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

[Colestat]

Does the DS Lite play GBA games?

 

[fivefordisney]

According to http://www.savacode.com/codes.html ToysRus will save $40 on the DS Lite Value Pack in deals from 11/26.

What is the DS Lite Value Pack? Does anyone know what it includes?

 

[spima3]

I am *extremely* surprised no Black Friday deals showed up for cheap old DS's. $99 is no bargain for those. Most stores that still have them have them sitting on the shelves. I really expected places to want to get rid of them and I thought we'd see like $69 deals.NED

Same with the GBA SP. I only saw one Black Friday ad, I think it was at Circuit City for $49.99. Everywhere else they were the usual $79.99.
Really surprised me. Can't see them being big sellers anymore either.

No deals on the DS Lite at all, they were all $129.99 which is the regular price.

lori

 

[junglejoy]

Does the DS Lite play GBA games?

It does.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Wow, did anyone else buy one of those 18-in-1 starter kits on sale at Best Buy this weekend for $9.99? I usually am not into that kind of stuff, but I went into BB today and they still had one left, and I grabbed it right up. I had actually come in to just buy the charger/dock, which is $9.99 by itself, so all the other stuff was FREE.

That's why I usually don't buy starter kits or bundles, because I never need ALL of the stuff, but this time I couldn't pass it up. The dock, car adapter (which I had also been meaning to pick up), soft case, and a ton of other useful stuff. Finally - a good value!

Anyway, if you didn't pick one up yet, give your local BB a call. You never know, they just may have some left - the sale ends tonight.

Good luck to everyone,

NED

 

[McKelly]

Does anybody know if the DS Lite has or will be coming out with a My Little Pony game? My DD asked for a GBA and the MLP game for Christmas, but after reading this thread, I think maybe I should buy her the DS Lite, but she is such a MLP lover, I think that is why asked for the GBA.

Would it be weird to buy the MLP GBA game specifically to play on the DS Lite? Do the GBA games play any different, meaning the graphics, etc.? Thanks!

And while I am asking questions, if you had to pick, Animal Crossing, Nintendogs or Princess Peach for a soon to be 8 year old girl? Thanks!

 

[Minnie]

Does anybody know if the DS Lite has or will be coming out with a My Little Pony game? My DD asked for a GBA and the MLP game for Christmas, but after reading this thread, I think maybe I should buy her the DS Lite, but she is such a MLP lover, I think that is why asked for the GBA.

Would it be weird to buy the MLP GBA game specifically to play on the DS Lite? Do the GBA games play any different, meaning the graphics, etc.? Thanks!

And while I am asking questions, if you had to pick, Animal Crossing, Nintendogs or Princess Peach for a soon to be 8 year old girl? Thanks!

It would be just fine to get the MLP GBA game and play it on the DS. I wouldn't hesitate on that for a second.

The only one of the 3 you mention that I know much about is the Nintendogs. This is a major hit around here and if your DD has a friend with the game they can play together wirelessly.

 

[Minnie]

I'm hoping you all can help me

I've started a thread about a gaming system for my DS (13). Please click on the link below if you have a chance and let me know your opinion.

Thanks!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1284604

 

[fivefordisney]

Wow, did anyone else buy one of those 18-in-1 starter kits on sale at Best Buy this weekend for $9.99? I usually am not into that kind of stuff, but I went into BB today and they still had one left, and I grabbed it right up. I had actually come in to just buy the charger/dock, which is $9.99 by itself, so all the other stuff was FREE.

That's why I usually don't buy starter kits or bundles, because I never need ALL of the stuff, but this time I couldn't pass it up. The dock, car adapter (which I had also been meaning to pick up), soft case, and a ton of other useful stuff. Finally - a good value!

Anyway, if you didn't pick one up yet, give your local BB a call. You never know, they just may have some left - the sale ends tonight.

Good luck to everyone,

NED

I couldn't get to Best Buy today so sadly, we didn't get that great deal! Other than the accessories, I think I am set for my two daughters.

DD10 is getting the DSLite in pink, Princess Peach, Nintendogs (Daschund), Animal Crossing and Brain Age.

DD7 is getting the DSLite in White, Nintendogs (Dalmation) and Animal Crossing. (She's getting more toys so I didn't get her as many games!)

Now I just want to get them a case and maybe, a car charger. Am I leaving anything out?

Thanks a million!!!!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Would it be weird to buy the MLP GBA game specifically to play on the DS Lite? Do the GBA games play any different, meaning the graphics, etc.? Thanks!

And while I am asking questions, if you had to pick, Animal Crossing, Nintendogs or Princess Peach for a soon to be 8 year old girl? Thanks!

Re: MLP GBA game - as someone else said above, nope, nothing wrong with it. It won't look as great as DS games, but then again, it won't cost as much either LOL.

