> > If you want portable, the gameboy is the way to go-the playstation means you need to bring along a TV and it needs to be plugged in and everything. That being said, the game boy is probably not 125 dollars canadian (About 100 US dollars, no?) You're talking about the game boy advance, which is newer and better than the gameboy original, but can play all original game boy games as well as game boy advance games. You can probably get an original game boy for much cheaper.
> > However, the PSP-or Play Station Portable is very small and easy to carry around-still needs a TV, but it's not much of a hassle. The PSP is not the newest playstation out there, there's a Play Station 2 which can again play newer and better games as well as all old playstation games. It also has the bonus feature of being a DVD and music CD player.
> > In my opinion, the playstation or playstation 2 will get you more value for your money-the games generally take longer to complete than most game boy games and also has much more multiplayer ({so your kids can play together), but it really is up to you-it depends on if the portability, etc of the gameboy is worth it.
> > One thing you might not be aware of, though, is that you might not need to buy a system after all. Movie rental chains like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video (Or a canadian equivalent) will let you rent game systems for much cheaper than it costs to buy them-so if you're going up to the cabin for a week, you can just rent a system for a week and save money. If the kids are going to be playing it at home, or if you're traveling extensively, you might save money by buying a system though.
> > Last notes-You might get a better reply by posting on a dedicated video gaming board, or by asking your local video game retailer for advice.
>
> Wow - thanks for the advice. Suggestions as to which board might be a good place to post? I Googled it and was overwhelmed!
>
> teach

Honestly, posting anywhere with a large user base would be good, a lot of people would see your post and offer information.

That being said...

For ease and portability, I would definately go with the Gameboy. With a pretty good battery life and a large selection of games, especially older ones being marked down, the kids would have plenty to keep them busy. eBay or a local used video game store such as Game Stop, Funcoland, or a Canadian equivalent would be able to offer a large selection of games at discounted prices. If you go this route, definately invest in some rechargable batteries, they pay for themselves very, very soon!

The Playstation 1, (or Playstation) is also a good choice for its great selection of games, that since are on CD, are cheaper and many places sell them far cheaper than new games. It would, however, require a TV and external power source.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful.