nintendo ds ac adapter: used just to recharge only?

[flipflop711]

I was thinking of buying a DS, mostly to play indoors while watching tv. Can I use the ac plug to play games or is it only for to recharge the battery. Do I have to take the battery out or is it like a cell phone hook-up?

[Gapporin]

No, the DS Adaptor can be used like any other adaptor, not just for charging. In fact, the Wireless booklet recommends using the AC Adaptor while playing Wi-Fi because it's such a battery hog in that department.

The battery stays in the console, and is never removed. (Well, until you need to replace it, that is)

[mailman187666]

it doesn't really take that long to charge either. Also the AC adapter for the regular DS is the same as the one used for Gameboy Advance SP. But the one for DS Lite is completely different than both of those

[PingvinBlueJeans]

...the AC adapter for the regular DS is the same as the one used for Gameboy Advance SP...But the one for DS Lite is completely different than both of those
Yes, and I would add that (amazingly) the DS Lite actually comes with its own AC adapter, so you don't have to buy one separately. I didn't know that when I bought mine, so I bought a regular DS adapter. The clerk didn't bother to tell me that it was unnecessary, or didn't know better. Needless to say, I returned it.

[Leo_A]

Thats how the GBA SP and first DS were as well, do handhelds with built in batteries ever come without their AC adapters? Not sure about the PSP but I think that is standard Nintendo practice.

[PingvinBlueJeans]

Thats how the GBA SP and first DS were as well, do handhelds with built in batteries ever come without their AC adapters? Not sure about the PSP but I think that is standard Nintendo practice.

Do you have anything worthwhile to contribute? Thank you for trolling me for the second time...fjappe. I realise that now, I didn't at the time due to the fact that I never owned the GBA SP/DS and have not bought a Nintendo portable in a long time. The DS Lite box says nowhere on the back of the box that it contains a battery & AC (it's written on the bottom in micro-print), so I asked the clerk for an AC and he gave it to me.

[c0ldb33r]

it doesn't really take that long to charge either. Also the AC adapter for the regular DS is the same as the one used for Gameboy Advance SP. But the one for DS Lite is completely different than both of those
Does the DS Lite use the same AC Adapter as the Gameboy Micro?

[PingvinBlueJeans]

No. Although the Game Boy Advance SP and DS use the same one, the Game Boy Micro (like the DS Lite) has its own AC made specifically for it.

[Half Japanese]

Thats how the GBA SP and first DS were as well, do handhelds with built in batteries ever come without their AC adapters? Not sure about the PSP but I think that is standard Nintendo practice.

Do you have anything worthwhile to contribute? Thank you for trolling me for the second time...fjappe. I realise that now, I didn't at the time due to the fact that I never owned the GBA SP/DS and have not bought a Nintendo portable in a long time. The DS Lite box says nowhere on the back of the box that it contains a battery & AC (it's written on the bottom in micro-print), so I asked the clerk for an AC and he gave it to me.

Touchy! I don't think he was trying to be rude with you, just stating that Nintendo generally includes the AC adapter with items that require it. Who shit in your oatmeal?

[Leo_A]

I didn't even know you were the Outrun guy until you made your rude reply and I went back and checked our post...

And I fail to see what was so terrible about what I said earlier. I simply disagreed about a port of an old arcade game.

[jonjandran]

No. Although the Game Boy Advance SP and DS use the same one, the Game Boy Micro (like the DS Lite) has its own AC made specifically for it.

But you can use any USB charger for the DS Lite and you can use any phone charger if it has the small USB plug on the end.

[Nature Boy]

But you can use any USB charger for the DS Lite and you can use any phone charger if it has the small USB plug on the end.

I just verified that a usb cable does *not* fit into the DS Lite, so it can't be used to charge it. Pity.

[jonjandran]

But you can use any USB charger for the DS Lite and you can use any phone charger if it has the small USB plug on the end.

I just verified that a usb cable does *not* fit into the DS Lite, so it can't be used to charge it. Pity.

Wrong. I have 3 sitting here that my kids use to charge the DS Lite. You have to wiggle it a bit but it does work. Would you like pics?

[jonjandran]

Here's the pics.

1st one is the 3 standard USB cables :

http://www.wavetel.us/~jonjandran/ds1.jpg

Next is the standard USB cable plugged in the DS Lite:

http://www.wavetel.us/~jonjandran/ds2.jpg

Now with them plugged in the computer AND charging the DS Lite:

http://www.wavetel.us/~jonjandran/ds3.jpg

http://www.wavetel.us/~jonjandran/ds4.jpg

And one with my Motorolla phone charger charging the DS Lite:

http://www.wavetel.us/~jonjandran/ds5.jpg

There you go it DOES work. :)

[cyberfluxor]

I really like the charging method they made for the DS, similar to the Ipod and other portable devices that demand recharging. Multiple charging options with portable devices, great idea. I may begin bringing USB charging cords with me so when in computer labs and at work I can charge it up.

[Nature Boy]

You have to wiggle it a bit but it does work.

That's what I was unwilling to do. So user beware.

[rbudrick]

Touchy! I don't think he was trying to be rude with you, just stating that Nintendo generally includes the AC adapter with items that require it. Who shit in your oatmeal?

Yeah, seriously. There's was nothing at all wrong with what he said. I don't see a negative letter in it. Trolling? That's pretty harsh man. No need to insult people for nothing.

-Rob

[digtempest]

According to the DS manual, the battery starts to lose power/life span after 500 charges. So if you always plug in your DS when playing, then wouldn't you shorten the battery's lifespan?