Leapster or Game Boy Advance?

[stellar]

I have 3 children - DD1 8yrs, DD2 6yrs and DS1 4yrs

I've been looking at the leapster and GBA for my kids but can't decide between them - need main Xmas pressies that don't take up a lot of room

Which system do you think is best for which age group?

thanks!

Stella xx

[KangaMummy]

I don't know about leapster but DS has GBA SP he is 9

he plays it quite a bit

but honestly lego takes preference.

so I suppose not much help really

[KangaMummy]

good point about GBA SP is that it is rechargeable

[Allegra]

I was debating the same thing for DS1 (5) I decided on leapster for I thought it would be more educational and possibly less addictive- though I've no evidence to base that on . I was afraid he'd spend every waking moment on GBA and plan to leave that till he's about 7. The controls on the leapster also looked easier to handle.

[Kayleigh]

Have bought my two boys game boy advance sp's for xmas. They are 6.5 and 3.5.

[JJ]

Kayleigh, which games are you getting for your little one? I got my two (about the same ages) GBA for a flight a while back, but am having a hard time finding something easy enough for my youngest.

[miggy]

gameboy advance sp-rechargeable and have lights great for car at night.
fab for cars/planes/trains and long restaurant meals, can manage 2 hr french restaurant meals with ours and their gba.
tbh ours are used a lot on holidays but they rarely pick them up at home so dont worry about addiction. seems to go in phases like everything else

[Kayleigh]

JJ, have bought PACMAN and Brother Bear for ds2. And Donkey Kong and Shrek 2 for ds1. I got Brother Bear and Shrek on ebay for about £15 each. The other two were on special offer when i bought the Gameboys.

[JJ]

Excellent! Thanks. He gets frustrated sometimes with the games he has.

[Rafaella]

I would suggest a Leapster for the 4 and 6 year old and GBA for 8yo. The Leapster has a good sized screen and simple controls including touch pen so is easy for 4 plus. The games it comes with are fine for up to about 7/8. The best thing about it is that the games are educational as well as fun. My 4 yr old loves his and hasn't lost interest at all. I'm getting him another cartridge for Xmas. It's definitely too young for an 8 yr old, unless they bring out some more advanced games.

[tamum]

I would have said GBA if it was just one present as they would keep playing it until they're older, but with that range maybe get the youngest the Leapster, as others have said.

JJ, have you looked at the Lego games at all? Ds didn't get a Gameboy until he was 9, but he says the Lego ones are quite easy.

[JJ]

I hadn't even heard of the Lego games! But if I get my youngest that, then I'll have to get it for my eldest also (or something he considers equivalent, which would be a Playstation).

It's ok now, as they're not addicted to them (they need cartoons regularly.. don't know if that's better).

Would really like them to be playing games now (yes, they're still up, both sick and not had enough running around today) as I want to watch tv!

[tamum]

It won't be in time for you to watch TV just now, but if you're interested there are some here . Ds has Lego Island Extreme Stunts. I bet there would be loads on eBay!