Advice on cheaper alternative to a DS Ninetendo

[Concepta]

My DD age 7 wants a DS for her birthday which comes up soon. She only wants one because all the children in her class have one. She has never used one and I I'm not sure she would use it a lot if she had. Anyway we can't afford it at the moment. Is there any computer type game things or hand held games that I could buy as an alternative that would be much cheaper. What games does your DDs play on the DS and can you buy educational games.

DS has a leapster which is really good. He is 5 tho and not sure whether would be "cool" enough for a seven year old [hmmm]

There's a new version of the ds coming out 3rd April, DSi, at this point the older version is likely to go down in price. Not much difference in the 2 consoles but you may be able to get a bargain 2nd hand one from someone whose upgrading to the new version? Can you wait that long? Bet they'll be some selling on ebay after the 3rd, or you could try gamestation? Doubt she'll be happy with alternative, she'll want the same as her friends. If still too expensive second hand, I realise the games aren't cheap either! I'd go for something completely different.

You can get educational games, braintraining is suitable for all ages and my 8 year old niece likes nintendogs, not educational but quite an old game that you should be able to get quite cheap.

ok leapfrog website says they are for 4-8 year olds so maybe not. We paid about £50 for ours and it came with a game. Also games are linked to age and are all educational. I really like the fact that you can connect it to PC via a supplied USB cable and see what they are doing well and what might need some work.

FWIW my dd has just turned 8 and isnt a big tv watcher or pc user etc. She went on and on about getting a ds so my mum bought me and her one for xmas. She adores it, and it has made her sit down for a while which was something she would never do, she was always on the go. I think maybe amazon or ebay for a second hand one, or even Game.

Why not get her something she actually wants and likes?

Tell her you will get her a DS for Christmas when they older version will be cheaper, or she will have gone off the idea.

Alternatively you can go to your local branch of Game or HMV and ask if they have any traded in consoles (they will when the new one comes out I'm sure).

What about one of the older type hand held consoles like the game boy advance sp? Could get one quite cheap on Ebay. Plus game boy advance games can be played on the DS if she ever got one.

here you go

I can't help but feel that buying a different product would be a waste of money. If she wants one because everyone else has one, then an alternative just might not cut the mustard.

Second hand is the way forward I think.

Thanks everyone. I think I will try and put her off until Christmas and then buy one of the older versions. I don't think she will use it to be honest. I try to limit TV time to about 30 mins per day, so it will be another thing to limit! As summer is approaching she probably wouldn't get much use out of it anyway as she loves being outdoors. Thanks everyone. Your comments have been a great help.