Should I buy my 9 year old son a PSP for his 10th birthday next month?

Question

I have been told that it's a great toy, kids love it. I have also been told that it's just too much for a child of his age.

Answer 1

I believe its a great toy also, 2 of my kids have them (one is 11 yrs old, the other 15) I havent paid too much attention to the games so I cant really comment on that but I know they can watch movies on the PSP also hooks up to the computer or tv so it really does more than just play games. Here is the problem my kids have though......THEY WONT TURN IT OFF! I had to lay the law down! My 11 yr old was up playing it all night long (while I was sound asleep)!!!! I finally had to put my foot down, "its addicting" he says with a smirk on his face. So that would be another thing to consider when trying to decide to buy one or not.

Answer 2

Personally I would go for the Nintendo DS lite. Here are the reasons

1. The DS lite, in my opinion, has games which are more fun. While the PSP does have some great games, the DS lite has really entertaining games. I recently have been addicted to "Brain Age" which is actually a game which improves your cognitive skills! It's their best seller! Also, there is a HUUUGE list of games for the DS that range in maturity level. That way when your boy wants "one of the games the big boys play" he shouldn't have an issue.

2. The DS lite is much cheaper. It is $130. The PSP is $200.

3. For the money you get so much. The system has TWO screens. One is a touch screen, the other is a standard lcd screen. The games utilize this really well! Instead of using buttons, you use a stylus to play your games (in addition to the buttons). The system also has WiFi which allows it to connect wirelessly to other DS (even non-lite) ones and play multiplayer games.

4. The advantage of the PSP is the fact that it has a number of movies you can watch, has better screen, and is for a more mature audience. Although personally I DO NOT feel that violent video games have a detrimental effect on children (me being one of those children in the past), you are the parent and you should take into consideration that the PSP supports a large number of M rated games. (M rated games are only supposed to be sold to 18+ yr. old) This may be a concern to you as a parent.

5. Personally, I think the PSP is a great system, but your 10 yr old boy will not enjoy most of its features. I believe that he will have muuuuch more fun with a Nintendo DS lite. It is more durable, looks better, and is more interactive.

6. The PSP can be easily damaged.

Check this link out:
http://www.nintendo.com/systemsds

Answer 3

I'd go for a Nintendo DS instead. My kids have them, and they have provided hours of fun. The DS costs about $100 less than the PSP, is more durable, and has a larger selection of games that are more age appropriate for your son.

The PSP is very fragile, and has a poor selection of games overall, with even fewer geared towards your son's age. The PSP has so few games, in fact, that it's mostly used to watch movies. And who wants a collection of movies that can only be watched on a 3 inch screen?

Opt for the DS.

Answer 4

For my younger son, age 10, I did a Nintendo SP(DS is good too), and my older son, age 16, got the PSP. I did it this way because cost wise, an SP is easier to replace if lost, broken or stolen. It's system is around $80.00 and new games are around $35.00. Because with age comes more responsibility, my older son got the more expensive system $200.00, and games $50.00 each. Just keep in mind, the PSP is delicate, and so are the games. If he is pretty responsible, and takes good care of his things, then you might give it a try, if you do, I suggest Lumines, its fun, no violence, and is alot like Tetris.

Answer 5

It is too much for a child of his age; most of the games for the PSP are marketed towards teens and older.

Get him a DS instead, it has better games anyway

Answer 6

if you son is behaving then sure why not..dont just buy it to buy it...you know what i mean....and when if you do get it dont let him make it his life you know....my kids have the psp but they are only allowed to play for a certain amount of time each day and during school no games...so just make sure he doesn't become game freak some kids tend to fall into that....hope he has a great birthday

Answer 7

I have the PSP myself. It's great. It plays videos, internet, games, and music. But I would say no. Most of the games and movies are for older kids. I would give it to him when he gets in the 6th or 7th grade. My friend's brother got one and he was 7. He broke it after 1 month. The kids like it, but once they get it they're going to play it, and then get tired of it after one week. You could rent one for him though. I hope my advice heps you.

Answer 8

Nah. It's too expensive and most of the games are aimed for teens and older. It'll be hard to find a good game for a kid his age. Does he have a Nintendo DS? Those are cheaper and most of the games are kid-friendly.

Answer 9

He needs a rechargable 4 wheeler! they're priced round 60-80$ relies upon. yet he can be a lil 2 mature. except he don't have a bike. perchance an rechargable mini (youthful little ones) scooter =) yet their's no way a boy can lose interest of an xbox quite if u have information superhighway!

Answer 10

buy him a ds instead it is more appropiate for his age and has better games for him besides sonypsp might stop making the games anymore because no one is buying the psp