Kids say the darndest things, probably because their imaginations are running wild during this delicate age. Now your Sim children can exercise their creativity the way real children do. Enter the original childhood activity of make believe, complete with imaginary friends. Kids can pretend to be a princess or even an astronaut, and luckily for them, the castle or spaceship has evolved, too. Sim kids can be seen playing their games in the brand new tree house or the bunk beds they share with their siblings. If that is not enough, the kids also enjoy time spent at the playground, which boasts new equipment, such as a see-saw and sandbox. When the weather is beautiful, as it always is in the Simverse, kids can play on a waterslide in their backyard. Talk about an upgrade, kids lives are fuller than ever with all the places they can play in this expansion. The new features in childhood are fun and fairly harmless, though the same cannot be said for the new lives of teenagers, thanks to the expansion.

Since when have any teens you know monotonously, yet happily, gone on their merry way to school each morning, plopped down to start their homework in the afternoon, and gone to bed without a fight? Well, never, unless the only teenagers you know live in the Simverse. If the teens had really wanted to shake it up, they might have gotten a part-time job, which of course, they would excel at, given that their angelic lack of autonomy never let them skip a shift or steal from the cash register. Sim parents are in for a real treat with this new expansion pack. Pranks and holding house parties while their parents are away are key features during this age group. Look out if your teen inherits the new rebellious trait. You will be subject to pranks such as adding hair dye to the shampoo bottle and doorbell ditching. Though, it is not all bad. The creators of The Sims 3: Generations were aiming to really fill out the life experience, so they created fun, non-rebellious activities as well. Teens can ask their peers to the prom, attend school dances and after quick four years of hard work, bask in the glory of their high school graduation. Sim parents also have the pleasure of teaching their growing children how to drive, which is sure to be a good time.

Adults also get to enjoy some new features in this game, other than watching over their suddenly naughty children. Adulthood focuses on relationships with others and family. Dating is back and adults have the opportunity to nervously ask out their neighborhood crush. If they decide to tie the knot, no longer are they forced to walk down the aisle without a final bang. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are options for the spouses-to-be, complete with an entertainer to keep the good times rolling.  Speaking of good times, adults have new places to get their woohoo on, such as the tree house and the shower. No word yet on the entrance of a therapist, should the children be in the mood for a game of pretend in the tree house, when Mom and Dad are in the mood for something else.

Elders now do more than hang out at home post-retirement. In this latest installment, they reminisce about the golden days and watch as their children become parents. Elders particularly enjoy watching their grandchildren grow up, and if they are asked, they will be happy to share a bedtime story. That old stoop in their back is still there, but now elders can employ the use of a cane to alleviate their slow steps.

Each expansion pack manages to make the Sim’s life all the more realistic, but The Sims 3: Generations really packs a new game. Sims have the opportunity to live lives that are growing frighteningly similar to our own. Prom dates, daycare centers and bedtime stories give the game a brand new, yet familiar feeling. Look for The Sims 3: Generations, in stores, June 3, 2011.

More information or to buy: The Sims 3: Generations

The Nintendo Wii game system has exploded in popularity since its introduction. The novel idea of moving your whole body to play instead of just your hands on a controller fired people’s imagination. The Wii Fit Plus game has only increased that popularity, attracting a wide audience from all ages. The game has something for everyone, increasing fitness through soothing yoga poses, body strengthening positions, fun aerobic activities, and balance games.

The basic concept of the game is to increase fitness through better balance and toning. The great thing about this game is that it doesn’t emphasize physical beauty as a goal, but rather health and strength of body. The game allows a person to choose their own fitness goals and length of time to reach those goals, guiding and encouraging the player on the best path to a healthy body. The Wii system allows the player to create their own Wii person or Wii Mii, recording their progress in each game. Wii Fit offers a body test each day which includes weight, BMI, balance tests, and Fitness Age (calculated from your real age and results of your tests), plus a calendar and graph to record your own Wii Mii’s progress.

