This is a post I made on the Columbus Underground defending video games today. Man, I’m such a dork.
The original poster is here in italics. My post is the long part below it.
pardon my ignorance, but why do people have to constantly upgrade video game systems?? I can’t see how to justify paying $600 for something as mind numbing as PS3, or Wii. We wonder why the US is getting fatter and fatter. Sitting mindless for hours on end playing unrealistic games. Though, i did see a commercial for Wii where you have these nunchuck like thing. Perhaps that would help with some cardio.
I don’t mean to dissrespect you Walker. Just curious as to why people are obsessed with something like this. Are these THAT much better than a PS2?
When you say people are “constantly’ upgrading I guess it depends on your definition of “constantly”. The PS2 came out over six years ago. Video game systems typically have a lifespan of around 5-7 years, which I think it probably less frequently than people’s desire to upgrade their PCs, laptops, and cell phones. Hell, some people feel the need to buy a new TV more frequently than every five years. Plenty of people buy a new car more often than every five years.
Basically, it’s technology. There will always be something better down the road no matter what type of techonology you’re talking about.
Are the new systems better than the old systems? Of course. To the casual observer they may not look that much different but if you take the time to look at side by side comparisons, such as this one you can see the difference. (Keep in mind, this is a pretty low-res video. If you could see it up close the differences would be more drastic.)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPDu43rHVaY]
For anyone with a gaming hobby, the graphics, physics, and level of detail has greatly improved. If you’re not into gaming though, you probably don’t care, right? Personally, I’m not much of an auto-buff. Someone could tell me that the newest line of Brand-X cars has some new steering technology in the new 2007 model and I’d say “So what. My car works just fine.” It’s all a matter of personal preferences and perspective.
As for the mind-numbing comment, I’d going to let out an audible sigh and disagree. The vast majority of video games require thinking. Even games like Grand Theft Autio that most people want to pass off as “mindless violence” have a complex play mechanic at their core requiring players to solve puzzles, figure out mission objectives, learn the best way to complete those missions by trial-and-error, and contantly monitor multiple factors (health, ammo, enemies) involved with playing. Sure, it’s no substitute for doing homework, but Video Games are a thousand times more stimulating to the brain than just watching TV, which I’m sure is something that every critic of video games does. 
As for the obesity epidemic in the US, I think video games may play a small role in that, but it’s pretty far fetched to try to blame it all on games. There are millions of Americans who are overweight who don’t play video games at all. I’d say the increase in stationary activities overall (computer use, tv viewing, white-collar jobs) is a factor but not the only one.
And yes, the Nintendo Wii looks to be a pretty decent workout. You don’t even need the nunchuck. The standard remote is motion sensitive. The sports game that comes bundled with the system (bowling, golf, baseball, boxing) looks like a great workout for all sorts of people.
Here’s a link to a ton of video of people just playing the system. It doesn’t even show the games, just the people playing and their reactions. Tell me this thing doesn’t look like worthwhile home entertainment for $250. 
http://us.wii.com/experience_gallery.jsp
And as for the PS3, I agree that it’s too pricey at $600. I’ve played a demo unit. I’ve read reviews and watched clips from every game out for it at the moment, and I couldn’t justify that much money on it right now. It looks fun, but not $600 worth of fun. Hell, I’d have trouble spending $400 on an Xbox360, but now that it’s been out for a year and they have some decent games that appeal to me (Oblivion, Gears of War, Dead Rising, etc) I’m considering one if the price drops to $300 (which it’s been projected to do) in another 6 months.
So yeah, everyone has hobbies. Just because they dont’ appeal to you doesn’t make them evil. 