Help! Trying to get a clue about Video games

I know NOTHING about video games. My child wants one. He wants to play basketball, nothing violent. I dont know whats the diff between playstation, xbox, wii, or any of it. Can anybody tell me whats the difference. What would be good to get and whether you ever shopped off of ebay for one? Any help would be MUCH APPRECIATED!

if oyu want nonviolent games for a younger type kid get a WII, if he doesnt care to have the newest consoles  then get a game cube (older version of console from Nintendo).   If you dont mind dropping 400-600$ and then 50-70$ per game grab an X Box 360.  Dont buy a PS2 or an Xbox (no new games after about 6 more months).    The WII is hands down the best for a kid though, tons of games, most of them rated for kids and teenagers (around 11-15)  i can only think of two games that got an adult rating for the WII where as i can think of countless for Xbox and Playstation.

Yup, i would say go for a WII also... the controller is much more involved then other consoles (you have to swing it around and things, more interesting IMO).

The main problem to think about is that the WII is much more new (meaning there are less games out there for it). More games will be coming out for it, but right now there isnt anything like the selection you will find from older consoles.

Another good thing about getting an older console is that the games are cheaper too, lots more used games available.  Gamecube is a good sytem, but Playstation 2 has a lot more games, including a TON of sports games.  How old is your son?

He's seven. never really played just seen other kids. so something simple would be best. He's just really into basketball right now.  I dont want to drop a bunch of money either because he is very active and might be bored with it tomorrow! Thanks for the help!

7 is plenty old to start learning the ways of games! Games are great learning tools too, help in a wide range of different areas. I would get him onto the computer instead... really give him a boost in his typing skills (computer games are great for that).

if hes seven just get a game cube then.  

also i should add Sony (playstation) and Microsoft (Xbox) are both notorius for console problems, the game cube is the only system that i have seen fall down a flight of stairs and still work properly ^_^

Yea, i heard gamecube is crazy strong too... you can hit that thing with a bat and as long as you can close the top (somehow) it should work hehe.

BUT...the wii has pokemon stadium! The new one! How will he get his pokemon fix without the wii??

don't feed the demon.  if he must have a gaming system, pick something up at a garage sale.  he's seven! 

I would go with the game cube too.  Cheaper than the others and more of the games are kid oriented.  We bought one and rarely used it when we discovered too late that there weren't many games out there for hubby.  Now we have the XBox 360. 

Also, before buying games, I would rent them at the video store.  We have bought too many games just to find out we didn't like them. 

For a seven year old I wouldn't spend tons of money on this stuff.  Check around and see if you have any stores that sell used systems.  If you have a pawn shop in your area, they might have them too.

Yes, definitely stick with a Nintendo console. Here are what I consider the perks of each:

All: Most of the games are kid-friendly. Nintendo has always been good for that.

Gamecube: A great deal cheaper than the Wii. A large number of games have already been released and can easily be picked up at your local gamestop or flea market for under 20 (if not 10) dollars. It is also sturdy and is the longest lasting of the older systems.

Nintendo DS: A Handheld system. You can find an older one for cheap, or a new DS lite for around 120. If your child is not particularly clumsy or violent it is great for curbing the boredom during transportation and at home anywhere around the house. A large number of games are coming out for the handheld that you cannot buy for the Gamecube OR Wii. It will also play Gameboy Advanced games.

Wii: Oh how I want one. This would be a great option for the main fact that your kid would get exercise!! Also since it is new there are a large number of games being released for it.

Just as a note: I will agree that the PS2 has a LARGE number of sports games in comparison...