The Big Nintendo DS FAQ/Thread/Support Group (NDS, DS Lite, GBA, etc.)

[NewEnglandDisney]

BTW, I ended up taking back Animal Crossing and Mario & Luigi and getting Princess Peach and Mario Kart instead (given the boys ages and their reading ability) from the advice I have gotten here!

Those are great choices. Mario Kart is going to stun them! You *may* want to consider trading Princess Peach for New Super Mario Brothers. It depends on your boys. Peach is a kind of "girly" game - lots of pinks, purples, etc. Now, it's one of my favorites, LOL, but I know some younger boys get all bothered by it. Both SPP and NSMB are quality games though, you really can't go wrong.

We're big nintendo fans, have all the platforms but, youngest DS never warmed up to his DS he got last year for Xmas. Every now & then he dusts it off & fires it up.

They were very slow to roll out anything interesting IMO.

Only games he enjoys playing were the Mario branded ones said he just doesn't like the layout of controls. Plays his older versions far more often.

Haven't tried out the new pokemon or new yoshi game though...anyone try them?

Has your son tried any of the DS games released since last spring/early summer? I didn't get a DS until this year because the games just weren't as exciting. However, the games this year - New Super Mario Brothers, Mario Hoops 3 on 3, some excellent games have come out (and NSMB doesn't use the stylus at all, where Mario Hoops gives you a choice).

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is the new Pokemon game. It is really fun - and I don't do Pokemon games. Actually, I think it's the first one I've played for more than five minutes. It's also a very long game - if your kids enjoy it, they will get months of use out of it.

The new Yoshi game...I'm supposed to get today! I'm waiting for it as we speak. This spring I played through the original Yoshi's Island game for the first time (it was the only Mario game I had never beaten), and I really ended up enjoying it, so I have high hopes for the new one. I'll be sure to report when I do!

Keishashadow -- from another board over at the community --- there's was talk about the Pokemon DS game and which one is the better one.

Well, from what I remember, apparently the kids like the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon one over the other Pokemon games. I plan on getting that one for my DS for his Christmas present.


Hope this helps.

I'm in agreement! LOL.

The difference between Pokemon games and this one is that before you used to control the human controlling the Pokemon, but in this game you *ARE* the Pokemon. "Mystery Dungeon" is a type of game popular in Japan where you explore randomly created dungeons, so they married that concept with Pokemon and it's been pretty successful. It's definately a good choice.

My problem is I don't understand how The Sims works. My oldest loves this game and she has the original for the Playstation, but nothing for the GBA.

She asked for The Pets version for the GBA, but I'm thinking she would need the original Sims first. Also, The Sims 2 for the GBA also looked interesting.
Can someone explain how this series works for me, and is it dependent on the particular system?

The Sims on portables is much different. Now, I'm not all too familiar with the Playstation version, just the PC one, so I'll try to explain the best I can. They all act independently, and are more "task oriented". That means you don't need any other previous game to play them, and that it's not as open ended as the Sims games on consolers or PC's. Now, the Pets one just came out last week, and I haven't seen it yet, but they aren't as much "simulations" than "games" in the portable versions. Here is a link to a site to read a bit more about that game. In any case, you can just get that one game and it's all you need (that much I know for sure)!

I need to subscribe! Thanks New England Disney!

NP! Hope this helps!

NED

 

[christinadei]

It's on sale at walmart on BF for 39.99. It looks cute, and DS would love changing the faceplates. I haven't heard any reviews at all for this. He has an old GBA (as well as an old school gameboy color that he still plays) and an SP at his fathers right now. He is in need of a new one and I'm trying to decide b/t the Micro 39.99 at Walmart or the DS for 49.99, hopefully a pricematch at Walmart on BF. Thanks!

 

[heartsy77]

Great thread, I am looking at buying DS lite for DD for xmas, anybody know where to get a good deal?

 

[spima3]

Great thread, I am looking at buying DS lite for DD for xmas, anybody know where to get a good deal?

well, I posted this somewhere today, but here it is again.

Yesterday, I was at Toys R Us and they had the DS Lite bundled.
It came w/ choice of colors: pink, black, or white
1 Game: Spyro: The New Beginning
1 Starter Kit: Had carry case, ear plugs, that type of thing. Case did
come in pink for girls.

They have it valued at $185.00. (I priced items separately and it was closer to $190.00)

The bundle was $149 and some change. I thought it was a great deal, but my kids like Spyro. If yours doesn't, then maybe not so great.

I did not see this on their website, so maybe only in store deal? Might be worth it to check it out.

lori

 

[vetrik]

Thanks for starting this thread.

