What might convince me to buy a PS4

[Fursphere]

Oh so you guys have the argument that poor kids don't deserve nice toys.  Real nice guys, real nice. 

Anyone who has no problems with scalping either haven't been a victim of it, do it themselves, or aren't concerned with the happiness of others.  Pick one of the three.

Let me guess? Is poor little Howard a victim of scalping? Didn't get that NES that first week? 

Here it is. There are more important things to worry about than Little Johnny getting a $500 console for Christmas. So Johnny is disappointed in his dad, so ---smurfing--- what? Dad needs to do a better job with his kids expectations. Scalpers aren't going to be doing that sort of thing for more than a few months. Wait till Johnny's birthday, boom! scalp problem solved.

In addition, no child. Anywhere. Ever. Has ever suffered a debilitating mental break down or died because mom or dad was unable to get the latest game console. PERIOD. Furthermore, the happiness of your hypothetical "angel child" is not going to be shattered for want of the latest console.

Go find some other moral argument to fight. You're just fighting a loosing battle.

[SavannahLion]

I'd say that's pretty damn accurate. 

[knave]

[SavannahLion]

Come back when the "Jedi" can actually defend themselves against a crutch.   

[lilshawn]

In addition, no child. Anywhere. Ever. Has ever suffered a debilitating mental break down or died because mom or dad was unable to get the latest game console. PERIOD.

guess you've never seen these little ---meecrobs--- in training on youtube have you? you may have missed the one where the kid opens the fake xbox present, spazzes out, and proceeds to kick his sibling in the head who's laughing about it, then tosses the xmas tree at his parents who were trying to get a handle on things.

betcha he still got it.  *mutters under his breath about kids these days*

[SavannahLion]

In addition, no child. Anywhere. Ever. Has ever suffered a debilitating mental break down or died because mom or dad was unable to get the latest game console. PERIOD.

guess you've never seen these little ---meecrobs--- in training on youtube have you? you may have missed the one where the kid opens the fake xbox present, spazzes out, and proceeds to kick his sibling in the head who's laughing about it, then tosses the xmas tree at his parents who were trying to get a handle on things.

betcha he still got it.  *mutters under his breath about kids these days*

I usually have my doubts about the legitimacy of those videos. Like the German kid who destroys his keyboard because a game wasn't loading fast enough or the kid who tries to shove a remote up his ass because he was banned from his favorite MMO? Give me a break 

And if the kid does appear to have a mental breakdown for want of a console, I have no doubt the kid likely already has prior issues and would have had a "break down" regardless of what was in the box. It also further illustrates another point that these are not the angelic children so deserving of a console. Therefor, it simply strengthens my point about the scalpers. Not in a way I would've liked but it's there.

Do you really think a child who, IMHO, is already acting like an idiot and is willing to kick their brother in the head an "angel"?

We can also talk about the parents of those children as well.

[lilshawn]

We can also talk about the parents of those children as well.

How about:

Something something passive aggressive something. Something bad influence something something, not their fault something something. Parents can't beat their kids something something something. That kid ain't right something something, and nothing something anything anymore... Parents proactive something something something something.

That should about cover it.

[ark_ader]

In addition, no child. Anywhere. Ever. Has ever suffered a debilitating mental break down or died because mom or dad was unable to get the latest game console. PERIOD.

guess you've never seen these little ---meecrobs--- in training on youtube have you? you may have missed the one where the kid opens the fake xbox present, spazzes out, and proceeds to kick his sibling in the head who's laughing about it, then tosses the xmas tree at his parents who were trying to get a handle on things.

betcha he still got it.  *mutters under his breath about kids these days*

I usually have my doubts about the legitimacy of those videos. Like the German kid who destroys his keyboard because a game wasn't loading fast enough or the kid who tries to shove a remote up his ass because he was banned from his favorite MMO? Give me a break 

And if the kid does appear to have a mental breakdown for want of a console, I have no doubt the kid likely already has prior issues and would have had a "break down" regardless of what was in the box. It also further illustrates another point that these are not the angelic children so deserving of a console. Therefor, it simply strengthens my point about the scalpers. Not in a way I would've liked but it's there.

Do you really think a child who, IMHO, is already acting like an idiot and is willing to kick their brother in the head an "angel"?

We can also talk about the parents of those children as well.

