Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Nintendo DS

I recently purchased a Nintendo DS for my seven year old son. It was a smart purchase and I recommend it as the top choice in video games.

Nintendo DS Reason #1 - Parents' TV is not hijacked

When I finally broke down and purchased a Nintendo DS for my son, it was because that particular video game is a handheld version and doesn't have to be hooked up to a television set. Since we all share a television and the kids don't have one in their play areas, the Nintendo DS was really the only option in terms of a video game that wouldn't disrupt the family.

Nintendo DS Reason #2 - Great for long car trips

We often visit our family in Delaware and that means that we are in the car for at least four hours at a time, without long breaks. Although we own a portable DVD player, the videos that both my four year old daughter and seven year old son will both like are now limited.

I figured that my son can stay occupied with his DS while my daughter watches her Holly Bobbie and Barbie videos. Both the DVD player and the Nintendo DS come with headphone jacks. This works out perfectly, since the kids can use headphones and my husband and I can listen to other music.

Nintendo DS Reason #3 - Smart Accessories

There is no need to worry about the battery dying on our long car trips or other outings. Target sells a Nintendo DS car adapter for just $9.99. This way, I can plug the adapter into the game and it will charge while driving, with no interruption to my son. Extra DS batteries can be had for as little as $8 on Amazon.com. Both options make this game great for travel.

Nintendo DS Reason #4 - Mom can play too

Although I haven't had a chance to swipe the DS from my son yet and try out some games, I have browsed the abundant game selection while in Toys R Us. I would like to play the game "Brain Age", which tests your brain age with puzzles, math problems and questions.

Also on my wish list is "Personal Trainer Cooking", a game/tutorial which takes you through international recipes and helps you gather the shopping list and kitchenware that are needed and walks you through the recipe as you are making it. There are over 250 recipes in the program.

Nintendo DS Reason #5 - Used games available

The price for new Nintendo DS games can be as much as $30 at full price when it is new in the box. A quick search on Amazon.com turned up dozens of used games with prices starting at just $4.82 for a used Hannah Montana game and $12.58 for a Star Wars Lego game. As someone who tries to avoid paying full price for anything, this option is perfect.

My son is happy with his Nintendo DS and so am I. He is not addicted to it and he still plays with his other favorite toy, his Legos.