Any Nintendo DS experts out there?

[sdjen]

I am looking into getting some sort of DS for my 6 year old daughter. We have several long road trips coming up soon and I know it would keep her entertained. She already has a leapfrog explorer and loves that but has somewhat outgrown that.

I am trying to decide which type to get. I looked and from what I can see, the DS Lite is about $115, the DS SI is about $150 and the DS XL is about $180. I do know we dont need the 3d one.

Any suggestions on which type to get? She wont be a serious "gamer" but I dont know if it is worth it to pay the extra for the more expensive versions.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!! Also, if you have seen them on sale anywhere that would be great too!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[clm10308]

For a new system, the prices are pretty much the same where ever you go. I would suggest that you look for a used system at Game Stop. The DS or DS lite work just as well as the more expensive systems especially for the game a 6yo would play.

 

[Tecbot]

I would look on kijiji or craiglist or whatever you have active in your area, most people have upgraded and have normal ds handhelds laying around with games for cheap.

 

[rainydayplay]

Personally, I'd go for a DS Lite over a regular DS for a 6 yo. The lite doesn't have the camera. All of the systems, though, if you turn the system on without a game inserted, it will default to a user chat. If there's anyone within a close range also playing around with their DS without a game cartridge in it, they are automatically connected through that chat program. My DD has only (as far as I know) found someone while we were sitting at a restaurant, and it appeared to be another child that she was talking to.

 

[busymama04]

I would spend the extra money for the DsiXL or DS 3d. My dd 9 has the Ds 3d and My ds 5 almost 6 has the Dsi XL. There are a lot more things that one can do these ones such as take pictures, surf the web (not so much for a 5 or 6 year old), make a photo album, crop and draw on pictures, make music and record. The Dsi Xl and Dsi 3d will keep your child entertained for a long time. I personally believe that the Ds lite is out dated. My Ds 11 had this when he was I think 6.

 

[momto3pirates]

Are you an ipod house? Have you considered getting her an ipod touch? My younger 2 boys (12,9) have both had the ds lite when they got ipods 2 years ago. Since them the ds rarely gets played with. I prefer them taking the ipod on trips, no game cartridges to keep up with. They can also listen to music and read.

 

[Fyrefly]

I'd honestly just get the 3DS and use the switch to turn the 3D off until she is a little older. The DS line is very old and will be obsolete before long as game publishers transfer to the new 3DS format. 3DS can play the older games anyway, and its about the same price as a XL if I recall.

If you want to get her a normal DS be aware that although the DS Lite is cheap, you are probably looking at used systems. Like all electronic devices, battery life does decrease with repeated charging and old systems like that might not have the staying power in a long car ride. Mine only gets about 3 hours nowadays, my boyfriend's even less.

It will serve her well for at least 6 or 7 years if my old DS and the pattern with which they release new devices is any indication. And how do you know she won't be a serious gamer? I'm sure my parents had no idea how much I'd like it when they got me a grey brick Gameboy and Tetris...

 

[richmond282]

I would honestly buy the 3DS. My DD7 got one for Christmas. You can turn off the internet (or lock it) and turn off the 3D feature. She almost always plays it in regular 2D.

If you are adament about not getting the 3DS, then I would get the DSi. I agree w/ the PP that said the DS Lite is now an "older" system. The difference in price is worth it for the DSi.

 

[ekatiel]

Are you an ipod house? Have you considered getting her an ipod touch? My younger 2 boys (12,9) have both had the ds lite when they got ipods 2 years ago. Since them the ds rarely gets played with. I prefer them taking the ipod on trips, no game cartridges to keep up with. They can also listen to music and read.

This. We got our DS a DS Lite last year, for his 7th birthday, while he does play it quite a bit, I am wishing we had just sprung for the iTouch instead. The iTouch is $200, but the games (apps) are SO much cheaper. DS games are $20-$40 EACH, so that adds up quickly. Besides, no cartridges with the iTouch. We are considering either iTouches or Kindle Fires for our boys' next birthdays. --Katie

 

[3boymthr]

Over the last 10 years we have had 3 Gameboy SPs, 2 DS Lites, a 3DS, 2 PSPs and 3 ipod touches (Grandma has a large Christmas budget ). Here's my take on it:

I would NOT get the DS lite or the DSi. They are both outdated technology and while the games are still on the same platform/size they will eventually stop making the games with out the 3D. If you decide to go with a DS I would go with the 3DS. The difference in price between that and a DSi or DS XL is only about $20.

While the DS and the ipod touch are both essentially gaming platforms they are NOT the same. If I had to choose, it's a toss up as to which I'd choose. The ipod touch has a number of great games available as apps but it has a limited number of games that it can hold unless you get her a 32MB one and that will cost a lot more money. PLUS while the cartridges are a pain to keep track of and cost more money they can also be resold if she doesn't like them. If she doesn't like an app, too bad, you're stuck with it.

Thing is the types of games available for the ipod touch vs the DS are just soooo different. My kids have both and use both. They love the DS for the mario and other games that just aren't available for the ipod. Before buying I'd take a look at the games that are available for the touch vs the DS and decide based on the types of games you think she'd use.

