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Christmas

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Original poster

6 year old wants a Nintendo DS ... is he too young?

29 replies

basementbear · 09/12/2008 15:48

I don't even really know what that is Can someone please enlighten me? Is it a hand-held thing or does it plug into the TV? How much are they, and are the games really expensive?

OP posts:

LIZS · 09/12/2008 15:52

It's a handheld, basic cost about £95-100 for the console although some packages with games and/or accessories are available. Games range from about £15-35. I 'd say 6 as a minimum age but have seen far younger play.

ZandMsmum · 09/12/2008 15:54

My son had one for his 6th birthday and plays with it a lot. I don't think he is too young, there are quite simple games about and quite a few educational games cunningly diguised as fun! It is hand held thing, about 100 quid.

ninjinglebells · 09/12/2008 15:55

just be warned, you may struggle to get one before christmas

ninjinglebells · 09/12/2008 15:55

just be warned, you may struggle to get one before christmas

Original poster

basementbear · 09/12/2008 16:14

Thanks everyone, that's not actually as expensive as I thought they'd be! I might leave it for his birthday which is in the spring - especially if they might be hard to come by. His brother is 5 and I'm worried that there might be Xmas arguments if DS1 gets one and DS2 doesn't. If its for birthday I'll tell DS2 you have to be 7 to have one!!

OP posts:

Roobie · 09/12/2008 19:54

I was considering one for my 6yo dd but concluded that it would be better to wait until she is older otherwise I will have nothing left to give her on her, say, 8th birthday.

CrackopentheBaileys · 09/12/2008 20:09

Oh definately get one they are a Godsend. My son loooooves his, and it has taught him a great deal of responsibility having to take care of it when we are out. And they are great at 'boring adult' events like christenings/weddings with no other kids to play with.
You might even find yourself getting hooked on Mario kart

((runs off to sneak ds out of sleeping son's bedroom))

CrackopentheBaileys · 09/12/2008 20:10

p.s I saw them in Zavvi today if you have any trouble finding one

bigTillyMint · 09/12/2008 20:15

DD had to wait till she was 8 to get one (well she actually got it for the Christmas when she was 8 1/2) but DS is getting one for Christmas, 3 months before he turns 8

DD doesn't play on hers much (after an initial flurry) - mainly if a friend is round with theirs as you can link them up.

But we find DS gets so engrossed with certain games - like MarioKart, that he "lives" the game. My close friend says the same of her DS - 6. We limit him to half an hour at a time which seems to help

dizzyjingles · 09/12/2008 20:17

my DD who is 5 also asked for one but we've decided against it as she still uses her VTech Smile and if she got the DS that would loose its appeal. we'll reassess it for her birthday in July

its only because of the vtech smile (and tbh the cost ) that we're not doing it

remember you have to buy the games too - I'd recommend going second hand in GAME for those as some can be quite pricey

Hulababy · 09/12/2008 20:18

DD had one last Christmas, aged 5y. Many of her friends did too, and others during this year for 6th brthdays.

There are 100s of games available of differet genre, many education and many just for fun.

I personally think 6y is fine for a DS.

They are about £100 for the console without games.

DD is not the obsessive type so we have had no problems.

IlanaK · 09/12/2008 20:19

We don't have one, but recently go the Gameboy Advance SP off ebay which was the precurser to the DS. My two eldest use it and they are 7 and 4. You can get lots of games for it that are aimed at that age (we can use the DS ones on it).

However, I think you have to know the personality of your child. My two (especially the 7 year old) could easily be addicted to it. We limit use to OUT of the house only. We use it for train journeys, waiting for doctors appointments, and also for holidays. Otherwise, they would be at it all the time.

CoteDAzur · 09/12/2008 20:19

3 yr old DD has been using a Nintendo DS since Christmas last year. Started out with Nintendogs and now you would not believe the games she can play on it.

PirateDora · 09/12/2008 21:28

My 3 yr old DD has been using mine since i got it last Christmas aswell.

ketal · 09/12/2008 22:06

My DD (5) is having one for Christmas. She already plays with her nan's one and is fab at it. Some games are really educational too. We've got her maths play, and these games have really helped her adding up and taking away, even though she is only in reception and not supposed to know that yet. I don't think there are any problems with it per se, it's down to how you use it - limiting time spent on it and so on...

lil · 09/12/2008 22:08

Base beware once you buy one your ds will stop playing with his lego and playmobile - put it off for as long as possible

Original poster

basementbear · 10/12/2008 14:01

Lil, I am a bit worried about that actually... he loves lego and other boys' stuff like playing with cars and trains. I know it's a stereotype but I don't want him to switch off from all that and become a silent, occasionally grunting child sitting in the corner getting RSI from constant game playing! Can I ask you all how you limit it - how much time per day do you allow your DCs to play?

OP posts:

LilySwalLoosHerTurkeyBaster · 10/12/2008 14:03

Lil i disagree i don't have to limit my ds 6 and he plays more with lego etc than he does the ds.

I guess you have to know your child but do know some parents but a time limit on them.

GraceGrapello · 10/12/2008 14:05

Iklboo · 10/12/2008 14:06

I'm getting one for Xmas and we've bought that "Look Mummy I did it" game for DS to have a look at. It's supposed to be educational and fun (both game and Nintendo thingy)

sellorrenovate · 10/12/2008 14:29

Personally I'm holding off as long as I possibly can (DS is 6).

cheeseandsproutssarnie · 10/12/2008 14:31

after years of asking for one weve got dd and ds1 one for xmas.they are 8 and 7.even now im in half mind to wait a year.

lilolilbethlehem · 10/12/2008 14:31

I don't think it's too young in terms of availability of games for that age BUT I think there are so many other things a 6 year old could have that personally I would go for something else and leave the Nintendo DS for when they're older and harder to buy for.

lil · 10/12/2008 19:41

agree lilo, at 6 the kids still DO play with playmobile etc, whereas by the time they reach 9 they are getting bored and need something else.

Basement if you have a child that can't limit themselves (haven't met a boy that can - well done Lily!) then I think you do have to limit them. My son is not allowed to play on school days and just in the morning (so I get a lie-in! ) on the weekends. This works well, kids are surprisingly understanding once they know the boundaries. Of course friday can't come around quick enough for him!!

kyrasmummy · 10/12/2008 20:58

I've bought one for my DD who will be 4.5 at xmas, i will of course limit the amount of time she spends on it.

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