What is the best handheld gaming device for kids and families? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Leapster, Nintendo DS, Sony and PSP? What accessories do I need? What is the target age group for each system?
There are many questions and options when it comes down to selecting the right handheld entertainment and gaming device for your kids.
We put all systems to the test, and here is what we think.
Watch our exclusive KidConfidence Handheld Buyers Guide to learn more about the Pros and Cons of each system. (more…)
Mario Party for the handheld Nintendo DS is the first portable version of the popular Mario Party videogame series. The game can be best described as electronic (virtual) board game, reminiscent to Monopoly and the Game of Life. (more…)
“Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day” is the official sequel to Nintendo’s surprise hit “Brain Age: Train you Brain in Minutes a Day” for the handheld Nintendo DS.
For those new to the game, the concept is simple: Brain Age offers small and easy to understand, but hard to master mini games geared towards Teens and Adults. The games are designed to keep your synapses firing. At the end of each session the game will calculate your “brain age” – the lower the number the younger your brain. And as with all type of exercises, you are encouraged to do it often to see real improvement. (more…)
The LeapFrog “Leapster” Learning Game System and the newer LeapFrog “Leapster L-Max” Learning Game System are educational handheld devices, aimed at 4 to 10 year olds.
The device was originally released in 2003 and is currently the best-selling handheld edutainment device of its kind. The Leapster has undergone multiple revisions, mostly optimizing shape and size.
The only difference between the slightly more expensive Leapster L-Max and the Leapster is an optional TV Output. The TV-Out enables players to connect the Leapster L-Max to a standard RCA Composite Video and RCA Stereo Plug using the supplied A/V cable.
Tom Crago, CEO of Tantalus Interactive and President of the Australian Game Developers Association GDAA, gave us some insight into the game development industry from Down Under and the new released game “Pony Friends” (Nintendo DS).
Pony Friends Pony Friends allows players to choose from 6 breeds and create and customize their very own pony. Three ponies can be kept in the stable at any one time. Players have to make sure their pony is well groomed, clean and happy, as well as take it for trail rides to keep it fit. While riding, the player must watch out for birds, animals and hidden rare items to collect. The game uses the stylus to feed, pet, brush, shampoo and condition the pony. Other features include: New trail entrances and hidden gifts by touching the screen on a trail ride. Spotting animals on trail rides with the stylus. Using the stylus to write the name of the pony; Placing rosettes and updating a diary; Using the stylus to remove stones from the pony’s shoes.
About Tantalus Interactive: Tantalus has developed over twenty titles on all platforms since its debut on the SNES in 1994. With a renewed focus on quality, the last three years have seen Tantalus begin to realize the great potential of it’s talent base and technology. The Melbourne based studio makes games for the current generation of consoles and for the major handheld devices presently on the market. Over forty developers are currently employed, led by some of the video game world’s most experienced Programming and Artistic talent.
About the GDAA: The Game Developers’ Association of Australia (GDAA) was formed in December 1999 and launched at the inaugural Australian Game Developers’ Conference (AGDC) in Sydney. The GDAA was created by leading developers to increase the profile of the Australian interactive game industry both domestically and internationally.
