Can anyone explain modern handheld Nintendos?

[monantony]

My 6 year old is finally getting the idea he needs a "DS"....Some of his peers have a DS so he has to have one. Good enough, I figure he can sell a few of his toys and finance the purchase (mostly?) of a decent used DS.
But WTF, there is DS, DS lite and DSi, is that the right chronological order?

Whats ultimately the better one to get? The DSi seems to be backward compatible (??) with pretty much all the ds/lite games...?
With this stuff I am completely 100% in the dark...
Any help
Thanks
Tony

[Oldskool]

All DS's have double screens, that's why it's called DS. The first DS was larger than the DS Lite, and most have a screen that's not as bright as the DS lite, although some do, but they are rare. The buttons are larger than the lite, and it plays Gameboy Advance games, which might be a good start actually for a young child. Because some of the Gameboy Advance games are pretty kid friendly.

The DS Lite is basically the same as the original DS but it's smaller. The screen sizes are the same. And also the buttons are smaller. The screens are MUCH brighter and more clear than on the DS original (or some people call them the DS phat). The DS Lite also plays Gameboy Advance games as well.

The DSi is larger than the DS Lite, and it's the first DS to actually have larger screens as well. It also has a built in camera, and you can download DSware games from Nintendo via the built in Wifi.

Then there is the DSi XL. It has the same features as the DSi like being able to download DSi-ware games from Nintendo and the built in camera, only difference are the screens are even LARGER. This DS has the largest screens of all of them. Might be too big for a 6 year old.

All DS's have built in WiFi, but the DS and DS Lite cannot download new games, only play games in multiplayer. And all DS's can play all DS games, they are all backward compatible with the DS games. But remember, only the original and the Lite can play the Gameboy Advance games.

My recommendation would be to find a used DS original, or a DS Lite. If you get used one, beware of broken hinges, the newer DS Lites don't have a hinge problem (like the ones at the store right now). They are more affordable and they can play Gameboy Advance games which are plentiful and cheap - and there are a lot of good ones for children. Of course many of the DS games are great for children too, but some of them might be too advanced for a kid just starting out.

The DSi and DSi XL might be too much for him to handle, but you might like it.

Then finally, there is a new DS coming out soon, which is not out yet called the 3DS, and it has a real 3D screen without having to wear 3D glasses. This will be the cream of the crop DS and it might just be a bit too much for the little fellow to handle.

So my recommendation for the little guy. The DS Lite only because of the smaller size and brighter screens. His fingers should be fine on the smaller buttons. If he's not that agile yet with a game controller I'd recommend the original DS since the buttons are larger. And being 6 years old I'm sure he won't complain of the brightness, it still looks good - and he can tell his friends that he does indeed have a DS.

Here is a link with DETAILED information about the DS. And also links to the other types of DS handhelds that are out there. I'd suggest reading it, it really explains things well.

Let me break it down a bit more simpler for you:

DS VERSION Wifi Screen Buttons DSiware Gameboy Advance

Original yes normal large no yes
Lite yes normal but brighter small no yes
DSi + camera yes larger small yes no
DSi XL + cam yes largest small yes no
3DS (3D cam) yes 2 different sizes small yes no

It's too bad Nintendo has to confuse us with so many freaking handhelds.

I am not sure if the 3DS will have backwards compatibility with the normal non-3D DS games, but it BETTER.

Also, I believe that starting with the DSi and the DSi XL, and especially the 3DS, they actually have faster processors, although they'll play the DS games the same.

More information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS

[8bitgamer]

All DS's have double screens, that's why it's called DS. The first DS was larger than the DS Lite, and most have a screen that's not as bright as the DS lite, although some do, but they are rare. The buttons are larger than the lite, and it plays Gameboy Advance games, which might be a good start actually for a young child. Because some of the Gameboy Advance games are pretty kid friendly.

The DS Lite is basically the same as the original DS but it's smaller. The screen sizes are the same. And also the buttons are smaller. The screens are MUCH brighter and more clear than on the DS original (or some people call them the DS phat). The DS Lite also plays Gameboy Advance games as well.