 

[jennytablina]

A tough one actually. The gamer in me would suggest getting a 3DS - as they will certainly be future-proof as a games system. The DS as a system is now 7 years old almost and while Nintendo are still getting great sales on the older DS models - they will phase out and discontinue the system in the next year or two (as is the habit with video game console cycles)

But then we are not talking about a dedicated gamer, but a kid - kids don't always need the latest tech and the DS has a fine back catalogue of games that any kid will have a ball with. On that basis I would go out with the intention of getting a DS Lite model where you get the best of both worlds - as the Lite will take DS AND Game Boy Advance games - many of which can be picked up for super cheap prices. So it broadens the range of games you can purchase for the thing...

Though on the flipside, the DSi - while locked down to just DS cards - has access to an online store where you can download DSiware - cheaper games that you download and play. The 3DS takes that further with a "Virtual Console" section in it's online store - selling classic Nintendo Game Boy, NES and Sega Game Gear titles for pretty decent prices.

Essentially it comes down to how keen your kid is about gaming, and what your willing to pay - and how long you expect the system to last before they want the next model up. I think if I were you...I would get a cheap preowned DSLite and some games, and see if she gets into the habit much or not - then if she asks for a 3DS or something, get that a little later on (shes a year too young for the recommended age to make any use of the glasses-free 3D anyway)

If you go preowned, always inspect the system before purchasing, the only problem with DSLite systems is the hinges are a little prone to breaking when too much pressure is applied to opening the clamshell design. Also check for scratches in the screen, it's quite possible to get a reasonably well looked after system in the preowned market. But never go in blind with these things, a scratched touchscreen is no fun. Also get screen protectors and apply them asap, they'll help the system last a lot longer (as the most common issue with any DS system, is scratches on the touchscreen from too much pressure applied to the stylus.)

This. We got our DS a DS Lite last year, for his 7th birthday, while he does play it quite a bit, I am wishing we had just sprung for the iTouch instead. The iTouch is $200, but the games (apps) are SO much cheaper. DS games are $20-$40 EACH, so that adds up quickly. Besides, no cartridges with the iTouch. We are considering either iTouches or Kindle Fires for our boys' next birthdays. --Katie

Comparing iOS app games to dedicated handheld games is like comparing Oranges to Apples for the most part. I have both platforms and I LOVE my iPod Touch, but outside retro games - those 99 cent apps are cheap because they operate on limited assets and quick turnaround, so most of those cheap games, while somewhat addictive - do not have any real sufficient length to keep someone going for hours. Where as DS games have longer development time, and has more unique content to offer per game. Plus the fact the iPod touch is strictly limited to the touch screen for controls...games like Angry Birds work a charm - but anything requiring more precise controls (like Platformers - Your Mario's and your Sonic's) can never hope to be as good as the handheld experience because the touch controls are kind of fiddly.

 

[Celidh]

I can't really say which is better since it is my kids who use them not I. They have had the DS lite, used my partner's DSI and ipod touch and the boys got the 3DS for Christmas.

Out of all of these I can say that they all love the ipod touch. My dd, who is 8, loves the picture section on the DSI. She has tonnes of fun taking pictures and manipulating them to make them look funny. You can change them, stretch them and draw on the pictures. She has played with this for the last three years, so she would have been your daughters age when she started. I think the 3DS has a similar feature. She doesn't really play games on her ds but loves playing on the ipod.

My boys have commented that if you play non 3d games on the 3DS, they are not as clear and prefer to play them on their DS lite.

So, not having used any of these things, this is what I see and hear from my kids, who do play them.

 

[smitch425]

Obviously, there is no concrete answer to your question as everyone has their own reasons for selecting the system that is right for them. For us, we preferred the larger screen that the DSiXL provides. We have two of them and have been extremely pleased. The dual cameras are also really great, and there are lots of fun things to do with the photos. Another great option for you would be a Kindle Fire. This is a product by Amazon that has internet, games,apps, and great book options. Our kids got one for Christmas and we use it every single day. It is great for the whole family to use. We really should get a second one. Lol! It is about $20 more than the DSiXL. I am actually posting this post from it right now.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure she'll love whatever you choose.

 

[GoofyFairie]

We have DS Lite and find it suits our needs. My children don't need to record music, take pics or surf the net; they just need to play a video game. I have also read that 3D is bad for developing eyes. I hope this helps. Travel safely.

 

[Madison'smommy]

I just skimmed the above posts..... My first thought was what about getting an ipod. My DD got a DSi when she was 5, and got the touch at 6, this oast Christmas. She has used the touch MUCH MUCH more than the DS! And really by the time you buy the DS, case, games etc... you could have gotten the touch. There are LOTS of FREE/CHEAP games that my DD loves!

 

[sdjen]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. I have researched what I can online but I thought you all could provide more input

After reading the responses, it does make sense to me to maybe go ahead and get the 3d version if that is the future and it will last longer (games etc...) I was just thinking that we didnt need the top of the line version but if they others are soon to be obsolete it doesnt make sense to get them.

We have a Kindle fire already and she loves playing that so that is why an Ipod isnt the best option right now.