I just bought two DS' for my 2 dd's. I'm wondering what games to double. Like I bought 1 Nintendogs with dalmations, should I get my other dd the same one or a different nintendog. Could they play together if they have different type dogs?
What games should I double. I bought one Avatar and one animal Crossing. I'm thinking about the Princess Peach one, as dd's are 7 & 9.

Any opinions welcome, thanks!

I'm going to chime in on the Nintendogs - I'm a 26 year old female, mostly non-gamer, but I LOVE my DS and Nintendogs is my favorite game.

I would definitely get a different version of Nintendogs for your other DD. Although all the versions have all the breeds of dogs, you are able to unlock them faster by playing with people that have other versions. Nintendogs has a "Bark Mode" where people can wirelessly get their puppies together, bring gifts from their version, and play (I believe this also unlocks breeds of dogs). I think it would be very difficult for 2 girls to play one game, since although you can have up to 3 dogs living in your house, you have to interact with each one when you play. The dogs all live together, so their progress would not be saved seperately.

I wish I knew someone else that had the game, since I'd love to try this out. Unfortunately, I only know one person who has a DS, and they don't have Nintendogs.

Now, I also have a couple questions. Does anyone have any advice on the Sodoku game that came out for the DS? I love playing Sodoku on the Brian Age game, and I would love to get the Sodoku only game if it were as easy to play. Also, my DH is a big gamer (usually pc, he likes long playing games with a lot of story like Zelda, etc). Are there any games for the DS that you would suggest for him?

 

[Minnie]

My DS 13 has had nearly every Nintendo out and the easiest answer to this quesiton is to buy the latest that is out of the newest games will not work with the system. I would never buy an old system when there is a newer one out unless say its an extra that won't get much use or for a very young child that you plan on replacing quickly.

My DS's GBA is now only used to play those games on his Game Cube. Otherwise he loves the DS.

One major selling point for me on the DS was the screen closing - think cell phone/laptop. His GBA got scratched easily even with the protectors.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

It's on sale at walmart on BF for 39.99. It looks cute, and DS would love changing the faceplates. I haven't heard any reviews at all for this. He has an old GBA (as well as an old school gameboy color that he still plays) and an SP at his fathers right now. He is in need of a new one and I'm trying to decide b/t the Micro 39.99 at Walmart or the DS for 49.99, hopefully a pricematch at Walmart on BF. Thanks!

The DS for $49.99? Not sure you can find one that cheap.

The Micro is a great little system if all you want to do is play GBA games. It has a gorgeous screen - even better than the GBA SP (2nd edition). However, if you think your DS is going to want a DS anytime soon (lol), since it also plays the GBA games you may want to make that investment now. Either one is a good choice.

I'm going to chime in on the Nintendogs - I'm a 26 year old female, mostly non-gamer, but I LOVE my DS and Nintendogs is my favorite game.

Yay! We have someone who knows Nintendogs well. I've played it a bit, but I can't give the great detailed advice you did.

Now, I also have a couple questions. Does anyone have any advice on the Sodoku game that came out for the DS? I love playing Sodoku on the Brian Age game, and I would love to get the Sodoku only game if it were as easy to play. Also, my DH is a big gamer (usually pc, he likes long playing games with a lot of story like Zelda, etc). Are there any games for the DS that you would suggest for him?

If as in easy to play you mean interface-wise, yes, it is. It has a few extra features, but you don't have to use them. If you mean by difficulty...they are hard, LOL. But they have different skill levels.

This year has seen a great rise in "immersive" DS games. Dragon Quest just came out, which is based on the old NES RPG series, and is a heck of a big game to fit in such a little bundle. I really enjoyed Star Fox Command, once I got the controls down. It's a combination of RTS (real time strategy) and flight simulator. I played it through, got to the end, and was like, huh? that only took me a couple of hours. Then I found out that there are dozens of ways to play through the story, and many, many missions I had yet to unlock. There is also a new Final Fantasy game coming out for the DS - FFIII - it's the only one that's never been released in the U.S.

One major selling point for me on the DS was the screen closing - think cell phone/laptop. His GBA got scratched easily even with the protectors.

This is the big reason why I find the NDS so appealing. You had to carry a suitcase of stuff before it felt like, and as an adult I'm totally comfortable slipping my DS in my pocket. The biggest advantage, though, is that you can just close the screen on any NDS game (doesn't work with GBA games played in the DS) and it suspends itself, and when you open it up, you're right back where you were. This makes it SO much more convenient, and less of a commitment, to play.

NED

 

[fivefordisney]

I'm going to chime in on the Nintendogs - I'm a 26 year old female, mostly non-gamer, but I LOVE my DS and Nintendogs is my favorite game.

