Need help with Nintendo DS purchase

[Nina1]

We've decided to purchase a Nintendo DS for our son for his birthday. It's not until October, but I like to do my research as soon as I've decided to buy something. It seems there are several different kinds out there and I have absolutely no clue as to which one to buy. I want to buy one that he can grow with and that has updated technology. I thought maybe someone who has experience with these could offer some real world advice. Thank you.

 

[FINFAN]

http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/com...on-of-nintendos-dsi-and-ds-lite-game-systems/

DD was given the DSi by her BF this June for her 20th Bday,,,L-O-V-E-S it! Wi-fi, animation...wild little item for sure!

 

[gillenkl]

We need to buy 2 for November birthdays - I think we've decided on the DSi XL - we like the larger screen.

 

[disneysuncat]

There are three types you can choose from that are Nintendo DS. The original DS is not as widely available. It also plays older Gameboy Advance games.

The one that came out after that is the Nintendo DS Lite, with is lighter (ha!) and has a brighter back light than the original DS. It also plays older Gameboy Advance games if you wish. This version is you can find everywhere.

The very newest is the Nintendo DSi. It has a built in camera (two, actually), and does not play the older Gameboy Advance games. It also comes in a bigger version, the DSi XL. The DSi has a brighter screen as well.

Personally I would go with the DSi (regular size.) It's the very newest, so he'd be getting all of the newest technology, and the regular size is just more appealing to me overall. (and in my opinion, easier on the hands...and I am a long time gamer.)

You didn't mention your son's age, so you may not be interested in this feature, but the DSi will also let you browse the internet (if you are in a wi-fi hotspot, or have a router in your home.)

The DSi should run around $169.99, while you can get the DS Lite for $129.99. Again, even with the price difference, I'd go with the newer DSi.

(we have all three of these in our home.)

This link should give you a size comparison on the DSi and DSi XL. (as well as the features.) The DSi XL runs around $189.99

http://www.nintendodsi.com/meet-dsi.jsp

 

[kamik86]

There are several types described below:

DS (also called DS Fat) this was the original one, can't find it now unless you buy used. I do not recommend this for handhelds because you have no idea how many times it has been dropped. Also used DSs tend to come with scratched screens.

DS lite - This is the newer smaller DS. It is lighter has a brighter screen better battery life etc. This is a good basic unit if you don't want any of the DSi features. Also has a bigger stylus that is easier for kids to use... and adults too.

DSi - Has camera, can play music, and some other cooler features. There really aren't any games that require it though so unless you want the extra non-game features it would be cheaper to get a lite.

DSi XL - This is a bigger DSi. I don't understand the point.

3DS - This isn't out yet but is supposed to have 3D effects. This one WILL have games that require the 3DS and wouldn't be playable on the others. I'm not sure when this comes out but you may want to check because even if you don't want to get this one (and personally I want to wait and see if the 3D is any good before I get one) it will probably have the effect of lower prices on the old units.

If you want more detail I'll ask my husband to post tonight. He can tell you every feature of every of these and why you might want certain things. It is his job to sell electronics and his biggest hobby to play them so he takes this stuff VERY seriously. If you provide more details (age of child, type of games they like, etc) my husband will give you alot of recommendations and places you can look for more info.

 

[Nina1]

It seems that the DSi would be the better choice from what you've all said. Going to do some more research. Any advice on where to get the best price/deals?

 

[Nina1]

There are several types described below:

DS (also called DS Fat) this was the original one, can't find it now unless you buy used. I do not recommend this for handhelds because you have no idea how many times it has been dropped. Also used DSs tend to come with scratched screens.

DS lite - This is the newer smaller DS. It is lighter has a brighter screen better battery life etc. This is a good basic unit if you don't want any of the DSi features. Also has a bigger stylus that is easier for kids to use... and adults too.

DSi - Has camera, can play music, and some other cooler features. There really aren't any games that require it though so unless you want the extra non-game features it would be cheaper to get a lite.

DSi XL - This is a bigger DSi. I don't understand the point.

3DS - This isn't out yet but is supposed to have 3D effects. This one WILL have games that require the 3DS and wouldn't be playable on the others. I'm not sure when this comes out but you may want to check because even if you don't want to get this one (and personally I want to wait and see if the 3D is any good before I get one) it will probably have the effect of lower prices on the old units.

If you want more detail I'll ask my husband to post tonight. He can tell you every feature of every of these and why you might want certain things. It is his job to sell electronics and his biggest hobby to play them so he takes this stuff VERY seriously. If you provide more details (age of child, type of games they like, etc) my husband will give you alot of recommendations and places you can look for more info.

Thank you for your very nice offer of additional help via the hubby. That's very sweet of you. Our son will be five. He's played a Mario game on his cousin's DS that he likes, but that's about all I know about the games. So, any game recommendations would be most welcome.

 

[DISdreamin']

My son had a DS until it stopped working earlier this year. He saved up for half and we chipped in the other half for a new DSi (the regular, not XL) and he LOVES it! His favorite things are the camera and voice recorder - when he first got the new one, he played with just those features for hours. Even now, when he has something he wants to show me that he makes at school or whatever, he'll take a picture with his DSi.

I wouldn't go with the DS, personally, knowing how much my son has enjoyed the camera on the DSi. I also wouldn't go with the XL version - it's just too big for my liking, and my son has never complained about the screen size on his DSi. I like the fact that the DS and DSi are the same size - it means it is easier to find cases, etc.

Good luck with your shopping, and be sure to consider an extended warranty! With those kind of hand-held electronics, I've never lost money on a warranty (sadly!). The warranty is cheap and the device is fairly delicate in some ways (hinges on the older DS in particular).

 

[sunlover13]

Keep checking dell.com for the DSi. They will occassionally have deals where you can get a new one for $129.99. That's the best deal I've come across so far. You might only be able to get 1 color at that price, but still a great price.

They are coming out with a new one next year which is 3D. I'm not sure when next year...........

 

[disneysuncat]

I thought I'd add a couple of game suggestions since you've stated his age. Mario Kart is a fun racing game he may like. Super Mario Bros. is fun. Lego Star Wars (Or Lego Indiana Jones, or Lego Batman or any of the Lego ones). That one is a 10 and up, but my daughter could handle the gameplay when she was 5 easily. They have a new Toy Story 3 game, plus games for most Disney movies. (I know there is one for the movie Cars.) We (the entire family) LOVES Animal Crossing. There are many selections he may like.

 

[kamik86]

Mario games are definitely good. As someone else said Mario Kart is a really great racing game for younger players as it isn't as complicated (no gears, cars overheating if you use boost too much, etc) and its much more colorful and fun. Oh and who doesn't like throwing turtle shells at the cars in front of you!!

Pokemon would also be great...

Yeah that's all I can manage until I talk to DH. I just know what I like to play lol.

Also if he is only 5 definitely don't do the XL... it will be too big for his hands.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

I thought I'd add a couple of game suggestions since you've stated his age. Mario Kart is a fun racing game he may like. Super Mario Bros. is fun. Lego Star Wars (Or Lego Indiana Jones, or Lego Batman or any of the Lego ones). That one is a 10 and up, but my daughter could handle the gameplay when she was 5 easily. They have a new Toy Story 3 game, plus games for most Disney movies. (I know there is one for the movie Cars.) We (the entire family) LOVES Animal Crossing. There are many selections he may like.

Both of my kids have a DS Lite have had them 4-5 years know we are on our 2nd and third ones. They wanted the DSi but to be honest my husband and I just did not really see the point. We did just order our son the DSi XL for his b-day in Sept (Ordered it through Bind from Overstock and got 15% Bing cash back), we thought the screen size being larger was worth it more then just the camera feature. Anyway that is our opinion anyway.

Mario Kart is a great game to start out with and our son still plays it a lot, he just rented Toy Story 3 and really liked that as well (asked for it for his upcoming b-day). Both of my kids are into the Pokemon games as well.

 

[lnh'smom]

There are several types described below:

3DS - This isn't out yet but is supposed to have 3D effects. This one WILL have games that require the 3DS and wouldn't be playable on the others. I'm not sure when this comes out but you may want to check because even if you don't want to get this one (and personally I want to wait and see if the 3D is any good before I get one) it will probably have the effect of lower prices on the old units.

