Handheld Video Games for 5 yo
nxmcclar
I'm not sure this is appropriate to post or not, but from reading the
unschooling lists, I know the older kids seem to be into video games,
so there will be people who would know about this. (My husband and I
both have had no exposure to video games since our childhoods when
Atari games first came out! LOL)
My oldest son is almost 5 1/2 and he loves to play some of the free
online games we've found on candystand and miniclips, etc. He
especially likes racing sort of games. (Any other recommendations for
this sort that are easy for young kids to manuever would be great
too.) We have a few preschool/kindergarden age gamee on CDs and have
checked them out from the library before that are on the
more "educational" side and he sometimes likes them, but usually not,
and only the parts that aren't obviously trying to teach him letters,
words, etc. We have only one computer right now but he likes to be
near me all the time, so I've been thinking that he might enjoy one
of those handheld video games for kids, so he could carry it with him
outside/upstairs if his younger brother wanted to do something away
from the computer area, but I don't really know anything about them.
Does anyone have any recommendations for machines/brands and for
specific games. Feel free to recommend older models that I might find
on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new ones are pretty
pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him
for Christmas.)
Thanks in advance,
Nancy
unschooling lists, I know the older kids seem to be into video games,
so there will be people who would know about this. (My husband and I
both have had no exposure to video games since our childhoods when
Atari games first came out! LOL)
My oldest son is almost 5 1/2 and he loves to play some of the free
online games we've found on candystand and miniclips, etc. He
especially likes racing sort of games. (Any other recommendations for
this sort that are easy for young kids to manuever would be great
too.) We have a few preschool/kindergarden age gamee on CDs and have
checked them out from the library before that are on the
more "educational" side and he sometimes likes them, but usually not,
and only the parts that aren't obviously trying to teach him letters,
words, etc. We have only one computer right now but he likes to be
near me all the time, so I've been thinking that he might enjoy one
of those handheld video games for kids, so he could carry it with him
outside/upstairs if his younger brother wanted to do something away
from the computer area, but I don't really know anything about them.
Does anyone have any recommendations for machines/brands and for
specific games. Feel free to recommend older models that I might find
on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new ones are pretty
pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him
for Christmas.)
Thanks in advance,
Nancy
Faith Void
My ds (almsot 6) loves his nintendo DS lite. It is about $120. It is worth
it to us. He plays it daily. He uses it when we are out to create a safe
zone. It is fun. He and I play pokemon together on it. So it can even be
social :-) He and his sister play multi-player games.
A few years ago we were gifted a game boy (also ninetendo). There are still
current games for that. There are also a huge amount of older used games
cheap. And if you do "upgrade" to a DS later all those games are compatible.
I figure that the DS cost us 120 about 10 months ago. And we bought or
aquired about 8 games (100 dollars). SO for 220 or 22 a month he has a huge
resource that brings him great joy. That's less than a dollar per day. And
we still have it. My dd has had her DS for 2 years so the cost per day is
some change.
Faith
it to us. He plays it daily. He uses it when we are out to create a safe
zone. It is fun. He and I play pokemon together on it. So it can even be
social :-) He and his sister play multi-player games.
A few years ago we were gifted a game boy (also ninetendo). There are still
current games for that. There are also a huge amount of older used games
cheap. And if you do "upgrade" to a DS later all those games are compatible.
I figure that the DS cost us 120 about 10 months ago. And we bought or
aquired about 8 games (100 dollars). SO for 220 or 22 a month he has a huge
resource that brings him great joy. That's less than a dollar per day. And
we still have it. My dd has had her DS for 2 years so the cost per day is
some change.
Faith
On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 3:40 AM, nxmcclar <nancycallan@...> wrote:
> Feel free to recommend older models that I might find
> on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new ones are pretty
> pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him
> for Christmas.)