I would definitely get a different version of Nintendogs for your other DD. Although all the versions have all the breeds of dogs, you are able to unlock them faster by playing with people that have other versions. Nintendogs has a "Bark Mode" where people can wirelessly get their puppies together, bring gifts from their version, and play (I believe this also unlocks breeds of dogs). I think it would be very difficult for 2 girls to play one game, since although you can have up to 3 dogs living in your house, you have to interact with each one when you play. The dogs all live together, so their progress would not be saved seperately.

I wish I knew someone else that had the game, since I'd love to try this out. Unfortunately, I only know one person who has a DS, and they don't have Nintendogs.

Now, I also have a couple questions. Does anyone have any advice on the Sodoku game that came out for the DS? I love playing Sodoku on the Brian Age game, and I would love to get the Sodoku only game if it were as easy to play. Also, my DH is a big gamer (usually pc, he likes long playing games with a lot of story like Zelda, etc). Are there any games for the DS that you would suggest for him?

Thanks for the info on Nintendogs! I also have two daughters (10 and 7) who will be so happy to get their DS lites for Christmas. NED was kind enough to tell us that the Dalmation version has more going on... Can anyone speak to which Nintendog version they have and how they like it? I can't decide if I should get two Dalmation versions (is it that much better?) or if I should just pick another breed so the girls will have different dogs. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

Thanks!!!

 

[fivefordisney]

Great thread, I am looking at buying DS lite for DD for xmas, anybody know where to get a good deal?

Last week Limited Too had a 20% off coupon during "Too Bucks"...if you know anyone who has "too bucks" (coupons for $25 off when you spend $50), you can get quite a deal. You can redeem "too bucks" after Nov 24th. Limited Too's price is $149 (and some are bundled with the Princess Peach game!) If you have enough "two bucks", you can get it for $75!!!!

If your DD is a Limited Too gal, there is still time to shop and earn "too bucks"... Good luck!

Now I am trying to find a way to get Nintendogs and Mario Hoops cheap!!!

 

[HayGan]

Now I am trying to find a way to get Nintendogs and Mario Hoops cheap!!!

There is a $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at TRU floating around here somewhere on the budget board. That could bring the price down for each

 

[fivefordisney]

There is a $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at TRU floating around here somewhere on the budget board. That could bring the price down for each

Thanks!! I'll try it--I know that it's not accepted at all TRU...Hopefully, they'll take it at mine!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Thanks for the info on Nintendogs! I also have two daughters (10 and 7) who will be so happy to get their DS lites for Christmas. NED was kind enough to tell us that the Dalmation version has more going on... Can anyone speak to which Nintendog version they have and how they like it? I can't decide if I should get two Dalmation versions (is it that much better?) or if I should just pick another breed so the girls will have different dogs. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

Thanks!!!

Definately follow Vetrik's advice and get two different ones. She has a much better grasp of Nintendogs than I do. I'm so glad she came in to this thread!

My observation regarding the Dalmation version was simply that, when looked at on the computer and trimmed of the excess filler code (no matter how many megabytes a game takes up, they add filler to bring it to the next possible cart size, i.e. if it's 48MB they make it 64MB, because that's the size of the cart), the Nintendogs Dalmations version seems to be about 1/3 larger in terms of data than the previous games. For instance, Nintendogs Best Friends is 28MB when stripped down, but the Dalmations version is 39MB stripped. So that's 11MB of data that is somehow different between them.

However, again, from what Vetrik let us in on regarding how you use them together, I'd definately get two different versions. It sounds like there is a great advantage to that. My observation regarding file sizes could have absolutely no effect at all on gameplay - your kids probably would never notice.

So feel confident in getting two different breeds at the electronic pound.

NED

 

[mshrm]

I have a question...

my boys mentioned that their was something I could buy that would allow them to play the GBA game on the GC. Can anyone tell me what this is and how it works?

Would I be able to buy a game for the GBA and then both kids play it on the GC?

Thanks.

 

[SmileMom]

Thank you, NewEnglandDisney! This is why I love the DIS! Also, thanks to everyone for the info about saving game info. DDs are each getting a DS Lite (pink, of course), and Nintendogs is a must. I didn't realize separate cartridges for each would be necessary to save individual info until I read it here. Thanks for saving me from receiving the "worst mother of the year award."

Questions for all:

- What do I need to purchase and do so they will be able to use these Christmas morning? Is it ready to use out of the box?

- Does it use batteries or a charger? If a charger, is the charger included with the system and is the system charged when it comes out of the box? How frequently would it need to be charged?

- Is the Starter Kit a requirement or can you get by without it? Would each of them need one?

- I read in this thread about the cable to connect two systems. Is that sold separately? If yes, what is it called and where can I get one?

- Other than a variety of games (I have a list), is there anything else I need to get or do to avoid the "awww, mom, we need that, now we have to wait until tomorrow" on Christmas morning.

DISers are the best!