The DSi is larger than the DS Lite, and it's the first DS to actually have larger screens as well. It also has a built in camera, and you can download DSware games from Nintendo via the built in Wifi.

Then there is the DSi XL. It has the same features as the DSi like being able to download DSi-ware games from Nintendo and the built in camera, only difference are the screens are even LARGER. This DS has the largest screens of all of them. Might be too big for a 6 year old.

All DS's have built in WiFi, but the DS and DS Lite cannot download new games, only play games in multiplayer. And all DS's can play all DS games, they are all backward compatible with the DS games. But remember, only the original and the Lite can play the Gameboy Advance games.

My recommendation would be to find a used DS original, or a DS Lite. If you get used one, beware of broken hinges, the newer DS Lites don't have a hinge problem (like the ones at the store right now). They are more affordable and they can play Gameboy Advance games which are plentiful and cheap - and there are a lot of good ones for children. Of course many of the DS games are great for children too, but some of them might be too advanced for a kid just starting out.

The DSi and DSi XL might be too much for him to handle, but you might like it.

Then finally, there is a new DS coming out soon, which is not out yet called the 3DS, and it has a real 3D screen without having to wear 3D glasses. This will be the cream of the crop DS and it might just be a bit too much for the little fellow to handle.

So my recommendation for the little guy. The DS Lite only because of the smaller size and brighter screens. His fingers should be fine on the smaller buttons. If he's not that agile yet with a game controller I'd recommend the original DS since the buttons are larger. And being 6 years old I'm sure he won't complain of the brightness, it still looks good - and he can tell his friends that he does indeed have a DS.

Here is a link with DETAILED information about the DS. And also links to the other types of DS handhelds that are out there. I'd suggest reading it, it really explains things well.

Let me break it down a bit more simpler for you:

DS VERSION Wifi Screen Buttons DSiware Gameboy Advance

Original yes normal large no yes
Lite yes normal but brighter small no yes
DSi + camera yes larger small yes no
DSi XL + cam yes largest small yes no
3DS (3D cam) yes 2 different sizes small yes no

It's too bad Nintendo has to confuse us with so many freaking handhelds.

I am not sure if the 3DS will have backwards compatibility with the normal non-3D DS games, but it BETTER.

Also, I believe that starting with the DSi and the DSi XL, and especially the 3DS, they actually have faster processors, although they'll play the DS games the same.

More information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS

This is why the DP boards are great. Excellent job breaking things down for the potential DS buyer.

[monantony]

Wow, thanks so much Oldskool! I am torn ....Maybe I will just get a DS and be able to pick up a big bunch of advance games....He doesnt need anything crazy cutting edge, but the leapster is a bore for him.

I/he is selling his power wheels to finance this :)


Tony

[walrusmonger]

I would go w/ a used DS lite, the original ds might be a little too big for a 6 year old to hold and use for extended periods of time.

[pepharytheworm]

DS's can play all DS games

Not totally true. Games that utilize the GBA slot will only play on the DS original and Lite. Any game that uses a camera, like Foto Showdown, will only work on DSi and XL versions. But theres not many that aren't combatible with all DS's, less than 5 I think.

Guitar Hero on Tour
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades
Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits
Foto Showdown

some Pokemon loses some functionality on the DSi, if you want to carry over some pokemon from the GBA games. Same goes for TMNT 3: Mutant Nightmare you could get extras from GBA TMNT games.

[Press_Start]

Here's a little cheat sheet to help keep things simple. ;)

DS = Dual-Screen + Stylus Control + WiFi + GBA BC (Backward Compatibility)
DS Lite = DS Pint-Size
DSi = DS + camera + DSiware - GBA
DSi XL = DSi "Super-sized"

Hope this helps.

[NE146]

Oooh here's a chance to post my picture again!.... if you want a comparison that is :D DS, DSLite, DSi, DSXL. And a G&W thrown in for kicks.

