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Help!! My son wants a computer game, but I don't know where to start...

3 replies

nellyraggbagg · 05/12/2007 21:33

My son is 5.5, and the only thing on his Christmas list is 'a computer game'. We have no idea where to start with this one!! We've deliberately never bought any flashy electronic toys, never mind anything involving computers or TVs (and look where it got us...). I've looked in the Argos catalogue and seen a 'V-smile pocket' and a 'Leapster multimedia learning system', but can't tell whether they'd be suitable; there are reviews of them on Amazon, but they all refer to younger children. I see there are also children's laptops, though can't make out what a child would do with one (!) If we have to go down this route, I'd prefer something that doesn't plug into the TV our our computer - so that narrows it down somewhat. So far as DS goes, he's 5.5 but is super-bright (not as much fun as it sounds, believe me); he has a reading age of at least 9+ and is pretty good at Maths, too; his school is happy to let the children develop at their own pace, which is what he has done - so games that teach phonics or counting wouldn't really be suitable, unfortunately: it needs to be distinctly challenging. He also detests all the usual culprits (Spiderman, Shrek, Bob the Builder, Thomas - if other people like it, he dislikes it!!) Please help, someone, as I'm totally in the dark! My last encounter with a computer game was Donkey Kong about 25 years ago...

OP posts:
MrsWeasleysmagicmincepies · 05/12/2007 21:44

my kids have a vtech laptop thingy. It has educational games, maths, spellings, etc but it is fun (hangman, puzzles etc) all my DC love it.

I can't find my one online anywhere but have had it for about 8 years so its probably not available anymore. one looks like it might be good. Am tempted myself!

Crocky · 05/12/2007 21:46

Mmmm, think you have just ruled out the Leapster. Usually great for this age. Nice little number, letter and word puzzles based around familiar characters. We have Spiderman and Thomas IIRC.

nellyraggbagg · 05/12/2007 22:43

Does the Leapster have an American accent? DD loved a Disney laptop the other day, but it spoke to us in American!!

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