Which Portable Gaming System for a Long Flight?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various portable gaming systems suitable for keeping children entertained during long flights, focusing primarily on the Nintendo DS and PSP. Participants share their personal experiences and preferences regarding these devices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions considering a Nintendo DS for their son to occupy him during a flight to China.
  • Another participant shares that their kids transitioned from Game Boy Advances to DSs, noting the DS's interactivity and compatibility with older games.
  • Several users express strong support for the DS, with one stating "DS all the way!"
  • One participant highlights that their 8-year-old prefers the PSP for its superior graphics, but acknowledges the DS's ability to play both DS and Game Boy Advance games.
  • Another participant points out that while the PSP has better graphics, the DS has a wider selection of game titles.
  • One participant shares their experience of purchasing a DS and DSi for their children, emphasizing the affordability and features of the DSi.
  • Another user recounts a long car trip where their children were quiet and engaged with their DS devices.
  • One participant notes that their DS battery life has diminished over time, leading to an upgrade to a DS Lite.
  • Another participant suggests that the DS is more suitable for younger children due to its durability compared to the PSP.
  • One participant expresses excitement about the DS's educational games, suggesting that they may be beneficial for children.
  • Several participants mention the availability of brain games for adults, with one specifically recommending a crossword puzzle game.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

General agreement exists among participants favoring the Nintendo DS for younger children, though some express a preference for the PSP based on graphics and features. No clear consensus emerges regarding which specific model is best.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with both the Nintendo DS and PSP, discussing their children's preferences and the suitability of each device for different ages.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents or guardians considering portable gaming systems for children, particularly for travel purposes, may find the shared experiences and opinions helpful.

pamperedlinda
Gold Member
Messages
10,156
I'm thinking about getting my son a Nintendo DS to keep him occupied on the long flight to China next month. Would you recommend the Nintendo DS or another one? I know nothing about these things so any advice is appreciated.
 
My kids just trade their gameboy advances for DSs. The DS is way more interactive and it will play the older games too. I don't remember how long the battery last tho.
 
DS all the way!
 
My boys love their DS's but my 8 yr old loves his PSP more. The good thing is the DS will play game boy advance games and Ds games.
 
The PSP has superior graphics but not many game titles. He NDS has far more titles available.The DSlite is thin and lightweight, the new DS allows downloading games.
 
My DH just got a DS and DSi for the two older boy's for Christmas. The best thing was it only cost $60 for both. He researched what handheld would be best for them and that is what he picked.

My oldest DS has a gameboy and still plays with it, I am sure he will be excited about the DSi he is getting. It has a digital camera, internet access and more features, that I can't remember. ;)
 
DS all the way - all 3 of my kids have one and they love them! We took a long trip to South Dakota from Illinois a couple of summers ago and you would have barely known the kids were even in the car (they were that quiet) and we were in the car some days for a 9 hour stretch. And they are very easy to use.
 
I'd go with the DS lite or DSi. My kids have had a DS for a while and it has gotten old enough that the battery is not holding a charge for very long. When I asked about buying a new battery for it I was told that the DS was being phased out and therefore they weren't "supporting it anymore". My kids were happy because they got upgraded to a DS lite.
 
We have both DS and PSP - Linda, your son is little, not sure how "responsible " he is but the PSP is very advanced compared to the DS, hence more fragile.... I would recommend the DS for you little man and let him get a PSP when he is older. Most kids his age have the DS or will be getting one - its more durable then PSP and the games are great and (some educational and fun!) Good luck!
 
PamperedDor said:
We have both DS and PSP - Linda, your son is little, not sure how "responsible " he is but the PSP is very advanced compared to the DS, hence more fragile.... I would recommend the DS for you little man and let him get a PSP when he is older. Most kids his age have the DS or will be getting one - its more durable then PSP and the games are great and (some educational and fun!) Good luck!

Well said Dor! I couldn't agree more!

Oh Linda, my 6 yo and 4 yo has the DS and now my 8 yo wants to buy one as well. OF course this was before the new DSi!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Thanks ya'll! I decided on the DS (not sure yet which DS yet). My neighbor told me that they also have great brain games for adults too and that I should pick up a game for myself while I'm at it.
 
Get the Crossword puzzle game! you'll be hooked!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
cwinter474 said:
Get the Crossword puzzle game! you'll be hooked!

I love crosswords!
 
Doesn't the DS have more educational games than the PSP, too? That's a huge plus, in my book.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best portable gaming systems for long flights?

The best portable gaming systems for long flights include the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, and the Steam Deck. Each offers a variety of games and features that can keep you entertained for hours.

How long does the battery last on these portable gaming systems?

The battery life varies by system. The Nintendo Switch typically lasts around 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the game being played. The PlayStation Vita has a battery life of about 3 to 5 hours, while the Steam Deck can last around 2 to 8 hours based on usage and settings.

Can I download games before my flight?

Yes, you can download games before your flight. Most portable gaming systems allow you to purchase and download games directly to the device, so you can have a selection ready to play offline during your flight.

Are there any games specifically recommended for long flights?

Yes, some great games for long flights include "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" for the Nintendo Switch, "Persona 4 Golden" for the PlayStation Vita, and "Hades" for the Steam Deck. These games offer engaging gameplay that can keep you occupied for extended periods.

Do I need to bring additional accessories for my portable gaming system?

While not necessary, bringing additional accessories can enhance your experience. Consider packing a portable charger, a carrying case, and headphones for a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming session during your flight.

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