Vicki Dennis

All my knowledge is way out of date! I never even got all that familiar with
Gameboy if that gives you any idea. .

I remember people talking about the DS even for the preschool age group
but in shopping around I discovered there is also a DS Lite. Too many
offerings. Part of my concern is that stylus thing. Is that necessary
for all of the games? And aside from the likelihood of losing it, is it
attractive as a weapon? Or even just dangerous in the same fashion as
"don't poke your eye out with that pencil" (Do kids use pencils anymore?)

Is there a game system more appropriate for a 5 year old or is DS Lite
"the" thing these days? My granddaughter is not intimidated by computers
and has been playing with her parents i phones since she was a toddler. Am
looking for something that would be entertaining in instances where she
needs to be quietly occupied and forego the "I'm bored" every 2 minutes.
Recommendations? Feedback? Would appreciate input about games as well as
game systems.

Vicki


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Marina DeLuca-Howard

Vicki wrote:
**Am looking for something that would be entertaining in instances where she
needs to be quietly occupied and forego the "I'm bored" every 2 minutes.
Recommendations? Feedback?**

Five year olds sometimes want company. Thinking about this more respectfully
might help you ask a different question. Would you want this for your
spouse or your friend--to quietly occupy themselves, rather than express a
need? Would you consider it a successful marriage if you hadn't spoken to
your spouse in months or a year? To a small child five minutes, or an hour
can be too long without connection, cuddle or a glass of water.

Unschooling isn't about getting a child off your back or out of your way.
Quite the opposite it is with engaging children, supporting their interests
and meeting their needs. Unschooling is not unparenting.

When does she need to occupy herself? While you are using the bathroom, in
the shower, making dinner...

Think about including her rather than ditching her, or perhaps offer a walk,
a tea party, or a trip to the grocery store to break the monotony of her
day.

Marina


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Robin Bentley

>
> I remember people talking about the DS even for the preschool age
> group
> but in shopping around I discovered there is also a DS Lite. Too many
> offerings.

DSi is the most recent incarnation. It has a camera and better
graphics. The newest version (3DS - not out yet) will have 3D
capabilities. We're not sure we going to buy one. My daughter is happy
with her DSi.

> Part of my concern is that stylus thing. Is that necessary
> for all of the games?

Some. Not all. My daughter plays using the buttons on her games more
often than not.

> And aside from the likelihood of losing it, is it
> attractive as a weapon?
> Or even just dangerous in the same fashion as
> "don't poke your eye out with that pencil" (Do kids use pencils
> anymore?)

We've lost a bunch of them, but replacements are easy to buy. And
unless your granddaughter tends to use pointy things as weapons, it
shouldn't be problematic <g>.
>
> Is there a game system more appropriate for a 5 year old or is DS Lite
> "the" thing these days? My granddaughter is not intimidated by
> computers
> and has been playing with her parents i phones since she was a
> toddler. Am
> looking for something that would be entertaining in instances where
> she
> needs to be quietly occupied and forego the "I'm bored" every 2
> minutes.

Hmm. Does she want a handheld game system? If not, don't expect it to
be a solution for boredom. Are there a lot of instances in which she
needs to be "quietly occupied"? At your home or your daughter/son's
home?

Engagement with her would be a better solution to her boredom, I
think, than handing her a DS. In fact, at her age, she might need help
with some games and if she's expected to play "quietly" it might not
work at all.

> Recommendations? Feedback? Would appreciate input about games as
> well as
> game systems.

The DSLite or DSi are really the best handheld systems. The games
themselves are a totally subjective thing. What does she like? Is she
reading? I would say the Petz games (Dogz and Catz), and Nintendogs
(from my daughter's experience) are good for non- or beginning
readers. I hear that My Little Pony, Sonic Rush, and some Disney
games are good, too.

