It has been many years since the first generation of gamers started enjoying one of the best forms of entertainment – videogames. Gamers from the Atari, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and even the PlayStation One eras have grown and matured, and most of these gamers now have children.
The following is a list of PlayStation items that these first or previous generation gamers should consider for their children. These items target children from the ages 7-14 and would make good holiday or birthday gifts for kids.
Software (Games)
5. Mercury Meltdown (PSP)
Mercury Meltdown is a puzzle game for the PSP. It is rated E for everyone, but can be rather difficult. The player assumes the role of a blob or multiple blobs with the goal to make it to the finish line in the puzzle. One moves the blob by titling the PSP through obstacles and traps. To get past these things, sometimes the player has to even heat the blob! Despite the difficulty and a bit of a learning curb, this is one of those games that becomes hard to put down.
4. ModNation Racers (PS3 & PSP)
ModNation Racers is a newer racing franchise for the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable, where you can not only race against others, but can share and customize your own karts. The player can also perform stunts and attack the opponents’ karts. ModNation Racers is just so gosh darn fun and despite the fact it may be a little challenging, your kid racing gamer will love it.
3. Loco Roco 2 (PSP)
Loco Roco 2 is an action game rated E for Everyone for the PSP. It too has a collection of high review scores from critics like the other games of this list. The game looks good, has cute characters and appeal, and is just plain fun. Even the music is lively, with some tunes that are really catchy and unforgettable. Loco Roco 2 is not only an excellent game for ages 7-14, but parents may find themselves playing it as well.
2. Patapon 3 (PSP)
Patapon 3 is part of the rhythm series for the PSP and is rated E for Everyone. Despite it being a recent release, it is considered one of the PSP’s best games. It has very high review scores and the gameplay is new and original. Also, because it was released earlier this year, you can pick this up relatively cheap. This game possesses a particular style and look to it, but if you believe your child or teenager will not mind, go for it!
1. LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
LittleBigPlanet 2 is a great action game rated E for everyone. It is a well received PS3 exclusive, having earned many high review scores from critics. The player can create their own character or Sack Person, with different types of clothing and even control his or her facial expression. It also has puzzle and platforming elements that make it a fun and very addictive game. If interested in this title, you should consider LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition which includes $35 worth of extra content. The Special Edition was released on November 15, 2011.
Hardware (Systems and Accessories)
5. Cases (PS3 and PSP)
Parents and other adults know children are prone to drop items, especially valuable electronics. Dropping your PSP, and especially PS3’s, can cause the system to malfunction or worse, stop working entirely. Cases are a worthy investment for parents whose children own a PSP or even a PS3, as a protective case not only makes a PSP and PS3 easier to carry, but minimize the damage done by drops. If your child owns a PSP, a case is almost a must. Your child will want to carry his or her PSP around and a case will help protect it. As for the PS3, your son or daughter may want to transport his or her console every so often and having a case or something to carry it in will help ensure the PS3 is not dropped, rained on, or otherwise seriously damaged. PSP cases are generally cheap, but PS3 cases can be a bit expensive. However, it is worth the money, especially for kid owners.
4. Car Charger (PSP)
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If you like to travel long distances in the car, then this is a must accessory for your child’s PSP. Maintain his or her PSP’s energy and you’ll keep his or her mind occupied during the trip. Beware: make sure your child or children take a break often. I not only suggest it, but Sony recommends it as well.
3. PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 would make a good present for your gamer kid or kids. It is not only a gaming system, but includes a Blu-ray player. With a PS3, your children and the family can watch movies such as Finding Nemo and The Lion King in 1080p high definition. The main benefit of having a PS3 is the games. The PS3 has a vast gaming library and includes video games not only for you, but for your children and teenagers as well, such as LittleBigPlanet 2.
2. PlayStation Move
Do your kids like motion gaming? PlayStation Move is an excellent way to get your motion gaming on. Not only are there games made specifically for PS Move, such as the up and coming Sorcery, but also PS Move is compatible with other games such as LittleBigPlanet. Sony has also made a commitment to bring more games to PS Move so expect the PS Move gaming library to continue to grow.
1. PlayStation Portable
The top selling PlayStation hardware for children, ages 7-14, is the PSP. With the announcement of the PS Vita, Sony has lowered the price of the PSP dramatically. The PS Vita will retail at $250 in February 2012, but the PSP is not a bad alternate. Your son or daughter can listen to music, watch movies, and game on the go with the PlayStation Portable. Speaking of games, the PSP’s gaming library is huge and includes games such as Patapon 3 and Mod Nation Racers. If your son or daughter is a gamer, he or she will most likely have trouble putting his or her PSP down on Christmas day.
There you go, those are the best PlayStation gifts for children, ages 7-14, this holiday. Good luck shopping this Black Friday and most of all, Happy Holidays!
Original article by Shawnee Lee