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- Posted by bronx8097 on 12/17/2008 7:49 pm
- yeah wat if little timmy got gta3 or sumtin and loved it?
Going shopping for games can be a tough chore, especially when it comes to picking out a game that your kids will like. Thankfully, game shopping doesn't have to be as tough as it first seems. Our helpful tips can take the mystery out of successful game shopping, and eliminate the need to head back to the store to do returns or exchanges. Read on for our video game shopping pointers.
1. Pay attention
Chances are good that when your children want something, you know about it. If you watch television with your kids, pay attention to which commercials excite them, or which products make them say, "I want that!" or "Timmy has that game, it's great!" If they read video game magazines, sit down and ask them to tell you what cool games are coming out. Make sure you know what TV shows they enjoy. These days, there are numerous games based on popular television programs, so you can feel fairly certain that if your child enjoys watching The Simpsons, they may also enjoy a Simpsons game.
2. Ask questions
This would be a good time to find out what your child enjoys when he or she is not at home. Sure, you know that your son spends hours playing PlayStation 2 at home, but maybe he has a lot of fun playing games on the Xbox when he's at Timmy's house, and would love to have one of his very own.
3. Involve them
If you have to buy birthday or holiday gifts for other children (cousins, friends, etc), get your kids involved in the shopping process. Ask them for input in choosing a video game for someone else that they think will be a big hit. You can then buy their gifts based on the choices they've made.
4. Talk to your friends
Other parents can be a helpful source of information. If you're really at a loss as to which games to buy, try asking a fellow parent what their kids have enjoyed. Timmy's mom may have suggestions as to what Timmy wants to get, what games he has enjoyed in the past, and even what to stay away from.
5. Read the ESRB ratings
If you've gotten the input from your child, done your research, and found the game you're looking for, the last step is determining whether it is acceptable. On the front and back of each video game box is a rating that designates what audience the game is intended for. The ratings range from EC (Early Childhood) to AO (Adults Only), and there are text descriptors on the back of the box next to each rating that clarify exactly what kind of content one can expect from the game. Ultimately, you know your child best, and are aware of what kind of content his or her maturity level can handle. The ESRB rating is a helpful tool, and one that every parent should be aware of.
6. Do your research
If you are budget-conscious, paying attention to sales and special deals can help you shop successfully and still save money. Your local video game stores are great one-stop shops, but don't always offer the best prices. Make sure to check bargain chain stores (Wal-Mart, Costco, Target, etc) for deals on bundles (systems with games and accessories included), or shop online. Many online retailers will notify you via email when they run sales and specials, which can be very helpful.
We hope these tips will help you select the games that are best suited for your children. To further help you out, be sure to visit the AOL PlaySavvy website for more tips, including which games are the hottest of the season and the best way to snag those hard-to-find games. Good luck!