Of course just ignore the PSP, and the GBASP on top :p


http://www.users.uswest.net/%7Ebapcruz/dk2.jpg

[Oldskool]

:hail::hail::hail::hail::hail:

Love the old dual screen Game & Watch.

Is the XL comfortable to hold and play at the same time? Or do you find yourself putting it on a table to play with it.

[Ze_ro]

Short Answer: Just get a DS Lite.

--Zero

[PapaStu]

Not totally true. Games that utilize the GBA slot will only play on the DS original and Lite. Any game that uses a camera, like Foto Showdown, will only work on DSi and XL versions. But theres not many that aren't combatible with all DS's, less than 5 I think.

Guitar Hero on Tour
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades
Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits
Foto Showdown

some Pokemon loses some functionality on the DSi, if you want to carry over some pokemon from the GBA games. Same goes for TMNT 3: Mutant Nightmare you could get extras from GBA TMNT games.

It's a bit more than that, and people are making this way more confusing than it really is.

All DS incarnations (DS, DSLite, DSi and DSi XL) all play 99.9% of the available DS games out there. The push is between the DS/DSLite and the DSi/DSi XL in the 'second' slot functionality.

The DS/DSLite cannot play currently 3 'DSi' exclusive retail games (not to mention anything about the DSiWare network of downloadable games, which as stated above the DS/DSLite cannot access). Nintendo at first was smart enough to release these in white cases (Picture Perfect and System Flaw) but they are still easily tellable as they have a different spine logo and a nice red notification on the front that they are DSi exclusive games.

DSi Exclusives:
Foto Showdown
Picture Perfect Hair Salon
System Flaw


The DSi/DSi XL cannot play any games that require something plugged into the second (GBA) slot and any early DS game that had GBA compatability will also loose that function, but no DS game 'needs' that function to play.

DS Games that won't work on DSi:
Band Hero
Easy Piano: Play & Compose
Guitar Hero: On Tour
Guitar Hero: On Tour: Decades
Guitar Hero: On Tour: Modern Hits
My Weight Loss Coach


Honestly for your 6 year old son, get him a used system, of the DS Lite variety. It'll be cheaper and the screen is better than the DS screen. With a DSi you run the risk of losing the Download games (if you bought him any) if he loses or trashes the system.

The XL isn't so heavy it needs a table or anything, but its more expensive and really is a bit of overkill for your son when you're not really sure what he should be getting.

[kupomogli]

Short Answer: Just get a DS Lite.

If you want to experience the worst control pad on any handheld.

[Flack]

I have an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old, both of which enjoy the DS Lite. (That is, until the 5-year-old tossed hers into the bathtub ...) With the DSi and the announcement of the new 3D DS, used DS Lites should be getting pretty cheap by now.

The only thing I didn't see mentioned was that many flashcarts don't work on the newer DSi. If you don't know what a flashcart is, don't worry about it.

[Ed Oscuro]

RE: Oldskool - I don't think it's right to say that a screen is "too big" for kids. Your mother told you not to read with the lights off, or watch TV in a dark room, right? Different principle but when you're talking about inches I don't think it's a bad idea to prevent eyestrain from squinting in youngsters. The only thing I can think of with larger screens is the need for more eye movement, which also leads to eyestrain...but that's the lesser of two evils here, I think.

If you want to experience the worst control pad on any handheld.
My experience has been that the ergonomics of the Lite are the worst for any handheld I've used (not including the GBAs as I eventually got a Player when the GBA was current). It's not that it's a worse design than other machines, all-around, but rather that it tries to fit buttons into that design that push it past the comfort zone for me.

Reason being that you've got shoulder buttons (and the lousy d-pad as you mentioned) on a rectangular box.

Ironically, I didn't realize HOW bad the ergonomics can be until playing a first-party title, Metroid: Zero Mission, on the Lite recently. Hand cramps galore. Aside from perhaps Contra 4 (can't remember, honestly), no other DS games I have really shown up the shortcomings of form over function in the DS series like Zero Mission.

