Buying a Portable Games system for kids

A portable gaming system is ideal for kids. It can keep them busy on long trips or car rides, or even just sitting at the doctor's surgery or in the supermarket. Better yet, it doesn't tie up the TV like the large games systems. The price is also right; they're usually far cheaper. But picking the right one can be tricky; there's a lot of choice out there! This guide will provide a short outline of each system, and its pros and cons. I'll start with the two most recent - the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS.Nintendo DSNintendo have a long and successful history in handheld gaming, and this is their most recent efforts. The DS can be recognized by its use of two separate screens, one on the system itself and one built into the lid. The lower screen is unusual in being touch-sensitive - you're provided with a little stylus to use, although many games also use the standard built-in buttons. Despite this unusual dimension, the system's controls are very simple to learn.The DS gees in two editions - the older, original DS, and the new DS Lite. The DS Lite is much thinner, and the screen is brighter - however, it's slightly less resilient than the older, bigger DS. That said, both editions are great for kids, because they can withstand being dropped - and the screens are protected by the closing lid. You have to be a little careful with the lid hinges on the new DS Lite though. Both systems gee in a variety of colours (including pink for the little princesses!). The older DS retails for about $100 (though you can find it much cheaper on here), and the DS Lite weighs in at about $130. Nintendo games are usually $35 new, and third party games are $30. Some of the older games now retail for $20 new. The games gee as little cards, which aren't vulnerable to getting scratched like CDs.And it's the games that really make this one of the best consoles for kids. Almost all the games that have been released are suitable for all ages, and also very easy to learn - the graphics are excellent but also simple, and the gameplay is easy to learn. Some of the most recognisable gaming brands have found a place here, and Nintendo have a great reputation for quality games. Look out for games released directly by them, since they are almost always excellent.I'd regemend the following for any child over 6: New Super Mario Brothers (everyone knows Mario!)Mario Kart DS (a Mario driving game - you can also connect to a friend's DS and race against them)Animal Crossing (a very unusual game....no violence or enemies, just a town where you can fish, talk to other animals, and decorate your own house)Super Princess Peach (a platform game - and instead of Mario rescuing the Princess, the Princess goes to rescue him!)Warioware (lots of very quick mini-games, like drawing shapes, inflating balloons, etc)Nintendogs (raise your own puppies!For slightly older kids, I'd regemend Super Mario 64 (a 3D Mario game), Phoenix Wright (a lawyer sim - more fun than it sounds, it plays out like a mystery puzzle game), Sonic Rush (a Sonic the Hedgehog running and jumping game, but a bit too difficult for younger kids), Mario