Totally cluesless on DSI lite for DS 7, need help !

[pandora174]

DS fo his 7th b-day just threw us for a loop. He asked that instead of a b-day party (Dec 13th) he would rather get a DSI bundle & a cake. We were planning a party for him & his classmates at a Chuckee Cheese type place + adults. So this would be a big budget saver for us !

So where do I start, I have no idea about DSI or DSI lites ? DH went on E-Bay & saw some new DSI lite package bundles with 24 games for around $179 but they all come from Hong Kong. There are multiple ads from different sellers but I'm a little leary. All have very good Seller ratings & lots of positive feedback but I've bought a lot on E-Bay including Canada but never Hong Kong.

So is this a good idea, the e-bay deal ? Or any other suggestions on getting a good deal & there are so many DSI that we are confused. I know DS wants a red one with a few games like Ice Age, UP etc. HELP, this is the first big kid toy he wants & I don't want to mess it up or overpay

 

[semo233]

There is a thread somewhere that explains a lot about the Nintendo DS. There are two models. One is the DSi, the latest model that includes a video camera and different games. The DS lite is a redesigned DS that still works with all of the old games and is less expensive ($100 - $130). For an 8 year old, I would go with the DS lite.

There is a special package being offered yesterday and today only at Toys R Us that includes two games, case, and a few other things. Check it out.

 

[3boymthr]

I wouldn't trust one bought thru e-bay. We have a friend who bought one that way and the battery died after a couple of months. They sent it off to Nintendo to get the battery replaced and found out the replacement wasn't covered under the warranty. Apparently the warranty wasn't valid because the seller wasn't authorized by Nintendo. The ebay seller was, of course, no where to be found.

I love e-bay but after their experience I never buy anything purported to be new or refurbished for which I would want a warranty from there. There's just too many holes in the whole warranty thing

Also, if your son currently has a Game Boy Advance then go with the DS lite as you can use the Game Boy Advance games with the DS lite, but not with the DSi. As a price comparison for you there is a bundle for the DS lite at Walmart for $149 plus tax and 97 cents shipping. It's a really good buy as it includes your choice of 2 games - including Lego Indiana Jones (valued at $20 each) and the case is valued at about $20 too. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10730454

As an added bonus, if you have a Discover card, you can get 5% of the cost in cashback rewards - just log into your account and click on the shop discover link then choose walmart.

 

[pandora174]

I wouldn't trust one bought thru e-bay. We have a friend who bought one that way and the battery died after a couple of months. They sent it off to Nintendo to get the battery replaced and found out the replacement wasn't covered under the warranty. Apparently the warranty wasn't valid because the seller wasn't authorized by Nintendo. The ebay seller was, of course, no where to be found.

I love e-bay but after their experience I never buy anything purported to be new or refurbished for which I would want a warranty from there. There's just too many holes in the whole warranty thing

Also, if your son currently has a Game Boy Advance then go with the DS lite as you can use the Game Boy Advance games with the DS lite, but not with the DSi. As a price comparison for you there is a bundle for the DS lite at Walmart for $149 plus tax and 97 cents shipping. It's a really good buy as it includes your choice of 2 games - including Lego Indiana Jones (valued at $20 each) and the case is valued at about $20 too. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10730454

As an added bonus, if you have a Discover card, you can get 5% of the cost in cashback rewards - just log into your account and click on the shop discover link then choose walmart.

Thanks for the headsup ! I used my BOA debit card & walmart.com has 4 % back so used that deal ! Also the $149 was great, I was able to get the red DSi with the Mario Kit incl. 2 games & I got him 3 other games that were on sale ! Total price with tax $202 ! Not bad at all !!

Cheaper than a birthday party & he will get tons of enjoyment out of it. DH is already thinking of "borrowing" it

Thanks again for the tip !!

 

[Kitzka]

Great deal! I did want to say since you child has agreed to not have a birthday party are you sure he would be okay with a DS vs a DSI? You mentioned he asked for a DSI but i know that often my daughter asks for a large gift or a short trip instead of a party i like to make sure she is getting what she asked for.

 

[pandora174]

Great deal! I did want to say since you child has agreed to not have a birthday party are you sure he would be okay with a DS vs a DSI? You mentioned he asked for a DSI but i know that often my daughter asks for a large gift or a short trip instead of a party i like to make sure she is getting what she asked for.

Thanks ! I double checked with DS (6), he just wants the DS lite in red & specific games (all the games he wanted play on the DS) so I was able to get him 5 games he totally loved. He' ll be 7 so he really wasn't interested in the extra features the DSi comes with. He just wants to play the games so the DS lite has everything he needs. While it comes with a cool Mario case everyone has recommended I get the nurf cover for it. So more shopping to do