>
> T
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Melissa Gray
Our older kids have DS lites, we have the old DS for the younger kids
because they are sturdier hinged and have thicker cases (after losing
a DS lite to secondary war wounds...we figure this out)
The old DS are wireless just like the new ones, and accept the same
games. They are also about $50 less expensive and easier to find
used. My five yo has Cars for racing, but he loves Animal Crossing
(controlling his minions is a lot of fun)
Melissa
Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
Wife to Zane
blog me at
http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com
because they are sturdier hinged and have thicker cases (after losing
a DS lite to secondary war wounds...we figure this out)
The old DS are wireless just like the new ones, and accept the same
games. They are also about $50 less expensive and easier to find
used. My five yo has Cars for racing, but he loves Animal Crossing
(controlling his minions is a lot of fun)
Melissa
Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
Wife to Zane
blog me at
http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com
On Oct 31, 2008, at 2:40 AM, nxmcclar wrote:
> I'm not sure this is appropriate to post or not, but from reading the
> unschooling lists, I know the older kids seem to be into video games,
> so there will be people who would know about this. (My husband and I
> both have had no exposure to video games since our childhoods when
> Atari games first came out! LOL)
>
> My oldest son is almost 5 1/2 and he loves to play some of the free
> online games we've found on candystand and miniclips, etc. He
> especially likes racing sort of games. (Any other recommendations for
> this sort that are easy for young kids to manuever would be great
> too.) We have a few preschool/kindergarden age gamee on CDs and have
> checked them out from the library before that are on the
> more "educational" side and he sometimes likes them, but usually not,
> and only the parts that aren't obviously trying to teach him letters,
> words, etc. We have only one computer right now but he likes to be
> near me all the time, so I've been thinking that he might enjoy one
> of those handheld video games for kids, so he could carry it with him
> outside/upstairs if his younger brother wanted to do something away
> from the computer area, but I don't really know anything about them.
> Does anyone have any recommendations for machines/brands and for
> specific games. Feel free to recommend older models that I might find
> on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new ones are pretty
> pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him
> for Christmas.)
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Nancy
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
Nintedo DS is the way to go. Great games. He can play with other people.
Takes Nintendo DS games and GameBoy games ( that you can find very cheap)
I usually shop for used games either on GameStop or on Amanzon.
The Nintendo DS goes for $ 129 and is very hard to find used but not impossible.
Also there are great games that I love to play.
Having had 3 and all three broke down ( we pretty careful)I would be very careful when buying used
as even the 2nd screen ( one you can write on) can be damaged and not work properly.
They do come with a one year limited warranty and Nintendo is pretty good about it ( I had my Wii sent twice and it was great)
If you plan on getting it for Christmas I would buy it NOW as they run out of then in the next few weeks of November and you cannot find them for Christmas until next year.
My son got his DS when he was 4 and a half years old.
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Takes Nintendo DS games and GameBoy games ( that you can find very cheap)
I usually shop for used games either on GameStop or on Amanzon.
The Nintendo DS goes for $ 129 and is very hard to find used but not impossible.
Also there are great games that I love to play.
Having had 3 and all three broke down ( we pretty careful)I would be very careful when buying used
as even the 2nd screen ( one you can write on) can be damaged and not work properly.
They do come with a one year limited warranty and Nintendo is pretty good about it ( I had my Wii sent twice and it was great)
If you plan on getting it for Christmas I would buy it NOW as they run out of then in the next few weeks of November and you cannot find them for Christmas until next year.
My son got his DS when he was 4 and a half years old.
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
raisingexplorers
My 5 yr old broke a Nintendo DS Lite that my 6 yr old got for
Christmas. He just opened it too hard, too many times and broke the
hinge that holds it together. So, looking back, some kind of
protective case may have been a good idea. But, I didn't know they
existed at the time.
Anyway, we bought a Nintendo Gameboy Advance for $5 at a yard sale and
they both LOVE that.. it seems to be a lot more sturdy in design and
it hasn't broken. The games are cheaper, plus you can find lots of
them at flea markets or game stores.
I would go with the Gameboy Advance, since it is more sturdy and a lot
cheaper to try it out before investing the money into a DS Lite.
--- In [email protected], "nxmcclar" <nancycallan@...>
wrote:
Christmas. He just opened it too hard, too many times and broke the
hinge that holds it together. So, looking back, some kind of
protective case may have been a good idea. But, I didn't know they
existed at the time.