The game is played by standing on a pressure sensitive board, which responds to movements according to each person’s specific weight. The only activities that do not use the board are the running activities under the aerobic section. For these, the system records the up and down movements of the Wii hand controller, which the runner either carries or secures in/on clothes. In the yoga and strength training sections, there are fifteen poses each and in the aerobic and balance game sections, there are nine activities each. The game starts the player off easy with beginner levels and only a few poses and activities available. As the player progresses and improves, the game rewards the gamer by unlocking new poses or activities, and increasing the difficulty.

Although this game has a nice variety and range of activities, it’s not for people who are deeply into exercise, like fitness buffs, athletes, or body builders. This game is for people who need more exercise in their lives and thrive on structure and encouragement in their fitness regime. But the range of activities ensures that players of all ages will find this game engaging. From centering with yoga to fun with balance games, Wii Fit Plus is a great game that everyone will find entertaining.

Save money on video game consoles.

Whether you are looking for a handheld video game system such as the PSP or Nintendo DS or a full console such as the Wii or Playstation 3, these tips will help you get the video game console of your dreams for less money.

Buy online.

You can often get great deals on video game consoles by shopping online for them. If you are looking for a used or older video game system, check out sites such as Craigslist and E-bay.

Many people selling old systems will include everything they have for that system including controllers, memory cards, add-ons, and even any games they might have.

Don’t buy old systems such as Sega Genesis in stores as you’ll pay more for less. Instead look for private sellers looking to get rid of their entire system and all the games and accessories they have for it.

As for newer consoles, look for sales at retail store sites or online only prices that may be cheaper than in store prices.

Get bundled package deals.

Just like many private sellers will sell old systems with everything included, many stores will sell new systems with added bonuses. You can save money by buying bundled packages which may include controllers, a new release game, or a memory card. Sometimes they may also include discounts with the purchase for your next video game purchase.

Trade-in older systems.

Look online to see what the going rate is for the system you want to sell. If it is better than trade-in value, sell online for a good price. Otherwise take your old system and everything that works with it to your local video game store.

Most stores will give you a store credit or even cash for your old games and systems. If you are bringing in the last generation of a system (such as Playstation 2) you may be able to apply that trade-in to a discounted purchased of the latest generation system (such as Playstation 3).

Go to yard and garage sales.

If you are looking for a classic console or older generation console you’ll want to check out local yard sales, flea markets, and garage sales. Also don’t forget about pawn shops as they can sometimes have new systems for a great deal.

Consider these tips and ideas when shopping around for a new or used video game console system. You’ll often end up with a great deal on the system you want. You’ll even discover bundled package deals that give you extra controllers, games, and other accessories with your console purchase.

by: Maxwell Payne

> A Nintendo DSi
> A Wireless router
> An Internet connection (Broadband is recommended, but a Dial-up connection will also work)

By connecting your game system to the Internet, you’ll open up a whole new world for yourself. You’ll be able to play Wi-Fi enabled games against other players around the world, search the web, perform system updates, and much more.

Setting up the system is actually quite easy, and only requires a few technical steps. This tutorial will be broken up into two sections, which covers setting up your DSi using the main menu or by using a Wi-Fi enabled game. Which ever method you choose will produce the same end result.

Note: A lot of restaurants, hotels, and stores are now providing free Wi-Fi access, so if you are any of these places and can find a connection, go for it!

Connecting your DSi (Regular method)

1. Power on your Nintendo DSi.
2. After the Health and Safety screen, you’ll be greeted by the DSi menu.
3. Find and select the “System Setings” icon. If you haven’t adjusted the order, it should be at the extreme left.
4. From here, press the over arrow 3 times (or tap the “3″) to navigate to the 3rd menu. Click on the “Internet” option.
5. Now, simply choose “Connection Settings”.
6. Select any connection that you would like to use (1-3). If it says “None”, then you can set up a new connection by tapping that option.
7. Select “Search for an Access Point”.
8. If there are any Wi-Fi connections within range, it will find the connection. Select the appropriate connection (most likely your router’s name) to connect. If your router uses a WEP key, then the DSi will prompt you to enter it.
9. It will then test the connection, checking for internet availability.
10. If everything goes right, then your connection will be confirmed and then you’ll be able to connect to the Internet from your DSi. Congratulations!

