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

[Mickey Fliers]

OMG, so glad I found this thread. I just purchased the DS bundle at TRU for my two oldest boys (9 and 7). Quick question, one is getting a DS and the other a DS lite. Is there going to be any "gaming" difference between these two systems?

And let me see if I understand this correctly, if the boys want to play "linked up" do they need to have the same games? So, do I need to buy two copies of each game? How do they play "together"?

Thanks for the help. They got the Spyro game in the bundle, but I was thinking about picking up Yoshi or SMB for additional games.

 

[momoftwins]

We had bought some contraption (pretty technical huh) that allowed GBA games on the regular Gamecube. Will this same contraption work to permit DS Lite games to be played on the regular Gamecube?? DS really wants Star Wars II Lego and I know they have it for DS Lite and regular GC. I do not want to buy two of the same games.

Thanks.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

OMG, so glad I found this thread. I just purchased the DS bundle at TRU for my two oldest boys (9 and 7). Quick question, one is getting a DS and the other a DS lite. Is there going to be any "gaming" difference between these two systems?

Nope. They will play the same games and work seamlessly together. The only differences, besides the quality of the screens, are cosmetic.

And let me see if I understand this correctly, if the boys want to play "linked up" do they need to have the same games? So, do I need to buy two copies of each game? How do they play "together"?

If you look a bit earlier in the thread, I think I described it more fully, but games that are multiplayer either say, "Wirless DS Single Card Download Play", "Wireless DS Multicard Play", or both. If it says "Single Card" then you can use one card on one DS, and choose to "host" a game. Then you turn on your 2nd DS (without a game) and select "Download Play". From then on it's different for every game. If it says "Multicard Play" only, then you need two cards. Most games are either Single Card, or both, which means you can get even more features if you have two cards, but you can still play with just one.

Thanks for the help. They got the Spyro game in the bundle, but I was thinking about picking up Yoshi or SMB for additional games.

Either is a great choice. I'd edge NSMB over Yoshi, if only for the sheer amount of minigames, but this week I've bene playing tons of Yoshi, as it's also a quality game.

We had bought some contraption (pretty technical huh) that allowed GBA games on the regular Gamecube. Will this same contraption work to permit DS Lite games to be played on the regular Gamecube?? DS really wants Star Wars II Lego and I know they have it for DS Lite and regular GC. I do not want to buy two of the same games.

Thanks.

No, the GBA adaptor for the GC will not work with DS Lite games.

However, if you have a choice, get the Gamecube version. The DS Lite one is fun, but no where near as large, complex, and impressive as the GC game. On it's own it's a nice game, but if you played both it would feel like it's ugly little cousin LOL. There is no need to buy both.

Good luck!

NED

 

[fivefordisney]

For my DD10 and DD7, I was going to purchase Nintendogs (each a different breed--thank, vetrik and NED!) and have one Princess Peach that came in a Limited Too bundle (DS Lite and PP). Does anyone have a suggestions about another game. I think I'll give DD10 the Princess Peach game. Any suggestions for DD7.

I guess it's important to note that these are the first video games they've ever had. We don't own anything other than a Leapster, so I guess we are really inexperienced!!!

Is Princess Peach good enough to get two copies (so they'll each have their own?)

Does anyone have any advice or opinion about Zoo Tycoon. My niece has this on her PC at home and just loves it. Anyone have it for their DS Lite?

Thanks for any advice you can give!!

Oh, and what is a good price for these games? It seems that $29.99 is the common "sale price"--I'm not sure if this is a good price or not...

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

DD7 has a DS and a Gamecube. I have gotten her a few DS games for Christmas (either from us, or Santa, or the grandparents - not sure who is doing what yet). I bought Kimmunicator, Princess Peach and Avatar, and she is also getting the Suite Life of Zach and Cody. I would like to get her one Gamecube game for Christmas. She currently has Super Mario Sunshine, Over the Hedge and Madagascar. She has Nicktoons Unite for GBA, but wants it for Gamecube. Should I get her that, or will it mainly be a repeat? She already has Mario Kart for DS and is getting Double Dash for Gamecube from her grandparents. I considered Avatar for GC instead of DS, but the DS version is rated E and the GC version is E-10. She already has Nintendogs for DS and amazingly doesn't play it much - haven't figured that out yet.

So, does anyone have any favorite Gamecube games that they would recommend based on what she already has and likes? New England Disney - any thoughts? I'd prefer something with an E rating, but Over the Hedge and Madagascar are both E-10 and are pretty harmless as far as I have seen.

Thanks for any help!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

For my DD10 and DD7, I was going to purchase Nintendogs (each a different breed--thank, vetrik and NED!) and have one Princess Peach that came in a Limited Too bundle (DS Lite and PP). Does anyone have a suggestions about another game. I think I'll give DD10 the Princess Peach game. Any suggestions for DD7.

