups aren't that great. I say go with the PS2.

[Ksyrup]

Thanks!

[Deattribution]

They're on the record saying they intend on supporting the PS2 for another 4 years, I'd say they'll be supported for atleast 2 1/2. They have a great list of games already out, and a bunch more still to come so yeah I think it's a good buy still.

[dawgfan]

The PS2 would be a great value right now - a huge library of games, lots of great older titles that you should be able to find cheap and they'll still get some new titles for a few more years.

The only downside is that, at some point, peer pressure will happen to your son and he'll wonder why you don't have a "new" console like a 360, PS3 or Wii like one of friends. Since he's only 7, that probably won't happen in earnest for a few more years though.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, the ps2 is a great, "bang for buck" system. I will say, however, Guitar Hero will be coming out for the 360 as well. ;)

[SackAttack]

Yeah, there's still some high-profile stuff on the way, such as God of War 2 and Guitar Hero 2. It'll still enjoy prominent shelf space for at least a year, because PS3's library will take at least that long to really start growing, but at some point it's going to get squeezed for space rather rapidly, support or no support.

That said, if you're picking up the inexpensive back library and not waiting forever to pick up the new games on the system that you want, there's no reason why you can't get tons of enjoyment out of a new PS2, even now.

[Ksyrup]

The PS2 would be a great value right now - a huge library of games, lots of great older titles that you should be able to find cheap and they'll still get some new titles for a few more years.

The only downside is that, at some point, peer pressure will happen to your son and he'll wonder why you don't have a "new" console like a 360, PS3 or Wii like one of friends. Since he's only 7, that probably won't happen in earnest for a few more years though.

The good news is, it's our daughter not son, so I don't think it'll be as big an issue as if 'she' was a 'he.'

[dawgfan]

The good news is, it's our daughter not son, so I don't think it'll be as big an issue as if 'she' was a 'he.'

Ah - yep, probably much less of an issue. Depending on what kinds of games she would be interested in (and how much you want to use it as well) I'd also consider the Gamecube.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Have you thought about a Wii?

You'll be able to play Gamecube games on it as well, which gives you boatloads of dirt-cheap games that are perfect for younger kids, plus your kid will have a new console system that will last for 3-5 years.

[spleen1015]

7 year old daughter? I'd go with the Wii. If you can't wait, Game Cube for sure.

[Godzilla Blitz]

7 year old daughter? I'd go with the Wii. If you can't wait, Game Cube for sure.

Yeah, that's the direction I was aiming at with my comment as well. I have an XBox and a PS2. Whenever I look for games for my kids, the vast majority are too violent or too complicated. Sure, there are a few that work (Lego Wars for the win!), but the target demographic for the majority of the games is older.

Then I wander over to the Gamecube section and immediately see about 20 games that would be perfect for them: cute, simple, inviting games that little kids would love.

[mrsimperless]

Funny this thready shows up. I just went out and bought a PS2 today along with Kingdom Hearts (for my daughter), Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy X. All of the games were used and the whole shmear cost me around $200. I also plan on getting Guitar Hero tomorrow to play with a friend and also I'm going to pick up one of the Harvest Moon games for my daughter as she loves the GBA versions. Harvest Moon was the only reason I ever considered getting a gamecube other than Zelda, and when I found out that they were out for PS2 it made the system a lock. There are quite a few games that I have on my buy list, and plenty of cheap games $20 or less than I can put on my christmas list too. It's just so much more fun to get used video games than socks!

[sterlingice]

If you're even better about shopping around, you can pick up lots of great games for $10 or less these days with all the clearances going on.

SI

[kingnebwsu]

Yeah, used games are a great deal for the PS2 right now and they'll only get cheaper as the new consoles hit the market this fall.

For $129 (or whatever the PS2 is now) it's a great deal of a system for many casual (and some hardcore) gamers.

[Ksyrup]

Thanks for the input guys. I broke down and bought the PS2 last night, along with Guitar Hero and some horse riding game for the wife and kids. Although, the 7 year old is dying to try GH. I played the first 8 songs on easy last night before bed and did pretty well, hitting about 90-95% of the notes. Very addictive.

[Kodos]

You didn't get booed off the stage? :)

[Ksyrup]

Hell no!

Not yet, anyway.

[Kodos]

I remember Sharp Dressed Man was the first one I had real trouble with.