Connecting your DSi (Wi-Fi game method)
1. Power on your Nintendo DSi.
2. After the Health and Safety screen, you’ll be greeted by the DSi menu.
3. Insert a Wi-Fi enabled game. Examples include Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Tetris DS, …
4. Within the games main menu, go into the game settings and then select “Nintendo WFC Setup”
5. This menu will allow you to set up your Wifi settings similar to the regular method.
6. Follow steps 6-10 from the Regular method listed above in order to connect your DSi.

Unfortunately, classic Nintendo and Super Nintendo games were cartridge-based and extremely sensitive to dust and corrosion, and when the delicate metal contacts on these cartridges were dirty, the games would often refuse to function at all. When buying a classic Nintendo game on the secondary market today, this problem is even more likely to occur as the vast majority of used cartridges that are available have been improperly stored for two decades or more. Thankfully, with just a few household items, it is possible to restore these games to their original operation while avoiding the inflated prices that are charged by game retailers for cartridge refurbishment.

Getting Started

Before you begin restoring your classic Nintendo games, you will need a fully-functioning and clean Nintendo console. Nintendo games are equally as susceptible to blinking and non-playability if the console is dirty as they are if the games themselves need to be cleaned, and it is far more difficult to clean the inside of a console, which was never meant to be opened by the end user. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a refurbished Nintendo console to enjoy your games with a minimum of hassle.

Alternatively, several clone consoles are currently available which emulate the original hardware to near perfection. The SNES/NES FC Twin Video Game System is a popular example of this; it is able to play both Nintendo and Super Nintendo games, and generally costs under $50.

Supplies Required

Before you begin cleaning your classic Nintendo games, ensure that all of your supplies are laid out in front of you in a manner that is accessible. You will need some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, a large supply of cotton swabs, a small dish or cup, and a place to dispose of your dirty cotton swabs. Because alcohol is a highly flammable substance, do not smoke or leave an open flame in the area where you will be working.

Cleaning Your Games

Pour some of the alcohol into your dish. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so using a separate dish will allow you to close your bottle while you work. Wet a cotton swab with a generous amount of alcohol, and rub it across the contacts of your cartridge. Work in an up-down motion, rubbing with the direction of the cartridge’s contacts rather than against it.  This will prevent the fibers of the cotton swab from becoming lodged underneath the contacts. When you remove the cotton swab, you will find that it is dark with grime. Dip the other side of the cotton swab into the alcohol, and repeat. Do this only once for each side of the cotton swab; this will avoid recontamination of the alcohol and prevent dirt from being re-deposited onto the cartridge’s contacts. Once both sides of the cotton swab are dirty, discard it and begin cleaning with another one. Ensure that you are cleaning both sides of the cartridge’s contacts, and continue this process until your cotton swabs no longer pick up any dirt.

Once your Nintendo games are clean, leave them out and allow them to air dry for at least 3-4 hours. If you wish, you may use a fan to aid in the drying process, but do not blow into your cartridges. The saliva in your mouth could trigger corrosion, eventually rendering the game unplayable. After the cartridges are completely dry, you should be pleasantly surprised to find that they play exactly as they did when they were new.

NOTE: To extend the life of your classic Nintendo games, always remove them from the console when you are done playing with them, and place them into dust covers. Dust covers are available online and in retail game stores for pennies each, and can help to prevent grime from re-accumulating inside your cartridges and avoid more time-consuming cleaning projects.

