Handheld video games

My DD will be 6 in January. She has had a leapster since she was 3 or 4 and loves it but now it is not working that great. Debating what to get her to replace it. I was considering the leapster explorer or leappad since she can still use her leapster games on it but dont want her to outgrow the system too quickly. If I get her a DS, I would have to get her a least one game to go with it so I worry that this will get pricy. If I get her an itouch, can I block her buying anything?

Re: Handheld video games

if you get her an itouch, she would need to know your PW and have your CC info stored in the phone in order to buy anything.. I've never had a problem with that with my kids

Re: Handheld video games

My son has been using the DS since he was 6 then we upgraded to DSi when he turned 9. He uses it often and can play with other kids using their DS's. He will be 10 next week and still asks for games (he wants Cars2). He can go online but I have it blocked.
What are the appropriate ages for the LeapPad?

Re: Handheld video games

We are pretty much in the same situation. Emily's Leapster is really on the fritz, especially now that the 3yo that we babysit for plays with it! She's constantly dropping it and the screen isn't working properly and sometimes it just keeps turning off even if the batteries are new.

So it is at the point where it needs to be replaced. Most of the skills being taught in the games are below where Emily is functioning right now.

We will get her the DS for Christmas, and maybe one game. Other then that she is going to have ot use gift cards from her bday (she has $75 in target gift cards taht DH and I purposefully put to the side so that she can buy games after christmas) and she'll have to accumulate games over time. They are so expensive!

I just hope that we can find some good games that are at least somewhat educational. Maybe we can start a thread about that I don't want her to turn into a DS zombie head...but...I know she has pretty much outgrown her leapster also!