Educate me about Gameboy advance systems

[sandiegosusie]

I haven't a clue...my 5 year-old is wanting one, all of a sudden I might add, and we were thinking that we would get her one before our WDW trip next year. However, after discussing with DH we thought it might be smart to try to get one of the Black Friday deals.

I don't know which one to get? Gameboy advance sp, or ds or what? Any help or direction would be appreciated...

The best deal so far that I have seen is at Walmart, Black Friday. $48.99 4 colors to choose from...what do you think?

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

For a 5yo, I think that I would go with the GBA SP, not the Nintendo DS. The DS is larger and will not be as comfortable for a 5yo to grasp. The DS also has a stylus to be used in some of the games, and it can be easily lost since it is not attached to anything. It does have a storage spot on the underside of the DS.

The advantage of the DS is that it has the dual screen, giving the player a more 3-D effect to the game. However, that screen is blank for any game that doesn't employ that technology. It is also backwards-compatible, meaning that it can play GBA and GBColor games in addition to the DS games. DS games won't work on the GBA.

There are plenty of Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby and Yoshi games for the GBA SP. You should have no trouble finding games that amuse her. My only concern would be the hand-eye coordination of a preschooler may not be as sharp as the 7-12 yo market that the GBA SP is aimed at. She may get frustrated with some of the games. Perhaps you can have her "test drive" one at a local game store to see if she can handle it before you buy one.

 

[java]

My son(11) said a 5 year old would do better with a Gameboy advanced. For all the reasons posted above. He says the stylus could get confusing for a llittle person. BUT I will tell you that the one game my kids play non-stop is Nintendo dogs and that is only available for the DS so I would think go DS. Also in about a year he will want more features... decisions decisions....

 

[leight]

I'm getting Nin DS /nintendogs for my 8 yr old. I am also braving BF at Walmart- a first! - for the GBA SP for my 5yr old. got BOGO GB videos (4 for $18!!) at TRU and will buy used or discounted GBA games for both. The games can only be used on DS but they can share. I decided to do this rather than get the VSmile portable. The GBA game list seems to be a little more suitable for 5 yr olds

 

[mapmakerj]

My DS got his GBA for his 5th bd and he loves it. He has no problems with the controls on the game and takes it in the car all the time. The nice thing about it is that you can get them pretty inexpensive (especially BF) and you can buy lots of used games at the local game shop and it will play GB, GBColor and GBA games and videos so you have alot of used choices. Plus if you ever decide to get a home game system you can get a Game Cube with a game boy player that allows you to play all of your GB games on your tv. We just surprised DS with the Cube last night (early Xmas present for DS and DH) and instantly had 30 games to play on the system.

 

[Maude4Disney]

Our soon to be 5 yo is getting the GBA SP for Christmas as well. and DS12 will be getting the NDS. I think the GBA is going to be easier for the younger one to use. and plenty of games out there.

 

[jeancbpugh]

For a 5yo, I think that I would go with the GBA SP, not the Nintendo DS.

I disagree. My son got his DS last spring. He was 5. He is average size. He has no trouble holding the DS. And he loves Nintendogs!

Get her a DS.

 

[jennwdw]

I got this for my 5 yr old as well. Target will have a nice bundle available BF (11/25) for the advance sp w/the new brighter screen. It will include a super mario game, car adapter and carrying case for 68.88. They will also have the Disney princess game, Finding nemo, and simpson road rage for 9.88.

If you buy the games today, target will do a price adjustment on friday and saturday when the sale is on. They have a 14 day Price adjustment policy.

I got lucky and my target had the bundle out on last friday and I was able to get it already and it rang up for the BF price. I think they figured out that they weren't suppose to yet because I went back the next day to get one for my nephew and they were gone and they denied any knowledge of it. Funny how that happens. But I did buy the games I wanted and will have them price adjusted on friday....I hope this helps maybe check your target and they might put them out a little early. I know they have everything else out and stocked. You can see the ad at the BF sites (gottadeal.com) and just get the things you need now and have it price adjusted later.

I was planning to go to walmart before I found out about the target bundle. I was ready the brave it but walmart in my area really scares me on BLack friday, I'm happy to avoid that craziness.

 

[sandiegosusie]

I got this for my 5 yr old as well. Target will have a nice bundle available BF (11/25) for the advance sp w/the new brighter screen. It will include a super mario game, car adapter and carrying case for 68.88. They will also have the Disney princess game, Finding nemo, and simpson road rage for 9.88.

If you buy the games today, target will do a price adjustment on friday and saturday when the sale is on. They have a 14 day Price adjustment policy.

I got lucky and my target had the bundle out on last friday and I was able to get it already and it rang up for the BF price. I think they figured out that they weren't suppose to yet because I went back the next day to get one for my nephew and they were gone and they denied any knowledge of it. Funny how that happens. But I did buy the games I wanted and will have them price adjusted on friday....I hope this helps maybe check your target and they might put them out a little early. I know they have everything else out and stocked. You can see the ad at the BF sites (gottadeal.com) and just get the things you need now and have it price adjusted later.

I was planning to go to walmart before I found out about the target bundle. I was ready the brave it but walmart in my area really scares me on BLack friday, I'm happy to avoid that craziness.

What colors did they have when you bought yours in the bundle?