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General discussion

Best portable gaming system for 9 y.o.?

May 30, 2007 12:36AM PDT

Hi
We don't have a gaming system at all, and want to buy a portable one for our son (big trip coming up this summer=8 hour flights). We also won't let him play 1st person shooter games and overtly violent games.

We are thinking PSP. Is this the best choice?

Discussion is locked

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Hmm
May 30, 2007 2:00AM PDT

I would say a Nintendo DS would be a much better choice!!!
Better and more games.
There is a LOT of non voilent games that are great fun to play..
Plus touch screen...

Games like
Mario Kart DS
Nintendogs
New Super Mario Bros.
Metroid Prime: Hunters ( yes a shooter...)
Over 300 game out there...
Check out cnet.com for reviews....
Ds is more popular then the PSP...
Good Luck

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I'd say Nintendo
May 30, 2007 3:09AM PDT

Either the GameBoy Advance or Nintendo DS. Much more suited to younger audiences, cheaper, and a larger game selection. Not positive, but I think battery life is better with the Nintendo handhelds as well.

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definitely the DS
May 30, 2007 4:37AM PDT

The DS has alot of kid friendly games and is just an all around better handheld than the PSP.

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DS or GBA
Jun 1, 2007 3:36AM PDT

I'd strongly dispute the claim that the DS has better games than the PSP.

But for a 9 year old, I'd definitely recommend the DS or GBA over a PSP. The PSP features too many games aimed at older gamers compare to the Nintendo products and has too many features that a 9 year old is not likely to use.

If price is a big consideration, GBA SPs can be found for cheap as can used GBA games, but keep in mind that the DS can play both DS and GBA games.

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I'd say DS as well
Jun 1, 2007 6:25AM PDT

Not just b/c DS is more suited for kids, but I'd recommend a DS even to adults. PSP and its games are breaking the bank perse, but unless you're willing to shell out more $$ those, or if he has jobs he does to save up $$, then DS is a fine choice.

DS plays GBA games in single player mode only. A concern only if he plans to play GBA games in multiplayer

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CORRECTION
Jun 4, 2007 1:05AM PDT

"PSP and its games are breaking the bank perse"

should be

"PSP and its games aren't breaking the bank perse"

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Gotta chime in for the PSP
Jun 4, 2007 12:20AM PDT

I just bought myself a PSP. Not for my kid, but for myself. Why PSP? Larger screen, more capabilities and easy to use. I think having a more expandable system helps the younger generation get in to the now with technology. My psp plays games that price wise are compatible to the DS. It plays music and movies. Hmmmmm...... 8 hour flight, in-flight movies not targeted for kids....dilemma?
Yes, every game system has its pros and cons. Nintendo has a great selection of games for younger kids, but so dos the PSP. Eliminating the First-Person shooter games takes out a ton of selection especially if you are including when the shooter is a 3 ft pink dragon or a 4 ft cute furry guy. There are some great games on both systems, but I like the PSPs range of capabilities. Especially if a laptop is along for the trip. You can download all the movies and music to the laptop, convert them and store them to update to the PSP.

$$$$wise the PSP will run the bill higher, but it has great capabilities, so I wouldn?t rule it out on $$$ alone.

Do the research.

Ps: My 13 yr old is jealous of my PSP and is itching to try it out!