Although the graphics and sound of modern console games greatly outclass the technical capabilities of the games that were made decades ago, restoring and playing classic Nintendo games proves that great gameplay is timeless.  The simple steps that have been outlined in this article will restore your cartridges to pristine working condition, enabling you to continue enjoying them for many years to come.

By Gabriel Morgan

You can see the top toys for Christmas (and other holidays of the winter season) here: Amazon’s Top Picks in Toys 2009.

Hyperdash has been selected in many toy lists each year, and it’s no wonder. We love the game that has kids thinking on their feet–literally. It’s an Edutaining Kids Top Pick as well, as it fits perfectly into our expectations for a quality “edutaining” toy. Hyper Dash puts a new spin on the term “active learning”–it promotes listening, memory, and math skills, as well as giving kids a little workout. Intense fun! For more information about this fun and educational toy, see Wild Planet Hyper Dash.

Zhu Zhu Pets are one of the most wanted toys this Christmas, but their scarcity has led to toy stores upping the prices. There are many other alternatives to be found, thankfully.

Some of the toys that appear on both Amazon’s list and our Edutaining Kids Holiday Gift Guides include Crayola Glow Dome which allow kids to draw on a dome and have their drawings projected onto the ceiling in full glow in the dark glory, LeapFrog My Pal Scout and LeapFrog My Pal Violet (cute little stuffies that actually say your child’s name after they’re programmed, LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table, and more.

Sorry, Hamlet, but where technology is concerned, that is the question. If Shakespeare were still around, he would surely agree; whenever a shiny new version of something you already own is released, it can be difficult to decide whether or not that extra lustre is worth the inevitable extra money.

To simplify this comparison, the DS Original will be lumped in with the Lite, as the leap from the Original to the Lite was purely aesthetic: the Lite is smaller, sleeker, features more options for the backlight, and is an all-around better piece of hardware (barring, of course, the Original’s more-attractive price tag and the Lite’s lessened utility as a blunt instrument). The leap from DS Lite to DSi has come with its share of aesthetic improvements, but also with some interesting functional changes, the significance of which will ultimately depend on what you want out of your portable gaming system.

If you’re debating a DSi purchase, you’re in one of two camps, generally speaking:

1. You own a DS already, and you’re wondering if an upgrade is in order.

2. You do not own a DS, and are wondering if the DSi, the newest and priciest of the three available versions, is the one for you.

In either case, the best way for you to make your decision a well-informed one is to be aware of the changes that the DSi has brought with it. No out-of-ten score can replace the usefulness of a point-by-point comparison in helping you to decide whether or not the new perks are enough to warrant your purchase.

First, here are the aesthetic tweaks that this newest member of the DS family is sporting:

- The power button (a slider no more) has moved from the right side to the unit’s face, next to the lower left corner of the DSi’s bottom screen, where it is much less likely to be mistakenly triggered as you’re holding the unit. A tap of the button will send you back the DSi’s main menu, and holding it will turn the device on or off.

- The volume control has similarly changed from awkward slider to button-based adjustment, and is located on the left side of the unit rather than the bottom.

- The Lite was a slim and sleek piece of work, but the DSi is even more thin and pocket-friendly.

- Buttons are less prominent on the surface of the DSi, lessening the likelihood that they’ll become loose and wobbly as they’re hammered on over the years.

- Both of the DSi’s screens are slightly larger. Will you notice the difference as you play? Probably not, but it’s a nice touch nonetheless.

- The DSi’s speakers are much smaller and the sound quality a bit improved.

- In addition to the LED indicators used by the Lite to indicate battery level and battery charger connectivity, the DSi has another one for Wi-Fi connectivity. Each of the three lights is clearly marked by an icon for your convenience.

- The smooth, glossy, smudgeable surface of the Lite has been replaced with a matte finish; neat freaks rejoice and put down your paper towels!

- Stories of ruined L and R buttons should be far less common, as the DSi’s are much hardier. You can feel the difference when you click!

Now to address the bigger, more functional changes that will likely be the true makers or breakers of your purchase.