I think looking at purpose behind such a purchase is a good starting
point. I know, because when I was first looking at getting my daughter
a system, it was to keep her occupied at our first unschooling
conference. It was a misguided idea and a long-time unschooler pointed
that out to me, thank goodness. I got her one because she was
interested, in the end.

Robin B.

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

My 4 year old  daughter plays on my DS and I got my son his DS when he was also
4.
Not all games need a stylus pen. They are easy to loose and easy to replace.
I can't imagine anyone being able to make them into a weapon!!!!!!!
The Nintendo DS is good in a way because you can still play gameboy on them.
THey now have the NintendoDSi  and the NintendoDSi XL
Both have more stuff in it like camera etc. you cannot play old  gameboy games
on them.

 
Alex Polikowsky


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

organicmom111

Mine all love their nintendo ds's! My son said that they are coming out with a new one with all new features, a joystick, and 3d screen. Just FYI. :) They are fantastic for little ones though, they have a lot of games, etc... for the younger age groups now!
--- In [email protected], Vicki Dennis <vicki@...> wrote:
>
> All my knowledge is way out of date! I never even got all that familiar with
> Gameboy if that gives you any idea. .
>
> I remember people talking about the DS even for the preschool age group
> but in shopping around I discovered there is also a DS Lite. Too many
> offerings. Part of my concern is that stylus thing. Is that necessary
> for all of the games? And aside from the likelihood of losing it, is it
> attractive as a weapon? Or even just dangerous in the same fashion as
> "don't poke your eye out with that pencil" (Do kids use pencils anymore?)
>
> Is there a game system more appropriate for a 5 year old or is DS Lite
> "the" thing these days? My granddaughter is not intimidated by computers
> and has been playing with her parents i phones since she was a toddler. Am
> looking for something that would be entertaining in instances where she
> needs to be quietly occupied and forego the "I'm bored" every 2 minutes.
> Recommendations? Feedback? Would appreciate input about games as well as
> game systems.
>
> Vicki
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Vicki Dennis

Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have referred to
"Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games lost in
some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
me.........................
Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed closets and
nooks and crannies?

vicki

On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:31 PM, BRIAN POLIKOWSKY <
polykowholsteins@...> wrote:

>
>
> My 4 year old daughter plays on my DS and I got my son his DS when he
> was also
> 4.
> Not all games need a stylus pen. They are easy to loose and easy to
> replace.
> I can't imagine anyone being able to make them into a weapon!!!!!!!
> The Nintendo DS is good in a way because you can still play gameboy on
> them.
> THey now have the NintendoDSi and the NintendoDSi XL
> Both have more stuff in it like camera etc. you cannot play old gameboy
> games
> on them.
>
>
> Alex Polikowsky
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Robin Bentley

Gameboy Advance games are compatible with the original DS and the DS
Lite. The DSi and any newer models won't play them. None of the DS
permutations will play *just* Gameboy games.

Robin B.

On Aug 25, 2010, at 5:22 PM, Vicki Dennis wrote:

> Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have
> referred to
> "Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
> My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games
> lost in
> some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
> probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
> me.........................
> Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed
> closets and
> nooks and crannies?
>
>

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

Gameboy color games will not work on a DS
Gameboy advance will. '

I suggest you go to a GameStop store were they carry a  lot of used games
and look at all!
 
Alex Polikowsky




________________________________
From: Vicki Dennis <vicki@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 7:22:19 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame console?

 
Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have referred to
"Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games lost in
some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
me.........................
Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed closets and
nooks and crannies?

vicki

On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:31 PM, BRIAN POLIKOWSKY <
polykowholsteins@...> wrote:

>
>
> My 4 year old daughter plays on my DS and I got my son his DS when he
> was also
> 4.
> Not all games need a stylus pen. They are easy to loose and easy to
> replace.
> I can't imagine anyone being able to make them into a weapon!!!!!!!
> The Nintendo DS is good in a way because you can still play gameboy on
> them.
> THey now have the NintendoDSi and the NintendoDSi XL
> Both have more stuff in it like camera etc. you cannot play old gameboy
> games
> on them.
>
>
> Alex Polikowsky
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Robin Bentley

> None of the DS
> permutations will play *just* Gameboy games.
>
Let me rephrase that:

None of the DS gaming systems will play the original Gameboy games.

