What hardware would you say is "must have" for my new DS Lite?

coltyhuxx

CAGiversary!
In anticipation of my Nintendo DS, I'm slapping down some fierce bids for Trauma Center and New SMB.. gotta start a little small here.. budget.

My actual question is, as I'm pretty much a neophyte with the newer handhelds, what sort of hardware/screen protectors/fun gadgets etc should a budget minded CAG'er get for this?

Sounds like it comes with an AC adapter. Most of my gaming will take place at home. Any suggestions as to what you guys like and/or use?

C
 
I bought the official hori screen protector only available in japan right now but I screwed up putting it on (couldn't read the instructions and it was hard to tell that the actual protector had protective plastic on both sides of it) but I have another set coming. I also bought a different stylus because the DS Lite's is still a little small for me and I don't like taking it out and putting it back ever 5 seconds (i'm too anal about finger prints and scratches to touch the touch screen with my hands). I'll also eventually get the M3 & the passkey 2 so I only have to carry athe M3 adaptor and a mini SD card with me instead of 10+ ds games.
 
I wouldn't worry about screen protectors. I can't stand them at all and the clamshell design protects the screens. If you're scratching your screen with the stylus you're doing something wrong.

I'd get a little case for it, that can hold a few DS carts (since they're so small, you don't really want to carry them around loose). Other than that, the Lite is pretty much self-contained goodness. :)
 
[quote name='daroga']If you're scratching your screen with the stylus you're doing something wrong.[/quote]
Either that or your completely anal like me and notice and are annoyed to no end by even the smallest scratches. I don't have any big ones but I've noticed a couple if I hold it at the right angle. That's why my girlfriend gets this one when the US ones come out. :booty:
 
[quote name='daroga']I wouldn't worry about screen protectors. I can't stand them at all and the clamshell design protects the screens. If you're scratching your screen with the stylus you're doing something wrong.

I'd get a little case for it, that can hold a few DS carts (since they're so small, you don't really want to carry them around loose). Other than that, the Lite is pretty much self-contained goodness. :)[/QUOTE]


I completely disagree. On my first DS i got small scratches on it pretty easily. I also recommend getting one on there for when you let friend play on it.
 
The Hori screen protectors can also be had from most EBs for $7 or $8. Usually have to ask for them.

I can't say how easily the screen scratches, cause there was no way I was using mine without protectors, even though I suck at putting them on. My screen protector is scratched to all hell, though there's only one spot in the middle toward the bottom that is actually noticeablly affecting visibility. I'm assuming the protector scratches easier than the screen.
 
I guess I just thought that since the DS Lite was available only in Japan so were the screen protectors. Then again, I guess the screen size is probably the same for DS and DS Lite though, right?
 
[quote name='Stuka']I guess I just thought that since the DS Lite was available only in Japan so were the screen protectors. Then again, I guess the screen size is probably the same for DS and DS Lite though, right?[/QUOTE]
Yes, they are.
 
[quote name='RelentlessRolento']earphones! I'm sure you have them, but earphones are a huge plus for music based games...[/QUOTE]

any recommendations?
 
Hands. The package is pretty complete but without a pair of hands you really can't get the full enjoyment of the product. Tentacles just don't cut it.
 
Just picked up a Navy Blue DS Lite in Japan today and applied the Hori screen protectors along with the Hori compact DS case. Wooie! They are all fine pieces of equipment when used together.
 
PDA Panache makes an awesome brass stylus for the DS. It has nice weight, grips better, and has a very visible orange tip that is supposedly gentler than the standard Nintendo stylus. Plus, it fits perfectly in the slot. However, it was designed to fit in the slot for the original DS. They say on their site they plan to release a DS Lite-sized version soon. I e-mailed them today to see when that might be.

http://www.pdapanache.com/products.asp?PID=NINDS&S=3

I also recommend a small silk or microfiber cloth to keep the screen clean. There are a lot of cases now that come with them in a little pouch. You can also get them for like 99 cents at camera shops.
 
