handheld video game for 6yo??

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I was just thinking about this last week, wondering if my ds 6 is ready for some sort of hand held game. His older sibs have ds's, and he has never shown an interest. He was at a playdate the other day, and came home begging me for a video game.

Can anyone recommend a good, easy, starter system for a 6yo. He's new at all of this, so it has to be easy to get started with, yet not strictly for little kids, as I'm sure he'll progress quickly once he gets the hang of it. He is starting to read, but isn't independent yet. I don't think he's ready for a ds, and since this is the first one for him, I don't want to shell out tons of money for an elaborate system. Just something that offers a variety of games to keep him interested.

Any suggestions?

TIA

 

[lucigo]

I was just thinking about this last week, wondering if my ds 6 is ready for some sort of hand held game. His older sibs have ds's, and he has never shown an interest. He was at a playdate the other day, and came home begging me for a video game.

Can anyone recommend a good, easy, starter system for a 6yo. He's new at all of this, so it has to be easy to get started with, yet not strictly for little kids, as I'm sure he'll progress quickly once he gets the hang of it. He is starting to read, but isn't independent yet. I don't think he's ready for a ds, and since this is the first one for him, I don't want to shell out tons of money for an elaborate system. Just something that offers a variety of games to keep him interested.

Any suggestions?

TIA

If he isn't ready for a DS yet I would go with a V-smile pocket, you can get one used on ebay pretty cheap - I have one listed with 7 games right now, and they are going for around $50. Don't be surprised if he graduates to a DS pretty quickly. Another option would be to get him the older version of the gameboy, but its still going to be about the same level of skill. The V-smile is targeted more for a younger audience and has learning games.

 

[kohlby]

My son started with the Lego series games- Lego Star Wars, Lego Batman, and Lego Indiana Jones. If you "die" you fall apart - but you don't have to start the level all over again, drastically reducing frustrations. He's 6.5 and still will play these games on the computer. (They make them for gaming systems as well). He was playing lego star wars by 3 all by himself so it's definately a game most 6 year olds could handle. My son is getting a DS lite for Christmas since I felt he would outgrow a V-Smile too fast. Maybe you could do computer games first to save money.

 

[Perditamarie]

I agree that he could quickly grow into a DS...and would therefore recommend buying a DS system to avoid investing in a system and games just to replace it with a new system and games. I think the VSmile games have poor graphics and repetitive games and there is such a huge selection of DS games that you could probably find a great fit for him. My guys love the Lego games for DS.

 

[lucigo]

For the DS lovers, my 6-yo is totally addicted to rhythm heaven. I don't think you have to read to play it, although he was an early reader.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Considering how Nintendo stands behind their products...I would go for the DS. They are very durable but if something does happen to it during the warranty period... call Nintendo...they give you a shipping label...repair it to new condition and ship it back in about a week. It took my son 2 1/2 years to break his...(after warranty) but for $60 Nintendo sent me a shipping label, repaired it to like new condition, and gave us a year warranty all in under a week.

We have tried Leapsters and Didjs- both great video systems that we sold on ebay...but the DSs we still have...DS is the wiser way to spend the money. Daughter's DS is over 4 years old and son's (now in like new condition) over 2 years. They still enjoy them. Fortunately I got our leapsters and didjs for extremely good prices and was able to sell the on ebay for what I spent (since they were barely used).

 

[SalandJeff]

My dd is 6 and has a leapster. It is good for her right now. She plays sporadically. I got it for a good price with a game and case at Costco last year. I've picked up a few other games at the consignment shop for about $8.

 

[allyphoe]

DS Lite. There are plenty of games that don't take reading, and the games that do offer reading opportunities may encourage him to work on his reading.

If one of his siblings were interested in handing down the DS, that might be a more cost-effective route.

 

[tinkerfan1]

Our grandkids used the DS games at that age but they also love the Leapster games. We are getting the 4 year old a Leapster 2 for Christmas this year per her mother's request. They make a lot of different games (not just 4 year old) for that as well. Very easy to handle as well. She had an earlier version for the grandson, I believe, but this one is going to be pink for the granddaughter.

 

[jessica52877]

We have both the vsmile and the leapster and I love them both but I would not buy them for someone who was 6 and had older brothers with the DS. The vsmile games I think he just too old for to start now and leapster is a bit better but still I think he is old to start now with it. You'll be replacing it in no time I would think.

I did buy my son a didj (which he is getting for christmas). He'll be 7 and asked for it last year. Saw the ad this year and asked again (along with every time we go to the store). I didn't pay much for it at all and don't mind investing in vs a DSi right now. I know that in 6 months to a year I'll get the DSi but I also know that will be the end of all vsmile, leapster and didj playing and he just loves his games for those still.

He doesn't have any older siblings to know how cool the Nintendo games are vs the others.

 

[mjkacmom]

My six years olds don't touch their leapters - they got ds's last year, and love them. I'd spend the $ on the ds, because he'd most likely be over the leapsters by next year. Most of their friends have ds's too.

 

[thompsons4disney]

For a 6 year old I would get the older gameboy since you can find them very cheap on ebay or Gamestop. The games are larger than the DS games plus when its time to get a DS the gameboy games will play on the DS. I have a 6 year old DD that has a gameboy...I find it all over the place! On floor, in the truck seat cracks, bottom of the backpack, you get the point. I just can't spend $130 for a DS lite just to find it on the floor getting stepped on! The gameboy's are very hardy!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

I would get a DS - believe me when I say he will grow into it quickly. Plus at 6 yrs old probably all of his friends have or will be getting these. What game was he playing when he came home begging for one?

 

[happymommy]

My DS got a gameboy at 4, so I wouldn't bother with a Leapster. Unless it's for like a 2 year old.

I'd get a DS - if anything. Many games don't involve much reading, and they are "nice". My DD loves hers still.

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

I was going to suggest a Leapfrog Diji. They are geared for older kids then the Leapster. My 2 year old has a V.Smile Pocket that was a hand me down from my nieces. We are planning to get her a Leapster 2 next year.

 

[sl_underwood]

My 6 yo got a ds for his birthday this year and loves it. His favorite games are Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones, and phineas and ferb. He also has a leapster which he loves (got that for his 4th birthday) and still plays with it. His favorite games on the leapster are the Amusement park builder, Jedi Math, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Not sure about the Didj or the v-smile pocket as I have never seen either of these in action. I do agree with other posters who said the leapster might be quickly outgrown. Think a DS is probably your best bet if you want something that will grow with him.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I actually found one of my ds 12's first Gameboy games to let him try on the ds. He did very well. Now I'll have to search and see if I can find some easy games to get him started. It's funny because he has never shown an interest until this week.

 

[lucyem]

All the boys around here 6+ have DS Lites. The favorite games are Lego Star Wars & Lego Indiana Jones.