Anyway, we bought a Nintendo Gameboy Advance for $5 at a yard sale and
they both LOVE that.. it seems to be a lot more sturdy in design and
it hasn't broken. The games are cheaper, plus you can find lots of
them at flea markets or game stores.
I would go with the Gameboy Advance, since it is more sturdy and a lot
cheaper to try it out before investing the money into a DS Lite.
--- In [email protected], "nxmcclar" <nancycallan@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm not sure this is appropriate to post or not, but from reading the
> unschooling lists, I know the older kids seem to be into video games,
> so there will be people who would know about this. (My husband and I
> both have had no exposure to video games since our childhoods when
> Atari games first came out! LOL)
>
> My oldest son is almost 5 1/2 and he loves to play some of the free
> online games we've found on candystand and miniclips, etc. He
> especially likes racing sort of games. (Any other recommendations for
> this sort that are easy for young kids to manuever would be great
> too.) We have a few preschool/kindergarden age gamee on CDs and have
> checked them out from the library before that are on the
> more "educational" side and he sometimes likes them, but usually not,
> and only the parts that aren't obviously trying to teach him letters,
> words, etc. We have only one computer right now but he likes to be
> near me all the time, so I've been thinking that he might enjoy one
> of those handheld video games for kids, so he could carry it with him
> outside/upstairs if his younger brother wanted to do something away
> from the computer area, but I don't really know anything about them.
> Does anyone have any recommendations for machines/brands and for
> specific games. Feel free to recommend older models that I might find
> on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new ones are pretty
> pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him
> for Christmas.)
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Nancy
>
Gwen
We bought Megan a DS this summer. She was six when we bought it and she's had a birthday since then. We paid $129 for it. It was a great purchase for our family.
The games are usually about $30 (new). We belong to Gamefly and pay $15 to have one game out at a time. Gamefly is great for Megan. She is very specific about which games she wants to play and Gamefly has a large selection. She likes to check out the graphics of a game before she orders it and Gamefly has screen shots as well as reviews.
I also have a DS that I bought so I could play games with Megan (some of the games are multi-player, but you only need one copy of the game). I also use my DS to keep Zoe(2) distracted when Megan wants to play and Zoe wants to help. I also have a couple of games (Brain Age which Megan isn't interested in and Elite Beat Agents which Megan is very good at)
Right now Megan is playing "Littlest Pet Shop: Jungle". We got it yesterday.
Gwen
The games are usually about $30 (new). We belong to Gamefly and pay $15 to have one game out at a time. Gamefly is great for Megan. She is very specific about which games she wants to play and Gamefly has a large selection. She likes to check out the graphics of a game before she orders it and Gamefly has screen shots as well as reviews.
I also have a DS that I bought so I could play games with Megan (some of the games are multi-player, but you only need one copy of the game). I also use my DS to keep Zoe(2) distracted when Megan wants to play and Zoe wants to help. I also have a couple of games (Brain Age which Megan isn't interested in and Elite Beat Agents which Megan is very good at)
Right now Megan is playing "Littlest Pet Shop: Jungle". We got it yesterday.
Gwen
--- On Fri, 10/31/08, nxmcclar <nancycallan@...> wrote:
> Does anyone have any recommendations for machines/brands
> and for specific games. Feel free to recommend older models that I
> might find on Craig's List or something (I'm guessing the new
> ones are pretty pricey--although Grandma would probably be happy to get one for him for Christmas.)
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Nancy
Three Mommies
Ryan (5) and Ethan (8) both LOVE their Nintendo DS games. They can play with
us and with each other and with their friends. They can even use our
wireless Internet connection adn play with their friends in other states.
We're looking into getting an R4 which is a kind of memory stick/cartridge
that allows you to download games from the net for free. I can't say enough
good things about the DS. One thing I do recommend is the Nerf case. It's a
great way to protect the DS.
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
us and with each other and with their friends. They can even use our
wireless Internet connection adn play with their friends in other states.