[quote name='Tybee']PDA Panache makes an awesome brass stylus for the DS. It has nice weight, grips better, and has a very visible orange tip that is supposedly gentler than the standard Nintendo stylus. Plus, it fits perfectly in the slot. However, it was designed to fit in the slot for the original DS. They say on their site they plan to release a DS Lite-sized version soon. I e-mailed them today to see when that might be.

http://www.pdapanache.com/products.asp?PID=NINDS&S=3

I also recommend a small silk or microfiber cloth to keep the screen clean. There are a lot of cases now that come with them in a little pouch. You can also get them for like 99 cents at camera shops.[/quote]

wow, this is good information to know (all posts)... is the screen really that sensitive? i cant use like a soft t-shirt or something to wipe smudges off? i figured it would be tougher material since you're rubbing a fricking stylus on it.
hmm.. might have to get a hori screen protector. only problem is, when i looked on a website lots of poeple were complaining about the bubbles. are they easy to take off?
 
[quote name='coltyhuxx']wow, this is good information to know (all posts)... is the screen really that sensitive? i cant use like a soft t-shirt or something to wipe smudges off? i figured it would be tougher material since you're rubbing a fricking stylus on it.
hmm.. might have to get a hori screen protector. only problem is, when i looked on a website lots of poeple were complaining about the bubbles. are they easy to take off?[/QUOTE]

It's not that sensitive. I've been using mine pretty vigorously without any screen protection since I got it Christmas of 2004. Any scratches on the touch screen are barely visible, especially when the screen is on. You have to look at an angle with the unit off to see anything, and even then it is very light. And I don't mean to discourage the use of the Nintendo stylus. It won't damage your screen. I just like the PDA Panache one better.
 
[quote name='daroga']I wouldn't worry about screen protectors. I can't stand them at all and the clamshell design protects the screens. If you're scratching your screen with the stylus you're doing something wrong.

I'd get a little case for it, that can hold a few DS carts (since they're so small, you don't really want to carry them around loose). Other than that, the Lite is pretty much self-contained goodness. :)[/QUOTE]

Worst advice I've ever heard. You have to have patience and focus when you apply them, and all the right tools at hand (compressed air can is crucial) but it is THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT FOR YOUR SYSTEM, in my opinion AS important as a case for the outside.

The Hori protectors can be put on properly and appear as if they're not even there, and the touch sensitivity on the bottom screen is not compromised at all, but it is an imperative and SMART investment to make.

Think if you ever want to hand the system to a friend to try out...you're going to have to freak out about how they handle the stylus...or if you import some crazy japanese game that requires fast movements...

I personally think anyone who doesn't get a screen protector doesn't deserve their new lite, but thats just me. If you happen to suddenly agree with me AND you have a new DS lite to boot, then send it on over to me, because I'll take care of it.
 
I had a screen protector on my DS's screen and then had to remove it just before I sold it. I couldn't stand the feeling of the stulys on the screen without the protector... it just didn't move as smoothly. Plus, the protector didn't now fingerprints at all during those games where you use both buttons and the touch screen.
 
[quote name='Ultimate Matt X']Is estarland.com a pretty reputable site?[/QUOTE]


Very reputable. They are the best online game retailer if you ask me. I buy just about all my games from them.
 
I use mine like crazy with no screen protector and there's not a scratch on it. If I get smudges on the screen from fingerprints I use any cloth, t-shirt, paper towel, whatever to wipe it off. The screens are pretty durable.
 
[quote name='daroga']I wouldn't worry about screen protectors. I can't stand them at all and the clamshell design protects the screens. If you're scratching your screen with the stylus you're doing something wrong.

[/QUOTE]

I agree. I have had 4 DS's over the last year+, no screen protectors, and not a single scratch on any of them. Two have been used by my kids. I just sold their teal blue one when the Amazon Nintendogs bundle was on sale for $100. After I cleaned it a bit it looked absolutely mint. My 9 and 6 year olds couldn't even scratch the thing, so I see no point in screen protectors.
 
Let me be clear: I think screen protectors are great and plan to use them when I get my DS Lite. However, I never used them on my original DS and after heavy usage, the screen still looks essentially new. Those of you who equate not putting on screen protectors with one of the seven deadly sins need to settle the fuck down.
 
I agree. I didn't have a screen protector either and I couldn't see any visible blemishing on the screen.