My DD7 plays Mario Kart more than any other game. She loves all the Mario games, and I got her Princess Peach for Christmas as well. She also likes her Super Mario Bros. gamel. I also got a Kim Possible game and the Avatar game. Not sure if they will be any good, but she will probably like them. I think 29.99 is the usual price - I did buy some during Toys R Us's buy two, get one free sale.

 

[fivefordisney]

I am clueless!!! I didn't even know the games were rated...I'll need to find out about that!!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I am clueless!!! I didn't even know the games were rated...I'll need to find out about that!!

My DD7 put Super Smash Brothers Melee on her Christmas list because she played it at a friend's house, and it is rated Teen. I said no way - she is already too much like a teenager! I am not sure what caused it to have that rating (it is a Mario game), but there are enough choices of E games that she should be happy for a few years. I didn't realize Over the Hedge and Madagascar were E-10 when I bought them last year, but they don't seem too bad - kind of like a PG movie in terms of cartoon violence. There are so many E games for the Nintendo units, which is why we got Gamecube instead of Playstation or XBox - I think we can keep her happy for awhile.

 

[TENIA66]

I just purchased this for my daughter. I looked around and it's $129.99 IF you can find it in stock. I just saw this deal with FREE shipping and NO tax. It's not a bargain, but it's cheaper and, more importantly, IN-STOCK!

Nintendo DS Lite Coral Pink - $129.82 w/FREE Shipping (List Price: $129.99) @ Amazon.com

Click Here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000I10PYC/ref=nosim/dansdeals08-20



List Price: $129.99
Sale Price: $129.82
You Save: $0.17 (0%)

This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping!


Features:

• It’s less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter.
• Its two bright screens can be adjusted to four levels to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power.
• The microphone sits in the center of the unit, and the LED lights are clearly visible whether the unit is open or closed.
• The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 1 millimeter thicker than the stylus of the original, and slides into a side storage slot.
• The Start and Select buttons were repositioned for easier access.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

any favorite Gamecube games that they would recommend based on what she already has and likes? New England Disney - any thoughts? I'd prefer something with an E rating, but Over the Hedge and Madagascar are both E-10 and are pretty harmless as far as I have seen.

Thanks for any help!

My DD7 put Super Smash Brothers Melee on her Christmas list because she played it at a friend's house, and it is rated Teen. I said no way - she is already too much like a teenager! I am not sure what caused it to have that rating (it is a Mario game), but there are enough choices of E games that she should be happy for a few years. I didn't realize Over the Hedge and Madagascar were E-10 when I bought them last year, but they don't seem too bad - kind of like a PG movie in terms of cartoon violence. There are so many E games for the Nintendo units, which is why we got Gamecube instead of Playstation or XBox - I think we can keep her happy for awhile.

I'm not going to be able to help you much on ratings - but to be honest, with Nintendo games, you don't have to worry as much. I mean, there isn't going to be a Nintendo produced game out there with cussin', LOL. A few third-party games might (though nothing obscene) but those are usually pretty obviously more adult games and would be rated M.

I will say that Super Smash Bros. Melee is an excellent game - the reason it's rated T is because, even though it's Mario characters, it's still a "fighting" game. You could release a Care Bears fighting game where they fight with rays of love from their heart, and it still would get an automatic T-rating. So, if you're okay with the fact it's a fighting game, there is nothing more than that to the rating.

That's one I'd recommend. Another would be any of the Mario Party games - though they require more than one controller for multiplayer, those games are fun as heck for the whole family.

Good luck!

NED

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

For my DD10 and DD7, I was going to purchase Nintendogs (each a different breed--thank, vetrik and NED!) and have one Princess Peach that came in a Limited Too bundle (DS Lite and PP). Does anyone have a suggestions about another game. I think I'll give DD10 the Princess Peach game. Any suggestions for DD7.

The Little Mermaid is a great choice for DD7. It's easy enough to pick up and start playing, but there is lots to learn and explore and your DD10 will likely enjoy it as well.

I guess it's important to note that these are the first video games they've ever had. We don't own anything other than a Leapster, so I guess we are really inexperienced!!!

Don't be daunted! The DS is the most user-friendly system there is. And there are tons of people around, as you can see, who are learning about them as well, and that's why we're here!

Is Princess Peach good enough to get two copies (so they'll each have their own?)

Good enough doesn't really apply in the case of SPP. It's an amazing game (even just for the fact that it totally stars Peach), but since it's not multiplayer there is no point to having two. It has several different save slots (three I believe) so each daughter (and you! LOL) can have your own game saved on the same card. They just need to decide who saves in Slot A, Slot B, etc. It's easier than I'm making it sound.

Does anyone have any advice or opinion about Zoo Tycoon. My niece has this on her PC at home and just loves it. Anyone have it for their DS Lite?

