Let’s start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the PS2 that have the “E” rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The PS2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo’s GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega’s Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo’s own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft’s Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the Xbox with approximately 270 games and the Xbox 360 with so far about a dozen — but count on the number of Xbox 360 titles to increase since it’s a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for the Xbox and the Xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive’s LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision’s Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software’s Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the PS2 and Xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won’t be able to play DVD’s or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn’t even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse — it doesn’t allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the PS2 to prevent their kids from watching DVD movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it’s significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

The first thing you should remember when looking for downloadable games is that you get what you pay for. This is especially true for sites that say they offer free games, movies, music and more for PSPs. Free sites usually give you a lot more than free downloads and I don’t mean that as a good thing. You will find that many games, movies and music come with viruses and spyware attached.

Because the websites do not make a profit from their users they get the downloads for random people that also use their site. These downloads are not official PSP downloads and are more than likely corrupt, meaning they will not play at all or work right. Downloads are usually very slow and like I said before, they could be loaded with viruses and spyware.

As I’m sure you can tell, I’m not a fan of these so-called free PSP download sites. They can harm your computer, waste your time and cause a lot of headaches.

A much better way to find PSP downloads is to look for a specialty PSP download membership website. There are websites that will let you download unlimited PSP games, movies and music when you sign-up as a member of these sites.

It’s a little surprising that more people aren’t using these site, but I think many PSP users just don’t know they exist. It’s a great value – for less than the cost of one game you can get unlimited access to as many game downloads as you want.

The best paid sites are the ones that only charge the one time fee. For a small fee of $30 to $50 you will be able to download whatever you want without ever having to spend another dime. By choosing sites like these you are ensured that you are downloading from reputable businesses. These businesses work hard to make sure their downloads work, download quickly and are virus and spyware free.

One of the best features of the PSP is the ability to download games, movies and music instead of having to but them at the stores. Not only will it save you a lot of money in the long-run, but you will als be sure your PSP is fully stocked with the newest games without ever having to make a trip to the store. Happy gaming!

The overheating problem is one of the most common issues and it can be fixed most of the time by putting the console in a more ventilated place. However, hardware failure (i.e., the three flashing lights) is the worst. You can unplug and restart the console and sometimes this fixes the issue but often you will see the same error or after playing for a while it will happen again. The system will need to have repairs done. Microsoft is able to perform these repairs, but the unit has to be shipped to them. This can take a few weeks and depending on the severity of the problem can cost you around $150 to have the problem fixed. So hopefully after a few weeks and $150 later Microsoft was able to fix the issue and your Xbox 360 is returned without being damaged in transit.

Or, you can fix the three flashing red lights issue yourself. To do this you will need the Xbox 360 Repair Guide. This guide offers simple easy to follow instructions on how to fix all hardware failures as well as other Xbox issues like overheating, graphics errors, and freeze ups. Many people have reported getting their Xbox 360 back in working order in around an hour after reading the instructions. And others have even started their own Xbox 360 repair business buying problem consoles, fixing them, and selling them doubling their money! As you can see this solution far out ways the turnaround time from Microsoft and it’s much cheaper in fact you can make money from it.