The GBA SP is a good choice for younger, and older kids, but I think 5 may be too young. The little boy I babysit for (will be 7 in December) just got his sister's old SP (she bought one of the new brighter screen ones). I looked it over not long after, and the screen was all scratched up and I could actually pull part of the screen off. Your son may treat his stuff different, but most boys tend to be rougher on toys/electronics/etc. Either way, a lot of titles that kids would like based on the game box covers require reading. I disagree! My son is 5 and takes very good care of it. We have a carrying case that he keeps it and the games in. He has had the GBA for 3 years. It keeps him occupied in the car, numerous sports events and etc... We keep it in the car!