For most games it's been perfectly adequate, even reliably seeing me through some tricky maze sections of Gradius Galaxies unscathed.

But Nintendo can do better...I think it's just a matter of pride over the square d-pad (patent or trademark, don't remember) that they don't.

-----

Back on topic, the 3DS thing has me confused. First, 3D isn't effective for me, so Nintendo is going to have to convince people like me that it's worth subsizing a gimmick we'd never use (3D) so other people can have it, when what we really want is the most game for the lowest price. Second, the E3 coverage brought to mind that the NDS seems to have had an awful lot of big revisions that impact backwards compatibility. There was really nothing like that on the GBA; I don't think it was until the DS that original Game Boy compatibility was dropped (well, maybe in the Micro too).

For myself, I'd just get an original GBA game and be happy. The GBA was really a golden era for affordable 2D gaming, and you get a lot of enjoyment for the buck, and it can't hurt to explore with your kid the idea that you don't need to follow the marketing to have a great time.

[monantony]

I have an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old, both of which enjoy the DS Lite. (That is, until the 5-year-old tossed hers into the bathtub ...) With the DSi and the announcement of the new 3D DS, used DS Lites should be getting pretty cheap by now.

The only thing I didn't see mentioned was that many flashcarts don't work on the newer DSi. If you don't know what a flashcart is, don't worry about it.

Hmmm I think I know. I have a Sean Kelly mutlicart...but I do see carts on craigslist with "100 games" on them.....I guess you can hook em up and flash what you want onto them...

I have two people inquiring about the power wheels...Soon as I get (My son gets) that cash we'll be closer to pulling the trigger.
Thanks guys
Tony

[PapaStu]

@ Ed and Kupo, you two are over 18 and are fully grown, with big hands. This is a 6 year old. His hands won't be cramped. I do agree that the lite DS pad sucks, but again, considering the receiving party it will be JUST FINE.

[megasdkirby]

If you want to experience the worst control pad on any handheld.

I've never had that problem, though it can be a little cramp, as some have described.

I have big, fat ass hands and I am still able to control, hold, and play nicely on my DS Lite.


The only thing I didn't see mentioned was that many flashcarts don't work on the newer DSi. If you don't know what a flashcart is, don't worry about it.

Like Flack said. Although some will work with the DSi, you need to find those particular ones. They aren't that hard to identify, with a little research.

[Jorpho]

There are also a bazillion different attachable hand grips for the DS Lite that can solve cramping issues. Some of them even offer extra storage capacity for carts, extra battery life, or bigger speakers. I love this thing:
http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Lite-Swing-out-Grip-Case/dp/B000IOGZ8O/

[Flashback2012]

Upon looking at that pic, it appears the DSi XL isn't that much bigger than the original DS. I've been making due with the original DS for a while now but it's been super tempting to get the DSi bundle with Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.

[Swamperon]

Also the DSi is region-locked. This probably won't be a issue for a 6yr old but as a resident of the UK it's rather annoying. I only hope the 3DS doesn't carry this "feature".

[Oldskool]

I never said that the screen was too large for a child, I don't think. What I meant was that for a 6 year old the XL it'self might be just a tad bit large to sit there and hold for long periods of time. The lite is .. well.. Light. And the screens are just fine, I have no problem seeing them myself. And really, the whole hand cramping thing is not going to happen to a 6 year old, plenty of room for him. Hell even my hands at 33 have no issue with it.

Maybe I was getting too technical with my first post, I was just trying to explain in detail the differences between each handheld.

But yeah, to keep it simple, find him a used DS or DS lite and he should be happy with it. And while you are at it, pick up a second one so that you can your son can play some two player! (note that MANY of the games only require one cart to play two players, the second player simply "downloads" the game from the first player via WiFi - but is cleared once you power down the handheld)


RE: Oldskool - I don't think it's right to say that a screen is "too big" for kids. Your mother told you not to read with the lights off, or watch TV in a dark room, right? Different principle but when you're talking about inches I don't think it's a bad idea to prevent eyestrain from squinting in youngsters. The only thing I can think of with larger screens is the need for more eye movement, which also leads to eyestrain...but that's the lesser of two evils here, I think.