If you were picking a DS game out of those three, well, I'd have to cop out and say you'd know best. I can tell you why I'd choose each one, though.

I'd pick Nintendogs if she enjoys that sort of slower-moving, interactive pet experience above click-click-click playing of games. Animal Crossing is a very rich game, that if she enjoys that type of thing could keep her endlessly amused - planting flowers in the town square, making deliveries for residents of the town, pulling weeds up from places they shouldn't be...there are endless things you can do to take care of your town. (If you get AC, though, BUY THE GUIDEBOOK. I always tell people they don't need these and to avoid them, but this game is an exception - there is too much to know and the book really helps you get the most out of it). Super Princess Peach is a favorite of mine because Peach is my favorite Ninty charachter, and is a wonderful game if your daughter is looking for more of a "regular" platformer game (i.e. running, jumping, spinning, etc.) that also has a lot to unlock and discover (you can "win" mini-games, sound clips, etc.).

Hope this helps!

I couldn't get to Best Buy today so sadly, we didn't get that great deal! Other than the accessories, I think I am set for my two daughters.

DD10 is getting the DSLite in pink, Princess Peach, Nintendogs (Daschund), Animal Crossing and Brain Age.

DD7 is getting the DSLite in White, Nintendogs (Dalmation) and Animal Crossing. (She's getting more toys so I didn't get her as many games!)

Now I just want to get them a case and maybe, a car charger. Am I leaving anything out?

Thanks a million!!!!

Sounds like you got it under control! After getting it open, I wasn't QUITE as impressed as I was earlier (the stand included isn't the light-up stand you plug into, it's just a stand - even though the package shows it with lights around it), but the stand is still helpful, and the car charger and case will get used. So it was still worth it, just not the HUGE value I thought it was LOL.

Those game choices are great - and remember, as long as DD10 agrees, they can easily share SPP and Brain Age. In fact, Brain Age is MORE fun the more players have profiles in the game - it asks you questions about each other. Hopefully Mom will try too!

If you will play a lot in the car, then yes, a car charger is a good idea (you know they sell those things at Radio Shack that let you plug two different things into the same car lighter, right? That might prevent some headaches - I think they are like $5-8), and a small case is as well. But really, it sounds like you've got it covered!

NED

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Wow, have you guys seen that www.gamefly.com is carrying DS and GBA games? I didn't know they did that. That could be a great option for those that want to try to rent before they buy - it's just like Netflix only for games. I had no idea they carried software for portables.

Hope this helps someone!

NED

 

[sarahc]

Hi! I have just been given a GBA but the screen seems really dim. Anyone know why or what I could do about it? I put new batteries in but this hasn't done anything.

 

[bekkiz]

I'm sort of embarassed that I need help with this, but here you go

I (at 26) love the DS. Mario Cart and Wario Ware Touched are my favorite games, mostly because I'm not very good at the typical scrolling screen (like Super Mario Bros etc.) My DH, on the other hand is awesome at those!

I think I'm going to get the Yoshi Island game, b/c I know even if I don't play, DH will. I'm stuck on if I should get Animal Crossing. In all likelyhood, I will not use the wi-fi features and play with others. Is there enough to do if you don't interact? Like I said, these type of games are more fun for me. I just don't know if it's worth it?

tia!

 

[topaz_onyx]

Hi,
Could you please help me, I'm getting a DS for xmas and have some questions
1, is there ever anyone on that chat thing?
2, does mariokart come free?
3, how many stylus's come with it?
4, how do you visit other peoples villageson animal crossing
5, can u recommend me some games and tell me what u think of them + the DS
Thanks
These are the games i have asked for; pokemon dungeon, animal crossing, nintendogs and pokemon link.
I am a 12yr old girl and I like pokemon games and puzzle games. I like the sound of nintendogs and animal crossing

 

[robinb]

I just got a great deal at Toys-R-Us! I got a pink Nintendo Lite, a Nintendo Switch 'N Carry Starter Kit (pink Nintendo DS Folio, Car Adapter, Headphones, System Wrap in pink, Nintendo Cleaning Rag, 3 styluses and 2 Game Card Cases), Happy Feet game and Little Mermaid game for $179.00. The ad specified the Happy Feet game and your choice of another game from two games listed. My local TRU didn't have enough of the two games so they allowed me to choose any $29 game as my second. I wanted Nintendogs, but they didn't have the Labrador one in stock, so my DD chose Little Mermaid. Yes ... she was with me and she wants to open it now! She has to wait until Hanukkah .

 

[princessmomma]

Circuit City has DS Lite for $129 and get a free Brain Age game.

Wondering if I should go this route or go for the Toys R US deal if I could get the Dalmation game with Happy Feet?? I wonder what Happy Feet is like?