She really liked Mario - in fact the only time she played a DS was on our cruise a couple of months ago. One of the kids at our table every night at dinner had a DS of some sort and she loved playing it. Almost every day now she is asking me to get her one.

 

[smitch425]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. I have researched what I can online but I thought you all could provide more input

After reading the responses, it does make sense to me to maybe go ahead and get the 3d version if that is the future and it will last longer (games etc...) I was just thinking that we didnt need the top of the line version but if they others are soon to be obsolete it doesnt make sense to get them.

We have a Kindle fire already and she loves playing that so that is why an Ipod isnt the best option right now.

She really liked Mario - in fact the only time she played a DS was on our cruise a couple of months ago. One of the kids at our table every night at dinner had a DS of some sort and she loved playing it. Almost every day now she is asking me to get her one.

Before buying the 3DS, I highly suggest you let her try it in a store like Target or Walmart. My cousin got one when they first came out and my kids both tried it out and hated it. Even with the 3d off it was difficult to see. My daughter said it gave her a headache and she only played it for about 10 minutes. Not sure if it was worse because of her bifocals or not, but even my son didn't like it and he is the type of kid who always wants the latest version of everything.

 

[jennytablina]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. I have researched what I can online but I thought you all could provide more input

After reading the responses, it does make sense to me to maybe go ahead and get the 3d version if that is the future and it will last longer (games etc...) I was just thinking that we didnt need the top of the line version but if they others are soon to be obsolete it doesnt make sense to get them.

As a kid, my parents got me a Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive as we call it here) when I was 5 - I fell in love with that system and developed a lifelong affinity for gaming thanks to that

Coming from it in my perspective as a kid, I was always very into what was coming up, and new games generally only come out for new systems (the exception is Pokemon Black and White 2 coming out later this year, which are DS games - but gaming community is somewhat expecting it to be the last hurrah for the DS, before Nintendo fully focus on the 3DS). The exclusive handheld Epic Mickey game (Power of Illusion) is coming out only for 3DS (and it looks fantastic!), as is Kingdom Hearts (another Disney-based game) - so if she loves Disney, I'ld bet she'll be wanting to get those.

Not gonna discount the DS Lite, it's still a great system. But kids tend to follow trends, and theres always the chance, that the ONE game they want will come out on the new system, and then you have to buy another system and the game ect. If you get the new one, then you have both bases covered

Before buying the 3DS, I highly suggest you let her try it in a store like Target or Walmart. My cousin got one when they first came out and my kids both tried it out and hated it. Even with the 3d off it was difficult to see. My daughter said it gave her a headache and she only played it for about 10 minutes. Not sure if it was worse because of her bifocals or not, but even my son didn't like it and he is the type of kid who always wants the latest version of everything.

One thing I will admit, experiencing glasses-free 3D can be quite disorientating the first time. The first day I got my 3DS, my eyes took some time getting used to it and I have a lazy eye m'self. But the 3D hasn't really been known to cause headaches, it will if you play on 3D too long and don't take breaks. But no study has shown it has any effect like that, unless you strain your eyes too much generally anyway. I believe the 3DS uses the exact same kind of screens as the older DS models (but has a higher pixel ratio) and has the same sliding scale of brightness - though the DSiXL beats it out for screen size and I believe has a single step up in brightness too.

That, and a games console is only as good as it's software, it's fair to say the 3DS had a rather lousy batch of titles at launch. The hardware could be the most marvellous thing, but if you have no decent games to really show it off then people won't be interested. I don't own a PS3 - not because the hardware is bad, but because most of the exclusive games for the system are simply not my cup of tea, but that can always change (though admittedly, my tastes are very orientated to Nintendo's output heh)

 

[Scurvy]

OP, I'm glad to see you are leaning toward the 3ds. All of the the best upcoming games (including Paper Mario, Luigi's Mansion 2, the new Animal Crossing and the new Kingdom Hearts) will be for that one. Even for someone who never intends to use the 3d at all I think it's definitely the best choice.

Before buying the 3DS, I highly suggest you let her try it in a store like Target or Walmart. My cousin got one when they first came out and my kids both tried it out and hated it. Even with the 3d off it was difficult to see. My daughter said it gave her a headache and she only played it for about 10 minutes. Not sure if it was worse because of her bifocals or not, but even my son didn't like it and he is the type of kid who always wants the latest version of everything.

That's really strange. I have both a regular DS and a 3DS and they look virtually identical when the 3d is turned off. I wonder if your cousin accidentally left the 3d on slightly and that was the problem. If you never turn the 3d on it isn't really an issue, but if you do use it sometimes it can be easy to accidentally leave the slider a little way from the bottom when you turn it off, which makes the screen a little bit blurry.

 

[QueenDoOver]

My teenager, who has had nearly every DS ever created has been highly unimpressed with the 3DS. However he does love to play my younger sons DSIXL, which we got him for Xmas a few years ago in the limited Mario Red. The larger screen is awesome, and he loves to use the camera features to be goofy and I almost daily have to tell him to turn off the volume and quit making the obnoxious sound recordings in the car.

My husband managed to pick up a used one with games for less than $100 so now we have two of them in the house and they are the favorites.