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

[SplshMtnLvr28]

Which of the Pokemon games for the DS is most like Silver or LeafGreen or whatever?

 

[angel's momma]

We finally got our DS.

Best part is that DH had store credit, so it was free.

 

[fivefordisney]

We finally got our DS.

Bestr part is that DH had store credit, so it was free.

Congrats!!!

Does anyone know the difference between Dogz and Nintendogs? Just wondering what Dogz was...

 

[Xcited4Disney]

 

[robinb]

Congrats!!!

Does anyone know the difference between Dogz and Nintendogs? Just wondering what Dogz was...

I think Dogz is for the Gameboy system and Nintendogs is for the Nintendo DS system. The Nintendogs game will have better graphics.

 

[fivefordisney]

I think Dogz is for the Gameboy system and Nintendogs is for the Nintendo DS system. The Nintendogs game will have better graphics.

Thanks!

 

[angel's momma]

A DS version of Dogz has also been released, though I know nothing about it.

 

[McKelly]

It was suggested to buy the guidebook for Animal Crossing. Where do I find that, in electronics? Or would I have to order that on-line? Does WalMart carry it, or do I need to go to Best Buy, Circuit City, or a game store for something like that? Thanks!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

What is the difference between a case and a skin? Do I need to get both for the ds lite in onyx I purchased for ds? I have the ds lite and two games. Do I need other accessories?

Thanks!
Maria

 

[angel's momma]

It was suggested to buy the guidebook for Animal Crossing. Where do I find that, in electronics? Or would I have to order that on-line? Does WalMart carry it, or do I need to go to Best Buy, Circuit City, or a game store for something like that? Thanks!

I ordered one from Amazon today.

DH said it's no longer in our local stores (but we don't have many local stores, you may be able to find it). It would be in electronics. I remember seeing it at Toys R Us about a month ago (it's not a local store for us).

I checked several other online sites, and it was out of stock at all but Best Buy - and they wanted almost $5 for shipping.

Since I had something else to order from Amazon, shipping was free.


I started playing the game today.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

It was suggested to buy the guidebook for Animal Crossing. Where do I find that, in electronics? Or would I have to order that on-line? Does WalMart carry it, or do I need to go to Best Buy, Circuit City, or a game store for something like that? Thanks!

I've seen it in all of the above. Near the game section there is usually a rack with game guides. They are usually about $12-15. As I said, normally I do not believe they are necessary - they either give too much info and ruin a game, or they just duplicate what you can see for free online (via gamefaqs.com). However, for an open-ended game like AC it really is invaluable for teaching you how to make the most out of your town.

You also may find it at bookstores, I know most Barnes and Nobles, Borders, etc. carry game guides in their own section. Good luck!

What is the difference between a case and a skin? Do I need to get both for the ds lite in onyx I purchased for ds? I have the ds lite and two games. Do I need other accessories?

Thanks!
Maria

Hi Maria!

A skin is generally a adhesive-backed sticker, for lack of a better term. They are made with special glues so they come off easily, and they are really just for decoration IMHO. Then again, i'm an adult player and I'm not playing my DS in a sandlot or anything, LOL. It depends on where your NDS is going to be played - if it's just at home or in the car, then I wouldn't worry about it. The exterior has been very durable from what I have experienced, and I routinely put it in my pocket, etc. They come in many designs - there are even places online you can order custom made ones with your own photo/logo/etc.

Skin can also apply to neopyrene "skins", which are elasticy sheaths you can pull over the NDS when they are not in use; Nintendo sells a few of them under their "switch and carry" line of products with Nintendo characters (Princess Peach has a pink one, Mario a red one, etc.). These are meant to be stored in an outer case, and are just an extra level of protection - however, they won't protect from falls or being jostled around.

A case is simply a small bag or enclosure to protect the NDS and hold it's accessories in one place. There are some that have a plastic cover inside you can place over the NDS and "play through" the case, but I don't prefer those (though they may be an alternative if you think you may need a skin). I find the small, uncomplicated ones to be the best. In fact, I generally use an old GBA one that works just right (though GBA SP bags wouldn't be big enough). IMO, you just need one with a big enough place for the NDS, your power cord, and a few games.