 

[snoodledoo]

Is there a difference in the Nintendogs games, other than some of the breeds?
Thanks! (Sorry if this has been covered already!)

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Hi! I have just been given a GBA but the screen seems really dim. Anyone know why or what I could do about it? I put new batteries in but this hasn't done anything.

It is likely an older model that doesn't feature backlighting. The difference is night and day. All of the GBA's currently for sale have backlit screens. In fact, the Gameboy Micro (which some people are finding for less than $40) has the best screen of all.

I'm sort of embarassed that I need help with this, but here you go

I (at 26) love the DS. Mario Cart and Wario Ware Touched are my favorite games, mostly because I'm not very good at the typical scrolling screen (like Super Mario Bros etc.) My DH, on the other hand is awesome at those!

I think I'm going to get the Yoshi Island game, b/c I know even if I don't play, DH will. I'm stuck on if I should get Animal Crossing. In all likelyhood, I will not use the wi-fi features and play with others. Is there enough to do if you don't interact? Like I said, these type of games are more fun for me. I just don't know if it's worth it?

tia!

Give AC a try if you think you'll like it. And pick up the guide book as well. As I've said before, I never recommend that, but for AC you will get SO SO much more out of the game if you have the book. I played it for a long while (over a period of months) and never did the WiFi thing (I have access, but I didn't have any friends with it to get a code from lol) and there is still plenty to do. The WiFi features of being able to visit towns are cool, but not an intregal part of the game.

You will love Yoshi's Island if you liked the first one, or Mario platformers. I'm about to get on a plane to WDW and it's the only game I'm bringing in my carry-on. It's a load of fun.

Hi,
Could you please help me, I'm getting a DS for xmas and have some questions

I'll sure try!

1, is there ever anyone on that chat thing?

If you mean PictoChat, it's not an online service. It's only to communicate with other NDS units in your immediate area. I believe the range is like 30 feet. So in order for anyone to be "on" it, they need to be near you with an NDS.

2, does mariokart come free?

There is/was a bundle out there with the Red old-style DS, but nope, there currently aren't any Nintendo-sponsored bundles at the moment. You may be lucky to find one in a store that the store puts together, however.

3, how many stylus's come with it?

I believe the DS Lite only comes with one. Replacements are available anywhere (NEVER use anything but an offical Nintendo one...Y'all have been warned!), they cost like $6 for two of them. However, I've never lost one - they are hard to loose since they fit so neatly in their slot on the NDS itself.

4, how do you visit other peoples villageson animal crossing

You can either do it locally (if someone else has their NDS and the game), or you can do it via the WiFi connection. I've actually been waiting for Wi-Fi questions, LOL. When I return, I'm going to write up a little intro so people aren't overwhelmed on Christmas morning. To summarize, though, to use the Wi-Fi you need 1) a broadband connection (cable, DSL, etc.), and 2) either a) a wireless router [$30ish] or b) the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector [$35ish, requires WindowsXP]. In the meantime, Nintendo's website is actually pretty good at explaining it (though I can do better eventually LOL) if anyone needs immediate help.

5, can u recommend me some games and tell me what u think of them + the DS
Thanks
These are the games i have asked for; pokemon dungeon, animal crossing, nintendogs and pokemon link.
I am a 12yr old girl and I like pokemon games and puzzle games. I like the sound of nintendogs and animal crossing

Nintendogs and Animal Crossing are great titles! If you look a bit earlier in this thread, you'll see we discussed a bunch of great games for people your age. (BTW, great writing skills - I had no idea you weren't an adult until I got to this part, LOL.)

Pokemon Mystery dungeon is also getting high marks, and there is Super Princess Peach of course.

I hope you enjoy your NDS!

I just got a great deal at Toys-R-Us! I got a pink Nintendo Lite, a Nintendo Switch 'N Carry Starter Kit (pink Nintendo DS Folio, Car Adapter, Headphones, System Wrap in pink, Nintendo Cleaning Rag, 3 styluses and 2 Game Card Cases), Happy Feet game and Little Mermaid game for $179.00. The ad specified the Happy Feet game and your choice of another game from two games listed. My local TRU didn't have enough of the two games so they allowed me to choose any $29 game as my second. I wanted Nintendogs, but they didn't have the Labrador one in stock, so my DD chose Little Mermaid. Yes ... she was with me and she wants to open it now! She has to wait until Hanukkah .

Oh, the horror. I remember how that was - the Super Nintendo came out three weeks before my birthday, and I know my mom had to wait in line to get one...and I didn't get it until my birthday. I eventually got over it, LOL, but I do remember how LONG a few weeks feels when you are young. She'll have so much fun when she gets it I think she'll forgive you. It sounds like you got some great deals!

Circuit City has DS Lite for $129 and get a free Brain Age game.

