[bbasra]

Hi,

My nearly 4 year old son was happily playing away on my niece's pink ds lite. Although, I don't know what he was doing apart from writing his name on the screen and showing me but he was so happy. He's wanted one for ages but i've held off.

I'd now like to get one for his 4th birthday and have a few Q's.

1. Is a DS lite suitable for a 4 year old?
2. I'm looking to get him a second hand one in vgc as he may drop it or something so what should a DS Lite come with and what should i look for.
3. What extras will i need to get him, if any apart from games.
4. Anything else i should know

TIA

[captainff]

Hopefully to answer your questions .. .. ..

1) Hopefully! My youngest acquired a DS when he was 4 but .. .. .. he's broken the original one by accidentally dropping it in the toilet (it's a long story). As the price of brand new DSLites has come down to around £85 it's not so painful now if it happens again .. .. ..

2) aha! second hand! Good thinking! It should come with a charger and a stylus. Check the hinge areas for hairline cracks then open it up until it clicks, place it in the palm of your hand and gently bounce your hand up and down. The top screen should not flap about. If it does the hinges are on their way out so look for another one.

3) You don't need any extras, but some people put screen protectors across the touch screen.

4) Don't drop them in toilets .. .. .. ..

[Badger0-0]

Brilliant piece of kit and yes, fine for a kid that age, imo.
My grandson started using his dad's at 2.
Secondhand would probably be a good idea, as your son is bound to accidently destroy it somehow eventually, that's what kids do

Anything else i should know

They are highly addictive and I totally agree with the advice that they should only be played in bursts with breaks in between

[AfxTwn]

Originally Posted by Badger0-0

They are highly addictive and I totally agree with the advice that they should only be played in bursts with breaks in between

I can attest to the addictiveness of the DS, I am 28 and play on it every night for about 2-3 hours, lol. I am currently addicted to Chrono Trigger (not suitable for a 4 year old) and the slew of Guitar Hero games. I don't know if it will effect your son but I personally find that the DS can be uncomfortable to hold, even after just 10 minutes or so (especially using the Guitar Hero grip) so I would recommend that it should only be played in short bursts. I shall try to take my own advice now.

[jabintendo]

If i were you, i would buy the original phat ds. They are a little bit cheaper but feel a bit more sturdier which may be more suitable for a 4 year old, as i know most kids will not treat it with the best of care.