We're looking into getting an R4 which is a kind of memory stick/cartridge
that allows you to download games from the net for free. I can't say enough
good things about the DS. One thing I do recommend is the Nerf case. It's a
great way to protect the DS.
Peace,
Jean Elizabeth
http://3mommies.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
mayalassiter
Can you suggest some Nintendo DS games for non-readers? I'm thinking
of getting one for my girl who is nearly 5. Her granddad gave her a
leapster which she digs, but the games seem pretty limited to me.
(Barbie does letters! Spiderman does letters! Spongebob does
letters!) Also, any comments on the DS vs the DS lite?
Thanks!
Maya
of getting one for my girl who is nearly 5. Her granddad gave her a
leapster which she digs, but the games seem pretty limited to me.
(Barbie does letters! Spiderman does letters! Spongebob does
letters!) Also, any comments on the DS vs the DS lite?
Thanks!
Maya
Laura Beaudin
Have you purchased the DS, or are you considering it? I got Yasmine
the vSmile vMotion from vTech and it's awesome. There's a lot of
variety to their games... (shapes, colours,numbers, additipons) and
most games have an easy and difficult mode so once they master the
easy one, you can put it to difficult.
Laura
At 10:03 AM 01/11/2008, you wrote:
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
the vSmile vMotion from vTech and it's awesome. There's a lot of
variety to their games... (shapes, colours,numbers, additipons) and
most games have an easy and difficult mode so once they master the
easy one, you can put it to difficult.
Laura
At 10:03 AM 01/11/2008, you wrote:
>Can you suggest some Nintendo DS games for non-readers? I'm thinkingDon't let school interfere with your education!" --Mark Twain
>of getting one for my girl who is nearly 5. Her granddad gave her a
>leapster which she digs, but the games seem pretty limited to me.
>(Barbie does letters! Spiderman does letters! Spongebob does
>letters!) Also, any comments on the DS vs the DS lite?
>
>Thanks!
>Maya
Visit Practical Homeschooling and view our OCTOBER contest for a
chance to a moveable alphabet and the Montessori pink reading level!
Practical Homeschooling: http://www.practical-homeschooling.org
CanPath Designs X-Stitch patterns and kits: http://www.canpath.com
Works in Progress: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Laura.Beaudin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Faith Void
My ds doesn't read yet. most games are very compatible with that. The ones
that require reading I play with him or make myself available for reading
when it comes up. Usually though the reading is just needed to set up the
game. Once they done it a few times they can navigate it without reading.
Even games like pokemon with a lot of reading my ds does fine on without me.
He knows which moves are which, I am not sure how but he does.
My ds was into a leapster (we had one gifted) for a little while but the
educationalese really turned him off, I think. He rarely plays it now that
he has a DS.
Faith
that require reading I play with him or make myself available for reading
when it comes up. Usually though the reading is just needed to set up the
game. Once they done it a few times they can navigate it without reading.
Even games like pokemon with a lot of reading my ds does fine on without me.
He knows which moves are which, I am not sure how but he does.
My ds was into a leapster (we had one gifted) for a little while but the
educationalese really turned him off, I think. He rarely plays it now that
he has a DS.
Faith
On Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 12:03 PM, mayalassiter <maya9@...> wrote:
> Can you suggest some Nintendo DS games for non-readers? I'm thinking
> of getting one for my girl who is nearly 5. Her granddad gave her a
> leapster which she digs, but the games seem pretty limited to me.
> (Barbie does letters! Spiderman does letters! Spongebob does
> letters!) Also, any comments on the DS vs the DS lite?
>
> Thanks!
> Maya
>
>
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
John Ruschmeyer
DS vs. DS Lite- The primary differences are that the Lite:
* Is smaller
* Has a brighter screen
* Has better battery life
The advantage of the smaller size is one of personal choice. Some people
(myself included) actually like the larger form factor; also GBA carts
don't stick out of the Phat. :-)
From a software perspective, they are equivalent. A new version, the
DSi, was just released in Japan. This model adds support for
downloadable content (think WiiWare), but removes the GameBoy Advance
slot (slot 2) as well as adding an SD slot and two cameras. It is too
early to tell, but there is some concern that there may be software
incompatibilities between the DS and DSi. (We in the US will know better
next summer.)
