Nintendo DSi?

[Susan Bartolini]

Ok...so I have a little dilemma and I need some advice. First, I want to get the Nintendo DSi for my 6.5 year old son for Christmas. I am wondering if this is a good step up from his Leapster? (I am virtually an idiot when it comes to what kids like in term of video games, so help me here). Will he like this thing?

Second, he has a 3 year old sister who is a spitfire and a half. They are pretty good at sharing however, when we buy things like this, we generally buy two. It just makes my life much easier (less fighting over said toy AND they can play it simultaneously on long car rides). However, these things are pretty darn expensive and if we bought two, that would mean cutting back on the rest of the Christmas gifts. So, I'd like to know if a DSi is over the head of a 3 yr old? Do they make games that she would be able to play and enjoy?

What would you all do?

Thanks!
Susan

[Emmy]

As gently as possible, I will say that I think buying a $170 very breakable toy for a 3yo is a big mistake. At some point or other she has to understand that she can't have or do everything older brother does because they are not the same age - I would start now. For what it's worth I have some very strong willed big personality kids as well so I fully understand what you are saying about her potential reaction.

That being said I'm sure a lot of people get 3yos a DS, I'm just not in that camp.

I hope my post doesn't offend! Just my thoughts, truly.

[cindys732003]

I agree with Emmy, my son is 4 and I am still not comfortable getting him one. First of all, it is not at all durable like a Leapster, so if it gets dropped hard, most likely it will get broken. And alot of the games would be too challenging for a 3 1/2 year old and they might get frustrated.
I hear you on the toy sharing thing though...that is always a source of fighting in our house!

[Susan Bartolini]

Thanks Emmy...not offended. Madeleine definitely has boundaries and certainly doesn't get or get to do everything her brother does. It is more for my sanity and to have a peaceful car rides when we travel 8 hours to see our family. Also, this may sound funny but they really enjoy playing together with things. So, they'll both get out their books and read together....or get their leapsters and play those together. It was more for that reason that I was considering getting two. I was just wondering if there are games that are suitable for a 3 yr old. I am looking through the list now and they seem to have Backyardigans and Dora...which is definitely her speed. I guess I will have to go to the store and see if it is over her head.

[KristinCB]

When lily was about 4.5 we got a nintendo DS.. you can get protective cases to make it a little more durable (although I don't think breakproof). Lily's is a soft padding by NERF. I'd look into those at the store as well if you are thinking about going that route :) The padding is also nice because it provides a bit of an extra grip for little fingers.

[ColleenSwerb]

Well if she already has a Leapster, can't she just play that in the car while DS plays his DSi?

[Susan Bartolini]

Thanks Cindy....that makes sense. I really don't know anything about these games...thats why I need everyone's advice. I have never even seen one (just keeping hearing about them from Ben and his friends). I guess I will keep Madeleine on her Leapster for awhile then.

Susan

[Susan Bartolini]

Well if she already has a Leapster, can't she just play that in the car while DS plays his DSi?

LAUGHING LOUDLY! Of course she can. My children aren't spoiled brats...my daughter just likes to emulate everything her big brother does. She would know the difference between her leapster and the shiny new DS her brother has. That said, its fine....not that big of a problem. Just wanted to know if it would be something she could enjoy too but it sounds like she is too young for it.

[beaucat]

Another issue is that the game cartridges are tiny. (Think slighly larger and 3 times thicker than a stamp). My son (5) lost a $35 game (we think it fell out of the car when he got out) because he didn't put it back in the case. Now, I've bought a case that specifically holds the games and the DS. The DS goes into timeout if Ryan doesn't put the games away.

We've never had an issue with the DS getting broken (and he's played with it since he was four.)

[beaucat]

ETA for an 8 hour trip you'll need a car charger...