As to other accesories, a car charger is great if it will be used in the car for long periods of time. You may also want to buy one of the charging stands (they sell for about $10), so you can just plug in the wall charger (that comes with your NDS) into the stand, and it stays there as a "dock" so you aren't plugging things in and out of wall outlets all the time.

Other than that, the NDS is pretty self-contained. You will never need new batteries (Nintendo sells replacements for about $10 I believe if they ever go bad, but the batteries should last and be rechargable for many years), as long as you impose the idea that the stylus needs to be either in your hand or in the storage slot you'll never loose it (it fits so snugly). There really isn't anything you need besides games.

BTW, while on that subject : If anyone decides to try out Gamefly's online game rental service (the one that's like Netflix) send me a PM! I'm trying to earn a NDS for a deserving kid this XMas from by getting referrals - I only need 5 people who subscribe for one month. So if you were going to give it a try anyway (the first month is $8.95, I believe), send me a PM and I'll send you the link to my refferal page.

(End commerical - hope no one minds! But I have a whole package of games/accessories that I can put together with this free NDS if I can earn one, and make quite a holiday package for a kid who could really use it. THANK YOU!)

Good luck everyone, and keep those questions coming!

NED

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

BTW, I broke down and got a Wii...so questions on that are welcome now too.

NED

 

[pigget74]

Anyone know where I can find a DS Lite in stock and not pay over 129 unless it is more than just the unit, thanks.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Anyone know where I can find a DS Lite in stock and not pay over 129 unless it is more than just the unit, thanks.

Are you talking online or in stores? I didn't realize there was a shortage. I saw a stack at my local Best Buy and Target yesterday.

NED

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

BTW, I broke down and got a Wii...so questions on that are welcome now too.

NED

Glad to hear it! DD7 has a Gamecube and a DS (not lite). I am through shopping for her for Christmas, but for her birthday, I had planned to upgrade her to the DS Lite. Which would be better to upgrade for a turning eight year-old - a Gamecube to a Wii or a DS to a DS Lite? Her birthday is not until June, so feel free to modify your answer during the coming months as you play with the Wii more! I am not sure if it depends on the new games coming out (as far as the Wii goes), or if the Wii is significantly different and would be a better expenditure even if there are not any new games by then that she might like. I think I know pretty much what I would get by upgrading the DS to the DS Lite from reading all your other good advice. Thanks as always!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Originally Posted by pigget74
Anyone know where I can find a DS Lite in stock and not pay over 129 unless it is more than just the unit, thanks.

well, I have one that I ordered over the weekend and I just found out I need another..... so I'm searching to. I heard that several stores had them in stock online this morning.

The Target page says that a Target fairly close to me has them available - so I guess I'll go Targeting this evening and look.

I think most of the stores are getting pretty frequent shipments, you just need to keep your eyes open.

 

[pigget74]

well, I have one that I ordered over the weekend and I just found out I need another..... so I'm searching to. I heard that several stores had them in stock online this morning.

The Target page says that a Target fairly close to me has them available - so I guess I'll go Targeting this evening and look.

I think most of the stores are getting pretty frequent shipments, you just need to keep your eyes open.

All stores around here are sold out and do not know when they are getting more. Online they are out of stock and cannot guarantee for Christmas. I am looking for the pink but will take white. My Target when I looked online said there was some at the store--called store and they said that they had a big sign out apologizing for the misinformation on the internet, but they were out. My sister thinks she can find me one in Atlanta--so I will see in the morning.

 

[robinb]

I just picked up two pink ones at Toys R Us. I bought the $179 deal for my DD and her cousin last week, but they didn't have pink. My TRU store allowed me to swap a black and a white one for pink ones.

So ... stores are still getting in stock but you have to be able to JUMP on it when you see it. TRU was nice enough to hold my pink ones until I was able to get there a couple hours later. Good thing since all of them were sold out by the time I got there.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

How's the searching going everyone? My local stores have white and black DS's, but pinks are long gone.

NED

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I got a pink one ordered at Etoys early yesterday morning but it looked like they went OOS within minutes.

We're headed out today tv shopping, I'll keep an eye out in the stores.