Talk to me about motion gaming.

baconsmom

H and I don't get enough exercise, especially in the winter. We know this, and we know that we like to stay at home and basically chill out. We are planning to get a state parks pass for the summer swimming, and may start doing day hikes, but we have no interest in doing that in the snow, obviously. 

We like low-impact kind of stuff: mild hikes, walks, bowling, etc. I'm thinking of investing in a motion gaming system for H's birthday next month, in an effort to get us moving more in a way we'll find fun. 

So before I spend a buttload of money, give me opinions, please. What system do you have? Do you like it? Is it worth it? Should I just get us adjustable beds for our eventual housebound obesity instead? 

ReturnOfKuus

You mean like a Wii?

baconsmom

Yes; I've been looking at Wiis on Amazon, but I know there are a couple other systems out there. I don't want to get suckered into buying a shitty one, like I was with the iPod. 

[Deleted User]

I like my wii. I haven't tried the x-box connect.

baconsmom

Cali - is it easy to use/set up? Does it have to be compatible with anything else? 

ReturnOfKuus

I love my Wii, too.  I don't know about the ease of setup, since Mr. Kuus loves electronics and does his whole "stand back and let The Engineer do it" routine when we get new stuff.

6fsn

I don't know anything about the gaming systems, but I'll comment on the exercise part.  My ILs bought one thinking they could use it as a way to work out/lose weight/ be healthy.  The reality is they play the games that don't require any change in heartbeat.  It sounded good in theory, but sFIL sits on his ass and MIL has found she needs to actually go to a gym.

VarunaTT

There's really only 3 systems anymore:  PS3, XBox and Wii.

Wii is the Nintendo and will have the most games that are family friendly.  Not all games are motion games, but it will come with the Sports disc and have more games that you can buy for motion type stuff.  It also has the Wii fit which, snarkiness aside, has some really fun motion games in it.

The PS3 (Sony) and the XBox (Microsoft) have additional components (Move and Connect respectively) to buy to have motion games.  Their selection of motion type games are severely limited.  Most of it you'll find are the dancing games. 

There is also the Dance Dance Revolution series, which you buy the game and a mat and that is your addtional component.

[Deleted User]

No the wii is its own system. You don't need anything except a tv.  Yes it is easy to set up and use.  My sister figured it out and she is not technical at all.  It is pretty straight forward and very cute. A wii system is about $200 but it only comes with 1 remote & 1 nunchuck.. Some games also require motion plus. I'd buy at least another remote, nunchuck and 2 motion plusses. So about $300 to start. It comes with 1 game, Wii Resort Sports. That game should keep you occupied for a while. You can sworfight.

The x-box is a gaming system that hard core gamers use to play games like Halo or WOW. You would then need the x-box kinect [sic] which is an additional $150. It has better graphics and you don't need a remote or anything to play. I haven't used it personally though.

Butter Cookie

You already know what I'm going to say.

Plus, the Wii comes with (Wii Sports Resort?) and it gets you up and active (and would be easy for Bacon if she wanted to get involved)

Talk to busy. She bought one on Overstock and got free shipping and a 10% discount, or something like that. (I don't know if it would be any cheaper than buying on amazon but hey any way to save a few $$)

Also, check out your local Game Stop, if you have one, because they sell used systems.

MinM

We don't own a system, but I have used a wii, specifically the bowling game. I was sore as all get out the next day. And, I had fun. Win win.

GBCK

we used our wii so little we sold it
so I'm no help.

baconsmom

Thanks, guys!

I'm liking the family-friendliness mentioned, because this is also an idea about having something to do, all together, that won't cost additional money. I mean, yeah, we can go out bowling, but even with a coupon we spend $40 - more if we're out at a mealtime. And if we stay home, we tend to play cards or a boardgame or watch a movie, which just makes me tired lately. 

6, I'm not looking for a lot of movement, because honestly, nothing is ever going to get us jazzed about sweating, but something more than my occasional yoga and something that H can play with me. Even if we're just standing up and moving around the room a little, it'll be better for us. I'm also not looking for any benefit beyond moving for fun, so I'm not expecting I'll be disappointed that it doesn't do what I wanted, you know? 

6fsn

Gotcha, I just know they don't even do the bowling or baseball games anymore.  They are now down to Family Fued and Wheel of Fortune. 

baconsmom

Yeah, I thought of it because we had an unlimited bowling coupon we used last month, and we had so. much. fun, but it was expensive as heck. H was talking about how he wished we could bowl at home - and I went "Wii!" 

Since he'll never just buy one, I thought I'd get it for him. 

nicoleg1982

::butting in::

We have a Kinect and LOVE it.  I've played the Wii, but the Kinect graphics are better IMO.  And while there aren't as many games available, it is new technology.  Give it time and it will get there.  Also, there is no controller necessary.  It also allows you to do live face chatting (like straight up into my living room!), as well as voice/hand commands for your main "dashboard" and a few other things Kinect related.

I am so glad we have the Kinect - I can do a low impact fun game, or really amp it up and break a sweat.  My only complaint - when I have my hair in a ponytail, it sometimes gives me the default male avatar.  Bastards.  ::shakes fist::

GBCK

I will say, I played zelda while riding the ex. bike wehn we had it

kirshy156

I'm gonna give props to the Kinect too! Seems not a lot of people are familiar with it. Now we don't own one, but my FI's little brother just got one for Christmas and we've played the adventure game a few times. it is FUN! You run through this obstacle course and can play with 2 people at the same time (we've found the wii to be mostly one player or 2 taking turns, not simultaneous. At least for the games involving movement) and the most hilarious part, it takes pictures throughout the game and you can laugh at how funny everyone looks after! The game library will also increase in time and it's nice not needing a remote!

BUT, I do also love my wii!!! Tons of family games and party games, as well as great nintendo standards such as mario, zelda, kirby, and donkey kong. Wii fit is pretty nice too, although I've heard wii fit + is much better.

Good luck with whatever you choose!