Robin B.

k

>>>None of the DS gaming systems will play the original Gameboy games.<<<

But DS and DSlites have slots for GBA (Gameboy Advance) games. Plain
old Gameboys no, but yes to Gameboy Advance.

On 8/25/10, Robin Bentley <robin.bentley@...> wrote:
>> None of the DS
>> permutations will play *just* Gameboy games.
>>
> Let me rephrase that:
>
> None of the DS gaming systems will play the original Gameboy games.
>
> Robin B.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Schuyler

Gameboy games are compatible with the original DS and the very quickly brought
out DS lite but I don't think they will play on the DSi, nor will games from
other countries. Nintendo didn't make the earlier DSs region coded. It's part of
why Simon doesn't want to get a DSi, we have a few U.S. games as well as our
European ones.


Schuyler





________________________________
From: Vicki Dennis <vicki@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, 26 August, 2010 1:22:19
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame console?

Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have referred to
"Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games lost in
some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
me.........................
Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed closets and
nooks and crannies?

vicki

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Schuyler

Gameboy advance games, as both Robin and Alex pointed out. Sorry.




________________________________
From: Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, 26 August, 2010 8:44:56
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame console?

Gameboy games are compatible with the original DS and the very quickly brought
out DS lite but I don't think they will play on the DSi, nor will games from
other countries. Nintendo didn't make the earlier DSs region coded. It's part of

why Simon doesn't want to get a DSi, we have a few U.S. games as well as our
European ones.


Schuyler

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

k

So I'm wrong? Cuz I wouldn't mind a bit if I were. :) Just makes the DS more
usable.



On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 3:44 AM, Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>wrote:

> Gameboy games are compatible with the original DS and the very quickly
> brought
> out DS lite but I don't think they will play on the DSi, nor will games
> from
> other countries. Nintendo didn't make the earlier DSs region coded. It's
> part of
> why Simon doesn't want to get a DSi, we have a few U.S. games as well as
> our
> European ones.
>
>
> Schuyler
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Vicki Dennis <vicki@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Thursday, 26 August, 2010 1:22:19
> Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame
> console?
>
> Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have referred to
> "Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
> My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games lost in
> some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
> probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
> me.........................
> Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed closets and
> nooks and crannies?
>
> vicki
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Schuyler

Nope, it's me who was wrong. Sorry.




________________________________
From: k <katherand@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, 26 August, 2010 9:41:57
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame console?

So I'm wrong? Cuz I wouldn't mind a bit if I were. :) Just makes the DS more
usable.



On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 3:44 AM, Schuyler <s.waynforth@...>wrote:

> Gameboy games are compatible with the original DS and the very quickly
> brought
> out DS lite but I don't think they will play on the DSi, nor will games
> from
> other countries. Nintendo didn't make the earlier DSs region coded. It's
> part of
> why Simon doesn't want to get a DSi, we have a few U.S. games as well as
> our
> European ones.
>
>
> Schuyler
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Vicki Dennis <vicki@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Thursday, 26 August, 2010 1:22:19
> Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame
> console?
>
> Were there also different types of Gameboy games? Some have referred to
> "Gameboy Advance" or something similar.
> My younger son says that there is probably a Gameboy and some Games lost in
> some closet here but the latest would have been "gameboy color" and
> probably not compatible with DS. It's all "Greek" to
> me.........................
> Any advice on whether I should initiate a search in the packed closets and
> nooks and crannies?
>
> vicki
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kerryn LH

The stylus pens are easily available on Ebay, we got 100 of them for
about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite. He likes the World
of Zoo game a lot and doesn't read a lot yet.