Thanks for any advice you can give!!

Haven't played that one in particular, but you can bet it's not as immersive and detailed as the PC version (as with any handheld game). Maybe try for a game she hasn't played yet on PC (same advice for the Star Wars Lego games).

Oh, and what is a good price for these games? It seems that $29.99 is the common "sale price"--I'm not sure if this is a good price or not...

It depends on the title. Videogames rarely go on much of a sale, especially first party Nintendo titles. They may reduce in price over time, but they don't generally go on much sale (though there are exceptions). Retail on the newest ones is usually $34.99, but $29.99 is common as well. For DS games, you won't find many cheaper than $29.99 (with a few notable exceptions, like Brain Age), unless you come across a good sale.

Good luck!

NED

 

[fivefordisney]

Thanks so much New England Disney! I'll check out the Little Mermaid game for DD7.

You are such a huge help! Thanks a million!!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

We went out last night and got a pink DS at Best Buy. (The last one sitting out BTW) DH is a rewards member and we had a coupon for 10% off. We were very pleased and surprised when the computer took the % off not only the games but also the DSLite and even the replacement plan! It was a very nice surprise. So IF you received a !0% coupon in the mail from Best Buy take it with you to buy your system.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Thanks, New England Disney! I'll give Super Smash another look!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Thanks so much New England Disney! I'll check out the Little Mermaid game for DD7.

You are such a huge help! Thanks a million!!!

NP! Glad to be of service!

Thanks, New England Disney! I'll give Super Smash another look!

Of course, use your own best judgement. But I can tell you that the rating isn't because of coarse language or sexuality or anything like that. It's because, in the end, Mario characters or not, it's still a game about fightin' (the "smash" and "melee" of the title, LOL).

Good luck to all!

NED

 

[spima3]

ok, after buying my 9 yr old son a new DS Lite, he informs me he really wants another gameboy. I don't understand why, but he says he needs it to play certain games or a certain way. He gets so annoyed with me when I don't understand! Also, some sort of cable is required. I am thinking he is trying to link the two together, but don't know why he would need to do this when he is playing himself. Make any sense?

I am thinking maybe I can have the MIL buy him one of the original Gameboys, I would think they would be pretty cheap now, with all the more advanced consoles that have come out.

He has the GB Advance, so would the regular GB still accomplish what he is trying to do?

Also, anyone seen any good deals out there?

TIA

lori

 

[angel's momma]

So, does anyone have any favorite Gamecube games that they would recommend

DD8 & I both enjoy Animal Crossing - and have been playing it for about 2 years, there's a lot to do on it.

We're currently working on Chibi-Robo - it's E-10.

DD likes Disney Party, but I find it annoying. Another one of her favorites is Super Monkey Ball.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

DD8 & I both enjoy Animal Crossing - and have been playing it for about 2 years, there's a lot to do on it.

We're currently working on Chibi-Robo - it's E-10.

DD likes Disney Party, but I find it annoying. Another one of her favorites is Super Monkey Ball.

Thanks for the ideas! I will check them out!

 

[GOODoldPAL]

OK, I confess my DD at age 13 has been severely deprived because she never owned a handheld (we have PS2 at home). Over last year, good friends of ours have been generously loaning her a spare GBA with Pokemon game.

Well now my DH is hinting how great it would be to have one to play with her (he just turned 59 - tell me he's not the only senior gamer out there!!)
So my questions are:
~ What's the cheapest alternative for 2 systems that can play together?
I know it would make sense to get the newest DSlite but can I get a GBA as second system and they will link? Or is it only that the new DS can use the GBA cartridges but you still need 2 DS lite to do that?
~Is GBA just as expensive as the older DS? (and older DS is only $30 cheaper than the lite version?)

~What would be most likely games they would play together?
On the PS2 he currently likes (OK, to be honest, he's addicted) Prince of Persia and in past played Gladiator, Lord of Rings, Jak & Crash
DD likes those but prefers Sims, DDR, Kingdom Hearts. I know she would love Nintendogs & Animal Crossings.
They both love all things Pirate but the POC PS2 game got poor reviews.
We DO all play board games often. (Scrabble, Life, Sorry, Rummicube etc)

My apologies if some of these questions were answered. I DID read thru all of the DS threads but think I'm overloaded with TMI now.
Hoping I can swing a surprise for them with combined TRU & Paypal discount ~ shhhh....it's a secret.

 

[spima3]

He has the GB Advance, so would the regular GB still accomplish what he is trying to do?

Also, anyone seen any good deals out there?

Well, after posting this and looking around the internet, looks like you can't even buy the old GB's, only the Advance are available. Lot of money for something when I don't even understand why he would need it?
Again, anyone want to take a swing at my original question? couple of posts ago.

lori