Finding accessories for a DS Phat is a bit harder as the model has been
out of production for a while.
As for games for non-readers- I don't have any good suggestions. DD
started playing with the GBA at around 5, but usually had one of us
nearby to read various messages/prompts.
John (DH to Sherri, DF to Faith)
mayalassiter wrote:
* Is smaller
* Has a brighter screen
* Has better battery life
The advantage of the smaller size is one of personal choice. Some people
(myself included) actually like the larger form factor; also GBA carts
don't stick out of the Phat. :-)
From a software perspective, they are equivalent. A new version, the
DSi, was just released in Japan. This model adds support for
downloadable content (think WiiWare), but removes the GameBoy Advance
slot (slot 2) as well as adding an SD slot and two cameras. It is too
early to tell, but there is some concern that there may be software
incompatibilities between the DS and DSi. (We in the US will know better
next summer.)
Finding accessories for a DS Phat is a bit harder as the model has been
out of production for a while.
As for games for non-readers- I don't have any good suggestions. DD
started playing with the GBA at around 5, but usually had one of us
nearby to read various messages/prompts.
John (DH to Sherri, DF to Faith)
mayalassiter wrote:
> Can you suggest some Nintendo DS games for non-readers? I'm thinking[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> of getting one for my girl who is nearly 5. Her granddad gave her a
> leapster which she digs, but the games seem pretty limited to me.
> (Barbie does letters! Spiderman does letters! Spongebob does
> letters!) Also, any comments on the DS vs the DS lite?
>
> Thanks!
> Maya
>
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
My ds was into a leapster (we had one gifted) for a little while but the
educationalese really turned him off, I think. He rarely plays it now that
he has a DS.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
My son does not have the baggage of being in school and it is not the "educationalese" that turns him off
from those games. He too used to like them until we got him a DS.
I have played both those with him and I got to tell you that the "educational" ones are just plain boring, silly, slow and lack in graphics and fun content.
Not to mention sometimes plain stupid and condescending.
Period!Sure some are OK and some are better than others as I am just generalizing.
But the difference can be huge between them.
Just MHO!
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
educationalese really turned him off, I think. He rarely plays it now that
he has a DS.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
My son does not have the baggage of being in school and it is not the "educationalese" that turns him off
from those games. He too used to like them until we got him a DS.
I have played both those with him and I got to tell you that the "educational" ones are just plain boring, silly, slow and lack in graphics and fun content.
Not to mention sometimes plain stupid and condescending.
Period!Sure some are OK and some are better than others as I am just generalizing.
But the difference can be huge between them.
Just MHO!
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sherri
I just gave away, a leapster, that my daughter played till she was 8. She
just liked messing with it. She also had a DS and now has a DS lite. Game
Cube
S are 30 dollars for the non hand helded and she loved it, loved it.
Sherri
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
just liked messing with it. She also had a DS and now has a DS lite. Game
Cube
S are 30 dollars for the non hand helded and she loved it, loved it.
Sherri
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
mayalassiter
>the "educational" ones are just plain boring, silly, slow and lack ingraphics and fun content.
> Not to mention sometimes plain stupid and condescending.Yes, that is my sense of them, too. Maybe a game rental sort of deal
would be good for us, to find DS games she likes. I'm a bit
overwhelmed looking at a list of hundred games I know nothing about.
We've played Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon on a gamecube and I see
these have DS versions. Those might be a place to start. Any other
standouts for little kiddos? Friendly, not too much reading or
violence, not too complicated, fun...
Also,sounds like the older DS are sturdier and possibly more available
used, while the DS Lite are fancier, pricier, a bit flimsier, a bit
niftier. Is that right?
