Definitely HOT!! If you can understand English -language tamas the Color isn't hard to figure out. Also, you're raising only one character, not a family, so its kinda back to basics. With the on-board different places to go on it, you don't have to go online to Tamatown. True, the batteries don't last as long, but the screen darkens if you don't play with it for a few seconds. AAA batteries are available most anywhere, even gas stations and convenience stores, and you can get a bunch for little money at Walmart.