If you want to give a go at videogames but are not sure where to start, this handy guide to girls and games will let you in on the basics.
What do you need?
Aside from PC games, almost all videogames available today require a specific platform to run them. These platforms can be generally divided into two categories: consoles and portables.
Consoles are videogame systems that will generally require a compatible screen and sound system to play. Examples of the current consoles available today are the Nintendo Wii, the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360. All three systems require users to connect the console to a TV set before one can play games on them.
Portables are, as their name implies, videogame systems that you can take on the road with you. Although this may sound similar to the games you find in your cell phone, videogames made for portable systems usually offer more depth and have better graphics. Portables are usually handheld systems that come with their own screen and speakers, so you have everything you need and can start gaming right from the moment you switch on the device. Examples of currently available systems are Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s Playstation Portable.
How much does it cost?
Are you ready to plonk down some money for a good game? Prepare to set aside at least $250 for a handheld system and $500 for a console. This excludes the $40 to $90 you would have to pay for a game.
The Nintendo DS costs about $250 and game prices range from $30 for bargain bin deals to $70 for the latest popular titles. DS games come in little cartridge-like Game Paks stored in a CD-sized case.
Sony’s Playstation Portable or PSP costs about $300, and games rage from $40 to $70. The PSP uses a unique format called the UMD, which looks like a mini-CD encased in a protective cover.
The Nintendo Wii goes for about $650. Games cost anything between $50 to $80.
The Xbox 360 comes in several configurations, with the entry level model going for a recommended retail price of $499. Higher end models can come up to $600 but feature more hard drive space for downloaded content or games you can buy online. Xbox 360 titles will usually set you back $60 to $80.
The Playstation 3 or PS3 is the most expensive of all systems, starting at $599. The entry level mode features a 40GB hard disk drive and the system doubles off as a blu-ray disc player. A higher end model with a 120 GB hard disk drive is slated for release later this year. PS3 games are also the most expensive of the lot. They run on Blu-ray discs, and typically cost about $70 to $110 each.
Which one is best?
While this is a tough question to answer but these is the general trend in the games each system offers:
Nintendo DS – Casual, more cutesy, family friendly games. The cheapest of all currently available videogame systems, its touch screen also offers a more interactive gaming experience instead of just button-mashing.
Sony PSP – Lots of action games and fighting games. PSP games generally look better in the graphics department compared to DS games but the load times can be painfully long.
Nintendo Wii – The motion sensitive controller allows you to do just about anything from driving a car to fishing to flipping burger patties on a virtual burger grill. Games are very much like those found on the DS and are aimed at engaging non-gamers in some virtual fun.
Microsoft Xbox 360 – There are lots of shooting games and action games on offer for the Xbox. Best known for its fully featured online service, gamers can test their mettle against real-life players online for almost all game titles.
Sony PS3 – Touted to have the best graphics engine of the three consoles, the Sony PS3 has mostly action games and is aimed at gamers who like complex games with lots of eye candy.
What do other girl gamers play?
The most poplar videogame system among girls is the Nintendo DS. The latest model, the DS Lite, has a smooth glossy finish and looks so sleek you can mistake it for a foundation case. With Noble Pink, Metallic Rose and Ice Blue among the available colours to choose from, it is no wonder this pretty little box is popular with girls.
Games like Nintendogs, a virtual pet game, and Cooking Mama, a cooking simulation game, are among the titles favoured by girl gamers. Popular genres include puzzle, simulation and casual action games.
