Handheld/video games for Christmas

It's all so confusing!! Trying to decide between:
LeapFrog: Leapfrog Explorer, Leapster 2, LeapPad;
Vtech: MobiGo, Inotab.
And last choice: none!

I'd prefer none, I just think DD (5) is too young to start getting hooked on these games. She doesn't play any video games at home, and am proud that I've been able to hold her off this long. BUT, she is now begging me for a Nintendo DS. DH tells me we are not getting her one, since they are $170 and we both feel she won't take care of it properly.

So, of the systems listed above, please give your opinions, suggestions, experiences, etc.

I wish there was some sort of website I could go to that would compare, by way of a checklist, which system did what.

ETA: if it makes a difference, I think I'm going to get her the LeapFrog Tag system for learning to read.

Message edited 11/14/2011 2:19:51 PM.

Re: Handheld/video games for Christmas

I got my DS a mobigo for his upcoming b-day, with the hopes that perhaps his aunt or uncles might want to get him a game for Christmas.

I heard good things about the mobigo, and have great experience with other electronic toys that DS had that were made by VTech. We have also been trying out the units in the aisle at Target and DS really preferred both of the Vtech toys to the Leapfrog ones, so I went with the mobigo.

I didn't do a kid's tablet because I do have an iTouch that I let him play from time to time and I figured it's just cheaper to buy new apps than to get new games. So, I can give him the mobigo to play independently and use the iTouch when he has supervision.

Someone lent us the tag reader for him to try out, though, and that thing is really cool!

Re: Handheld/video games for Christmas

i love all leapfrog products. DS is only 2 but loves his tag jr learning system. We are going to get him the leappad for Christmas because its compatible with all the leapster games that my sister is going to hand down to us from her DS and i can also purchase apps. It also has a camera and video recorder which now saves us from having to worry about buying/asking for a separate camera. He played with it at target and loved it. He also played with my sisters ipad and was so good with the toddler games and touch screen. I think hes gonna love it! We may get him his own leapster 2 since its on sale on black friday at tru for only $25. Figure we can take that on the go with some games to keep him entertained.

Re: Handheld/video games for Christmas

Thanks ladies. Who else has experience with these?

Re: Handheld/video games for Christmas

I was going to get either the leapster explorer or leap pad. I have heard good things from friends IRL about hte explorer. (I think I saw a black friday ad where its going to be $25)

The leap pad might be the best of both for your DD. It has a camera, you can download aps OR use the leapster games. I decided against it after reading reviews from people whose kids use the ipod products (touch or ipad) they said the relay time was too slow after using hte apple ones (which my DS uses well)

We decided on the DS for our 4yo simply because he has already taken over our ipod touch and takes care of it, loves his vsmile games so we know he is ready.

If my DS had never used one a gaming system before I would go with the leap pad.

PS DS has the tag jr since he was 2 and loves it. We just bought him the regular tag for christmas - Costco has a great set, $45 for 12 books and the pen.

Message edited 11/16/2011 5:37:09 PM.