Thanks again,
Maya
Faith Void
I want to mention that my ds is always unschooled as well. He didn't put it
like that. He just finds them boring and the reasons he finds them boring is
because they are trying to "make learning fun" and it is just boring rote
drills with "pizazz". Pretty much for the same reason you stated
Faith
On Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 12:41 PM, BRIAN POLIKOWSKY <
polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
like that. He just finds them boring and the reasons he finds them boring is
because they are trying to "make learning fun" and it is just boring rote
drills with "pizazz". Pretty much for the same reason you stated
Faith
On Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 12:41 PM, BRIAN POLIKOWSKY <
polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
> My ds was into a leapster (we had one gifted) for a little while but the--
> educationalese really turned him off, I think. He rarely plays it now that
> he has a DS.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>
> My son does not have the baggage of being in school and it is not the
> "educationalese" that turns him off
> from those games. He too used to like them until we got him a DS.
> I have played both those with him and I got to tell you that the
> "educational" ones are just plain boring, silly, slow and lack in graphics
> and fun content.
> Not to mention sometimes plain stupid and condescending.
> Period!Sure some are OK and some are better than others as I am just
> generalizing.
> But the difference can be huge between them.
> Just MHO!
>
>
> Alex Polikowsky
> http://polykow.blogspot.com/
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
My kids do enjoy V-smile but just for a little bit. Not even close to how much tthey enjoy the DS.
Plus I have had horrible experience with durability. I have had two hand helds and one system and they all broke within just a few months of
very little use. My kids where gentle with it.
Naruto ( my son) and I find the games a tad boring and the graphics mediocre.
I would only spend the money on them if my kids really wanted them, which mine did and I did spend the money.
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Plus I have had horrible experience with durability. I have had two hand helds and one system and they all broke within just a few months of
very little use. My kids where gentle with it.
Naruto ( my son) and I find the games a tad boring and the graphics mediocre.
I would only spend the money on them if my kids really wanted them, which mine did and I did spend the money.
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
homeschool mom
I'd like to pop in and make a recommendation based on the durability of the Nintendo DS.
We bought my son a DS for his birthday. About 2 months after we bought it, the touch screen stopped working. I called Nintendo and they were amazing!! They checked the warranty based on the number on the bottom of the handheld....I never filled out a warranty card. They then emailed us a prepaid fedex label (both ways). We dropped it off wrapped and ready to ship at a local Kinko's. The game was mailed back within 2 weeks, repaired and with the warranty extended to cover any further problems for another year.
In a world where you buy it one month and replace it the next, it was a breath of fresh air! If durability is your concern, based on my experience, Nintendo is a safe route to go.
Blessings,
Christine
We bought my son a DS for his birthday. About 2 months after we bought it, the touch screen stopped working. I called Nintendo and they were amazing!! They checked the warranty based on the number on the bottom of the handheld....I never filled out a warranty card. They then emailed us a prepaid fedex label (both ways). We dropped it off wrapped and ready to ship at a local Kinko's. The game was mailed back within 2 weeks, repaired and with the warranty extended to cover any further problems for another year.
In a world where you buy it one month and replace it the next, it was a breath of fresh air! If durability is your concern, based on my experience, Nintendo is a safe route to go.
Blessings,
Christine
----- Original Message -----
From: BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 6:20 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: Handheld Video Games for 5 yo
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lisa
My daughter has always liked Animal Crossing, all the Spyro games,
Pokemon, anything with Mario or Sonic the hedgehog etc. My son seems
to prefer the ones like Cars, Speedracer, Star wars... any of the lego
versions of the DS games (or the ones for non hand held!) he loves!
When the characters battle the loser breaks into individual lego
pieces and skitters across the floor which he finds hilarious ! Both
of my younger kids have had a DS or some version of it since around
age 5 ... they sometimes needed a reader to help with something but
not that much... my daughter actually learned to read from playing
Animal Crossing!
Lisa B
Pokemon, anything with Mario or Sonic the hedgehog etc. My son seems
to prefer the ones like Cars, Speedracer, Star wars... any of the lego
versions of the DS games (or the ones for non hand held!) he loves!
When the characters battle the loser breaks into individual lego
pieces and skitters across the floor which he finds hilarious ! Both
of my younger kids have had a DS or some version of it since around
age 5 ... they sometimes needed a reader to help with something but
not that much... my daughter actually learned to read from playing
Animal Crossing!