 

[fivefordisney]

Oh, I must have been REALLY tired last night! Vetrik, I thought you were saying to get two separate games--apparently, I wasn't reading too critically--you clearly wrote two different versions. I apologize for asking such an obvious question. Oh my!!

Thanks for your patience, NED!

Have a great day!

 

[HayGan]

I wanted to let fellow Disney/Nintendo DS Lite fans know that I found Cars and Pirates of the Carribean DS Lite kits at my local Game Stop. They included a carrying case, a game case, a special stylus and some little keychain light for $14.99. Not the best deal but these are really cute and my boys will love them. I ordered matching skins off of ebay so the kids will e able to tell their DSs apart!

 

[vetrik]

Oh, I must have been REALLY tired last night! Vetrik, I thought you were saying to get two separate games--apparently, I wasn't reading too critically--you clearly wrote two different versions. I apologize for asking such an obvious question. Oh my!!

Thanks for your patience, NED!

Have a great day!

Yes, definitely get 2 different versions - then they can unlock different breeds in each others games when they go into Bark Mode and also bring each other different gifts that they find while on their walks.

As far as which other version to get, it would depend on if there were a breed that they really liked. I have Chihuahua and Friends. DH bought my DS and Nintendogs for me as a surprise because we were living in a rented house and couldn't have a dog, but I really wanted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He got me the Chihuahua version since it had the Cavalier as a breed (I called them my virtual puppies). Now we bought a house and I have a real Cavalier puppy, but I still love to play the game.

 

[Minnie]

I have a question...

my boys mentioned that their was something I could buy that would allow them to play the GBA game on the GC. Can anyone tell me what this is and how it works?

Would I be able to buy a game for the GBA and then both kids play it on the GC?

Thanks.

You have to buy the connector which allows you to play the GBA on the GC. I think it was about $50. Then yes you can have multiple players as long as the game allows it (check on the back of the game).

 

[vetrik]

If as in easy to play you mean interface-wise, yes, it is. It has a few extra features, but you don't have to use them. If you mean by difficulty...they are hard, LOL. But they have different skill levels.

This year has seen a great rise in "immersive" DS games. Dragon Quest just came out, which is based on the old NES RPG series, and is a heck of a big game to fit in such a little bundle. I really enjoyed Star Fox Command, once I got the controls down. It's a combination of RTS (real time strategy) and flight simulator. I played it through, got to the end, and was like, huh? that only took me a couple of hours. Then I found out that there are dozens of ways to play through the story, and many, many missions I had yet to unlock. There is also a new Final Fantasy game coming out for the DS - FFIII - it's the only one that's never been released in the U.S.


NED

Thanks for the advice.

I definitely meant easy to play as far as interface-wise. Although I just started playing Sudoku when I got Brain Age, I've found that I enjoy a challenge. I started going through the easy puzzles too quickly. Maybe I'll have to add that to my Christmas list. I never thought that I'd be getting video games for every gift giving occasion, and be so happy about it!

Also thanks for the advice for games for DH - although the DS is technically mine, I'd like to have a few games he'd really like to play too. I had already asked him about Final Fantasy, but he didn't seem that interested. I'll definitely have to check out Dragon Quest - that sounds like something he would be interested in, and Star Fox. I know he used to like to play Star Fox on our Gamecube.

 

[Minnie]

Thank you, NewEnglandDisney! This is why I love the DIS! Also, thanks to everyone for the info about saving game info. DDs are each getting a DS Lite (pink, of course), and Nintendogs is a must. I didn't realize separate cartridges for each would be necessary to save individual info until I read it here. Thanks for saving me from receiving the "worst mother of the year award."

Questions for all:

- What do I need to purchase and do so they will be able to use these Christmas morning? Is it ready to use out of the box? Yes it is ready to go. Unless you take them out of the box and charge them they will need to use them plugged into the way though until the system charges.

- Does it use batteries or a charger? If a charger, is the charger included with the system and is the system charged when it comes out of the box? How frequently would it need to be charged? It uses a charger and it is included. It is not charged but can be played when it is charging.

- Is the Starter Kit a requirement or can you get by without it? Would each of them need one? It is not required but it is nice to have. I would at least get a car charger as my son's is often in need of a charge in the worst moments and you can't simply buy batteries for it You could easily get by with one if you just buy the charger. I would definitely get cases though for them.

- I read in this thread about the cable to connect two systems. Is that sold separately? If yes, what is it called and where can I get one? For the DS you do NOT need a cable. They link wirelessly which is a major plus for the system.

- Other than a variety of games (I have a list), is there anything else I need to get or do to avoid the "awww, mom, we need that, now we have to wait until tomorrow" on Christmas morning. Nope not a thing. I'd definitely get a nice case for each and the car charger.

DISers are the best!

Hope this helps!