[PapaStu]

Upon looking at that pic, it appears the DSi XL isn't that much bigger than the original DS. I've been making due with the original DS for a while now but it's been super tempting to get the DSi bundle with Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.

The footprint there doesn't look much different, but put the screens up to each other and it'll look puny in comparison. Besides the DSi bundle w/ Mario & Luigi isn't an XL.



Also the DSi is region-locked. This probably won't be a issue for a 6yr old but as a resident of the UK it's rather annoying. I only hope the 3DS doesn't carry this "feature".

The systems are region locked because of the DSiWare store. Retail games themselves are not locked, just the DL games from the store.

The 3DS will be region locked as well because it will access the DSiWare store also.

[jonebone]

DS Lite without a doubt. They are also very affordible now that the DSi's have come around.

[kupomogli]

The original Phat DS are more affordable than the DS Lite and they don't suck. I'd see if you can find one of those. I was going to pick up a DSi XL, but Nintendo's 3DS was leaked so they announced it at E3. I'm just going to get the 3DS and hope six months later they don't come out with 3DS Lite XL³. Please wait atleast two years before you announce another revision, and hopefully the first version is better.

[BetaWolf47]

Short Answer: Just get a DS Lite.
--Zero
I'd actually go with a DSi at this point. I got a Mario edition DS Lite for my birthday in 2008, and I'm quite disappointed in the build quality. I've handled it like a delicate flower, but since Nintendo went for looks over durability with this thing, it's gotten messed up anyways.

The outer layer of paint is wearing off just from being in my pocket. The pointlessly glossy shell makes scratching unavoidable. Worst of all, it's getting white spots on certain areas for absolutely no reason, like how certain SNESes turn yellow over time. Also, while I haven't experienced this issue personally, the shoulder buttons are infamous for having very low build quality.

You have to factor in whether your son wants to play GBA games, have rumble, and play Guitar Hero or not. If he does, I'd say look for an original model that was well taken care of. If not, go for a DSi. He might actually appreciate having fun with the cameras. And you, as a parent, might appreciate the better build quality.

[Oldskool]

Sounds like you got an early version of the Lite. They were plagued with bad hinges, bad shoulder buttons, etc etc. The ones that are in the stores now have been beefed up a bit and are a bit more reliable. Looking at the hinges on mine, I can see no reason whatsoever that the hinges will break unless the sucker is dropped.

I've found that it's a finger print magnet, but not a scratch magnet. But I keep mine in pretty good shape and handle it carefully.

You should be able to find a good condition DS Phat for $50 or less. A used Lite is around that price, maybe a bit more around $60.

[monantony]

ended up winning a near mint lite with 6 games, charger etc for $100...
Seemed reasonable
Tony

[betamax001]

ended up winning a near mint lite with 6 games, charger etc for $100...
Seemed reasonable
Tony

Yeah that's not bad. Hopefully you don't have the earlier junky model, but only time will tell. I just recently bought a replacement DS around Xmas to replace my lost/stolen Phat one. I like the bright screens alot, but the buttons are too small for my hands, nothing terrible, but its adequete. I hope the 3DS has bigger buttons.

[Swamperon]

The systems are region locked because of the DSiWare store. Retail games themselves are not locked, just the DL games from the store.

The 3DS will be region locked as well because it will access the DSiWare store also.

Yeah I'm aware why it's region locked, but I heard that DSi exclusive games, of which there are very few of, are region locked as well.

If this is the case, then 3DS will be totally region locked, meaning I would miss out on many niche games that make it to America but not Europe.

[kupomogli]

If this is the case, then 3DS will be totally region locked, meaning I would miss out on many niche games that make it to America but not Europe.

