GatorDeb

I had an NES back in 1990 and never beat the original Super Mario Bros. In fact, other than Casino Kid, I've never beaten a game. I want to get into gaming but I get discouraged when I lose right away (and hate the scary music ). Which of the three do you recommend with games that are easy enough for ANYONE to beat? I'm leaning towards the Gamecube. What games would be good? Thanks!

Mike_AA

Depends on the games you want. That's the most important when choosing a system, obviously.

I would say Gamecube because it has the "kiddy" games, ones that are easy to get into. Mario Sunshine, for example, is a perfect game.

Then again, the PS2 has everything you could want. If anything I'd stay away from the XBOX...definitely not a system for beginners.

GatorDeb

I don't think Mario Sunshine is an easy game... it's a Mario 64 kind of game... I couldn't even get ONE star (I did manage to go into the castle and the first stage).

Thunderball

Atari 2600

Static Cling

Everyone reading, please do not use the words above to get back into the "kiddy" debate. Thank you.

Maybe it's just my PS2-centrism showing through, but I'd go with the PS2. Yes, it's more expensive than the GC, but you can get a lot of good (or at least decent) games for $19.99 right now, with more on the way.

focker

Mario 64 was a relatively easy game for me, but Mario Sunshine is pretty damn hard. It would probably be pretty tough for beginners. I think 3d platformer games are difficult for most people until they sit down and play them for quite a while to get a hang of it. I don't think that any of the three major systems has games that are easier on average than Mario 64.

I would recommend picking the system with the most games that sound like fun to you and just start practicing a lot. You might also try out all three systems at the demo stations in Best Buy or some similar store to see which controller feels most comfortable. If you have any friends who are experienced gamers, they may be able to give you some pointers when you're having trouble in a game.

gcribbs

plus you can get a ton of PS1 games at under $10.

the PS2 would be your best choice

darkside

PS2 would be my choice. Wide selection of games. You should be able to find something you like.

Spiderbite

Well, I consider myself an amateur gameplayer & I suggest buying the Xbox. I suggest this b/c there are not as many games as the PS2 to choose from & for us newbies, this can be a good thing. I know I have enjoyed seeing games come out & being able to keep up with most everything that has been released for the Xbox. I know that the PS2 library is huge & that can be a little intimidating to someone just getting started & just deciding which games to start with can be a huge chore.

Of course set-up is a cinch & there are 2 different sizes of official controllers to choose from. (I prefer the larger one) No memory card to have to buy & it has everything that is available right now: 5.1 sound, dvd playback capability, the best graphics, widescreen & 480p capability, system link, & nothing major to buy for the coming online stuff (if you dig online gaming). You can also use component video, s-video, or analog cables to hook it up. Why buy old and wish for the upgrade (PS3) when you can buy new now for the same price?

karnblack

Determine the hardware to buy by looking at the software you want. Then look at the features of the hardware to see if it meets your needs. I would recommend a PS2 for the large choice of games (PS1 & PS2), but all of my friends bought the Xbox. I have all three, but I'm hardcore. My friends are casual gamers and they enjoy the Xbox. Just buy the system that has the games you like and set the difficulty to easy. Just keep in mind that some games don't have difficulty settings.

s}{ammer

If you get the xbox you still have to buy a kit and pay a yearly fee to play online and it isn't even available until November. If online gaming is what you want the PS2 has no fees, you screw the adapter on with a nickel, and you can play games right now. I don't think this is what he wants though. He wants easier games to help him get into gaming again. I personally do not feel that fewer games equals better. I would say go with PS2 since you can get some cheaper PS1 games and the $19 or so greatest hits games. Plus, if you are going to get into adult games, GTA3 and GTA: Vice City are both only on PS2. If you like football, PS2 has Madden 2003 online for free and neither of the other two have online with Madden.

I would also say that with the lineup of games for the rest of this year and next year gamecube is a good way to go also, but only if online gaming isn't important. Gamecube has some great games not just kiddie either.

einTier

Something else you might want to do is get the "unlimited game rentals" from BBV once you get a system. I don't remember what it's called, but basically, for $20, you get to rent as many games as you can rent in a month (limited to one or two at a time) . Keep 'em a day, a week, an hour, whatever. For less than the cost of one game, you can theoretically try every game in the store. It's great for someone like you. You can grab stuff you think might be interesting, and there's no penalty for not liking it.

