you should already own a 3ds! what are you waiting for you are missing so many future classic titles :P

I do agree that it can be bad for them, but I've played video games since I was like 2-3, so it isn't that big of a deal. However, I guess I do have problems with addiction to electironics, my early adoption of them may be why.

Get both, I'm sorry for breaking the rules but both have a great lineup of games available and coming.

3DS: I can't stress enough how many great games are already on the 2 year old system. Super Mario 3D L and, Mario Kart 7, Zelda: Link Between Worlds, Pokemon X&Y, Fire Emblem: Awakening, there is something for everyone on 3DS.

Wii U: If you haven't heard, Super Mario 3D World is just a masterpiece and is getting rave reviews from all across the board. It is the Wii U's "suppose to be system seller" but let's just see how that goes. And Next year, we will be expecting Mario Kart 8, Smash Bros. and Donkey Kong Country, and probably the new Zelda for next year.

Nintendo may seem down but they are definitely not out.

Wii U. Multiplayer is a huge bonus to be able to silence more children at once, and avoid fighting over one system.

Accessories are cheap, it's compatible with all Wii accessories, which can be found secondhand very cheap, if money is tight and if you can be bothered hunting around.

Also it's backwards compatible with the Wii, and there are plenty of kid's Wii games for dirt cheap now.

Ignore this man. Nintendo did a better job of raising my ass than my parents.

Conversely, listen to this man. There are also a larger variety of kid-friendly 3DS games than Wii U games at the moment, such as Pokemon/Animal Crossing/Adventure Time etc.

WiiU and get a bunch of multiplayer games, Nintendo Land, NSMBU, 3D World, Wii Party U and Mario&Sonic at the Sochi 2014 are all good choices, but for you i would recommend Pikmin 3 and Wonderful 101 to play in your spare time or when your kids are watching TV

Get a Wii U, stuff like Wii party U is great for families and obviously the Mario games are amazing. If you are feeling flush get a Wii U and a 2DS, the 2DS are very cheap and great value for money.

I played video games since I was 5 or 6 on Atari, and I think it's good in moderation.  My son plays on the iPad and things like Sound Shapes on the PS4, and I would say it's helped improve his coordination and attention span.

This wins. LOL!

I'd honestly go 3DS though...

Buy both !!! But seriously if i were you i would go with a 3DS cause it had more variety of games. Go for Wii U if you like mario games so much and multiplayer.