Handheld Gaming Systems for a 4 year old? DS, IXL, MobiGo?

[TmlndSpdwy03]

I have a Nintendo DS that my 4 yr old already uses to play a few simpler games on (Little Einsteins, Dora save the Mermaid, etc).

Grandma wanted to know if we wanted her to by the Fisher Price IXL or the V-Tech MobiGO as a Christmas gift. Does anyone have these for their kids?

To me, it seems like it might make more sense just to have Grandma get her a new game or two for my DS (which I let her use any time she wants for the most part) instead of buying another gaming system.

In the past, Grandma has already bought our 4 year old the Fisher Price bike game system, the Vtech Motion game system, and some other similar items but they just seem inferior (both graphically and the games available) to the Wii which the 4 year old can play too. I just dont want more money 'wasted' on a product never to be used.

So, do anyone recommend the IXL or MobiGo over the DS?
What games do you recommend for the DS (or Wii for that matter) for a 4 year old?

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Have you looked into the new Leapster Explorer? The graphics are much better than the graphics on the Leapster 2 and there is an educational component to the games. It will also grow with her as it will also play Didj games which are available for ages up to 4th grade or so.

 

[merekc]

I'm not familiar with the newer "educational" systems, but my DS when he was 3 was already familiar with video games. His older brother got a DS for Christmas and he got a Leapster. He never touched it and only wanted a DS. The Leapster turned out to be a huge waste of money.

Since she has already played the DS, I'd be more inclined to get her more games.

Again, they may have improved the newer Leapsters and such to have more video game appeal.

 

[Mrs D]

DS5 has the Leapster2 and DD3 just got the Leapster Explorer. I frequently tell DH how wonderful the Leapster Explorer is! Both kids are able to play it and I can see that they will get years of use from it. You can adjust the game level for each child profile and that keeps it challenging. I love that you can play cartridge games but also downloadable games/books/videos on it. I see there's a new camera add on (just in time for Christmas - oh! that gives me a great idea!).
The graphics are great, the games are high quality with interesting characters/plot and the educational value is incredible, I think the audio on the Explorer is great (much easier to hear/understand vs. the Leapster2).

I am really pleased with it and think it's a great value for the $.