Lisa B
maya9
I ran across a bin sale in the mall yesterday (store going out of
business) and was able to get a bunch of used DS games for $10 each
(Crayola something or other, Kirby's something, Yoshi's Island, Animal
Genus, a Miss Spider game). Seemed so serendipitous that I decided on
the spot that we were diving in, and I picked up a DS LIte. I had
been thinking of Christmas, but I kind of doubt I'll be able to wait
so long to give it, haha. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
Maya
business) and was able to get a bunch of used DS games for $10 each
(Crayola something or other, Kirby's something, Yoshi's Island, Animal
Genus, a Miss Spider game). Seemed so serendipitous that I decided on
the spot that we were diving in, and I picked up a DS LIte. I had
been thinking of Christmas, but I kind of doubt I'll be able to wait
so long to give it, haha. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
Maya
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
That is awesome! We love Yoshi's island!
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Faith Void
That is interesting. It was not my experience with Nintendo. I called to get
my sons hinge fixed and was told they don't cover plastic cracks or breaks.
But I talked to the woman on the phone who was very nice and listened to my
concerns. Originally they wanted to charge me $75 and me to pay shipping,
even though it was in warranty (it is 8 months old) but then she said she
could do it with no charge and sent mailing labels. It worked out alright
but I was bummed that I had to be so assertive with my needs (I am not so
good at that).
Faith
my sons hinge fixed and was told they don't cover plastic cracks or breaks.
But I talked to the woman on the phone who was very nice and listened to my
concerns. Originally they wanted to charge me $75 and me to pay shipping,
even though it was in warranty (it is 8 months old) but then she said she
could do it with no charge and sent mailing labels. It worked out alright
but I was bummed that I had to be so assertive with my needs (I am not so
good at that).
Faith
On Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 3:12 AM, homeschool mom <homeschoolmom@...>wrote:
> I'd like to pop in and make a recommendation based on the durability of
> the Nintendo DS.
>
> We bought my son a DS for his birthday. About 2 months after we bought it,
> the touch screen stopped working. I called Nintendo and they were amazing!!
> They checked the warranty based on the number on the bottom of the
> handheld....I never filled out a warranty card. They then emailed us a
> prepaid fedex label (both ways). We dropped it off wrapped and ready to ship
> at a local Kinko's. The game was mailed back within 2 weeks, repaired and
> with the warranty extended to cover any further problems for another year.
>
> In a world where you buy it one month and replace it the next, it was a
> breath of fresh air! If durability is your concern, based on my experience,
> Nintendo is a safe route to go.
>
> Blessings,
> Christine
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
> To: [email protected]<unschoolingbasics%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 6:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Re: Handheld Video Games for 5 yo
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Cindy Andras
--- In [email protected], BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
<polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
If your kids are really into it, this is one that I would recommend
the official game guide. Drew has spent hours pouring over it. It
really is a great resource.
Cindy
<polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
>This is a favorite in our house as well for teens and adults alike.
> That is awesome! We love Yoshi's island!
>
>
> Alex Polikowsky
> http://polykow.blogspot.com/
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
>
If your kids are really into it, this is one that I would recommend
the official game guide. Drew has spent hours pouring over it. It
really is a great resource.
Cindy
Karen
I'm actually trying to consider, for us, whether to get a couple of DS
Lites, or a PS2. Our family dynamic is this: 4 children all up. 2
older boys love the xbox and want to have it in their room if they buy
their own small TV set. For a long time I've realised that in terms of
games consoles for the TV, the PS2 is much more suitable to younger
ages. My 2 younger ones are 8 & 6 and would certainly love all that
the PS2 has to offer, including Buzz, Singstar and the large variety
of games.
What I'm wondering is, do I get a PS2, which we can all use together
and have lots of "family fun", is great to use when other kids come to
play, and can also be used solo, or do I get TWO DS Lites (I'd have to
have at LEAST two, because I have 4 children), for twice the money??
I know there is the advantage of portability, and there is a large
variety of games (even the Brain Training stuff - does anyone have any
experience with those??), but I just wonder if the PS2 is better for a
large family?
