Nintendo DS for Xmas for 5 year old

boobar

Hi,

Already thinking abaout Xmas and Santa.

Was going to look into Santa bringing my daughter (she's almost 5) a tablet like the LeapPad tablet for kids, but it was getting mixed reviews.

So I thought maybe a DS Lite. What do you think? I thought the 3D DS would be wasted on my kid.

I was interested in something that would have:

Fun games like angry birds etc
Educational - reading, writing, arithmetic
Good for art, music etc

What do ye think? Would a DS Lite tick all those boxes?

Josey Wales

I think you'd be better off with the DSi XL. It has a much bigger screen than the normal DS. It is a nice piece of hardware. You are right about not getting the 3DS. I think Nintendo themselves recommend the 3D not be used by under 8s I think.

As for educational, arts and music software there might not be a lot available in retail shops. There is a game called Art Academy but not sure what age group it is aimed at. The DSi has an online store where you can download software. You can check the library of titles here. There are a lot of educational and music items listed.

As for fun games, there are lots available for kids. I know my niece who is that age loves the Mario games and the Mario & Sonic sports games. I think there is an Angry Birds on the system too.

You could wait till tomorrow and see what Apple announce at their press conference. They are rumoured to be releasing an iPad mini, which will be cheaper than the real thing. The iOS store is full of all the types of software you are looking for. Plus the iPad hardware is very durable.

boobar

Josey Wales wrote: »

I think you'd be better off with the DSi XL. It has a much bigger screen than the normal DS. It is a nice piece of hardware. You are right about not getting the 3DS. I think Nintendo themselves recommend the 3D not be used by under 8s I think.

As for educational, arts and music software there might not be a lot available in retail shops. There is a game called Art Academy but not sure what age group it is aimed at. The DSi has an online store where you can download software. You can check the library of titles here. There are a lot of educational and music items listed.

As for fun games, there are lots available for kids. I know my niece who is that age loves the Mario games and the Mario & Sonic sports games. I think there is an Angry Birds on the system too.

You could wait till tomorrow and see what Apple announce at their press conference. They are rumoured to be releasing an iPad mini, which will be cheaper than the real thing. The iOS store is full of all the types of software you are looking for. Plus the iPad hardware is very durable.

Thanks very much Josey,

Lot's to go on there....I think I'll look into the DSi XL.

I've decided it might be a bit soon to be introducing her to tablets and the nintendo does seem much more portable.

Irish Halo

Just to add another viewpoint the 3DS is the newest incarnation. It plays DS games and will have more support in the long term i.e. games will stop appearing for the DS and new games will only be available on the 3DS.

A 3DS gives you all the functionality of the DS but is future proofed until the next Nintendo handheld is released in ~2017 (original DS was released 2005, 3DS didn't appear till 2012).

boobar

Irish Halo wrote: »

Just to add another viewpoint the 3DS is the newest incarnation. It plays DS games and will have more support in the long term i.e. games will stop appearing for the DS and new games will only be available on the 3DS.

A 3DS gives you all the functionality of the DS but is future proofed until the next Nintendo handheld is released in ~2017 (original DS was released 2005, 3DS didn't appear till 2012).

Can the 3D functionality be turned off? Probably a stupid question but thought I'd ask.

Star Lord

boobar wrote: »

Can the 3D functionality be turned off? Probably a stupid question but thought I'd ask.

You can set a parental lock on it that can prevent the child from going online with the console, and also completely turn off the 3D functionality. Nintendo actually advise this for younger children.

boobar

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

You can set a parental lock on it that can prevent the child from going online with the console, and also completely turn off the 3D functionality. Nintendo actually advise this for younger children.

Brilliaint DamoElDiablo, you've answered my questions completely...it makes sense to get the Nintendo 3DS....I might even get a go on it myself...thanks for posting.

boobar

Any good deals online or in Dublin for the Nintendo 3DS? Was going to buy from Amazon but would rather have the money go to an Irish based firm (price still has to be competitive)

Banjo

Personally I would buy in a bricks n mortar shop - if you have problems having purchased from Amazon you have to send it back to Nintendo, which is a pain in the buttcheeks compared to walking into Smyths and just swapping for a new console.

Ludo

I have been watching the prices of the 3DS for a while now as I need 2 next month when my two boys turn 5. Smyths or Gamestop appear to be the best value at the moment (they are even cheaper than amazon).

Some prices I have gathered (haven't updated this in a few weeks so may be a bit out of date)


Amazon £124 (about 155)
HMV £139 Add delivery 171 euro
Gamestop 154 Seems to be gone from website now
Pixmania 159
Xtravision 164
Argos 177
Smyths 179 with Cheap game - 159 console only
PC World 179
Expansys 187
Play £188
Elara 188
Smyths 199 + Game + case
Littlewoods 199

Sin City

So which is better , a 3DS or a 3 DS XL, or is there much of a difference barring the size of the screen?

Dozen Wicked Words

Sin City wrote: »

So which is better , a 3DS or a 3 DS XL, or is there much of a difference barring the size of the screen?

If its for, as OP suggested, a 5 year old the normal 3DS may be more appropriate as its a more manageable size for smaller hands, aslo more portable, fits in a lot more pocket sizes. The XL has a much better battery life but heavier, and will only fit in the larger pocket size, such as MC Hammers trouser pocket. Generally I would think the XL would be a better choice if you have the extra few bob.

Irish Halo

The only differences are size and battery life, are they worth the extra ~€40? Maybe, this lot think so.

zipps

I too am looking to get a DS for my son for Christmas. I am debating getting my friend to but one in the USA for me. If anything goes wrong with it is it easy to get it fixed here in Ireland?? Are there any downside to buying one in the USA re playing against a friend on another DS console?

BostonB

The leapad is more aimed at educational games and puzzles. Theres a less of that on the DS, but kids love games on the DS. Pay attention to the age limit of games younger kids might find some games too hard.

Deano7788

zipps wrote: »

I too am looking to get a DS for my son for Christmas. I am debating getting my friend to but one in the USA for me. If anything goes wrong with it is it easy to get it fixed here in Ireland?? Are there any downside to buying one in the USA re playing against a friend on another DS console?

One disadvantage is that the DSi and the 3DS are both region locked. An American one would only play American games, so you'd have to import them.

Although regular DS games that don't have DSi features are region free, so they would work

zipps

If I had an American console playing a game bought in America would I be able to play an Irish console playing the same game?

Mr.Saturn

zipps wrote: »

If I had an American console playing a game bought in America would I be able to play an Irish console playing the same game?

On a DS, yes, it's region-free. On the 3DS, no, it's region-locked.

zipps

Hi

Please can someone guide me as to the best place/deal to get a card of games for the DSi.

Thank You

Dozen Wicked Words

zipps wrote: »

Hi

Please can someone guide me as to the best place/deal to get a card of games for the DSi.

Thank You

You aren't allowed to discuss those kind of shenanigans on boards. Just buy the games legit or use google.

Ludo

zipps wrote: »

Hi

Please can someone guide me as to the best place/deal to get a card of games for the DSi.

Thank You

Smyths or Gamestop...they sell lots of games for the DSi :rolleyes:

Alan666

Seems everywheres only selling 3DS but I dont want a 3DS, just a DSi. Anyone know anywhere in Ireland still selling these?