If you want more detail I'll ask my husband to post tonight. He can tell you every feature of every of these and why you might want certain things. It is his job to sell electronics and his biggest hobby to play them so he takes this stuff VERY seriously. If you provide more details (age of child, type of games they like, etc) my husband will give you alot of recommendations and places you can look for more info.

When does the 3D one come out? We would like to get our kids each one for Christmas, but if they are coming out with them in 3D later, we might wait till next year!

 

[SunnieRN]

It seems that the DSi would be the better choice from what you've all said. Going to do some more research. Any advice on where to get the best price/deals?

My grandson is 4, has a Wii and I got him a Dsi for his birthday next month. Wal Mart had a package deal for $189. It included the Dsi, (choice of 4 colors), two games and an additional item. I got him the 18 in 1 pack, that has a charger, car charger, case, ear buds, extra stylus's, a soft case, screen protectors and ??? Not sure what else. They also had a lot of games for 2 for $30. I got him the system, accessory pack and two games and his parents are getting him additional games. The xl seemed too large for him to hold comfortably and use the stylus also.

Here is a link:

http://www.walmart.com/search/searc...earch_query=dsi&Find.x=19&Find.y=11&Find=Find

 

[jnorth1007]

I just ordered a DSi for my daughter yesterday from Walmart.com and they had the DSi with a choice of one free accessory (I got the 17 piece accessory set) and one free game for $129. The accessory set had stylus, desktop charging station, game boxes, screen protectors and many other things but the choice of accessories for free was good and so was the choice of games. Really good deal I think.

 

[Sparx]

I have a DSi and my fiance has a DSiXL. I've owned every game boy up to the DSiXL. I would definitely go with a DSi. I personally don't like the larger screen too much and the DSiXL is much heavier so some games that require the orrientation of the DS to be changed can put a strain on one hand to hold it.

 

[Nina1]

Thanks again to everyone for your advice and suggestions. We're going to get the DSi and some of the games you've recommended. Thanks also for the suggestions on where to buy. This is such a great board. You all are great!

 

[kamik86]

Since you said your really thinking on a DSi I highly recommend you keep a look out in the ads of various stores, Target just recently had them with two free games and have been hearing rumors of a new sale in the next couple of months. The other really good idea for some thing a little more special would be to get one on black Friday, they always make a special Limited bundle that has a game or two and usually a case, though big downside of that is you'd have to be at a store for opening which if you haven't before is crazy.

For games for a 5 year old boy, as everyone else has said anything Mario is great but New Super Mario is the best for a starter,
My wife was right on Pokemon. That could take a lot of his time if he like collecting things. Pokemon Gold and Silver (2 separate games) are the best at this time, also have an accessory that is basically a pedometer that gives your characters bonuses the more they walk.
If he is artistic at all Drawn to Life is a great game, it's similar to the Mario games but its biggest feature is that you draw most of the things you use
Another game that works with creativity is Scribblenauts they give you a problem and ask how you'd fix it (for example there is a tree burning on the screen you can type water to put it out, Type firemen and they will put it out, or many other ideas) only downside to this is Spelling and reading really are musts, but it could help him get interested in reading.
Also alot of kids favorite TV shows have games alot of which are pretty good you can check gamespot.com to look at reviews before you buy

Also for the one who asked about the 3DS there has not been any confirmation about when it is being released but if it follows the standard schedule it should be out by January. All I can say is Google it once in awhile when they do confirm the date it will be there.

Hope that helped if you need anything else just let my wife know and I'll see if I can help you out.

 

[mad_for_mickey]

I don't really know much about video games, but we bought both of our kids the DS Lites for Christmas 2 1/2 years ago. The best part of that purchase, at least for kids like mine, was the Nerf Armor that surrounds the DS and protects it from damage if it is dropped. We've never had a problem with either of ours, and my son, at least, is not always as careful as he should be. Amazon sometimes has really good deals on the armor (got one for $3).

 

[su_A_ve]

Note that some games that require accessories (such as Guitar Hero) would not work on a DSi or DSi XL, as they used the GameBoy slot for them.

My 2cents...