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So, there have been quite a few interesting threads lately that have got me thinking. In the end, I thought I'd create a separate thread to express my views, because it doesn't really fit in with any of the other threads without going off a tangent. Plus, it might breed some good discussion and talking points. First of all, let me just give you some details that I think will be important. I am 22, recently graduated (so seeking work) and have been gaming since I was around...6 or something daft. I love games. Always have done, and probably always will. Given my financial situation, I have to be pretty careful with how I spend money. Throughout my time at University, I shopped around and remained cautious with how I parted my cash for games. Considering this, and considering that my course required me to take part in a lot of time consuming placements, living in a busy house with 6 other people, and considering that I also had quite a busy social life, I still managed to amass a total of about 18 or so Wii games. This is a console that was released a few months into my second year. So, just finished my final year, and 18 games. Roughly, we're looking at about a game every two months or something. Now, I only have the one console, the Wii. Along the way, I have missed the opportunity to play so many games. I didn't own Metroid Prime 3, I haven't played The Conduit, I don't own Grand Slam Tennis or Pro Evo Soccer, and I haven't played Little King's Story. So, five influential Wii games in different ways that I have just not got around to. There's plenty more, too that I've missed. However, one thing that I simply do not understand is the claim that there is simply nothing to play on the system. Of course, everyone has their own particular tastes (I, for example, cannot stand these Medal of Honour type games. I stay well away) so there will be games on the system that do not "fit" with what you like to play. There are games on the Wii that are simply not for me. However, these games are there, and they are there to be played. You can bet that whilst you do not enjoy one game, that somebody else will be enjoying it and getting the most out of it. It works with every system. Another thing I just cannot fathom is how...intense that this generation has become. 18 games for my collection is not all that bad going, considering that I had around 24-26 for the Gamecube in it's entire lifetime, considering my own restraints and the fact that the generation still has quite a way to go. However, I think we can all agree that gaming is expensive. It is very pricey. I paid 180 quid on launch day for the system, then around another 30 or so quid for extra games. It's not easy being a gamer. I just do not understand how much money gamers are pumping into gaming. If we say that I purchase each game for around 30 quid each, that is around 500 quid we're talking for my collection. I have to say that there is a certain sense of greed amongst gamers this generation. First of all, we have been spoiled with three gaming systems with their own big plus points and special features. Three game systems, along with two handhelds that offer another huge catalogue of games, capabilities and opportunities. We've been offered online gaming on each system (and the handhelds), something which we've not had before. We've got the chance to use motion controllers to do things that were not possible last generation. For Nintendo gamers, the third party support for the system is much, much better than it ever was with the Gamecube. Arguably, it's better than it was with the Nintendo 64. There's many talking points here. But we are still not happy, for some reason. There is still this need out there to condemn these consoles and claim that there "just isn't anything out there." Part of me believes that it is very difficult to satisfy some gamers. I know there are plenty of people here who have the Wii and are having a great time with it. There's people out there who are the complete opposite. So, surely the sensible thing is to just say "well, this system isn't for me" and leave it there? I know that quite a lot of people here have more than one system. Some have all three, plus both handhelds. As a person who struggles to keep up with one system, I can't get my head around that. That's a lot of dedication, and fair play to you for that. However, at the same time, maybe a lot of people out there need to take a look at themselves and say "ok, there are people out there who only own the one system, for whatever reason. I hope they get enjoyment out of gaming like I do." And we do. I love gaming, and I am enjoying having the one system to work with. I couldn't physically afford another system, and I don't think I would have the time to enjoy it anyway. For me, having just one games console works. So, that is our choice. What I think bugs me somewhat is seeing so many petty comments where many condemn the system. Nobody forced you to buy a particular system, just like I made my own choice with the Wii. I think far too many are making a huge deal out of gaming, when it is a privilege, and not a right. We're all here because we want to game. So, whichever system or systems you have, I hope you're enjoying it. Maybe just take a step back for a second and realise just how good we have got it this generation. I can safely say that I am loving it. (this is very messy, and I was watching Match of the Day when I made this. Fucking Liverpool.)