No it is more serious than that.  The child wants a toy, and expensive one and the parent cannot afford it.  So they use Santa as an excuse.  That is why we all as kids believed in Santa.  If you didn't get the toy then you were "naughty" so the onus is on you next year to do better.  Kids today are told that Santa is a work of fiction at an early age, so when the parent gets laid off and finds that Christmas will be bleak, the child will know that their parent is a failure.  This is carried with them through adulthood and if they have kids will bring extra pressure to make sure they do not fail too.

Where as Santa would mask these issues, and the kid turning into the adult realises the situation where he didn't get said toy and deals with it better.  Kids today grow up with too much information.  We didn't have that luxury but we did have amazing toys we didn't get as Mom and Dad was trying to keep a roof over our heads and fed.  I'm sure all of you "parents" out there will say BS, but if you think about it it does make sense.

Pictures and videos of kids opening up fake presents is child abuse, as the damage is very disruptive to the child's development process.  Fake or not this behaviour should not be allowed to continue, due to the mental scarring that will create a cycle that could lead to violence in the adulthood.

I studied psychology in college, and coveting can be destructive in all ages.

[Nianticcardplayer]

If I win lotto my PS3 is just fine thanks 

[SavannahLion]

In addition, no child. Anywhere. Ever. Has ever suffered a debilitating mental break down or died because mom or dad was unable to get the latest game console. PERIOD.

guess you've never seen these little ---meecrobs--- in training on youtube have you? you may have missed the one where the kid opens the fake xbox present, spazzes out, and proceeds to kick his sibling in the head who's laughing about it, then tosses the xmas tree at his parents who were trying to get a handle on things.

betcha he still got it.  *mutters under his breath about kids these days*

I usually have my doubts about the legitimacy of those videos. Like the German kid who destroys his keyboard because a game wasn't loading fast enough or the kid who tries to shove a remote up his ass because he was banned from his favorite MMO? Give me a break 

And if the kid does appear to have a mental breakdown for want of a console, I have no doubt the kid likely already has prior issues and would have had a "break down" regardless of what was in the box. It also further illustrates another point that these are not the angelic children so deserving of a console. Therefor, it simply strengthens my point about the scalpers. Not in a way I would've liked but it's there.

Do you really think a child who, IMHO, is already acting like an idiot and is willing to kick their brother in the head an "angel"?

We can also talk about the parents of those children as well.

No it is more serious than that.  The child wants a toy, and expensive one and the parent cannot afford it.  So they use Santa as an excuse.  That is why we all as kids believed in Santa.  If you didn't get the toy then you were "naughty" so the onus is on you next year to do better.  Kids today are told that Santa is a work of fiction at an early age, so when the parent gets laid off and finds that Christmas will be bleak, the child will know that their parent is a failure.  This is carried with them through adulthood and if they have kids will bring extra pressure to make sure they do not fail too.

Where as Santa would mask these issues, and the kid turning into the adult realises the situation where he didn't get said toy and deals with it better.  Kids today grow up with too much information.  We didn't have that luxury but we did have amazing toys we didn't get as Mom and Dad was trying to keep a roof over our heads and fed.  I'm sure all of you "parents" out there will say BS, but if you think about it it does make sense.

Pictures and videos of kids opening up fake presents is child abuse, as the damage is very disruptive to the child's development process.  Fake or not this behaviour should not be allowed to continue, due to the mental scarring that will create a cycle that could lead to violence in the adulthood.

I studied psychology in college, and coveting can be destructive in all ages.

Let me see if I understand.

Since two of my three still think Santa is real and based on my own experiences and observations,  the cut off when kids figure it out is somewhere between 8 or 9. What is the average child's age who are getting XBONEs for Christmas this close to release, teenagerish? So about 12 to 16ish? So what you're saying is that if a teenager doesn't believe in Santa when Mommy and Daddy can't buy their Angel an XBone they'll be emotionally scarred?

Conversely, is there no problems that you can see in a child who is <8 asking for and receiving a $500 game console with, what I can see, a handful of appropriate age games to select from but all manner of deliciously violent games on the list? Where $500 can get that child any prev-gen console and a very respectable collection of appropriate games?

I see the point but IMHO Santa is moot after a certain age and largely moot here.

[lilshawn]

have you played Call Of Duty online? Halo? i can attest they are filled with DISGUSTINGLY foul mouthed 10 year olds.

whether or not it is them that received it for xmas or it was their older brother or whatever is irrelevant.... besides, if we went by what the service signup data says, 93% of the users have the same birthday, January 01.