Renee M

My kids are 4.5 and 6.5 and have had DS Lites for about 3 months now.  They both
play them a lot, and their favorite game is Super Mario Brothers.  2nd is Mario
Kart.   They particularly like them when we are driving places in the car, or
when they are tired and don't have much energy to engage in other activities. 

 
Watch Craigslist if you have an active list in your area.  It's a great source
for outgrown DS Lites and games.  The games are pretty expensive even used at
Gamestop. 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

k

>>>The games are pretty expensive even used at Gamestop.<<<

I've found used GBA games to be cheap at Gamestop sometimes. I get different
platform's used games at Amazon for cheap but the shipping adds to the cost
by $4 each! Same for eBay with shipping adding to the bid price it's won
for. Craigslist and flea markets and such can some of that cost. I've gotten
very few duds so I think it's worth the extra trouble, rather than buying
everything new. To me it is.

~Katherine


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jenny Cyphers

***we got 100 of them for
about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite.***

Just to add more confusion... The old style DS styluses aren't the same as the
DS lite. The DS lite Styluses are easy to come by, but the old style are much
much harder. We have one of each. What I like about the old style is that it
is MUCH sturdier. The DS lite breaks easier, most commonly it's the hinge. I
have no experience with the newer ones, except that they aren't compatible with
the gameboy advance games, like others have said. We wouldn't get one for that
reason alone since the primary usage of our DS's is to play Pokemon, and my
daughter likes to be able to trade Pokemon from game to game, since all the
versions are different with different starter Pokemon and other little
variations that my older daughter cares about a LOT. The gameboy advance games
are played pretty regularly around her with both the gameboy advance AND the DS
and the DS lite.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Vicki Dennis

I really appreciate all the commentary about the different versions. Makes
me feel not quite so senile...............it really IS confusing!! :-).
I had not known that there was such a thing as gameboy advance, much less
what was compatible with what system. My strongest experience with
Nintendo was getting hooked on the original version of Tetrys and being
really upset at the U.S. version (which in my opinion was NOT an improved
experience) and spending nearly $100 in circa 1988 money to buy a game I
had been renting from Blockbuster or whatever the franchise was at that
time.

Oh, and cracking up playing Superman on Atari. My nephew did not
appreciate him running into a phone booth!

Think I'll be able to figure out DS in all its versions????

vicki


On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 2:25 PM, Jenny Cyphers <jenstarc4@...> wrote:

>
>
> ***we got 100 of them for
> about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite.***
>
> Just to add more confusion... The old style DS styluses aren't the same as
> the
> DS lite. The DS lite Styluses are easy to come by, but the old style are
> much
> much harder. We have one of each. What I like about the old style is that
> it
> is MUCH sturdier. The DS lite breaks easier, most commonly it's the hinge.
> I
> have no experience with the newer ones, except that they aren't compatible
> with
> the gameboy advance games, like others have said. We wouldn't get one for
> that
> reason alone since the primary usage of our DS's is to play Pokemon, and my
>
> daughter likes to be able to trade Pokemon from game to game, since all the
>
> versions are different with different starter Pokemon and other little
> variations that my older daughter cares about a LOT. The gameboy advance
> games
> are played pretty regularly around her with both the gameboy advance AND
> the DS
> and the DS lite.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

k

>>> Think I'll be able to figure out DS in all its versions????<<<

If you don't, it sounds like you'll have a blast trying to. :)



On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 4:15 PM, Vicki Dennis <vicki@...> wrote:

