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

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

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

Wal-Mart has the Gameboy Micro for about $40 on Black Friday. I am not sure why he would need one, except maybe to play older Gameboy games (not Gameboy Advance), or to play two-player on a GBA game?

I don't think you can link a GBA with a DS, but you might be able to link a Micro and a GBA SP. I'm sure you will get an answer from New England Diseny next time he checks this thread - I don't want to give wrong info!

 

[elan]

I konw gba games can play on a ds, I'm assumng it is just on one of the screens. Correct?

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

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 think there is some confusion somewhere, hehe. The original GameBoy hasn't been sold in about six years (when your son was 3), so I'm not sure what he might be looking for. If it's the GameBoyAdvance, yes, you need a cable to hook one to another. I can't help much with that one - I never really did GBA multiplayer because of all the limitations (you need the cable, you both have to have copies of the same game, etc).

It sounds like he just may want a GBA. If so, the GBA SP is a great choice, and I think most places have it around $50 right now. I wouldn't invest in one at this point, but if that's what he wants, LOL. As to the cable, I'm sure they are still available. I believe they are $5-10, but remember, both kids need a copy of the game to do multiplayer.

Hope this helps!

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?

Actually, it's cheaper to get a DS Lite. Here's why :

The DS games generally only need one cart to play multiplayer (I explained this pretty fully on the last page). For GBA, you must have two copies of the game. That $$ can add up quickly, when for a slightly higher initial investment you can avoid it. Almost all multiplayer games have some form of play with just a single cart (I described how to tell them apart on the previous page).

~Is GBA just as expensive as the older DS? (and older DS is only $30 cheaper than the lite version?)

It's about $50. But, again, if you want to play multiplayer you must have two copies of each game, and the aforementioned cable.

~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)

Not going to be much help with PS2 comparisons - I've never touched one of them (on purpose LOL). I have seen the board games coming 2 or 3 to a cart for $20 - I have the Yahtzee/Monopoly/Boggle one I like to play.

Hope that helped at least some!

I konw gba games can play on a ds, I'm assumng it is just on one of the screens. Correct?

Yup and you can pick which one you want to use in the settings. I prefer the upper screen, because it's easier to reposition it.

NED

 

[GOODoldPAL]

Thanks Ned - your time & advice much appreciated!

Disappointed I'm not seeing the DS lite any cheaper than $129 (except Brandsmart and the cost to fly from PA to GA or FL would kind of negate that )
Bundles too are not ALOT of savings.
Well at least I think I know what I want if & when I can afford it.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

NP GOODoldPAL. Glad to help!

It is tough to get discounts on game systems, and I'm normally not in the "new is better" camp, but the problem is that investing in a GBA now is that they are phasing the hardware out.

Keep an eye on this forum - the people here are VERY good at finding deals! When there is one, it will be posted!

Good luck!

NED

 

[GOODoldPAL]

Been looking at DS cases and from what I can see of images, I haven't seen a case that carries TWO systems?
Looks like the larger hard cases have foam cutouts to fit certain accessories but only one system?

I guess I could buy foam and customize.
Would be a great advantage, when traveling as family, to have a case that carries two. (Also if DD wants to take to friend's who doesn't own one)

So is there a 2 system case out there?

 

[Scurvy]

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?



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

?

TIA

lori

Does he play Pokemon games? My son likes to trade Pokemon between his different GBA Pokemon games, and to do that you have to have more than one GBA and a linking cable. Either the original GBA or the GBA SP will work, but the original Gameboy will not, and neither will the DS.

I bet that you could find a used GBA or even an SP really cheap somewhere like EBGames or Rhino.

 

[tycopj]

Disappointed I'm not seeing the DS lite any cheaper than $129 (except Brandsmart and the cost to fly from PA to GA or FL would kind of negate that )

Too Funny!

I would love to find a deal on the DS Lite!

 

[spima3]

I think there is some confusion somewhere, hehe. The original GameBoy hasn't been sold in about six years (when your son was 3), so I'm not sure what he might be looking for.

Yes, I am terminology challenged. Throw in a few acronyms and I'm a goner. He has the GBA SP, I meant the GBA.
I have been looking at the GBA SP, and haven't found it cheaper than $79.99 so far. I am thinking it might be advantageous to hold out and see if it comes down the closer it gets to Christmas. thx


lori

 

[spima3]

Does he play Pokemon games? My son likes to trade Pokemon between his different GBA Pokemon games, and to do that you have to have more than one GBA and a linking cable. Either the original GBA or the GBA SP will work, but the original Gameboy will not, and neither will the DS.

Ahhh, now this sounds confusing enough, that it just has to be right!
He does love the Pokemon games and has requested a few titles for Xmas.

Since I already got the DS Lite, looks like Gramm is going to have to shell out for this one. Just wait until older sis sees this one---two systems at once!
Even though she didn't want one, I have a feeling I'm going to be hearing about this one for years!

lori

 

[Vannah]

Hi, guys!

