3 Strikes and You're OUT!

How many times would you buy the same video game console before declaring "Enough is enough!" Well, I must be dense or optimistic, because we're on our third unit. Actually, we all just like PLAYING so much, and have such a large investment in games, that we almost feel OBLIGATED to replace one when it ceases to function.

Our family has had pretty rotten luck keeping a working Playstation unit in the house. It's not just that the console has a problem, but a result of poor planning and bad luck!

A brief history
We purchased our first Playstation console at the neighborhood used game shop. We figured we could save money by trading in our old Nintendo console with games, and apply it to the cost of the Playstation. Unfortunately, we opted for the (cheaper) used Playstation. It was one of the oldest units, and worked for a few weeks. What was the problem? Something to do with overheating (like after playing for a whopping 20 minutes.) It would freeze up, and was pretty much unusable. Of course, it decided to stop working AFTER the generous 30 day warrantee given by the shop. (Grrrrr.)

Given that we now had a library of a dozen or so games, we figured we'd better bite the bullet and get ourselves a newfangled Playstation (BRAND NEW, of course.) This one functioned perfectly...until my 10 year old son and his 13 year old cousin came bounding through the room, and careened into the table that was holding the console. A small point here: Playstation consoles do not like to be dropped onto the floor, even if it is carpeted. (Console #2, R.I.P)

We're now on #3, and I sincerely hope we've learned enough to make this our LAST Playstation, until perhaps the Playstation 2 comes to town!

Lessons Learned
1. Be VERY careful about buying a used Playstation console. I buy dozens of used games, across several platforms, and have NEVER had a defective purchase. The console was a completely different story! There's just too much to go wrong. Unless you're prepared to pay for expensive repairs, or can do that yourself, OR you get an incredible price, just plan on paying the price for a new console. Look for coupons or deals, or buy from a store that accepts trade-ins on your old system or games. (Electronics Boutique comes to mind...there are others.)

2. DON'T place the Playstation where it can be: bumped, jostled, stepped-on, jolted, dropped, kicked, sideswiped, toppled...you get the point. Our solution was to purchase a set of cordless controllers, which we use when we bring the game to camp and are in cramped quarters. They're also great to use with younger players, or youngsters running about the house.

Why Go to All This Trouble for the Playstation?
We've had each of the various Nintendo consoles (and I'm old enough to have played not only the old Atari's and Coleco, but also PONG!)The Playstation offers not only a terrific playing medium, but a variety that we've yet to see in another system. My son: "Ooh the XXX looks like fun!" Me: "But, it doesn't have more than 1 or 2 GAMES that you like!"

We fell into this trap with the Nintendo 64, which hasn't had a game to MY liking since Tetrisphere, nor my son's liking in ages. The N64 may be up on Ebay shortly! But, with the Playstation, when we DO upgrade to the Playstation 2, we'll be able to use all our old favorites.

So, which system do you buy when:
Mom likes puzzles, RPG's, and games like Scrabble?
Dad likes shooters, action and racing games?
Your son likes action, adventure, RPG's and racing games?
and Your daughter likes 3-d adventure and sports games?

Buy the Playstation! You'll find all these types of games, from bargain bin prices, to brand new. And what will you play for the brand new? Usually no more than $39! Try that with the Nintendo 64!