Nintendo DSi Camera
The DSi received its name partly as an answer to Nintendo’s other cultural giant, the Wii (as the Wii is based around the concept of shared experiences, the DSi is an individual one). The DSi Camera is another aspect of the DSi’s name; two cameras (a pair of eyes), a frontal one on the hinge and a rear one on the back of the unit’s top half, allow you to snap shots of yourself and others and save over 400 of them in the unit’s generous album. Included with the album is a photo editor that allows you to stretch, colour, and otherwise horribly disfigure your pictures in a variety of amusing ways. It’s a 0.3 megapixel camera, so you won’t want to go and sell your digital camera, but the unit’s small screen size ensures that your shots will look pretty nice. Until you start distorting them, that is.

Nintendo DSi Shop
The handheld equivalent of the Wii’s shop, the DSi shop includes budget games from a variety of developers that are tailor-made for the system and added to the library on a daily basis. Applications such as a DSi-friendly Internet browser are also available. Downloaded applications and games are stored on the system’s main menu, a horizontal bar with plenty of space. No word on some sort of Virtual Console-esque service that will let us download Game Boy or Game Boy Color games, but never let hope die.

SD Card Support
On the right side of the DSi is a slot that accepts any standard SD card. This allows you to store music and downloaded applications and games.

Nintendo DSi Sound
This is a music application that allows you to record and edit short sound clips courtesy of the DSi’s built-in microphone, or put music you’ve brought in through an SD card through a variety of filters (including a rather awesome 8-bit filter). Be aware that only the AAC format (.mp4, .m4a, and .3gp) is accepted for imported songs.

GBA Slot
This is arguably the only true downgrade, and could definitely be a deal-breaker for some: the GBA slot is no more. If you still play your GBA games, trading in your Lite for a discount on the DSi might not be such a great idea.

Conclusion, in handy Q&A format:

Q: “Why might the DSi be a worthwhile upgrade?” or “Why would the DSi be a good point of entry into Nintendo’s DS family of handhelds?”

A: It’s definitely Nintendo’s most ambitious step forward in terms of portable gaming; it’s proof that they have come onboard with their competitors in bringing their systems online. It’s also proof of their dedication in giving their systems something for everyone, as shown by the dual cameras, the music editor, and the online shop with its free Internet browser that’s available for download. If you love some added value with your video games, the DSi has the goods.

Q: “Why might I want to pass on it, pick up a Lite instead, or wait until my current DS kicks the bucket?”

A: The camera and the music application can be fun to monkey with, but if you’re in it purely for the video games, you may want to consider sitting on your money for now. Most changes are certainly for the better, but the changes that truly enhance your gaming experience are few, and the absence of the GBA slot that both the Original and Lite had really hurts the DSi’s value for those who still enjoy their older games. The DSi shop is definitely the biggest draw as far as game-centric enhancements are concerned, but the library of worthwhile DSiWare titles is still very small. If you live for the games and the games alone, the Lite will suit your needs just fine for now.

Nintendo pioneered hand-held entertainment in the 1980′s with the Game Boy video game system. There have been very successful incarnations (or iterations) over the years, and now Nintendo is releasing the Nintendo DSi handheld system. Priced at a manufacturers’ suggested retail price of $169.99, this new handheld features a sleek and slim design, the largest screen Nintendo handhelds have seen yet, a set of two cameras (external and internal, pointed at the user), an interactive voice recorder, and music player. Both the new sights and sounds features can be manipulated–photos can be taken using interactive lenses, and music or voice can be altered. The system will be released in black and matte blue versions.

Similar to the Nintendo Wii’s Wiiware, the DSi platform will allow downloadable games and applications using Nintendo DSi Points. Of course, there will be the usual retail games designed specially for the system.

Is it backwards compatible? In other words, will kids be able to play their current Nintendo DS games on the new DSi? The answer is “for the most part”. It will be able to play most DS games, according to Nintendo.