One problem for a gamer like yourself, who never got past the NES days, is that games and systems have gotten more complex. In the NES days, you just had to be decent with a directional pad, and you had a "main" button and usually a very secondary button. Today, a typical controller has three joysticks/directional pads, and about eight buttons. You won't use them all at the same time, but it can get overwhelming. Plus, a lot of companies seem to think that because the system can do 3D, everything should be in three diminsions. If you think it was hard to place Mario on a platform in 2D space, wait until you try to place him on a platform in 3D space, with a camera that may or may not move on you, all the while this action is being rendered on a medium that is limited to two diminsions. It's enough to make your head spin at times.

All that said, I recommend the PS2. You'll have a ton of games to choose from, and that just means a greater chance of finding stuff that you like. Don't forget that it's backward compatible with the original PS1, and since you didn't own one, it's like getting two for the price of one.

If you can give us an idea of the games you liked (or didn't like) on NES, we can probably steer you to some games you might like on the new systems.

Gallant Pig

GD: I think for you the GameCube makes sense. It has games that females like more (not being sexist, just making observations). Unless of course you are interested in shooting cops or blowing away aliens.

Trigger

Easiest games goes to Gamecube hands-down. PS2 and Xbox both have their share of easier games and button mashers, but Gamecube has mostly easy games (IMO). I personally find the Gamecube controller to be the most frustrating thing since the N64 controller, but I still don't have much trouble getting through the games. Pikmin would be a good game to start with for you. Mostly I'm suggesting Gamecube cuz you said you have played on Nintendo stuff before.

Static Cling

Good point... didn't even think about that.

sdcrym

Have you considered the Game Boy Advance? I've personally never played one, but if the complexity of the consoles is what's discouraging you, it may be better for you. It's only got 2 more buttons than the original NES - the top L and R buttons. I can't really comment about the games, though.

Cyberock

Don't chose a system based on being a beginner. Last thing you want to do is get bored cause you felt you outgrew what you bought it for. Any way you look at it, all three systems are great for beginners. There's good and bad games on all of them. It really depends on what you're looking for. Just do your homework and don't take anyone's opinion cause a lot of people are just biased based on what they have. I have all three and I think all three have very strong points to them.

Breakfast with Girls

Errrr... yikes.

Pick up a Super Nintendo. Tons of cheap games, and you can probably find something you like.

Josh H

Games take practice. If you get discouraged so easily that you couldn't even get one star in Mario 64 (which was pretty easy game until the latter stages) then most games probably aren't for you.

I wouldn't buy a system at all if you can't stand to be frustrated until you get the hang of a game (or gaming in general).

If you decide you are willing to put the time, effort and frustration into playing games long enough that you can get the hang of them and enjoy them, I'd probably reccomend the PS2.

Personally I like the Gamecube the best because I'm a huge fan of Nintendo's first party games (Mario, Metroid, Zelda, etc.). But the PS2 has by far the largest game library (especially when you consider that it plays PSone games as well), so you're more likely find more games that interest you than on the GCN and X-box, plus many good, older PS2 games have dropped to $19.99 (and this trend will continue) and PSone games are dirt cheap.

jeffdsmith

I would get a PS2. You will find a great variety at great prices.

The games for the GC are not any easier then those on the other systems. So that point is moot.

Most importantly, try them out. Determine what "feels" the best. Even if it comes down to just determining what controller you like best. I think you'd find a good variety whereever you go.

sniper308

I'd recommend buying which ever console you choose at BlockBuster if they are still running the buy a console get the Month Long Game rental pass for free. This will yield a good return for someone not sure of the games they want. Personally I do not like BlockBuster but again this would be a good deal for someone wanting to try out a bunch of different games before buying.

duy37

Playstation 2 all the way since its also a Playstation 1 as well. Nintendo can't offer that.

For Playstation1 & 2 there's alot of good games that's REALLY easy to learn and fun as well. for example, Puzzle Fighter, Hot Shots Golf 3, Sega Sports Tennis, etc.

mr.snowmizer

How about Dreamcast?

Everything about it can be had cheap, there are countless quality titles, you can sample online console play for free for the next four months, and by the time you're ready to move on to your next system, it'll probably be cheaper, it'll have more games to choose from, and you'll be able to make a more informed, personal decision based on your Dreamcast experience.

jeffdsmith

Good call. That another good choice.

jw2299

PS2 all the way. The versatility and backwards compatability make it the best choice for a beginner. Of course, being a beginner, you may not want to pay that much. You can get a ps1 or a used first generation PS1 for less than $50.