[Sharon Kay]

As gently as possible, I will say that I think buying a $170 very breakable toy for a 3yo is a big mistake. At some point or other she has to understand that she can't have or do everything older brother does because they are not the same age - I would start now. For what it's worth I have some very strong willed big personality kids as well so I fully understand what you are saying about her potential reaction.

That being said I'm sure a lot of people get 3yos a DS, I'm just not in that camp.

I hope my post doesn't offend! Just my thoughts, truly.

I agree...as a mother of a 20yo, 15yo, and 14yo BOYS...I whole heartedly agree. My 15yo BROKE his DS this year...and he wouldn't put it through what a 3 yo would put a game through. The hinge broke and then the wires snapped. They are just NOT made that childproof...leapster is made for that age child...not game boys!!

If you really think you want one...I would recommend going to some place like a "game stop" and purchasing a used game boy SP (the square looking fold up kind) ... the price will be less and they seemed to be a bit sturdier. However...my youngest went through 1 of those in a year and then bought his 2nd one with money he saved (check out his AGE). My boys are very careful with their game boys and they DO BREAK.

I used to review children's video games ... it is very EASY to want your child to have a certain game... but be a wise mom and read reviews written by people that actually PLAY the game (not a game mfr sponsored site).

But since we've had multiple new portable game consoles over the years ... I do NOT recommend one for any child under Kindergarten age.

Yes they will make video games that would appeal to the younger ones...but will they be GENTLE with them at that age?? Mine had a shock protector on his ... but the hinge broke ... and he has been talking to a lot of people lately that have had that same thing happen to theirs... and they are all teens to adults that would be more apt to be careful with them.

[Sharon Kay]

LAUGHING LOUDLY! Of course she can. My children aren't spoiled brats...my daughter just likes to emulate everything her big brother does. She would know the difference between her leapster and the shiny new DS her brother has. That said, its fine....not that big of a problem. Just wanted to know if it would be something she could enjoy too but it sounds like she is too young for it.

I think if you are thinking about car trips... how about a dual DVD player for the car? I know I saw one at Target that will play 2 different movies...so that way each child can watch what they want to watch...would think that would make for quiet car rides!!

...I can see where kids at school would be talking about the "game boys" (as they used to be called) ... and if you want him to have one ... I would recommend the older ones. If you go back another generation to the FLAT game boys (game boy advanced) by 14yo says that those were the BEST ones that won't break...for your youngest one. He recommends the Game Boy SP for your son.

oh if you read back in previous threads...ladies were NOT recommending the DSi...so my 15yo is getting the DS Lite instead...he wants the DSi...but the ladies said the extra bells and whistles were not working all that great and not worth the extra money.

[ColleenSwerb]

LOL! I didn't mean to make it sound like your kids are spoiled Susan!

[Susan Bartolini]

The DS goes into timeout if Ryan doesn't put the games away.

That is so funny. I put my son's toys in timeouts too! It seems to be VERY effective when he isn't following instructions or taking caring of his things. He would rather be in a timeout than have his toys in a timeout. It is hilarious.

[Susan Bartolini]

LOL! I didn't mean to make it sound like your kids are spoiled Susan!

LOL! I know....

It is just funny...when you have two kids, one always has to have what the other has. This is all the way down to food. If Ben is having a hot dog, Madeleine wants a hot dog and vice versa. They really do adore each other and are like two peas in a pod (except when they are fighting over a toy...LOL!)

[Darcy Baldwin]

Susan - I think at 3, the options for games are pretty limiting for a DS. ALso, we've found, that the hinge on the machine can be stressed to the point that it won't just stay upright...it will only layout out flat. Our then 5yo wasn't the gentlest with it having it open and playing, so it won't stay upright when you open it. It still works perfectly fine, not an issue, just an irritant? But games will be limiting for a 3yo. There just aren't a lot out there for the PreK set.

