The GameBoy Advance is an Edutaining Kids Recommended product (with the SP edition featuring significant improvements to warrant its purchase). It's a fantastic portable gaming platform. 

GameBoy Advance Videos are now available for the platform. Kids can't interact with them, but for owners of the GameBoy Advance, these videos can bring welcome relief when families with young children are travelling—whether it's to the grocery store or to another city. Families can also take the videos along on trips to the doctor's office or any situation when kids have to wait patiently. The videos feature episodes of popular TV series in full color. Of course, the screen is only approximately 1.5 by 2.5 inches big, and the sound quality is not fantastic. However, kids love the videos. If big brother or sister already owns a GBA, many families will want to purchase at least one GBA Video for their preschoolers. Older kids might enjoy the videos as well, but usually don't enjoy watching them again and again. Preschoolers, however, are notorious for watching the same videos over and over. 

GameBoy Advance Video: Dora the Explorer Volume 1 features 2 full Dora episodes, Three Little Piggies and Big River. Dora and Boots are visiting three little pigs when they escape the pen. Where are they going? With the help of Map and Backpack, the duo set out to find the pigs. In the next episode, Dora is fishing at the river when Boots the monkey's boots get pulled down the river. Again, Dora and Boots set out on an adventure, this time to find the monkey's beloved boots, always watching out for Swiper the fox.

Each Dora the Explorer video features the same predictable format—something young kids have come to rely upon. Early learning concepts, such as counting and colors, are always featured in the series. 

This product runs 44 minutes total, and features the ability to pause the movie, control brightness, move to the previous or next chapter (using the Left and Right buttons), as well as fast forward and rewind capabilities. Parents are able to lock the directional pad control so that kids are unable to fast forward or rewind the movie.

Many children are attracted to the VideoNow unit, but if you already own a GameBoy Advance, these videos make more sense. If it comes down to a choice between purchasing a VideoNow or a GameBoy Advance, keep in mind that the GameBoy Advance can do a lot more than just play videos. We recommend the GBA system.

Pros:   Excellent for passing time on car trips and situations when young children have to wait. Two full episodes with chaptering, fast forward and rewind, and pause features.

Cons:   A tad pricey Sound quality is not perfect, although young children are unlikely to notice.

Our Rating: A

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Game Boy Advance Video: Dora the Explorer, Vol. 1]

Reviewed December 2004

To Buy this Video for the Gameboy Advance:

Buy Game Boy Advance Video: Dora the Explorer, Vol. 1 at Amazon.com

Buy Dora The Explorer Volume #1 at Amazon.ca

Edutaining Kids Recommendation:

If you are purchasing a GameBoy Advance, consider the GameBoy Advance SP, because its lit screen and rechargeable batteries are important and valuable features.   

Game Boy Advance SP- Flame