How to Choose a Video Game System for Your Child

Kids of all ages love video games. And if you are a parent, chances are you have been besieged with requests to buy a video game system. But how do you know which system you should buy for your child? What system will be the best choice for your child's first video game system? It can be rather difficult to decide, especially if you are not very familiar with all of the various systems. And whether your child likes it or not, this is a decision that a parent needs to make-children are too influenced by what they see on television commercials and what their friends say to make a sound, practical decision.

So, how do you make your decision? Well, there is one part of the decision you don't need to make--for a first video game system, the best choice is a handheld system. Why should you buy a handheld rather than a console system? To begin with, handheld systems are generally cheaper than console systems. And, a handheld is a single unit (aside from the games, of course). A console has several parts, including various cords and controllers-maintaining all of that will take more responsibility. Also, many kids have to spend a lot of time away from home--running errands with a parent, for example. A handheld system can be brought along to quell the boredom.

You do need to consider the age of your child. Younger children may not be as careful as older children can be; therefore, you want to choose a system that is a little hardier. Also, some systems offer a larger percentage of child-friendly games, so keep that in mind as well. On the other hand, if you are buying for a tween or teen, you may want a system with more advanced games.

You also need to think about your budget. The newest video game systems are rather costly-as are the games for these systems. Older systems are cheaper and you may be able to find used games at very reasonable prices. Think about this if cost is an important factor to you.

Here is a listing of the various video game systems from which you can choose, along with the pros and cons of each system. This should help you figure out which system will be the best for your child.

Nintendo Gameboy Advance

Pros:

Very inexpensive if bought preowned

Small and easy to operate

Hundreds of games available

Backwards compatible (will play games made for the Gameboy and Gameboy Color)

Dozens of games younger children can enjoy

Used games are very inexpensive and widely available

Games are on cartridges, which are very child-friendly

Cons:

Requires 2 AA batteries

Has no backlight (so must be played in a well-lit location)

Battery cover can come off easily and get lost

Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP

Pros:

Inexpensive if bought preowned

Small and easy to operate

Hundreds of games available

Backwards compatible (will play games made for the Gameboy and Gameboy Color)

Has a backlight (so can be played in the dark)

Has its own battery, which can be recharged

Dozens of games younger children can enjoy

Used games are very inexpensive and widely available

Games are on cartridges, which are very child-friendly

Cons:

Controller area is somewhat cramped; might feel awkward for those with larger hands to play

Outer case can get scratched easily

Nintendo DS

Pros:

Dual screens make for interesting game play

Bottom screen has touch-screen technology

Games are played with traditional buttons and/or a touch stylus

Backlit screens mean it can be played in the dark

Dozens of games available

Some used games available at good prices

Backwards compatible (will play Gameboy Advance games)

Has its own battery, which can be recharged

Some games younger children can enjoy

Can connect wirelessly to other DS systems for multiplayer games

Cons:

Expensive for a handheld (buying used probably isn't a good idea for this system)

Touch screen may be difficult for younger kids to operate

Younger kids may not be careful enough with the touch screen

Games are on a different type of cartridge that resembles a computer chip; this may not be hardy enough for younger kids

The Nintendo DS Lite has the same features as the Nintendo DS. It is just a newer, updated model of the system.

Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)

Pros:

Large, backlit screen

Comfortable to hold and play

Has its own battery, which can be recharged

Has vivid and beautiful graphics and sound

Can connect to the internet

Can be used to store photos and data

Movie discs for popular and current hit movies are available

Some used games and movies available at good prices

Cons:

Expensive for a handheld (buying used probably isn't a good idea for this system)

Games are on a small disc, called UMD's (the disc is covered partly in plastic; however, it can still get scratched easily)

Most games are too advanced for younger children

Screen can be easily scratched

There are other handheld systems you can find (such as the original Gameboy and the Gameboy Color), but since those are not as widely available they really aren't a good option.

If you are interested in purchasing a video game system that is used, there are a few places you can check. Ebay always has several auctions for preowned systems. You can also look in your local phone directory-most cities have at least one or two video game trading stores. Or, you can go to www.gamestop.com and purchase your system from there at a reasonable price. These sources are also good for finding video games (and PSP movies).

Once you have made a decision about which handheld system you are going to purchase, allow your child to decide on some games to buy. Video games are kind of like books in that taste is very subjective; just as people prefer to choose their own books to read, people also prefer to play games that they have chosen. As a parent, though, you do want to make sure that you approve of the choices he makes-let him know that you have final veto power.

This guideline should have helped you come to a decision on which system to purchase for your child. But, you can always ask questions if you aren't sure-go to a video game trading store and ask the clerks for their opinions on certain aspects of a system, for example. An informed decision is a wise decision-remember that. Good luck!