> I really appreciate all the commentary about the different versions.
> Makes
> me feel not quite so senile...............it really IS confusing!! :-).
> I had not known that there was such a thing as gameboy advance, much less
> what was compatible with what system. My strongest experience with
> Nintendo was getting hooked on the original version of Tetrys and being
> really upset at the U.S. version (which in my opinion was NOT an improved
> experience) and spending nearly $100 in circa 1988 money to buy a game I
> had been renting from Blockbuster or whatever the franchise was at that
> time.
>
> Oh, and cracking up playing Superman on Atari. My nephew did not
> appreciate him running into a phone booth!
>
> Think I'll be able to figure out DS in all its versions????
>
> vicki
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 2:25 PM, Jenny Cyphers <jenstarc4@...>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > ***we got 100 of them for
> > about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite.***
> >
> > Just to add more confusion... The old style DS styluses aren't the same
> as
> > the
> > DS lite. The DS lite Styluses are easy to come by, but the old style are
> > much
> > much harder. We have one of each. What I like about the old style is that
> > it
> > is MUCH sturdier. The DS lite breaks easier, most commonly it's the
> hinge.
> > I
> > have no experience with the newer ones, except that they aren't
> compatible
> > with
> > the gameboy advance games, like others have said. We wouldn't get one for
> > that
> > reason alone since the primary usage of our DS's is to play Pokemon, and
> my
> >
> > daughter likes to be able to trade Pokemon from game to game, since all
> the
> >
> > versions are different with different starter Pokemon and other little
> > variations that my older daughter cares about a LOT. The gameboy advance
> > games
> > are played pretty regularly around her with both the gameboy advance AND
> > the DS
> > and the DS lite.
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sandra Dodd

-=->>> Think I'll be able to figure out DS in all its versions????<<<-=-
Why would you need to?
I don't need to know the history of all Macintosh computers to buy an
iPod.

You just need to know there are different versions and that most male
humans under 25 and many of the females would be able to rattle this
off to you anytime, anywhere. :-)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

I have the same experience with buying GBA. I also find that Amazon has better
prices on games.
Craigslist is a great place to find cheap games.
 

Alex Polikowsky




________________________________
From: k <katherand@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thu, August 26, 2010 1:16:21 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] recommendations for handheld videogame console?

 
>>>The games are pretty expensive even used at Gamestop.<<<

I've found used GBA games to be cheap at Gamestop sometimes. I get different
platform's used games at Amazon for cheap but the shipping adds to the cost
by $4 each! Same for eBay with shipping adding to the bid price it's won
for. Craigslist and flea markets and such can some of that cost. I've gotten
very few duds so I think it's worth the extra trouble, rather than buying
everything new. To me it is.

~Katherine

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Gwen Montoya

Megan got her DS Lite just before she turned 7. Her birthday was a
couple of weeks ago & grandma bought her a DSi XL (just like the DSi,
but a much bigger screen).

The DSi has a camera (and some photo editing options also), can record
sound (sound editing options too!), you could use it as an MP3 player
with an SD memory card (music files need to be changed to AAC format,
I think). It also has a flip-note application (like making a
flip-book). Oh! It has wireless internet access too! The DS Lite
doesn't have any of that.

The DS Lite & DSi XL have different sized styli & accessories (because
the XL is huge compared to the DS Lite) - I don't know how the DSi &
DS Lite compare as far as size and accessories.

The DSi & DS Lite come in more fun colors than the DSi XL.

We usually have a stash of styli for when we lose one (we keep them in
their own pen cup). But, in a pinch, the back end of a paintbrush
works fine too! The stylus is just pointy plastic, not magic. :-)

If I was buying a game system for the first time, I'd buy a DSi
because Megan is having so much fun with the voice, photo & flip book
options. Hers also came with 3 games installed already - Brain Age,
Brain Age Math & one other one.

Megan decided to give her DS Lite to her sister, but she still uses it
to trade Pokemon characters between games. She's picky about graphics
and none of the older games appeal to her.

