Getting a DS. What info should I be privy to?

[PyroGamer]

I've started commuting on the bus a half-hour each day, so I think I'm going to be buying a DS soon (for $100 new... is that a good deal?).

What should I be aware of in terms of games, hacks, accessories, websites, etc?

[flynsk]

If you're looking at a DS lite, be sure to get one of the older models. I haven't verified it myself, but there's rumor (and video) of the new DS screen having slower response which leads to ghosting and other visual crappyness.

You might want to pick up a silicone skin for your ds, helps keep your keys from scratching it...plus the slick vaneer on the DS will let it slide right out of your pocket - puts a stop to that. Other than that, no need for accessories.

edit: headphones! good headphones!

[dmaul1114]

Get a Lite, not an original and do a search here for one of the game recommendation threads.

[Gourd]

DS Lite. I'm not sure about the rumor as to the newer ones having higher latency screens or whatever.

However DO look out for dead pixels.

Have fun with it! I love mine. Every couple of months I'll just play DS games exclusively for a couple of weeks. And it's a joy to have on planes, or when waiting for oil changes and such.

[PyroGamer]

Hmmm...

I'm buying it new from a guy who got it as a gift... no receipt...

So I dunno... dead pixels going to be a problem?


I looked up ghosting and it appears to be present especially on the Red/Black models.

This one is just an Onyx. Do the Onyx DS's have this problem?

[rscaramelo]

I'm on my 3rd Lite and they've all looked the same to me. I just got the crimson and black model that people I saying has the yellowish screens but I don't see it. The other 2 were polar white. Aside from smudges, no complaints on the white. There is the hinge crack issue, but again I never ran into that.

I'd recommend getting the Armor (http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-DS-Lite-Armor-Case/dp/B000MUYV4O) case for the DS. It hardly adds any size to it and really protects the DS. Mine is really scratched up but my DS' have alway been mint.

If you don't have an MP3 player, I'd also suggest buying the "Nintendo MP3 Player (http://www.dsfanboy.com/2006/09/06/nintendos-mp3-player/)". It's a bit weird and sticks out of the bottom, but it's handy.

For time sucker games, I'd suggest SimCity DS and Theme Park. I like old school gaming so these two work for me. ClubHouse Games is another must for DS gamers.

RC

[eswat]

If you are going to be using the stlyus on the bus, then a Hori screen protector is a must. (... that almost rhymes :|)

[crunchewy]

If you're primarily planning to play on a bus, I can tell you from experience that it is very difficult to play Elite Beat Agents or Ouendan on a moving bus. :)

[eswat]

If you're primarily planning to play on a bus, I can tell you from experience that it is very difficult to play Elite Beat Agents or Ouendan on a moving bus. :)
Ditto. Even though I got a protector, I never bother with the stylus on the bus. But that means no Brain Age 2 :\

I've only had my DS for a few days, but the most "bus-friendly" game I've played is Pokemond Diamond, with its dead-easy controls.

[maigoyume]

the crimson/black ds seems to be notorious for the yellowing of the screen, i don't much care as long as mine functions properly, but others are OCD about this kind of thing

[A Happy Panda]

Onyx smudges like a mofo.

Polar White seem to have the hinge cracking issue more often than the other colors for some reason. The plastic itself also can look dirty over time, and begin to discolor.

[RAMSTORIA]

the ds blows, morgan webb said so last night

[PyroGamer]

the ds blows, morgan webb said so last night
Ah, in that case I think I'll just buy five PSP's.

[Callandor]

the ds blows, morgan webb said so last night
Well, Morgan would definitely know about blowing.

[flynsk]

AFAIK you're good with the Onyx... no known issues, I think.

I actually ended up peeling my Hori screen protector off because it wasn't responsive. YMMV

[VipFREAK]

I don't really have any problems with the touch screen. I don't push down that hard.

[crunchewy]

I don't have any screen protectors on my DS and I don't think they are really necessary. The screen doesn't really scratch that easily and note that I play a lot of Ouendan 2 and EBA! I do have one or two tiny scratches, sure, but they are essentially invisible when the screen is on anyway.

[dmaul1114]

I don't really have any problems with the touch screen. I don't push down that hard.

Same here, no scratches visible while playing on my Phat or my Lite, and I had both from day one and never used screen protectors.

[mrchainsaw]

Screen protectors wouldn't hurt but I don't think they're necessary.

The only info you need to know is where you can buy Castlevania.

[1modernboy]

I think these cats have covered all the bases; the white systems are notorious for hinge cracks, screen protectors are a wonderful thing, and beware of dead pixels. Other than that, registering your system via My Nintendo can save you some time if you do have any defects or problems.

Other then that, enjoy your Onyx DS Lite! :)

[SteveMcQ]

Get yourself the Hori stylus pen that Cheapy reviewed (www.youtube.com/cheapyd). Makes any stylus-based games so much more pleasant to play. I think the black ones just came back in-stock at Play-Asia.