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]

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.   

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!

[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.

[Doom]

Get a DS lite now (or wait for black Friday) if you're short on cash. Then years from now go straight to a 3DS. Don't bother with a DSi -- 3DSs can play all DSi-only games, of which there are only a small number that are worth your time. (Maybe 10 or less.)

[larryinc64]

Ace Attorney series
Contra 4
Drawn To Life
Elite Beat Agents
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.
Professor Layton series
Scribblenauts
Sonic Rush series
Super Mario 64 DS
Super Princess Peach
Yoshis Island DS
Metroid games

[Nacho3]

I've heard the DSTwo has some problems with GBA emulation but that was a while ago so I don't know if they fixed that. I used a Slot 2 flashcard on my DS Lite to play perfectly emulated games about 4 or 5 years ago. Unless you can get a DSi cheap I think DS Lite or 3DS are better choices.

[SnesGuy]

I had an R4i flash card on a 3DS and games ran, but I could never get any games I emulated to save.
 (DS games saved, but Game Gear and GBA RPGs wouldn't)

Also I would suggest an XL, I like my 3DS XL and my brother has a DSi XL and its pretty nice, his DSi is the reason I upgraded my 3DS

[Quazimoto]

I've heard the DSTwo has some problems with GBA emulation but that was a while ago so I don't know if they fixed that. I used a Slot 2 flashcard on my DS Lite to play perfectly emulated games about 4 or 5 years ago. Unless you can get a DSi cheap I think DS Lite or 3DS are better choices.

Get a DS lite now (or wait for black Friday) if you're short on cash. Then years from now go straight to a 3DS. Don't bother with a DSi -- 3DSs can play all DSi-only games, of which there are only a small number that are worth your time. (Maybe 10 or less.)

Thanks for the advice.  That might actually be a better option at this point.  Seems like those are even a bit cheaper than DSi systems.  Still way confused over what I'd need to emulate GBA games on a DS though...  Seems like the DSTwo is a one and done type of card (ie can house GB, GBC, & GBA roms).  But, seems like people have better luck with GBA compatibility using a GBA slot 2 flash cart on a DS Lite.  Kinda boggling my mind right now there.  Mainly interested in having some of the more expensive titles that I can't afford and homebrew games, but it would be nice to have something to hold a large number (ie 250 or so) of GB/GBC/GBA roms (of games I already own) for when I'm traveling so as not too have to bring along a bunch of actual cartridges.

But, one thing's certain...  Gonna start by hunting down a DS Lite or DSi, just depends on finding the right one at the right price.  Will figure out the emulator/rom thing later.

Ace Attorney series
Contra 4
Drawn To Life
Elite Beat Agents
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.
Professor Layton series
Scribblenauts
Sonic Rush series
Super Mario 64 DS
Super Princess Peach
Yoshis Island DS
Metroid games

Many thanks...  Gonna look into all of those. 

[scarmullet]

What I would recommend is grabbing a 3DS system, they can play both 3DS and regular DS games, and they have the DSi features as well. The advantage of this...it's newer and you will be spared the scourge of broken hinges. Eventually GBA games are coming to the 3DS virtual console (If you are an ambassador, you have access to some already), so there is that.

On top of that, I do suggest tracking down a GBA 101 system to get your gameboy on. If you get a DS Lite for GB play, you are restricted to just GBA, so this way you get the quality DS-lite screens...and the ability to play any GB game ever.

[Quazimoto]

Seems that the 3DS is gonna be out of my price range right now.  Been researching typical eBay prices all day and it looks like I'd be able to get either a DSi or DS Lite plus a good bundle of games for the same price that a used 3DS would run me. 

I do already have a GBA that's been backlit by Wiggy (love that thing), so I'm not worried about backwards compatibility at all.  I would like to be able to emulate GB/GBC/GBA games though, mostly as a way to play those rare titles and to take my collection on the road with just one cartridge so I could play anything that strikes my fancy at the moment.  Some homebrews would be cool too.  I've never been one to be on the inside track of current generation systems (didn't even get my PS3 or GameBoy systems until just last year).

Think I'm just gonna keep an eye on ebay for DS Lite, DSi, or 3DS systems and pick up whatever I can get at the right price.  Got a good idea of what I can spend, so it makes sense to wait until one of those fall into my price range.

[JakeHC]

Also don't forget about flash carts if you're into that kind of thing. I like to own the original games but they're awesome for rom hacks and fan translations.

[Quazimoto]

Well, speak of the devil.  Was checking WWE Night Of Champions results and on a whim decided to hop over to eBay and check out the recently listed DS systems.  Stumbled on this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300966986907?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D300966986907%26_rdc%3D1

Seems like I caught it only two hours or so after it was listed and the price seemed pretty good for what was included, so I decided to buy it before someone else could.  Don't have much interest in most the games included, but they'll make good trade fodder at my local game store.  Figured the price was decent for the system itself anyway, so the games were a bonus.  Don't think I overpaid, but was kinda flying blind and didn't plan on buying so soon unless the right bundle happened along.  My gut instinct said this was a good deal.

What say you TCP...  Was It A Good Deal:  Yay or Nay?

[Mick Dundee]

Not bad Quaz. I cant say I'm a fan of the color, but the price was decent for what you were wanting/needing.

 Definitely helps that a few well known games came with it. Mario Bros, Diddy Kong Racing, Mario Kart GBA while not super pricey games, are the highlight of the extras involved in your handheld purchase.

 And hey, even if you don't keep all the games, you can gut the cases and keep them.