Gwen



On Thursday, August 26, 2010, Jenny Cyphers <jenstarc4@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ***we got 100 of them for
> about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite.***
>
> Just to add more confusion... The old style DS styluses aren't the same as the
> DS lite. The DS lite Styluses are easy to come by, but the old style are much
> much harder. We have one of each. What I like about the old style is that it
> is MUCH sturdier. The DS lite breaks easier, most commonly it's the hinge. I
> have no experience with the newer ones, except that they aren't compatible with
> the gameboy advance games, like others have said. We wouldn't get one for that
> reason alone since the primary usage of our DS's is to play Pokemon, and my
> daughter likes to be able to trade Pokemon from game to game, since all the
> versions are different with different starter Pokemon and other little
> variations that my older daughter cares about a LOT. The gameboy advance games
> are played pretty regularly around her with both the gameboy advance AND the DS
> and the DS lite.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Gwen Montoya

Megan got her DS Lite just before she turned 7. Her birthday was a
couple of weeks ago & grandma bought her a DSi XL (just like the DSi,
but a much bigger screen).

The DSi has a camera (and some photo editing options also), can record
sound (sound editing options too!), you could use it as an MP3 player
with an SD memory card (music files need to be changed to AAC format,
I think). It also has a flip-note application (like making a
flip-book). Oh! It has wireless internet access too! The DS Lite
doesn't have any of that.

The DS Lite & DSi XL have different sized styli & accessories (because
the XL is huge compared to the DS Lite) - I don't know how the DSi &
DS Lite compare as far as size and accessories.

The DSi & DS Lite come in more fun colors than the DSi XL.

We usually have a stash of styli for when we lose one (we keep them in
their own pen cup). But, in a pinch, the back end of a paintbrush
works fine too! The stylus is just pointy plastic, not magic. :-)

If I was buying a game system for the first time, I'd buy a DSi
because Megan is having so much fun with the voice, photo & flip book
options. Hers also came with 3 games installed already - Brain Age,
Brain Age Math & one other one.

Megan decided to give her DS Lite to her sister, but she still uses it
to trade Pokemon characters between games. She's picky about graphics
and none of the older games appeal to her.

Gwen



On Thursday, August 26, 2010, Jenny Cyphers <jenstarc4@yahoo.
>
> ***we got 100 of them for
> about $5 I think. My son (6yrs) has the DS Lite.***
>
> Just to add more confusion... The old style DS styluses aren't the same as the
> DS lite. The DS lite Styluses are easy to come by, but the old style are much
> much harder. We have one of each. What I like about the old style is that it
> is MUCH sturdier. The DS lite breaks easier, most commonly it's the hinge. I
> have no experience with the newer ones, except that they aren't compatible with
> the gameboy advance games, like others have said. We wouldn't get one for that
> reason alone since the primary usage of our DS's is to play Pokemon, and my
> daughter likes to be able to trade Pokemon from game to game, since all the
> versions are different with different starter Pokemon and other little
> variations that my older daughter cares about a LOT. The gameboy advance games
> are played pretty regularly around her with both the gameboy advance AND the DS
> and the DS lite.
>
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Marina DeLuca-Howard

my kids have the dsi's(I have one too, an Xmas gift from hubby so we could
all link up on Animal Crossing).

My eldest says the DSlite is better as it can be hacked. There is a card
you can buy that allows you to play anything you like.

We have wireless and the dsi's are good online, the camera is great, and the
voice/sound recordings fun.

Also DS to DS communication is fun. Even pre-literate kids can draw happy
faces and enjoy sending messages back and forth. My kids and I had lots of
fun with that.

The PSP didn't work for us, though we did have GAMEBOY advances at one time.
The best way I found to buy game systems was to take the kids to a store
that lets them try them out.

Marina


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kristi_beguin

In an effort to revive this conversation...

My 8 yr old DD wants a hand-held gaming system for Christmas. I am currently looking into the following systems and wondering if any of you and your kids have specific knowledge as to why one system might be better than another:

1) iPod Touch

2) Nintendo DS Systems

3) Sony PSP Go or the PSP

Additionally, My 5 year old hasn't expressly asked for a hand-held system, but often expresses a desire for similar things that her sister receives as gifts. One idea I'm tossing around in my head is I'm considering buying the iPod Touch for my oldest, and then I could buy my younger daughter a DS or a PSP so that they can exchange and try the other system out as they want.

