Nintendo DS help

[polstmb]

My DD has wanted a DS for at least a year. I've put her off because I didn't think she was old enough for it. She will be 4 in a couple of months and I was considering getting her one for her birthday. Possibly a used one if I can find one. She insists she needs a pink one. Has anyone bought one for a younger child? Do they like it and use it? If so does anyone know of any games that a young girl might like that you don't have to be able to read to be able to play it?

I did try the handheld leapster for younger kids but I had 2 break in 2 months and just don't want to waste any more money on it. My DD didn't break them they just quit turning on. TIA!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My DD got her DS when she was 4. A pink one also.

She loves to play Mario Brothers and Build a Bear.

 

[HelenePA]

my 3 year old is playing it right now (yes 2am dont ask why we are still up) he's playing mario bro's. He also likes to play sonic. We borrowed my brothers to see if the kids would like it.. they do.. they will each (ouch) be getting one from santa. If you dont want to spend that kind of money why not look into game boy advances? I think they are about 50$ only thing is they dont have "cool" games like petz and stuff.

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

My son got his DS last year for Christmas - he had just turned 4. He LOVES it! I agree, Super Mario Bros is a big hit. He's into a lot of the super hero games, but always goes back to Mario. Mario Kart is a lot of fun too.

 

[3boymthr]

We didn't get the DS at 4 but the GameBoy Advance SP because this was before the DS, but my kids did great with it. We bought it for entertainment in the car when traveling.

If you are looking for a used one go to the local GameStop or check in with GameStop online. They constantly have used ones. They cost around $80.

One caveat with the used ones. The battery in these is rechargable but like all rechargeable batteries it still has a limited number of times it can be charged. We have a friend who bought one used. After two or three months it stopped charging and the only way he could use it was when it was plugged in. The one he bought had apparently been used a lot before it was traded in! You won't know how much life is left on the battery when you buy it. The batteries can be replaced but they cost a lot.

 

[daleswife]

gamestop has used DS for about $99. If you got one near you it would be worth checking out. Also they have lots of used games to buy cheap too!!!

 

[Melrosgirl]

My 11 year old just got her first one last week. I think 4 is way too young for a child to have a DS. Besides, if my DD found out that I made her wait all these years for a DS when preschoolers were getting one, I'd never hear the end of it, LOL.

 

[dzorn]

Both girls are getting DS this year. I would recommend a gameboy advanced for that young. DD is 9 and I assured her Santa would not be bring one until she stopped dropping her game boy. BTW DD does have Dogz2 for her GBA.

If she is breaking a leapster I would not pony up the money for a DS.

Denise in MI

 

[5 for WDW]

My daughter got her DS Lite when she was 4. She loves it. She likes interactive games like Nintendogs or Ponies.

I bought her the Nerf cover. It is a case that the DS snaps into. It will help if it gets dropped by mistake. It costs about $10. You can find it online. Just look for Nerf Armor.

 

[Iott Family]

My 3 almost 4 year old had a Leapster. Its very age appopriate and he loves it! We bought him and his younger sister the vtech motion thing for xmas this year. I dont think Id buy him a DS until he was 6+ but I would love a DS!!!!

 

[melancholywings]

I've had the worst luck with leapfrog products to, all of them broke with in a couple months with very little play.
My DD got her's at 4 or 5. And it's gotten so much play - almost daily if I wasn't the mean mommy limiting how much time she gets to spend sitting on the couch.

You are better off dropping the extra money for a new one for the battery. You can get it bundled with a couple of games or accessories.

 

[polstmb]

Thanks for all the help! I am still waffling, but if she keeps asking for one until her birthday I may get it. I heard about the Nerf case from someone else and that seems like a great idea. My DD liked her Leapfrog handheld and she was careful with it. It just quit turning on without ever being dropped or anything and it happened with 2 different ones in a row. Generally, I love LeapFrog products but that's why I dont want to buy another of their handheld. I looked today and I actually found a couple of games that Nintendo lists as games for 3-6 year olds. The one I remember is Wonder Pets and she would probably like that. I probably wouldn't start with more than one or 2 games anyway. Build-a-Bear was another that I thought she might be able to do. Thanks again for your input.

 

[mickeeemouse]

My DH and I bought one for my DS 3 1/2 last year for Christmas, he loves it. Of course though DD 1 had it the other day and put it in the dog water. Uggh, so close to Christmas so DH and I have to go get him another one, such irresponsable parents we are DD likes to put the pen in and out DH and I didn't mind but then all of the sudden where is DD in the dog bowl with the DS in the water. Uggh So it is a great idea just keep it away from any younger siblings. DH and I are learning an expensive lesson , but DS 4 now does enjoy his a lot.

 

[skuttle]

My DS just turned 5 in July and he's getting a DS. He's been bugging us for one for a while. We told him not until he's 6 or 7, but he could ask Santa and see what happens. He's getting Mario Kart and Super Mario with it.

 

[5 for WDW]

My DS just turned 5 in July and he's getting a DS. He's been bugging us for one for a while. We told him not until he's 6 or 7, but he could ask Santa and see what happens. He's getting Mario Kart and Super Mario with it.

OT but, I just had to tell you that I love the pic in your signature. That is a great shot!!

 

[Lady V]

my dd is getting one from Santa this year. She is 7 and is getting HSM3 (game) with it.

 

[mjkacmom]

Thanks for all the help! I am still waffling, but if she keeps asking for one until her birthday I may get it. I heard about the Nerf case from someone else and that seems like a great idea. My DD liked her Leapfrog handheld and she was careful with it. It just quit turning on without ever being dropped or anything and it happened with 2 different ones in a row. Generally, I love LeapFrog products but that's why I dont want to buy another of their handheld. I looked today and I actually found a couple of games that Nintendo lists as games for 3-6 year olds. The one I remember is Wonder Pets and she would probably like that. I probably wouldn't start with more than one or 2 games anyway. Build-a-Bear was another that I thought she might be able to do. Thanks again for your input.

Have you contacted the company? One of ours quit working after 1 1/2 years, but they sent a new one for 1/2 price. I'm pretty sure I could've gotten a new one if it was within the warranty.