[ark_ader]

The $500 console(s) is designed for adults, marketed at adults (for our demographic) with related games for adults. 

It is up to the adult to use parent guidance and keep the child away from such material.  I think the problem is children get exposed to too much TV, and do not have a proper family environment, when the console becomes the surrogate baby sitter.  Kids should be outside playing and tiring themselves out for an early nights sleep.

Unless it is a Wii or related device, which I can and do see your point.  The simple answer to little Billy or Sally is: "no you cannot have that console, you are not old enough" or "sure you can have that console, just give me $500" which is the classic my parents used on me when I wanted a home computer.  I wanted an Amiga and I got a CBM 64.  The crack of " well Danny's dad got him one" would end up being very detrimental if I tried it.  It would have been easier to get a puppy then an Amiga.  So that would be the answer to the 12 year old problem.

The UK and EU have a good system.  If you provide a game or movie to a child under age and get reported you go to jail, fined etc.  What the parent does at home should be on the same basis.

Heck I don't particularly want one, even though I can afford $500.  The 360 and PS3 still has some ROI, and the old consoles too.

[lilshawn]

My wife and kids play the xbox360 more than I ever have. Hell, my old lady got me Farcry 3 in my stocking last xmas...i haven't even opened it or taken the plastic off it yet.

In the last year I played through Fallout 3 and New Vegas, played the first few things in the main quest line of Borderlands... that's about it. 

[danny_galaga]

" well Danny's dad got him one"

Nope, never happened 

[ChadTower]

Unless it is a Wii or related device, which I can and do see your point.  The simple answer to little Billy or Sally is: "no you cannot have that console, you are not old enough" or "sure you can have that console, just give me $500" which is the classic my parents used on me when I wanted a home computer.

I just had this conversation with my 12 year old a couple of weeks ago.  He wants an iPod Touch.  I can afford to buy him an iPod Touch for Xmas and it is within the price range I usually spend on him for his big gift.  When I looked into the full capabilities of the device, however, I concluded that he cannot have it yet.  It's damn near an iPhone without the cell functionality.  Everything else seems to be there.  The full browsing, social media, a full tunnel into the depths of the internet wherever there is a wifi connection.  And since it's mobile the thing is likely to be proxy free more often than not.  My 12 year old is not ready for all the nastiness that is out there on the net (as well as in the people on it).

I explained all of this to him and told him he can't have the iPod Touch yet.  We talked about what he really wanted to do with it and it was like 75% Minecraft.  We looked up the available platforms for Minecraft and decided a PC is best for him.  I picked him up a pretty decent PC for a couple hundred bucks and it will sit behind the parental proxy I already have in on our network for his brother's PC.

At one point in the conversation he said "well my friend Nate has a smartphone and his parents don't care".  Unfortunately, Nate also has a nasty scar on his forearm from a dry ice challenge he tried after seeing it on Youtube.  Pointing that out helped my son understand a little bit from a real world example.

[ark_ader]

My wife and kids play the xbox360 more than I ever have. Hell, my old lady got me Farcry 3 in my stocking last xmas...i haven't even opened it or taken the plastic off it yet.

Boy, are you in for a treat! 

[hypernova]

Far Cry 3 is a fantastic game!  Just not when the kids are around...and make sure the wife knows there's boobies, so she doesn't catch you off guard and you try to explain yourself!  (Only up to two times, as far as I can remember.)

Regarding the dilemma with little Johnny and the newest system...Little Johnny can wait.  Disappointment is something that is a NEEDED lesson for children.  Sometimes not even Santa can make things happen.  I had to ask for a Nintendo when I was a kid for a few years.  I guarantee you NOT getting it for the first two years we asked as kids was good for my development.

And yes, there are plenty of foul mouthed children online.  It's disconcerting.  And why I don't go on public chat.

[Fursphere]

Far Cry 3 is a fantastic game!  Just not when the kids are around...and make sure the wife knows there's boobies, so she doesn't catch you off guard and you try to explain yourself!  (Only up to two times, as far as I can remember.)

I have to agree that Far Cry 3 is a fantastic game.  Its very graphic / adult.  Don't play it with kids around. 

But the endings..   no matter which why you go.  Horrible.  Almost ruins all the fun I had playing through the game.  The only worse ending I can think of was the Bionic Commando reboot. 

[lilshawn]

The only worse ending I can think of was the Bionic Commando reboot. 

3 words....

Mass...Effect...3

ugh.

pick a color.