My question with regards to that possibility is whether there are compatibility benefits of purchasing two of the same system that might outweigh buying two separate kinds of systems? Insights?

Finally, one last thought is that they both love touch-screens, love taking pictures, playing games, watching movies, etc.

plaidpanties666

Buying two compatible systems lets people play together - hook up the units and play the same game at the same time, or exchange characters and information (Pokemon, anyway, don't know about other games). Its also nice to find games that are compatible with console systems for added playability and sharing.

The specifics of "which system" are best answered by looking at which games your kids like. Not all games are equally available on all systems! So be sure to check which favorites are available where - that could answer your question pretty quickly.

---Meredith

Karen Buxcel

We started with Gameboy Advance, then moved on to DS's -- our oldest
now has an iPod touch and the other devices currently collect dust.

Knowing what I know now, I would have simply started out with the iPod
touch. If you can't afford to buy games, there are LOTS available for
free through the apple store. (If you have a DS, ya gotta buy the
games, and they aren't cheap; we bought some, but my boys tired of
them quickly).

I've found they really enjoy the iPod touch and it's ability to play
games (free ones, that they can choose), listen to music, watch
YouTube videos, and tinker with the many cool gadget apps available
(lots for free, again) Fun stuff!

Karen




On 11/15/10, plaidpanties666 <plaidpanties666@...> wrote:
> Buying two compatible systems lets people play together - hook up the units
> and play the same game at the same time, or exchange characters and
> information (Pokemon, anyway, don't know about other games). Its also nice
> to find games that are compatible with console systems for added playability
> and sharing.
>
> The specifics of "which system" are best answered by looking at which games
> your kids like. Not all games are equally available on all systems! So be
> sure to check which favorites are available where - that could answer your
> question pretty quickly.
>
> ---Meredith
>
>


--
"You cannot teach a person anything; you can only help him find it within
himself." -Galileo

october_affair

I think someone mentioned that before, but I would second it - first find the games you think you want him to play and then get the system that plays those games. For me, the question is more what do you want him to accomplish: pass time, solve puzzles, play a role-playing game, sport game, strategy and so on...

I personally (not my kids) have PS2, x-box, PSP, GB and GBA and each console came to my house because of a game I wanted to play. I also have an ancient PC that I am keeping so my kids one day can play some of my really old PC games (The Journeyman project - now I feel really old :)). There really are very few games out that are worth playing and when you add his age, I would think the list gets even shorter.

Some of my favorite games (with the warning that I am not sure that are OK for a 8yo, my kids are younger, so it is hard for me to judge) are Star Ocean: The Second Story (PS, but all the PS are backwards compatible), Dragon Warrior I&II&III (GB), Golden Sun (GBA - if I recall correctly GBA is backwards compatible too). Now these are all RPG games, and there is fantasy fighting, so again it all gets back to what do you want him to get out of the game. There is a fair amount of reading too to follow the story line. They all are rated E, so supposedly suitable for 6+. If you think there is a game he might like and you don't want to play it beforehand, check gamefaqs.com reviews to get a better sense of the game. Another genre that might appeal to a boy is strategy, so Harvest Moon series maybe?

HTH.

Sandra Dodd

-=-I think someone mentioned that before, but I would second it -
first find the games you think you want him to play and then get the
system that plays those games-=-

I don't think anyone recommended the mom find games SHE-the-mom
thought she wanted him to play.
I think the suggestion was made to find out which games he wants, and
get the system that plays those.


-=-There really are very few games out that are worth playing and when
you add his age, I would think the list gets even shorter. -=-

I think there are very many games worth playing and that kids will
find out from other people what they want to play, and are rarely
likely to ask their mothers.

Sandra

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