I have a few questions about the Nintendo DS. What is the purpose of the two screens? Can I still play GBA games on the DS? What games would be best to start out on? Are the DS Lite and the regular DS basically the same, and do they play the same games? Also, for Nitendogs, you said that I should buy two different versions. Does this mean, for example, the Dalmation and another type of dog, two Dalmations, or am I completely missing the meaning of this?

Sorry if these questions have already been asked.

You guys rock!!!

Thanks in advance,
Savannah

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Hi, guys!

I have a few questions about the Nintendo DS. What is the purpose of the two screens?

It depends on the game. Some games, like Mario Kart DS, you control and see your cart on the top screen, and on the bottom screen you see a map of the track. On the new Yoshi's Island DS you can move freely between the two screens to play levels, throw things, see things, etc. (the game takes up both screens). It varies based on the game.

Can I still play GBA games on the DS?

Yes, GBA carts play on the DS. However, old Gameboy carts (i.e. pre-2001) which played on a GBA do not play on the DS. This is because the GBA actually had both a GBA chip and the old GB chip, and instead of putting 3 in the DS for games people don't really play anymore, they eliminate the GB/GBC compatability.

What games would be best to start out on?

New Super Mario Brothers, Super Princess Peach, Yoshi's Island DS, Mario Kart DS, Mario Hoops 3 on 3, and Nintendogs all seem popular choices! Don't forget Brain Age too!

Are the DS Lite and the regular DS basically the same, and do they play the same games?

You may want to check out some of the threads listed in the first post in this thread. The DS Lite is completely redesigned, and while they play the same exact games they look MUCH better on the DS Lite. Besides the obvious cosmetic differences, the screens are MUCH brighter, clearer, and more colorful on the DS. Don't fall for a sale on the old DS's - it's not worth saving $30. There is a reason they are on discount.

Also, for Nitendogs, you said that I should buy two different versions. Does this mean, for example, the Dalmation and another type of dog, two Dalmations, or am I completely missing the meaning of this?

The "Nintendogs Expert" recommended that you purchase two seperate versions, i.e. Dalmations and Best Friends, or Dalmations and Beagle (is that even one? LOL I think you get it). When played with each other, again, according to our expert, you can unlock things easier.

Sorry if these questions have already been asked.

You guys rock!!!

Thanks in advance,
Savannah

NP! Glad to help!

NED

 

[Vannah]

Thanks again! You cleared up so much for me!

--Savannah

 

[fivefordisney]

Does anyone know whch "select DS games" will be Buy One Get One Free tomorrow at Toys R Us? I'd love to get a good deal but I don't want to go just to find out they have only the games we're not interested in on sale... Thanks, in advance, for any help you can give!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

fivefordisney -

It looks like (from the BF ads posted online) they are :

Bust-A-Move
Dino-Master
Monster Trucks
Super Black Bass Fishing

They are $19.99, so you'd get two of those for that, I would assume. Not a bad deal if they are games you would play.

Good luck!

NED

 

[fivefordisney]

Thanks, NED! Don't think they're the games we want...isn't that always the way? I may pick up a few more games on Buy.com and use the $20 off $50 Google checkout deal.

Happy Thanksgiving, NED et al!!

 

[seagee]

Has anyone seen the Best Buy ad ... a blue DS for $99. It's for a DS not a DS lite though. They sure look the same. I thought maybe they left out the lite part. Just wishful thinking.

 

[junglejoy]

Has anyone seen the Best Buy ad ... a blue DS for $99. It's for a DS not a DS lite though. They sure look the same. I thought maybe they left out the lite part. Just wishful thinking.

There's a difference between the DS and the DS lite. The DS is the original/older model. It's bulkier and the screens are not as vibrant. The lite is smaller (cooler looking) and the screen is much brighter and easier to see. Also, the power button on the DS you can hit accidentally as you play. On the lite they moved the power button so that's not possible.

We have two DSs and two DS lites. For a $30 difference (the lites are $129) I would personally get the lite. It's only $30 and you get a much better player.

I saw the ad too and couldn't believe they were charging that much for the DS. Maybe because it's blue? It's not worth that price. It's the old model!!!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

There's a difference between the DS and the DS lite. The DS is the original/older model. It's bulkier and the screens are not as vibrant. The lite is smaller (cooler looking) and the screen is much brighter and easier to see. Also, the power button on the DS you can hit accidentally as you play. On the lite they moved the power button so that's not possible.

We have two DSs and two DS lites. For a $30 difference (the lites are $129) I would personally get the lite. It's only $30 and you get a much better player.

I saw the ad too and couldn't believe they were charging that much for the DS. Maybe because it's blue? It's not worth that price. It's the old model!!!

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

 

[louloulou]

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