The system will be launched along with the game, Rhythm Heaven, a unique musical game that has been quite popular in Japan since its release.

For more information and/or to preorder: Nintendo DSi

With the PSP, it’s easy to connect to the Web for any number of activities. You can access RSS feeds, obtain your instant messages, make phone calls with Skype™ and more. The Playstation website also provides easy access to free demos, movie trailers, and screenshots.

The PSP also offers access to a variety of free items downloadable from the Playstation website. This includes wallpaper, backgrounds, custom themes, and much more. All of these features allow you to personalize your PSP to portray your own personality.

You can preset the background color to change automatically on a monthly basis or you can change it manually whenever you want. If you have a special photograph of digital image that you like, you can easily use it for your wallpaper. Plus, changing the look of you icons is simple with the PSP.

Plus, the PSP can be used to connect to the Playstation website in order to download exclusive games. PSP game downloads provide everything avid gamers want- the information needed for game play, game trailers, game demos, and game audio. It is also possible to access your personal PS3™ System using your PSP device.

Parents will discover that the PSP offers exceptional parental control through a variety of features so they never have to worry about what the kids are doing. This system comes with rating features for games and for movies. Plus, it provides hardware settings for that parents can preset what their children can access on the Web. It is also possible to implement a password in order to initiate Internet browsing, limiting what the children can do on the PSP without a parent’s permission.

The Playstation website offers excellent support features that make it easy to use the PSP. Whether you are looking to download Skype or find out how to download games or access Internet radio, the website provides all you need to know. Certain additional equipment might be necessary such as headphones or remote controls. Why not take advantage of the wonders of today’s technology and get a PSP for yourself today?

For more information, user reviews, or to buy: PSP 3000

See games for the Playstation Portable: Playstation Portable System & Games

By Susan M Keenan ©2009

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t hear about the problems of obesity–and childhood obesity–in the news. With obesity on the rise, more and more people are aware of the benefits of exercise. But what of video games designed to get kids moving? Is it just hype? Well, some are, no doubt. We tend to get all worked up when a video game gets children out of the typical stupor and onto their feet. But a lot of games inspire only a small amount of movement. Not so with the Nintendo Wii Fit, which completely focuses on working out, without turning the process into a tedious lesson.

Getting enough exercise can be easier said than done. If your children tend to be sedentary and love video games, or if you are not a “going to the gym” type, the Nintendo Wii Fit for the Nintendo Wii gaming system can certainly get you and your family started on the road to fitness, or at the very least, fitness and health awareness. The Wii Fit offers an interactive workout and is designed to make exercise a fun activity that anyone in the family can enjoy, no matter their level of fitness.  It’s also highly interactive and educational: it guides you through designing a workout program, tracking your progress and learning proper technique. Interestingly, the game made our testers aware of the importance of balance.

Using the Nintendo Wii Fit involves stepping  on its balance board, which reads body movements, measures weight and weight distribution, and the game offers feedback about these measures, as well as BMI and Wii “fitness age”. Players learn about their BMI, but do note that kids who are even slightly on the chubby side will find out that they are “at the risk of being obese” or worse. Players set fitness and weight goals, and the Wii Fit records progress as well as total hours and minutes of usage.

The Nintendo Wii Fit is designed to be a fitness and educational tool, but it’s also designed to be pleasurable. Families perform aerobics, strength training, learn yoga moves, play balance games, and more. Weight measurements can be password-protected if desired. Scores in various activities are recorded and lists of top scores are provided. Players jog, play goalie, walk a tightrope, play with hula hoops, go skiing, learn and perform yoga poses, and a whole lot more.

If you are ready to make fun and fitness a permanent part of your life, then getting a Nintendo Wii Fit is one easy way to get started. Work. School. Bills. Housework. With all of the things you have to do each day, it’s easy to forget that you need to make time for exercise in your life.

To find the Wii Fit or other Wii games: Top Selling Wii Games