[r21442]

...for my soon to be 8 year old twins, 1x boy, 1x girl. They got DSs last x-mas and still enjoy but have shown some inclination with an original X-box their cousin gave them. I don't know much about it all and there seems to be infinite products out there?

What h/w is essential & what is a waste or optional?
I assume I should bundle - which one + what extras?
What s/w?

My boy likes all sports games. My girl is harder to get going - likes Rhythm Paradise on DS - so some specific suggestions for her - would probably like something to do with gymnastics if such a thing exists?

Money is not an object but don't want to waste it!

[JimiAces]

if your going to get a wii for both i would advise buying an extra controller and nunchuck. Also some games such as wii sports resort and tiger woods 10 require(tiger is optional) a motion plus add-on (you get one included with the game) - not essential if you avoid such games; however if you do buy these games you'll probably have to buy another addon for the second controller.

Don't bother with those sport pack add-ons you see bundled in some places tennis racket, pool cue etc - they are just pieces of plastic which add no value to the game.

If you are buying mario kart you can get a wii wheel - again this this just a plastic holder; however, for kids, i do think these are good.

You may also want to consider a charging dock as the controllers go through batteries really quickly