Advice on what system would be good for a child with cp

[isiolia]

Kinda hard to say without knowing the extent of his disability. I'd tend to agree that focusing on games that don't require a high level of skill (referring to practiced physical ability) would be appropriate. It's possible that the motion needed for buttons may be hard or painful for him, or that he has uncontrolled movements that'd introduce inadvertent input.

May be easier to look at PC games as there are likely more options for input devices to suit (and probably a wider selection of slower paced games). Though, that may be outside of the scope that the grandma was looking at.

[CRTGAMER]

Ok peoples i need some ideas on what type of system would be good for a child with cerebral palsey. A friend of mine runs a church thrift store and a lady came in today and asked if they had any game systems. She explained that her 10 old grandson has cp and can't do alot of the things little boys do.So she thought this may cheer him up. So my buddy said it would have to be something simple without to many buttons since the little guy has limited use in his hands. I was thinking nes or snes. If any one has any ideas on games or systems please tell me. i know there was a special controller for n64 for handicaped people but i have no clue where to find one. This kid has had a rough life he lives with his grandma cause his mom couldn't deal with the cp. So i want to gift him something that will make him feel good again.

This is tough, I feel for the guy. Limited mobility with a sharp mind inside that needs something more then just reading. How limited is the mobility, can he work a gamepad?

Oh, I got the answer to this one. Light gun games.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_light_gun_games
If they have a crt tv, then older consoles. If they have a modern flat screen I highly recommend a ps3 with move, games: razing Storm, House of the dead III & 4.

Great idea! Lightgun games with the Wii remote might help, just point at the screen and hit the trigger. I saw a Lego themed remote that has bigger buttons for an easier hold.

An arcade stick might be another idea, the bigger buttons and joystick with a heavy base that does not have to be held might be easier to manipilate. A smaller controller can also be zip tied to the chair arm.

The kid doesn't need simple games, but probably wants complicated games that can be worked with easy to operate controls. Maybe another option is a laptop with a large trakball? Think of all the computer controlled games that just use a mouse such as Command and Conquer Generals or the various Flash games.

[BoneSnapDeez]

I work with kids like this.

They enjoy playing turn-based RPGs with arcade sticks. As it strange as it sounds it works: you have big buttons and a joystick and games you play at a leisurely pace.

[cookie monster]

I will be finding out later this week to what extent mobility he has when i speak with his grandma and see what kinda things he may enjoy. So i know what to hook him up with. I can't wait to check out the links you guys sugested tommorrow.

[pankakes123]

I'd recommend a Gameboy Advance SP for a handheld device. For a home console, I'd recommend the Namco Plug N' Play, which comes with a few built in Namco classics like Pac-Man and Dig-Dug. Another recommendation is the NES + some good old Bubble Bobble, just make sure they have a compatible TV.

[Flake]

Maybe you can find a joystick.

This. A joystick is a perfect controller for someone with trouble making precise movements. Very, very forgiving and large targets.

[elmagicochrisg]

Joystick indeed.

If that's still a problem you could look into custom controllers. Like the ones from Broadened Horizons...

[Bikeage]

I work with kids like this.

They enjoy playing turn-based RPGs with arcade sticks. As it strange as it sounds it works: you have big buttons and a joystick and games you play at a leisurely pace.

This, and, not opening any can of worms on retro forum, but for an economically sensible solution i'm thinking any 10 year old kid today would like a PS2 with more modern graphics and sophisticated gameplay over simpler systems. A generic knock off PS2 compatible joystick can be had off Ebay for pretty cheap, and would work well enough for the above mentioned turn based games. Not to mention the library is huge, with all kinds of variety in games that can be played at his own pace.

[Flake]

Bikeage has pretty much provided the game plan. PS2 is cheap, accessible, has variety, and has the largest assortment of decent affordable arcade sticks.

[ElkinFencer10]

Bikeage has pretty much provided the game plan. PS2 is cheap, accessible, has variety, and has the largest assortment of decent affordable arcade sticks.

Yeah, I'd say the PS2 would probably be the best idea, although an NES, especially with a repro cart as mentioned earlier would also be a good option, I think.