So you've been listening to your kid tell you all of the reasons why they need a Nintendo DSi.  I'm going to give you some grown up reasons why a Nintendo DSi can be an excellent 'toy' for your child.  And you might find yourself using it as well.  We bought our daughter the DSi when she was four years old.  Her cousins had one and had let her try it out.  She was thrilled to unwrap her own on Christmas morning.

Entertainment

Even the best parents need a break.  Sometimes you need something that can occupy your 4 year old long enough for you to get the laundry done or make dinner.  There are times when I think I appreciate the Nintendo DSi more than my daughter.  You will need to invest some time with your child to get him/her started.  But after they get the hang of using the DSi and find a game or activity they enjoy on it, you'll get your fifteen minutes of free time plus more. 

Educational

There are tons of games out there for the DSi.  Without a doubt, some that will interest your child's particular interests.  What I find more important is that there are software activities that you can purchase or download for the DSi that are actually educational.  Great games that will develop your child's reasoning and thinking skills as well as their hand/eye coordination.

Development

There are simple activities and games for the DSi that will teach and entertain a young child.  Our daughter began using her Nintendo DSi at age 4.  As your child grows and develops, the DSi will grow with them.  When they begin to read they will be able to use more advanced games and activities on their DSi that will continue to develop their reading abilities.  Assuming that you use a little parental wisdom and install some appropriate games for them. 

Technology

In our modern world children are going to be surrounded by technology and will need to know how to use it.  I think the Nintendo DSi is a great way to introduce kids to the types of technology that they will be experiencing as they grow up and go to school.  The DSi has some amazing technology built into it.  To begin with the reason for the (i) after the (DS) is that the DSi is wireless capable.  Assuming that you have a wireless router or network in your home you can browse for games, purchase them and download them directly to the console.  It will also connect to the Internet.  Although it certainly isn't the best method of browsing the web.  Pictures from the DSi can be sent directly to your online social network  (facebook, etc.)

Digital Camera(s)

The Nintendo DSi has two built in cameras and comes with some very cute software that allows your child to tweak, twist and bend pictures and place them into built-in backgrounds.  The cameras are also incorporated into some of the games.  I.e. sending kids on a picture scavenger hunt.  My daughter has yet to fill up the built in memory.  If she does, the DSi has an expandable memory.

Sound

The Nintendo DSi has a built in microphone.  It can record and playback sound, another feature which is incorporated into some of the games.  While I have not done so, music can be stored and played on the DSi.  The headphones that come with the DSi aren't the greatest and probably won't last too long but can be replaced with any standard headphones.

Battery Life

I have been very impressed with the battery life of the Nintendo DSi.  My daughter has used it for several days without having to recharge it.  When the battery does get low, simply plug the included cable in and keep on going.

Screens

The dual screen take a bit of getting used to but increase the usability of the DSi.  Two screens allow software to display two different things at once.   Only the lower screen is touch sensitive while the upper screen is for display only.  Your child can practice holding the stylus like a pencil or simply use their fingertip to interact with the DSi touch screen.

Bottom Line

There is more to describe about this incredible little game console then I can cram into this review.  For 170$ the Nintendo DSi is a great tool to invest in for your child.

Recommended: Yes