Nintendo DS advice please.

[Gareth]

OK so it seems to be the season for asking about games consoles, so I thought I'd join in.  My wife and I are thinking about picking up a second hand DS for our daughter (she's only five and still prone to clumsiness). 

Now I've done a bit of googling and I think I know the major differences between the DS/Lite/DSi/DSiXL, so my major question is; can the original DS still handle all the games that are out there? Plus am I missing something that puts the improved handsets in a league of their own?

Thanks in advance.

[cerbera147]

Hi Gareth,

We've had an original DS Lite previously through our house and a DSi has been requested from Santa this year.

As far as I am aware all the DS games will work with the various DS consoles available. The DSi has a camera so there may be certain specific games that involve that but otherwise you're safe enough 

The original DS was a chunky thing, my sister has one. Whereas the DS Lite is a much slimmer, lighter and better looking version. From what I can see the DSi has a camera and you can download games onto the console. I think they've tweaked some other stuff like brightness, etc. The DSi can also play music and let you look at photos.
The DSi XL appears to be a bigger version of the DSi. I saw both in shop recently and it is too big to be a 'comfortable' handheld.

If you can get a good deal on a DS Lite I would go for it  Nintendo also have a new handheld coming out next year; Nintendo 3DS. You guessed it, a 3D version  Can't get away from 3D these day.

Some good info here:

http://www.gamestock.co.uk/dslite-vs-dsi

http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2008/10/06/nintendo-ds-lite-versus-dsi-comparison.htm

[thebullfrog]

I've owned every version. Yes they will all play all the games, however the DSi can't play the old Game Boy Advance games whereas the DS and DS Lite will. If your looking second hand for a youngser I would STRONGLY suggest the DS Lite. It is much better than the original, but can be had quite a bit cheaper than the DSi. It's easier to carry around, and has much nicer screens than the original, but doesn't have all the extra features of the DSi that you most likely don't need (like internet and a camera). The DSi does have a slightly better screen and speakers than the Lite, but nothing to write home about, whereas looking at the original next to the Lite, the difference in quality is huge. The Lite is the best quality/price compromise by a long shot IMO, but if you do get an original, it will still play everything.

The 3DS is far far more than just a 3d version, it has a larger widescreen on the top screen, gyroscopic/motion control, and analog stick, far improved wifi and internet capabilities, will possibly be able to play movies, and is vastly more powerful allowing for Wii quality graphics, in fact some games actually look closer to the PS3 or XBox 360. The 3d is just an extra gimmick tacked onto a vastly superior handhelp that will literally change the handhelp market, though from what I hear the 3d (withOUT glasses) works very very well. And if you don't like it you can turn it off.

[Zed]

Im for the DSlite my oldest has had hers for a few years and loves it , although sadly one of my younger girls poked something in the back and now its playing up so in the future i might get her a newer model or another second hand lite, my 4 year old prferes the PSP lol i do as well as like the games for the psp, all good fun though 

paul

[Gareth]

Excellent feedback chaps, many thanks.

[PyroJames]

I have a DSlite (as do all my young neices and nephews) and the biggest problem is that the DSlite has a weak right hinge that usually breaks from regular use.  This can be a pain to replace (I actually had to buy replacement housing for my DS).  Young kids have be known to abuse their DSes (my nephew has accidentally dropped his DS more times than I can count!) so be sure to buy a carrying case or protective shell for the DS.  A protective shell will prevent the top screen from being fully pushed open and this should protect the hinge from cracking.

[AHB]

My oldest have had her DS lite for 2 yrs. now and it's just as good as new. The youngest is playing Hello Kitty everyday on it, and
there haven't been any problems with the hinges so far.. Great console..

[glorn]

I'll also echo the DS Lite recommendations. My daughter is 5, and we got her one last year for Christmas. We stressed the need to carry it with two hands, play it while seated, etc. and have had no issues. It has been dropped once or twice, but nothing major.

I have a DS Lite of my own that I got when the Lite version was first introduced. It's a terrific little time waster.

You might consider buying two of them though. There is the messaging feature and two player feature that they offer via the built in wireless and you'll need two for that.

And buy some nice headphones for your daughter as well. An hour of the Super Mario theme on a Sunday morning while you are trying to enjoy your paper will make you wish you had. 

 

[glorn]

Oh, and..

If you are really concerned about damage, get the Nerf Armor for it. It is bulky, but it makes the DS more or less impact proof. And it weighs next to nothing.

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-DS-Lite-Nerf-Armor-black/dp/B001AZ7S0E

[Gareth]

I'm loving that Nerf armour.   Thanks again guys.

[thebullfrog]

Yeah the Nerf armor is bulky as Hell and not so great for trying to drop the DS into your pocket, but if that's not an issue then it is pretty good stuff.