DS aged 5 wants the Star Wars leapster 2 or a nintendo DS lite - help me please - which is better?

[TheSweetLittleBunny]

I know which one is more expensive (nintendo DS). He already has a Leappad which was really good, so on that basis I would be inclined to get the Leapster2 (because it's cheaper and looks more educational).

Has anyone used either or both of the above? Which one is better in terms of entertainment, extra games, and value?

Get the go kart!!!!

My dd1 is 6 in March and wants a DS but she doesn't really know what it is or have any appreciation at all of how much it would cost.
I find it shocking that such young children have one tbh. But perhaps I am old fashioned.

I have told dd she can have a DS when she can read a 'chapter' book. And she is happy with that so obv doesn't want one that much. She also wants an 'exercise bike' so she can cycle even when it is raining but I have told her she won't be getting that either.

VanillaPumpkin I think I agree with you. Your DD is probably referring to that bike thing that plugs into the TV and does activities while the child cycles.

Lilyloo - they can - but less likely to if they always reach for the DS (or similar) when bored. I don't disagree with the computer games as entertainment - just that I feel that small children of my son's age (5), or even,dare I say under 10 - should either not have them or have their use strictly limited so that they can develop other facets of their personalities and imagination.

Those games are addictive - the first few weeks of before school club, when my son had to go there for half-days before Reception went full time - all he could talk about was the PLaystation, every single day, and the arguments and disagreements about whose turn it was, etc. I think PC activities like Sim City, etc are better TBH, where some element of creativity and imagination are required.

sweetlittlebunny find it odd that you came on here saying your son already has a leapster and you didn't know which console to get him next and then to be saying children under 10 shouldn't have them or limited use ???????????
Just don't get him one if you feel that way about it , easy !

Oh there is such a thing then?? [out of touch emoticon]

We have bought a Wii for us to have at Christmas so perhaps some will see me as being a bit hypocritical but imo that is different as it will be a family thing to do, and at least in a family room. Plus dd hasn't asked for that, I have .

Is it just me or are people a bit patronising about the Leapster?
DD has had the LeapPad since she was 2, leapster since 3 & is now desperate for the leapster 2 at the age of 6!
Try America for more advanced games, there are some fantastic ones out there teaching very advanced stuff. They use them in schools out there.
I think it is all down to how something is explained to them. If they think education is boring at such a young age something is surely going wrong! My DD see's a new leapster game as fun & challenging as it is such a change from the stuff they do at school. It also grows with them so they are never bored- I cannot recommend it highly enough & I'm a teacher as well as a mum! And no, that doesn't mean my child leads a boring life!

karise - I don't think people were patronising about the leapster really. DS loved his at the time but has grown out of it. I think once they see others with the DS they want that. Not that I am advocating just getting stuff!

I haven't looked at Leapster games for ages - maybe there are some good one out there now.

Sorry, just getting fed up with the 'poor child with a mother like that' looks at school!
Oh, and it's the parents of the children that can't read or write yet- what a surprise!
It does seem to be a bit of a two camp race now though i.e parents who try to teach their children & those that don't bother at all!

I didn't say he had a Leapster - I said he had a LeapPad.

And yes I agree - that sometimes people go for waht's "in" and "cool" rather than what would have more educational value for their children's dewveloping minds.

My son loves his LeapPAD, but is ready now for something else. We have Learning Ladder on the PC which he also loves - educational, but good interactive fun at the same time.

my DTDs, 4.11, have leapsters (apparently leapster 2 games can be played on both consoles, or so I read on amazon!) and enjoy playing with them, but only really do so on long car journeys.