Thrifty Alternatives for Kids Game Systems
February 23, 2009 by Katelyn Thomas
Filed under Kid Stuff
Your little one fell in love with that Wii system an older relative has. However, you don’t have around $500 to spend on a game system, extra controller and a stack of games. There has to be a better option, right? Right!
Get an Out of Date System for Less
Our little guy actually got super excited about a reconditioned NES system we bought for $32. We dug out the huge box of games we played when we were young, loaded Duck Hunt and he beamed with happiness. So, if you have a stack of games for a system that no longer works, check around and see if you can find a cheap reconditioned system. Your little guy or gal is going to be so excited to have a game system of his or her own that it won’t matter if everything is brand spanking new or not.
If someone wants to own the Nintendo DS Lite, keep a close eye on sites like Game Stop over the next few months. A new DS system is coming out and there should be a ton of reconditioned game systems pouring in as people trade up for the newest model.
Check for Age Appropriate Game Systems
I saw an awesome alternative to a Wii at Target today. The V-Motion Active Learning System by V-Tech, the company that put out V-Smile. (My nephew has V-Smile and loves it.) The kids can move around as they play just like older kids with a Wii, but they are playing age appropriate games like Wonder Pets or Dora.
The big drawback is that the games seem to be for ages 3-6. So, if you’re buying it for a 3 year old, he or she will be bored with the system in 3 years. The big plus? $69.99. Games are $24.99. This may be something you can find on Craigslist lightly used if someone bought it for a 5 or 6 year old kid for Christmas, too.
Another option I liked was the Didg from Leapfrog. I love Leapfrog and we have the Leapster. The Didg is the next step up and seems like a great choice for a child that wants a Nintendo DS but is a little hard on toys. I checked out the Leapster website when I got home and there is one package that is really on sale – the Hannah Montana gift pack. Too bad my little saver is a bit young for this system because she would love it! $89 and free shipping for a game console, a game, a case and a customization kit. I checked around and there is a code on Dealtalker for $10 off $50, too.
Of course, if all else fails, you can encourage the child to save for the system of his or her dreams. You may be pleasantly surprised by the child’s willingness to save up for something he or she wants.
Do you have a thrifty solution for buying a cheap game system for a child?
Photo: via Target
Good idea about the reconditioned game system. That’s even a good gift idea for someone in their late 20s/early 30s who grew up with an NES. I would be so much fun to play the *original* Mario Bros!
Diane,
Now that you mention it, my brother has been spending an awful lot of time “helping” with ours!
Our kids have the DS and Wii, however we encourage them to swap games with their friends. When they have slumber parties the kids all bring the DS and extra games and by the next morning, each one is the owner of at least one new game. That way at least we don’t have to buy many games. A handful of games are good for a year or so of trading, so we can triple and quadruple or money. I know it is not a substitute, but it is good if your kids have those systems.
Chris,
I think that’s a great idea and it is green, too, since they aren’t just buying more and more games. Trading games allows kids to give games they’ve outgrown or are just tired of playing a new home.