General Category > General Discussion
Nintendo DS Advice For A Newbie
Quazimoto:
Howdy Ya'll... I'm hoping the fine Cover Project Experts can help me out with a little advice. I've been thinking about getting myself a Nintendo DSi (or 3DS if I can afford one) for a while, but must admit that I am totally and completely clueless about Nintendo handhelds beyond the GameBoy Advance. So, I'm wondering if the fine folks here could answer a few questions on the topic (I'm still researching myself, but have a lack of time to die into that too much, figured a large chunk of The Cover Project members probably own DS systems of some sort, so why not ask here to ad to my own research)...
- How much do DSi systems go for in good used condition?
(ie fully working and very good cosmetically - would want pink or black if that makes a difference)
- Are there any common problems or issues to look out for when hunting for a system?
- I've seen some online with damaged screens; How hard is it to replace a top or bottom screen on the systems?
(I have some repair experience in replacing screens in GameBoy systems before and have taken apart and repaired about three dozen NES systems)
- Anyone have any experience running GameBoy emulators on a DS system? Does it work well?
(Mainly interested in this so I can play some of the pricier games I can't afford to buy yet, like Shantae, Trip World, Amazing Tater, etc...)
- What are some good games for DS systems?
(I'm not into RPGs, strategy, or shooter type of games - love platformers, action/adventure, racing, puzzle, and game with a classic or retro feel)
I do plan on eventually getting a 3DS (largely to play Lego City Undercover)... Might it be best to just hold off until I can afford that, rather than tracking down a DSi now?
Any advice and/or opinions would be appreciated. Thank You Kindly. :)
wiggy:
--- Quote from: Quazimoto on September 15, 2013, 04:22:52 AM ---Howdy Ya'll... I'm hoping the fine Cover Project Experts can help me out with a little advice. I've been thinking about getting myself a Nintendo DSi (or 3DS if I can afford one) for a while, but must admit that I am totally and completely clueless about Nintendo handhelds beyond the GameBoy Advance. So, I'm wondering if the fine folks here could answer a few questions on the topic (I'm still researching myself, but have a lack of time to die into that too much, figured a large chunk of The Cover Project members probably own DS systems of some sort, so why not ask here to ad to my own research)...
- How much do DSi systems go for in good used condition?
(ie fully working and very good cosmetically - would want pink or black if that makes a difference)
- Are there any common problems or issues to look out for when hunting for a system?
- I've seen some online with damaged screens; How hard is it to replace a top or bottom screen on the systems?
(I have some repair experience in replacing screens in GameBoy systems before and have taken apart and repaired about three dozen NES systems)
- Anyone have any experience running GameBoy emulators on a DS system? Does it work well?
(Mainly interested in this so I can play some of the pricier games I can't afford to buy yet, like Shantae, Trip World, Amazing Tater, etc...)
- What are some good games for DS systems?
(I'm not into RPGs, strategy, or shooter type of games - love platformers, action/adventure, racing, puzzle, and game with a classic or retro feel)
I do plan on eventually getting a 3DS (largely to play Lego City Undercover)... Might it be best to just hold off until I can afford that, rather than tracking down a DSi now?
Any advice and/or opinions would be appreciated. Thank You Kindly. :)
--- End quote ---
I wouldn't pay more than $60 for one.
Like all flip screen systems, broken hinges.
GBs and NES systems are a lot different than the DSi. The DSi's components are a LOT smaller and a LOT easier to damage by accident. It's totally doable, but be prepared to sweat a bit the first time you do it.
Don't know on this one, but I do have a flash cart, so I can test at some point.
Any of the Castlevania games, Megaman, etc. The usual suspects.
If you can find a DSi for cheap enough, then why not. Go for it I say! ;D
JakeHC:
The only issue is that DSi's don't play GBA :(
If you want a DS that can, I'd go the DS Lite, or alternatively, I'd save the extra cash and get a 3DS XL (the screen size alone is worth it).
kaysow:
DS has been a real solid platform this past gen. too many games to recommend but you should start with ace attorney.
http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Nintendo_DS
original DS - GBA support, 'clunky' design according to most people, no 'DSi-support' whatever that means
DS Lite - still supports GBA & lighter
DSi - GBA support is gone, can play DSi-games which i guess are some downloads cuz every cart i've tried on the old ones still work
XL - final version for adults with better screens.
something like DSTwo will supposedly let you store roms on a SD-card and emulate GBA. afaik it works on any of the models, even 3DS to some extent. i should get one, cuz there are some unofficially fantranslated DS games on romhacking.net
Quazimoto:
Thanks for the tips fellas and/or lasses. Appreciate it much.
Leaning towards DSi/DSi XL at this point. Seems like it's going to be much cheaper initially and plenty of games I can play until I can save enough for a 3DS sometime next year (limited budget... only a little I'm able to save each month). Already have a GBA, so no need to worry about that beyond emulating a handful of titles I can't quite afford right now (like the sounds of the DSTwo card from what I'm reading up on it). Probably gonna avoid the ones with messed up screens unless I can get one super cheap. Did replace a screen in a GBA SP and had a heck of a time with it. Figure that's the closest thing to a DS in my experience, so it's probably better not to mess with that just yet. Toughest part will be coming up with a games wishlist... Seems like there's a ton of good titles to choose from for the system.