Wondering if I should go this route or go for the Toys R US deal if I could get the Dalmation game with Happy Feet?? I wonder what Happy Feet is like?

The TRU bundle sounds like it's working for others - don't know much about Happy Feet. I know the Wii version wasn't well recieved, but I also think it's a totally different game on the NDS and I'm sure will be fun. Brain Age is very cool too - but remember, it usually only costs $20 by itself (not $30 like the rest of the games), so figure that in when you are deciding.

Is there a difference in the Nintendogs games, other than some of the breeds?
Thanks! (Sorry if this has been covered already!)

If you check a bit earlier in the thread (can someone else find the post? I'm literally runnin' out the door LOL) our resident Nintendogs Expert made some great posts about the differences between the versions.

Well everyone, that's all for now - I'm getting up, slipping on my Crocs, and off to the airport for Disney! I'll be back answering questions as soon as I return, but in the meantime it seems as if there are some great people following this thread that will be able to help. When I return, I'm going to sort through and post the most FAQ in the first few posts to make it a bit easier for everyone to read and find what they want to know.

See ya real soon!

NED

 

[topaz_onyx]

It is likely an older model that doesn't feature backlighting. The difference is night and day. All of the GBA's currently for sale have backlit screens. In fact, the Gameboy Micro (which some people are finding for less than $40) has the best screen of all.



Give AC a try if you think you'll like it. And pick up the guide book as well. As I've said before, I never recommend that, but for AC you will get SO SO much more out of the game if you have the book. I played it for a long while (over a period of months) and never did the WiFi thing (I have access, but I didn't have any friends with it to get a code from lol) and there is still plenty to do. The WiFi features of being able to visit towns are cool, but not an intregal part of the game.

You will love Yoshi's Island if you liked the first one, or Mario platformers. I'm about to get on a plane to WDW and it's the only game I'm bringing in my carry-on. It's a load of fun.



I'll sure try!



If you mean PictoChat, it's not an online service. It's only to communicate with other NDS units in your immediate area. I believe the range is like 30 feet. So in order for anyone to be "on" it, they need to be near you with an NDS.



There is/was a bundle out there with the Red old-style DS, but nope, there currently aren't any Nintendo-sponsored bundles at the moment. You may be lucky to find one in a store that the store puts together, however.



I believe the DS Lite only comes with one. Replacements are available anywhere (NEVER use anything but an offical Nintendo one...Y'all have been warned!), they cost like $6 for two of them. However, I've never lost one - they are hard to loose since they fit so neatly in their slot on the NDS itself.



You can either do it locally (if someone else has their NDS and the game), or you can do it via the WiFi connection. I've actually been waiting for Wi-Fi questions, LOL. When I return, I'm going to write up a little intro so people aren't overwhelmed on Christmas morning. To summarize, though, to use the Wi-Fi you need 1) a broadband connection (cable, DSL, etc.), and 2) either a) a wireless router [$30ish] or b) the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector [$35ish, requires WindowsXP]. In the meantime, Nintendo's website is actually pretty good at explaining it (though I can do better eventually LOL) if anyone needs immediate help.




Nintendogs and Animal Crossing are great titles! If you look a bit earlier in this thread, you'll see we discussed a bunch of great games for people your age. (BTW, great writing skills - I had no idea you weren't an adult until I got to this part, LOL.)

Pokemon Mystery dungeon is also getting high marks, and there is Super Princess Peach of course.

I hope you enjoy your NDS!



Oh, the horror. I remember how that was - the Super Nintendo came out three weeks before my birthday, and I know my mom had to wait in line to get one...and I didn't get it until my birthday. I eventually got over it, LOL, but I do remember how LONG a few weeks feels when you are young. She'll have so much fun when she gets it I think she'll forgive you. It sounds like you got some great deals!



The TRU bundle sounds like it's working for others - don't know much about Happy Feet. I know the Wii version wasn't well recieved, but I also think it's a totally different game on the NDS and I'm sure will be fun. Brain Age is very cool too - but remember, it usually only costs $20 by itself (not $30 like the rest of the games), so figure that in when you are deciding.



If you check a bit earlier in the thread (can someone else find the post? I'm literally runnin' out the door LOL) our resident Nintendogs Expert made some great posts about the differences between the versions.

Well everyone, that's all for now - I'm getting up, slipping on my Crocs, and off to the airport for Disney! I'll be back answering questions as soon as I return, but in the meantime it seems as if there are some great people following this thread that will be able to help. When I return, I'm going to sort through and post the most FAQ in the first few posts to make it a bit easier for everyone to read and find what they want to know.

See ya real soon!

NED

Thanks, you helped me a lot.

 

[robinb]

Well everyone, that's all for now - I'm getting up, slipping on my Crocs, and off to the airport for Disney!

Have a great time NED!