I also second the nerf surrounds for the machines. They help tons with bumps and roughness, no matter what age. We also have a case that the DS will fit into w/o the nerf surround that also holds all of the games. We also bought an extra pack of the stylus (stylii? Styluses? LOL) to have handy in case one is lost since they are pretty tiny, but we have been lucky thus far and not lost one, yet.

I'd definitely look at going to Gamestop to buy used versions, too. It is a TON of money, and might as well pick up one at a reduced rate. They're tested, and have limited warrantees (and you can buy extended ones if you're so inclined).

[Jennilyn]

My youngest was almost 3 1/2 when I got hers in January. It's still running. LOL She actually takes better care of it than her big sister who is 7 1/2.

Kaylee has a few games she likes to play on it. Dora Saves the Snow Princess is her favorite, and there's a Dora Saves the Mermaids, but I can't find it around here.

[Sharon Kay]

LOL! I know....

It is just funny...when you have two kids, one always has to have what the other has. This is all the way down to food. If Ben is having a hot dog, Madeleine wants a hot dog and vice versa. They really do adore each other and are like two peas in a pod (except when they are fighting over a toy...LOL!)

with two boys 17 months apart we ran into that a lot... the way we got around it was telling the younger one "when you turn X age, you can have one of those too"... so the younger one started realizing it would come...but it was all about the "age thing" (you have to be strong and enforce it though). :thumbup: ...and it's still true today... good things come with age.;)

[Susan Bartolini]

Good tips everyone. So I will just get one and get a protective case and maybe a cartridge holder and an extra stylus. I'll probably just get one or two games to start and see how he does. They're pretty good about caring for their Leapsters so I am hoping this thing lasts awhile.

[ColleenSwerb]

with two boys 17 months apart we ran into that a lot... the way we got around it was telling the younger one "when you turn X age, you can have one of those too"... so the younger one started realizing it would come...but it was all about the "age thing" (you have to be strong and enforce it though). :thumbup: ...and it's still true today... good things come with age.;)

When my mom was a kid, her younger sister always threw fits to get to do what my mom did. But my mom always had to wait to be a certain age to do things, so it upset her that she had to wait but her sister didn't. So growing up she was very conscious of that and enforced the age rule with us as well. If I had to wait to be 10 to get my ears pierced, so did my sister, etc. We all had to wait til we were 16 to get our permits, and 17 to get our licenses, etc etc. It didn't stop fits from my sister, but a rule was a rule.

Susan, are there any cool cases for the Leapster? Maybe get her something special for the leapster to make waiting for the DSi a little easier?

[Susan Bartolini]

Susan, are there any cool cases for the Leapster? Maybe get her something special for the leapster to make waiting for the DSi a little easier?

Actually, just talked to my best friend and she just got her two kids DSs for their birthdays (which were in August).....so she is going to give Madeleine all of their old cartridges for the Leapster....but they'll be new to Madeleine and she will love them.

[ColleenSwerb]

Actually, just talked to my best friend and she just got her two kids DSs for their birthdays (which were in August).....so she is going to give Madeleine all of their old cartridges for the Leapster....but they'll be new to Madeleine and she will love them.

Well that works out perfectly :)

[Stacey42]

I'd like to second the Gamestop DS purchase. I bought a new DS lite for my older son in October from Amazon & then I used it so much I bought one for myself used at Gamestop a couple weeks later (I love puzzle games). The $10 year warrenty on the DS is great. As long as there is no huge dent in the side from where you dropped it on teh cement from a great height, they just give you a new one (well, new used one). Which is so much nicer than havign to mail it in to Ninetendo and hope it is a warrentied repair or paying $50-85 to fix it. Don't get me wrong, I've had nothing but good service from Nintendo repairs over the years but it is so nice to walk in with a broken machine and walk back out 5 minutes later with a working one. If you watch their website you can get refurbs for $69-79. I got mine in the store for $89. Took it home & found out about a third of the time the games didn't load, took it back and they gave me a different one that works fine.

