Hand Held video Game for 2.5 year old?

[erin327]

My parents would like to get my 2.5 year old a hand held video game system for Christmas. They want to find something where she can hear and be exposed to foreign languages. I'd like something that does that, but will also have a fairly long life span as a toy she likes for car and plane rides. I have been reading about the leapsters. Worthwhile? Should we just have them get her a Nintendo DS so that she will enjoy it longer? Anyone know of any foreign language games for any system?

 

[1-disneyfan]

My DD6 still uses her Leapster, not daily, but at least weekly. I'm not sure about a foreign language games....they do have Dora and Diego games though. She started using my DS game when she was 4.5, I don't think she was ready at 2.5. So, at this age I would really lean more toward the Leapster hope this helps

Kris

 

[PiperPizzaz]

DS loves his leapster. It is very sturdy. I don't know about the language games. Honestly, I can't imagine a game having much impact as far as language goes. Maybe a few words here and there but, that really isn't teaching you a language.

 

[BlakeNJ]

What about a My First Leappad? We have had 2 and love them!

 

[RitaFaye94]

My DS (3) has the VSmile Motion and VSmile Pocket. They use the same games so they transition between home and travel. The Pocket will plug into the TV as well but does not have the motion controllers.

Several of the games have some language in them (Kai Lan, Dora & Diego).

 

[LWatson]

This may sound crazy, but my son loves his Gameboy Advance. Most gamestops have them for $40 and the games are pretty cheap. Its a great way to start out in place of the DS. We are considering a DS for christmas, but still dont know if we want a 4yr old to take that step yet.