4 1/2 yr old big enough for a DS?

My 4 1/2 yr old dd has decided she wants a Nintento DS for Christmas. :unsure: She has a Leapster & loves it, but all her cousins have the DS and now she's decided that those are "funner & cooler".

Is she even old enough for one? I don't know how the games are & if they'd be way beyond her.

 

My nephew just turned 4 and can use a DS. Having said that, he is also extrememly addicted to his video game now...but I guess that is a whole other issue. ardon: I know some of the games that are rated EC(early childhood) are for ages 3 and older. So, based on that rating, I would assume a 4.5 year old would be able to use and play some games on a DS.

 

Maybe you should shop around at the games and see if there are games specifically geared to his age. If you couldn't find very many, then that would probably weigh heavily on my decision if it were me. My personal opinion is my kids have to wait on things that expensive until they are old enough to properly take care of it themselves. Even though my girls are very mature, they are in no way mature enough to make sure it is always in its place and not mistreated.

 

I think that if you were able to find age appropriate software and bought a few extra styluses (stylii?) she should be good. Actually, there is a new DS out, so you could probably go to GameStop or something like that and pick up a used first generation DS for cheap.

 

Have you looked at the leapster explorers? The game play and graphics aremuch improved from the leapster 2. My girls could work a ds but the games have much lower educational value compared to leapster.

 

This is my concern as well. I was considering one for my guys, who are 6, but after letting Jayden use mine for his long ride to and from school .. I decided against getting them their own. Once he starts playing he doesn't want to stop !
I'm going to stick to Leapfrog products .. for now.

 

I personally think its too young. I don't even have one for my 8yr old because I see how addicted they become. its not worth the fighting over limitations etc.

 

I agree with going to Game Stop or another gaming store and buying a cheap used one. I would also check out the games. I wouldn't judge it by age, but more by how ready they are for it. Good luck1