With two DS's they can play parts of some of the same games together. It varies by game but now that we have a second they can battle each other in Mini Ninjas and play I Spy in my Million Heir game. If we had 2 Mini Ninja games I think they could play the whole game together. I got them Super Mario Party as a surprise for the trip to FL next week (18 hours, not including the overnight stop). They can play about 50 mini games together on that one.

My 5 year old plays some games on it and the wii, but last year there was not much he could play apart from Mario Kart and the Wii Sports. Now he can play the more thought provoking 'work out what all you need to do to complete the level' games like Lego Star Wars, but last year he needed constant hand holding which got old.

[Lauren Reid]

they will both LOVE it!

i had the same issue... i got my 8 year olds the DS 2 xmas's ago and my dd who at the time was only nearly 2! she was on that thing like it was inbreed in her! so last year i got her a pink one off of ebay.

and for what it's worth...SHE is actually much more careful w/ the DS than her older brothers....

xo

[nun69]

I tried to read most of this and I don't think I say it anywhere but just FYI the gameboy games cant be played on the DSi ..so if you have regular DS games they will NOT pla inthe DSi...I am going to get oldest DD {6) one for XMAS but unless my MIL gets the 8 yo one, he wont be geting one....I am planning on getting the 3 almost 4 yo a leapster for XMAS...lucky for us our 5 hour car trips home the 1 littlest ones {2 and 3 yo's} ride in the middle and the 8 and 16 yo ride int he back :) so we watch at least 4 movies ont he DVD player on the way there!!!!

I don;t know the prices of the PSPs but my son realy likes his PSP...they have vool games and he has a few movies so if he doesnt ant to watch what we are watchingon the DVD player inthe van, he pops one of his movies in his PSP and watches that....

just wanted to add, we have had all of these game systems and the Gameboy is probably the most durable since the games arent as small and it doesnt have a stylus with it....

so now I need to know what leapster games are the best for a 3 yo!!!

[MissKim]

I tried to read most of this and I don't think I say it anywhere but just FYI the DSi is NOT compatible with any other games...so if you have regular DS games they will NOT pla inthe DSi...I am going to get oldest DD {6) one for XMAS but unless my MIL gets the 8 yo one, he wont be geting one....I am planning on getting the 3 almost 4 yo a leapster for XMAS...lucky for us our 5 hour car trips home the 1 littlest ones {2 and 3 yo's} ride in the middle and the 8 and 16 yo ride int he back :) so we watch at least 4 movies ont he DVD player on the way there!!!!

This almost made my heart stop. This is not completely true, but I had to research it. A DSi can play most DS games, but not Game Boy games (which the DS could).

I freaked because we bought my 9 yo a DSi for Christmas. She has a DS, but it hasn't been treated the best (she got it when she was 5) and we decided she's responsible enough now for a new one. We have tons of DS games, so I'm glad to hear she can use them. In my research, I actually discovered that there are no DSi games for sale in store -- the games created exclusively for DSi will only be available for download via the Internet.

My two older children (13 and 15) are getting the iPod touch. I don't think a 9 yo needs that yet, so she's just getting the DSi. Should shut them up on those trips to Branson...

[junebug]

i wouldn't even buy my 6 almost 7 year old a DSi, lol. She's actually getting a Leapster2 for xmas. the other two kids will want to play, but they have to understand they are to little to play so they will have to be happy with watching. i may try to get them each some sort of handheld 'game' more for their age, hoping that curbs the jealousy, lol. Good luck with your decision! i know its hard to make kids understand things like that, but its also hard on our sanity having to listen to them being upset and jealous, lol.

[aggiefamily]

I also had a freak out moment there Kim! DSi can play all DS games.

Both of mine are getting a DSi this year (ages 7 and almost 5) with the Nerf cases. But then my youngest is more responsible than my oldest so it isn't him I am worried about. Go figure.

