You probably know that the library has a vast selection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs for all ages…but did you know that we also have video games? In my next few posts to this blog I will highlight some of our lesser-known collections.This post was contributed by our own Network/Systems Adminstrator and video game selector Shaun Pall.
The video games collection is one of the newest collections in the library. We started this collection just two years ago with 50 games thanks to a generous donation from the Princeton Tour Company. Our collection has grown to over 200 games and covers four gaming platforms: the Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo DS/3DS.
Some of the most popular types of games that always seem to be flying off our shelves are sing-a-long and dancing-themed games and online multiplayer games such as the Halo series. We have also been purchasing motion-sensitive games including fitness games such as Zumba Fitness for the Wii and Fitness Evolved 2012 for the Xbox 360.
And, finally if you think video games are just for singing practice, dancing, or mindless entertainment here are 10 reasons how games may be beneficial to you or your child’s health (modified a bit from this list by Nick Cannon):
- Video games can make you more creative.
- Video games can help improve your vision.
- Video games can help improve your decision-making skills.
- Video games improve your attention span.
- Gaming can sharpen your memory.
- Playing games can improve hand-eye coordination.
- Video games make learning fun.
- Motion Sensitive Video games help improve physical fitness.
- Video Games can help improve problem solving skills.
- Video games strengthen familial bonds.
(photo courtesy JD Hancock via Flickr)