Keen for some suggestions, and excited that I've finally reached a
place of DELIGHTING in their gaming and wanting to provide for it,
rather than fearing it and resenting their love of it. Yay!
Karen
I can get a PS2 for the same price as ONE DS lite, but the reality is
that I'd actually need to
--- In [email protected], BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
<polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
Lites, or a PS2. Our family dynamic is this: 4 children all up. 2
older boys love the xbox and want to have it in their room if they buy
their own small TV set. For a long time I've realised that in terms of
games consoles for the TV, the PS2 is much more suitable to younger
ages. My 2 younger ones are 8 & 6 and would certainly love all that
the PS2 has to offer, including Buzz, Singstar and the large variety
of games.
What I'm wondering is, do I get a PS2, which we can all use together
and have lots of "family fun", is great to use when other kids come to
play, and can also be used solo, or do I get TWO DS Lites (I'd have to
have at LEAST two, because I have 4 children), for twice the money??
I know there is the advantage of portability, and there is a large
variety of games (even the Brain Training stuff - does anyone have any
experience with those??), but I just wonder if the PS2 is better for a
large family?
Keen for some suggestions, and excited that I've finally reached a
place of DELIGHTING in their gaming and wanting to provide for it,
rather than fearing it and resenting their love of it. Yay!
Karen
I can get a PS2 for the same price as ONE DS lite, but the reality is
that I'd actually need to
--- In [email protected], BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
<polykowholsteins@...> wrote:
>to how much tthey enjoy the DS.
> My kids do enjoy V-smile but just for a little bit. Not even close
> Plus I have had horrible experience with durability. I have had twohand helds and one system and they all broke within just a few months of
> very little use. My kids where gentle with it.graphics mediocre.
> Naruto ( my son) and I find the games a tad boring and the
> I would only spend the money on them if my kids really wanted them,which mine did and I did spend the money.
>
>
> Alex Polikowsky
> http://polykow.blogspot.com/
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Gwen
Megan has been playing the new "Littlest Pet Shop" game for the DS. She has the Jungle edition. She's been playing it pretty steadily since Thursday. She's ready to send it back now and get another game.
Gwen
Gwen
--- On Sat, 11/1/08, mayalassiter <maya9@...> wrote:
>the "educational" ones are just plain boring, silly, slow and lack
in
graphics and fun content.
> Not to mention sometimes plain stupid and condescending.
Yes, that is my sense of them, too. Maybe a game rental sort of deal
would be good for us, to find DS games she likes. I'm a bit
overwhelmed looking at a list of hundred games I know nothing about.
We've played Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon on a gamecube and I see
these have DS versions. Those might be a place to start. Any other
standouts for little kiddos? Friendly, not too much reading or
violence, not too complicated, fun...
Also,sounds like the older DS are sturdier and possibly more available
used, while the DS Lite are fancier, pricier, a bit flimsier, a bit
niftier. Is that right?
Thanks again,
Maya
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Faith Void
Have you asked all your kids their preference? If you can only spare X
amount of money for gaming right now they are the best people to help you
(the family) decide how to spend it.
Personally we got our DS's first but that is just where my kids were at the
time. We would probably do it differently now in the same situation. You can
pick up used systems with loads of games fairly cheap on craigslist.
Faith
amount of money for gaming right now they are the best people to help you
(the family) decide how to spend it.
Personally we got our DS's first but that is just where my kids were at the
time. We would probably do it differently now in the same situation. You can
pick up used systems with loads of games fairly cheap on craigslist.
Faith
On Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:25 AM, Karen <gktbdm@...> wrote:
> I'm actually trying to consider, for us, whether to get a couple of DS
> Lites, or a PS2. Our family dynamic is this: 4 children all up. 2
> older boys love the xbox and want to have it in their room if they buy
> their own small TV set. For a long time I've realised that in terms of
> games consoles for the TV, the PS2 is much more suitable to younger
> ages. My 2 younger ones are 8 & 6 and would certainly love all that
> the PS2 has to offer, including Buzz, Singstar and the large variety
> of games.
>
>
--
http://faithvoid.blogspot.com/
www.bearthmama.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]