But the DSi is going to have the same rules as our Wii. You have to ask for permission to play it, there is a time limit on it and it has its own "home" for when you are done. Hopefully having rules will help them be responsible for it.

And this post really had nothing to do with Susan's question. LOL! Sorry Susan!

[nun69]

This almost made my heart stop. This is not completely true, but I had to research it. A DSi can play most DS games, but not Game Boy games (which the DS could).

I freaked because we bought my 9 yo a DSi for Christmas. She has a DS, but it hasn't been treated the best (she got it when she was 5) and we decided she's responsible enough now for a new one. We have tons of DS games, so I'm glad to hear she can use them. In my research, I actually discovered that there are no DSi games for sale in store -- the games created exclusively for DSi will only be available for download via the Internet.

My two older children (13 and 15) are getting the iPod touch. I don't think a 9 yo needs that yet, so she's just getting the DSi. Should shut them up on those trips to Branson...
I realized after I typed it that I typed it completely wrong!!! thanks for catching it!!!

[g8rbeckie]

There have already been a ton of responses to this...but I wanted to second the used game system option. I bought my 4yr old DD a pink DS from a friend about 6 months ago - she LOVES it, plenty of games that she can play. I bought a game for DS - 2.5 - and he is VERY gentle and plays his game really well, too!

I'm heading to gamestop this week to see if I can pick up a used DSLite for DS for our VERY long car trip to Mississippi over Thanksgiving. I was there once and they had one that had a broken hinge, but the system was only $50.

The best place to see game reviews is on Amazon (from what I've found!). I look for comments like "my 4 year old plays this and loves it"...

also there's a whole series of games called "Smart Boys" and "Smart Girls". I don't think ANY of those games require reading, and my 2.5 yr old plays his Smart Boys game just fine. He's actually gotten very good at the little puzzles on there! and there's a little whack-a-mole game he likes, too...

[lauren grier]

I have zero experience.. lol.. but is that the thing with the little doggie game.. you know you can feed it and take care of it etc? LOL.. if so, awesome.. I know a few people IRL who have lil ones & have found suitable games for that age bracket. :] the kids are going to be stoked :]

[jessica31876]

what I love about having two DS's is that on certain games you can play multiple players with just one cartridge. I bought my son one and it is still working. He got his in 2006 so he was 12ish? However I bought him a gameboy color when he was 3 or 4 and he loved it and still has it somewhere. He doesnt play it anymore because it requires 3 batteries and they were always going dead. I do not think it is to much for a three year old so long as you make sure to explain to be extra careful with it and to only play while sitting down. Thats what we did when our kids were little and it worked with all but the youngest who is very clumsy. One of my favorite games was Littlest Pet Shop (its geared towards little kids but I loved it LOL) They have three editions and I got the winter one. It was so cute!! I bet she would love it if you decided to get it for her

[newfiemountiewife]

My son and daughter both got their DSs when they were 4. Amelia is almost 7, hers still works great. Benjamin is 9, and on his second one, but not because the first one broke, but just because I think he wore the damn thing out LOL.

We are gamers here, and I was quite excited to get them games when I could. They have done great with them. There are lots of games out there! Nintendogs is probably one your little one could play, I think that's the one La is thinking about.

It REALLY depends on the child IMO.

[HeatherKS]

Add me to the 'depends on the child' side of the fence. My oldest dd got her DS when she was 5 as a birthday present and it's still going strong 2 1/2 years later. My younger dd loved it so much that Santa brought her one for Christmas just after she turned 3. We found a bundle at Wal-Mart that included NintenDogs like La mentioned and it has a pawprint on the DS. She has had it for 2 years and has done fine with it. She may not always understand the games as much as her older sister but she likes to play them just as well. And there definitely are games out there for the younger set. :)

[Angie4b1g]

We bought our 5 year old a used Gameboy Advance SP for like $40 with a one year warranty. He LOVES it, and it's a little sturdier than the DS yet he still feels like one of the big kids.