If it's true that DSi is region locked it doesn't necessarily mean 3DS will be. The reason for this is that it's impossible for the 3DS to fit into a standard DS. There's an extra piece of plastic on the top not allowing the game to be inserted. If they're region locked, maybe they're region locked because they all have the same size as the standard DS.

I think this is similar to GBC games where there, instead of the top portion going in, like on GB games, the top portion went out, making it impossible to play "only for GBC" games on the GB.

[BetaWolf47]

Sounds like you got an early version of the Lite. They were plagued with bad hinges, bad shoulder buttons, etc etc. The ones that are in the stores now have been beefed up a bit and are a bit more reliable. Looking at the hinges on mine, I can see no reason whatsoever that the hinges will break unless the sucker is dropped.
Again, I got mine in 2008. It was a special edition model that launched the day I got it. I don't have the shoulder button issue or d-pad issue. I'm just mad that crap is still happening to it even though I'm handling it with really good care.

[NE146]

I'll be honest that when I played my DSi for a while, it made it hard to go back to a DSLite. The screen difference might not look like much, but the DSi is just so much clearer, and you also do notice the size difference after you put in some good time on a DSi. Ironically though, I have no problems playing on the DSi after playing the DSi XL. So go figure.

Anyway, going back to the question, yeah I'd probably go for a DSLite for a kid if I want something cheap and for GBA games. But depending on the kid (and if you dont care for GBA games), I'd think a DSi is the overall better choice for 1) the camera which kids love; and 2) the extra apps/stuff you can get in the nintendo store.

[Jorpho]

Surely the camera can't be much of a selling point? You could undoubtedly buy a much, much nicer used digital camera for a substantially lower price.

[NE146]

Surely the camera can't be much of a selling point? You could undoubtedly buy a much, much nicer used digital camera for a substantially lower price.

One's a real camera you use for actual pictures.

The other is a fun-little face stretching 2 lens gizmo camera that's fun for kids (and others) and is built into the DSi and can even work with some games.

I'm not sure what's the confusion :p

[talmadgetab]

Sure it's easier to browse through menus and such, but the current Nintendo DS relies on the stylus for touch accuracy. Which would be a lot harder with a capacitive touch-screen.

[jonebone]

Again, I got mine in 2008. It was a special edition model that launched the day I got it. I don't have the shoulder button issue or d-pad issue. I'm just mad that crap is still happening to it even though I'm handling it with really good care.

I think it's just you. I have the same exact Mario red DS Lite special edition that came bundled with the New Mario DS. I got it in March 2009 and have beaten about 7 or 8 games on it so far. No scratches on my case, no noticeable wear, still looks new. But I definitely take very good care of mine and I guess that is what shows.

[BetaWolf47]

Surely the camera can't be much of a selling point? You could undoubtedly buy a much, much nicer used digital camera for a substantially lower price.
The difference in price between DS Lite and DSi is only $40 though. For a kid, it's almost a whole new toy in addition to being able to play games. Don't forget how much fun small stuff like that can be for children.

[Nophix]

DS Lites are cheap. My 3 and 5 year old each have one.

Honestly, though, they handle my DSi just fine as well. We don't have a GBA collection, so that isn't a factor for us. However, the DSi camera has provided hours of entertainment for the kids, with taking pictures of themselves and playing with the editor built in to the DSi.

The firmware and hardware is better on the DSi as well. Things such as support of Wifi. The DS Lite will not support WPA on wifi, the DSi will.

[monantony]

Well got it today and man was he excited...already playing games..
He has a friend with a DSi and he is all about his "ds I"
But anyway I gave my son our old 3mp Sony DSC s75 camera so he has a legit real camera.
takes good care of it too!
Tony

[BetaWolf47]

Whoops, we forgot to explain something big. You can play music on a DSi as well. Not MP3's though, a different format. iTunes can convert from most formats to the one DSi uses (AAC in an .m4a shell).

