Best cheap handheld computer game for a 7 yr old

[Apocketfulofposies]

DS really wants one. I don't want one that goes through the tv and he really wants one with a football game. NO more than £100. Does such a thing even exist?

You could get a tablet for that and download games. You couldn't get a Nintendo Switch for anything like that and that's before you've even thought about buying games.

I got mine a DS3 from eBay, it was fab condition and had lots of games. It was a lot less than £100 and my dc loves it but also doesn't play with it that much so i am very glad I didn't fork out for a switch. There were loads of ds on eBay.

Second hand on eBay.

My DS had a Nintendo DS from about 7. He also has a wii and now a Switch but he really likes the DS still.. Get a 2nd hand one from CEX

2DS/3DS range. Which are the same console, the 2DS just doesn't have the stereoscopic 3D. The cheapest new is the 2DS at £80, second-hand Cex have them for around £50-60.

It's an outgoing console but games are still fairly widely sold, though you'll need to buy second-hand to get a wide choice. Popular games tend to be around £30-40 even when they're second hand, but less popular stuff can go for a lot less. The most recent FIFA game is FIFA 15 though so really old by now.

For a young child the Nintendo consoles are much better for online safety, compared to mobile gaming where adverts and in-app purchases are rife.

This is really helpful thank you. I have literally no idea how they work. So a Nintendo 2ds/3ds is a handheld games console and I can then buy separate games and there is an old version of fifa on it?

Does CEX check everything to see that it works? This is such a new world to me.

And do they need WiFi or they are just self contained units? Are they battery operated? So embarrassed by my lack of knowledge here.

Yes, CeX test stuff before selling, and provide a (albeit fairly short) warranty.

It can connect to wifi but doesn't require it to play single-player games. Wifi is needed to download games digitally (rather than using cartridges) and for online multiplayer.

And yes, it has a rechargable battery in it same as a phone. Make sure you get a charger - the 3DS uses its own charger, it won't charge from the usual phone/tablet cables.

Thank you @safariboot