Learning "video game" recommendation 6yo

[womama]

I really want to get my ds a handheld video game-ish toy for his birthday.
I am out of touch with these things. I do not want to get him a full blown video game, like Nintendo or something like that. I am thinking more along the lines of a Leap Frog game. He loves playing games on my phone which is the reason I think he would like his own game device. He is also in the early stages of learning to read, so I am curious if there are any good games that are truly educational(help him work on sounding out words, identifying words, etc)?

Anyone have any advice?

[lonegirl]

My son is getting the Leapster Explorer...it is designed for the slightly older child (4-8) http://www.leapfrog.com/explorer/ . There are downloadable games/apps, additional accessories. We have the Leapster 2 which ds loves. The game Letters on the Loose was amazing for helping him learn to read. Each game breaks down what the focus of learning is (be it reading, math, colours, science etc).
I understand you want to go more educational and this is what I would recommend.

[womama]

Thank you!

That is exactly what I had in mind. I am also happy to hear that the educational/fun games really do work. I think he will love playing these types of games!