homeschoolmom Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 So, my almost eight year old son has been asking for a gameboy for about two years. I'm not ready to give in on this because, frankly, I cannot see the benefit for an eight year old to have a gameboy. All of his friends have them (and a ton of other video game contraptions-- game box? or something or other) and that's all they do and they spend a fortune on new games once they tire of an old one. Now, I know that one of my son's primary motivations for wanting a gameboy is so that he can play along side the other neighborhood kids when they sit together and stare at their games for periods on end-- he feels left out. This is not enough motivator for me, though. There needs to be some intrisic value in the games themselves. So, could someone please spell out for me the different systems, how they work, benefits of one over another (price estimates would be cool)... and some benefit to these games. I'm thinking this might be his Christmas gift, but I'm not sure... he also wants roller shoes. <sigh> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dUSt Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 I'd recommend the Nintendo DS Lite. The other option would be a Playstation Portable, but I think that's too much for an 8 year old. Nintendo has been traditionally known to cater to the younger crowd, and the selection of kid-friendly games greatly outnumbers other systems. The DS Lite also folds up, so the screen is protected from scratches when not in use. It's $129 at Amazon.com for a brand-new unit, and I think they come in white, pink and black. [img]http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000FO4KO8.01.PT01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V40413928_.jpg[/img] [img]http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000FO4KO8.01.PT05._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V40413928_.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PVmelonhead91 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 i would go with a 'gameboy advance SP' its only about 75 bucks mite be cheaper now... games are reletivley cheap most exspensive is like 20 bucks. most are 10 or 15. you can even buy games for them at drug stores... or CVS's around me... and is alittle more simpler then the 'nintendo DS lite' my little brother who is nine has a 'Game Boy advanse SP' and i like to play it... the nintendo games are relatively safe... but i would recomend the 'Gameboy SP' because the graphics arent as great so tehre is less likely to be stuff in the games.. but if you arent sure about the game look at the rateing in the box.. it will tell you whats in it. it folds up to.. and has recharge able battery. but it has to be the DS and not the normal GAmeboy advance. that uses AA bateries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dUSt Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Yeah, that actually is a better idea. Go with the "Gameboy Advanced SP". Way better for an 8 year old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PVmelonhead91 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 if you want an actually game console with remotes and everything. i dont rewally know what to tell you.ill play all my friend new systems but my PS2 is broken adn thats the newest thing i have... but they stat getting up pretty high in price once you get the games and remotes and the actual system. but my favorite system ever was the N64 greaphics ar epretty good remotes are great games are awesome too. but they are hard to find games for and stuff you gotta go on ebay to buy most things for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted October 2, 2006 Author Share Posted October 2, 2006 Nope, we'd be looking at a hand held at most. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PVmelonhead91 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 nintendo SP then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted October 2, 2006 Author Share Posted October 2, 2006 Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PVmelonhead91 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 no problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontifite 7 of 10 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Id say go for the DS it plays all the other gameboy games. so you could go out and get cheaper Gameboy advanced games and when hes really good you could buy him a actual DS game. But choose whatever, sps are dope too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farsight one Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 No matter what portable game system you get, they key is getting the right game for the kid. Normally its very difficult to keep an 8 year old stuck on one game. And even if he sticks with it, once he beats it, it's no fun anymore and he'll want a new one. A good puzzle/strategy game is what I'd suggest. Some of them for the SP and DS are designed for younger people, and not too difficult for an 8 year old to grasp(yet still a challenge to adults. Get the wrong game and you might be fighting your son for the ability to play). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertwoman Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 If you get the DS (like me) you can play the gameboy advance games, and the new ones... especialy Brain Academy and other games that help test your knowledge on basic math skills and so on. You might even get hooked on it and both of yall can have fun seeing how smart you are. Its edutainment at its best. Like mentioned before, lots of good games that isnt foul. Ninentdo bases its games on the fun factor, and not contraversy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted October 3, 2006 Author Share Posted October 3, 2006 So what's the difference between DS and SP? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theunknown101 Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) The DS is said to have better graphics then a N64 and you have a higher chance of losing the game cartrige cause its so darn small and you use pens and microphones and other things to play the games, while the SP is the same as a normal Game Boy Advance just you can attach more gear onto it and the games (the same as the GBA games) are more bigger and bulky and you have less of a chance of losing it. But don't take my word on the DS, I don't have one. Two of my brothers do, though. I only have a normal, good ol' GBA from '01. Edited October 3, 2006 by Theunknown101 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fonebone Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 I have a DS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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