[Breetai]

DS - light isn't so bright. Plays GBA games. Cheapest.
DSlite - light is perfect. Plays GBA games. Cheaper.
DSi - light is perfect. Has useless cameras. Slightly larger screens. Does not play GBA games. A bit more expensive.
DSXL - light is perfect. Has useless cameras. Quite large screens. Does not play GBA games. More expensive.
3DS - the newest one. Plays DS games. Will play new 3DS games. Will not play GBA games. Most expensive.

Get a DSlite. It is bright enough to play under the sun, durable enough for a 6 year old, is affordable in comparison to other models and plays both DS and GBA games.

It seems to me that most people are telling you to get a DSlite.

[Jorpho]

It really is kind of moot to count the GBA functionality as an important feature when good GBA games aren't readily available - and if they are, odds are a nice GBA SP 2.0 can be had cheaply as well.

[Oldskool]

Well new GBA games aren't readily available. But pretty much every game store under the sun has a ton of used ones for sale (beware of over pricing though, they aren't worth THAT much).

Also, Ebay is like flooded with GBA games for a good price.

Glad that you finally got one for your child. At least he's happy with it. Good idea on the digital camera too. You should teach him some of the more advanced features on the camera like turning on and off the flash, the macro (closeup) lense, and all the little settings. Maybe he'll grow up to be a photographer.

I used to love cameras when I was a kid, it's too bad we couldn't preview our photos as they were being shot though haha.

[Jorpho]

Well new GBA games aren't readily available. But pretty much every game store under the sun has a ton of used ones for sale (beware of over pricing though, they aren't worth THAT much).

Also, Ebay is like flooded with GBA games for a good price.The flood on eBay would be bootlegs, would it not? Granted, a young'un isn't likely to care much, unless it tells him to "f*ck off and die". And indeed, overpricing is to be expected elsewhere, especially for quality titles like, say Minish Cap.


I used to love cameras when I was a kid, it's too bad we couldn't preview our photos as they were being shot though haha.Aye, and we couldn't take more than 26 pictures on vacation since film was so expensive. That was anguish.

[SuperGamecube64]

If i were him, I'd make the moeny, and then hold on to it until next year, when the 3DS is supposed to launch. Seems pointless for anyone to buy a Ds/lite/i with that just around the bend.

[Oldskool]

I just purchased my DS lite maybe just a month ago, even when I knew about the 3DS. Reasoning? I wanted to still play my GBA advance games, but on a nice bright screen. My SP just doesn't cut it for me.

[tom]

Oooh here's a chance to post my picture again!.... if you want a comparison that is :D DS, DSLite, DSi, DSXL. And a G&W thrown in for kicks.

Of course just ignore the PSP, and the GBASP on top :p


http://www.users.uswest.net/%7Ebapcruz/dk2.jpg

I must admit, besides the original GB, the DSs are the ugliest handhelds ever.

[NE146]

I must admit, besides the original GB, the DSs are the ugliest handhelds ever.

Correction: You mean the Game & Watch Dual Screens are the ugliest handhelds ever.. since of course the DS's are just the continuation of the design. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/b2stoys/DSC02079.jpg

[monantony]

so whats good all around case for these?
Like a little back pack for the DSLite , maybe a charger and a half dozen games?
Not necessarily a wrap around thing For the DS, just a travel arrangement for accessories?

On one auction I saw (lost it) the kid had everything in a small hard case like this:
http://www.pokerchipswholesale.com/poker-chip-cases/60-ct-aluminum-poker-plaque-chip-case.html

Thanks
Tony

[PapaStu]

Honestly, i'd drag your son (and the DS) to GameStop/Target/BestBuy ect and take a look at the cases. There is a metric shitton of cases both to protect the system as well as storage for games/chargers ect. And what may work for one user, won't work for another.

My wife has a real simple Nintendo branded DS case, that is basically a padded case w/ a mesh pocket sewn into one inner half. It holds games and could hold a charger fine. It's downfall is that the games are 'loose' and could be easily lost if it was tipped over when open.