Handheld Game Console Question...

[SacredCow]

My son recently expressed interest in one, specifically the Nintendo DS. He's 6, and I don't have any particular objections to him having such a thing (the ex probably does, but that's another story). But I really don't know all that much about this topic- at least anything newer than the SEGA Genesis system (:rofl:).

So if anybody has any advice to share, please fill me in. Specifically, is 6 too young (he's got reasonably good hand-eye coordination)? Is there a better console for his age? That kind of thing...

Thanks in advance for any good feedback!

[southpaw]

1. My son and daughter both have the Nintendo DS

From my limited experience, they are cool devices. They also play cartridges made for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance system, so they are somewhat reverse compatible.

The double screen format is interesting, too.

The only problem I've had is that my 7 year old son tends to misplace the DS game cartridges, which are only slightly larger than a postage stamp. I know he has lost at least three of them, and they cost about $29.00 each.

[SacredCow]

4. My son's only other gaming experience is with my old PS1...

(OK- I lied about having no knowledge beyond the Genesis!!!). I bought it for a recovery period after a surgery and rarely touched it afterwards. He does pretty will with the games, even though he may not completely understand some of the more obscure objectives).

The cartridges being so small is surely a concern, but maybe would be OK. Early on, I instilled him with the importance of returning the PS1 disc to its proper case when he's done, and he is very good about that.

Thanks for the feedback!

[democracyindanger]

2. DS is for all ages, and cheaper to replace than a console.

Something to keep in mind if you're getting it for a 6-year-old. You'll also have something portable to keep him occupied when shopping, waiting in line, etc. Also trains him for future corporate Crackberry use.

[SacredCow]

5. I just can't imagine him as a crackberry-toting yuppie....

:rofl:

Thanks! :hi:

[keroro gunsou]

3. go with the ds

it's a smaller system so he won't have too much trouble holding it. plus it's got more kid friendly games like nintendogs. plus the DS is getting a slew of rpgs... the chrono trigger remake stands out for me since i loved that game back in the day. final fantasy's got a few for the ds, just avoid the tactics games, they might be a bit much, unless your rugrat's into strategy, micromanaging, and possible world domination.

oh, and they've got pokemon too...

[SacredCow]

6. Good info....

Pokemon might be a deal-sealer....

[southpaw]

7. Yeah... I've noticed a Pokemon resurgence of late

What's up with that?

[DarkTirade]

8. Already have the format ready to go + guaranteed sales = profit!

That's what's up with that. :P

[southpaw]

10. Makes sense

I noted back in the 90's, when the Pokemon craze hit for the first time in the US, that the creator of the idea definitely had an eye on the marketing potential from the start.

I mean, there are 150 cute/strange creatures and the catch phrase is "Gotta Catch 'em All." And they were availiable as everything from the game cards to stuffed toys to figurines.

Yeah... by now there must be over 500 different Pokemon to catch.

[SacredCow]

13. Probably more than that, even...

And you KNOW that the people brainstorming these bizzare creatures have to be sitting around getting high 24/7 to come up with these ideas! :P

[DarkTirade]

14. They do it with games and movies.

And with games they know they're saving a helluva lot of money in production because the engine and a good portion of the artwork and design is already done for them.

[DarkTirade]

9. Yeah, I'd go with the DS.

Or if you want to be cheap, find a used Gameboy Advanced. :P

[SacredCow]

11. Just have the one child, so I usually spoil him.

That'll work until he starts to get bratty! :P

[DarkTirade]

12. My little sister has a DS... but my parents don't buy her stuff.

They just give her opportunities to earn her own money. :P Of course, she just turned 17, so it's a bit easier for her to do that than it is for a 6 year old to.

[SacredCow]

15. Indeed....

but he's probably about to the point where I need to start enlightening him as to money and how all of that works. Really, though- he doesn't often come right out and ASK for something so specific...