Gameboy for Dummies

[twinscandc]

Okay, I'm almost 40 years old and I know nothing about gameboys. My DD's are asking for one this Christmas, but I don't know where to start. From what I understand there are different Gameboy systems, newer ones being more advanced (and more expensive!!)?

Can anybody give me some advice on Gameboys? Maybe a short tutorial??? Which is the most expensive? Which would be a good starter system? Some good games for girls? I think one of their friends had pink one with a screen on the bottom and on the top - which one is that? It also had a pen thing to touch the screen with.

My girls (twins - age 10) like their Playstation, but what something to go with them. They have the Disney MP3 players and have been very reponsible in keeping them, etc.

I know many of you are shaking your heads right now saying "how stupid is this chick and has she been hiding under a rock for the past 10 years?" I just need help!!!!

TIA!!

 

[Hedy]

Are they asking for DS or Gameboy Advanced?

 

[twinscandc]

They are just asking for a Gameboy. Maybe they are just as clueless as I am!! They were telling me about their girlfriend that has a pink one with the two screens. I think they want one like that.

 

[Hedy]

I believe that one is a Nintendo DS. They're about $129 each, plus games. You can log onto wifi to play games with other people, if you have wireless. There's also a Brainteaser game you can play.

 

[salmoneous]

They are just asking for a Gameboy. Maybe they are just as clueless as I am!! They were telling me about their girlfriend that has a pink one with the two screens. I think they want one like that.

They want a DS (the more expensive one of course). DS stands for double screen.

 

[minnieandme]

The Nintendo DS is the one with the 2 screens. This one is more advanced that the gameboy advanced although you can play the gameboy advanced games on the DS, except it will only be on one screen. With the DS, they can write on the screen with the pen that comes attached and send messages to someone else who may have a DS nearby. There is also a calender and clock built in. Since I don't have girls, I have no idea what type of games they may like. You just have to research to see what they're into.

 

[disneysnowflake]

The Gameboy Advanced is cheaper. It can play Gameboy Advanced games.

The Nintendo DS can play both Gameboy Advanced games and Nintendo DS.

The DS is more expensive, but if the kid are interested in games like Animal Crossing or Nintendogs I'd go with the DS. That way they can play both DS and GBA games.

We have both in our house. Both work great.

 

[kejoda]

That would be the DS that they are wanting. They also have a DS lite. I can't give you a lot of advice, advantages of having a 13 yr. old boy.

 

[piglet too]

Even though it is the most expensive of the options, I would go with the DS Lite. They run about $130. (that is the one the friend has) Since they are older, I don't think they would enjoy the Gameboy SP as much. Be sure to get the "Lite" insteaed of the plain DS. They made some improvements that were real good ones.

Go to Nintendo's website to see all the games that are out there. Some games like Nintendogs, Catz is due out in December, Animal Crossing, Zoo Tycoon, and many others would be good for them.

Also, with the holidays coming up, be sure to look into "bundle packs" that places like Toys R Us and Best Buy will be offering. Quite often you can get a pretty neat game (or two) for the same price, or just a little bit more. One other thing, TRU has a buy two get one free promo on thier games right now.

 

[NAB]

The one you are talking about is a Nintendo DS lite. It is one up from DS. It is the newest one. It comes in pink , black and white I think.

Gameboy Advance is smaller and square. It will not play DS games. But will play old gameboy games as well as advanced games.

 

[budbeerlady]

http://www.nintendo.com/channel/gba

Looks like they want the DS. DD (6) has had the the advance sp for about a year. She loves it (we have an hour commute, I love it for her!!!) It has the internal rechargeable battory that we really only seem to have to charge overnight 2x a month. The thing is pretty sturdy, I like the fact that the screen is closed when she isnt playing, like a laptop computer. She has 11 games, which are very age apropriate for her. Her current favorite is a spongebob game we got at Target. Advance games run from $15-30 each. I usually make her wait a bit and then the "new" game she had to have will drop in price. Her other favorites are 2 racecar games.

 

[twinscandc]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I just needed someone to explain to me the basics!!

So, about the wireless.... If we have a wireless modem in our house, then they could play games with other kids who have the DS and wireless?

Also, the friend they had was telling them about a virtual dog game where she could feed and pet the dog, etc. Could this be the Nintendogs?

I have already been to the Nintendo website to look into the Gameboy systems, but couldn't locate the information on the different systems, etc. I will look there to research games.

Thanks again!! I knew I could count on you guys!!

 

[ChibiJones]

I have a Gameboy Dual Screen - known as the DS. This is the Gameboy that has two screens, one of which is touch sensitive. There are two versions - the original and the "Lite". You'll probably be able to get an original model DS used. The Lite version is the newest one that has been released and the only difference is that it weighs a little less than the original DS.

The DS is also backwards compatible with Gameboy and Gamboy Advance (GBA) games. EBGames.com has used DS systems for $80. A used Gameboy Advance SP system is $60. So for $20 more, you have access to the all GBA games as well as the newer DS games. A new DS Lite is $130.

 

[piglet too]

Yes that is the Nintendogs game.

The other major difference in the two types of DS, is that the Lite moved where the on-off button is. Where it is on the regular DS, can lead to accidental shut-offs. (trust me, I have done ti more times than I can count and as a 33 year old woman, should know better)

If you have a Gamestop/EB Games near you, you might be able to get some of your technical questions answered. I am not real sure how to get the wireless to work and DS7 does not let me play too often. (it is his)

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

We have the Gameboy advance, two Gameboy SPs, a DS, and a DS lite. I love the DS lite, I also have the pink one. It's smaller than the other DS and more streamlined. The color is also brighter and you can adjust the backlight.

Costco usually has a bundled pack for a reasonable price (looks like $155 online including a game)

We rarely play the SPs and the Gameboy advance has no batteries. DH and I play against each other on the two DS' it's a lot of fun!