Portable game system advise

[rae519]

I am "way way out of it" so please bear with my ignorance on these things.

Michael (age 8 - who does not own a nintendo, game cube, xbox or anything else game related) has asked us to "consider" buying him a portable game system, something that he can play in the car, plane, etc. - we do not want violent games for him but would like something challenging.

Any suggestions, recommendations or advise would be very much appreciated!

Thanks so much,

Rae

 

[The Mystery Machine]

What about the handheld games?

 

[Karel]

There's plenty of non violent games for the Gameboy advance SP, like racing games and sports. Lots of favorite character based stuff too. It depends what your definition of violence is, too. For ex., some games have sword fighting or trying to toss lemons at another player, etc. I'm not big on the 'let's run around and blow people up' games but I don't mind the skateboard games, where the character falls and you see blood.

 

[JESW]

The gameboy sp is a great hand-held game system. DS got it last month for his 9th bd. It has a back-light so it's easy to see. It also a charger so you don't need to spend all the $$$$ on batteries. It cost $99 and it's rare to see them for less.

There are lots of non-violent games for the kids. We also won't let the kids play violent games. DS is big into pokemon so that's what he plays. DD4 is just getting into her gameboy color and she has a little mermaid game and some others we bought at yard sales. There are several Disney-type games but I don't know anything about them.

If you do get a hand-held game, look around in your area for stores that sell used games. We have a place called The Game Stop which buys and sells used systems and games. The kids can buy game cartridges here for almost half-price. They may not be the most current games but that's ok.

Jill

 

[my3kids]

Gameboy Advance or GB Advance SP would be great choices for an 8 year old. We never allow violent games either, but you can find great Harry Potter games, character ones like Sponge Bob Square Pants, Disney themed racing games. Some older favorites have been remade for GB. My boys are video adicts and GB games usually don't last that long before they have beaten them, unlike some of the Game Cube games for home play. I *think* it is Harry Potter has remained challenging though. But Game Boy games are VERY durable. Several have gone through the wash, and a couple through the dryer too, and they still worked!

 

[mad4themouse]

Another vote for the GB Advance SP. My DS1 loves his. Plays both regular GB games and the GBA games. The backlight is better than having to attach one of those "worm lights" in order to see in a dimly lit area and the rechargeable battery is a God-send. They run about $99 but you may be able to get it in a bundle package with at least one game for that price if you shop around.

 

[rae519]

Wow! Thanks!

I knew I'd ask the right people when I posted that!

Game Boy Advance SP - it is and I will shop around!!!

Again, my appreciation for the replies!

Rae