As for the Panache stylus, I've read reports of that particular stylus scratching more than one person's screen. Stick to first party stuff, is my recommendation.

daeweezy: I have the regular DS version of that pouch. It is AWESOME. It is made of nylon. The enclosure for the DS doesn't use zippered edges (which I don't like due to risk of scratching) and this particular case uses velcro I think. The back zippered pouch is used to hold games and an extra stylus. It's the best overall pouch. However, it won't hold all your games or the AC adaptor. It's also a little too thick for a pocket.
 
[quote name='daewezzy']hi, i was wondering what cases you guys would recommend.[/quote]

I was interested in this as well, as I'm having a hard time interpreting how much each case can hold based on the pics on Lik-Sang or PlayAsia. Looking for a case that will hold the DS Lite (obviously), the adapter, a couple games, and doesnt look fugly. Any recommendations?

Also, I would like to pick up some Hori screen protectors since I am completely anal (like, I keep the static screen protectors on the things like cellphones and XM radios). I have seen some posts that imply they are difficult to put on, due to their not being completely intuitive and the instructions being in Japanese. I wondered if anyone out there had written or knew of a FAQ or unofficial set of English instructions posted by a knowledgeable person?
 
When I got my navy blue DS Lite, a friend of mine (that also owns an import game store) told me to get the Japanese Hori screen protectors. I was against it at first, since I own 2 regular DSs (no scratches on any screens). He showed me his DS Lite (with screen protectors on it) and I barely noticed it. He also said the Japanese Hori are static cling and the DS Hori protectors you buy over here (US) have some adhesive....that later on is a bitch to get off your DS. I don't know how true it is, but since he does own an Import game store (his area of expertise) I went ahead and bought them. They are quite impressive & a pain to put on, but it was worth my cash money. If wanted some protection for you screens, I'd say go with the Japanese Hori for the DS Lite. As far as a Lite pouch, I imported one from Lik-Sang. It was the sharpest looking pouch I found & it's also the most lite-weight.

Screen Protectors:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=276&products_id=8797&

DS Lite Pouch:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=276&products_id=8958&
 
[quote name='ctice44']When I got my navy blue DS Lite, a friend of mine (that also owns an import game store) told me to get the Japanese Hori screen protectors. I was against it at first, since I own 2 regular DSs (no scratches on any screens). He showed me his DS Lite (with screen protectors on it) and I barely noticed it. He also said the Japanese Hori are static cling and the DS Hori protectors you buy over here (US) have some adhesive....that later on is a bitch to get off your DS. I don't know how true it is, but since he does own an Import game store (his area of expertise) I went ahead and bought them. They are quite impressive & a pain to put on, but it was worth my cash money. If wanted some protection for you screens, I'd say go with the Japanese Hori for the DS Lite. As far as a Lite pouch, I imported one from Lik-Sang. It was the sharpest looking pouch I found & it's also the most lite-weight.

Screen Protectors:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=276&products_id=8797&

DS Lite Pouch:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=276&products_id=8958&[/quote]


That pouch looks pretty sickter.. I think I might nab one. Just curious, as I am CAG-core, anyone know if there is anything that looks that nice, that is comparable that I might be able to pick up B+M style or where I might nab some cheap shipping?
 
[quote name='ctice44']As far as a Lite pouch, I imported one from Lik-Sang. It was the sharpest looking pouch I found & it's also the most lite-weight.

DS Lite Pouch:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=276&products_id=8958&[/quote]

I saw that pouch, actually. Thought it looked a little flimsy. In fact, one of the reviews on Lik-Sang said about the same thing. Wondered if anyone had any reviews on the Compact Pouch, the Airfoam Case, the Multi Pouch or the Airfoam Pocket Lite? Specifically looking for something sturdy that offers decent protection, as well as room for the adapter and a couple games.

Thanks!
 
A lot of my friends use my DS so I always have a screen protector on. It looks like hell after all the frenzied Brain Age and Metroid Play it gets. Good to know there's a nice screen underneath all the scratches ;)
 
I'll also recommend the Hori Screen Protectors. I had my DS for a few months and started noticing small scratches even though I'm very careful about how I use the stylus. Although it took me a while to apply them without getting dust between them and the screen, once I did it was great not having to worry about scratching the screen.
 
[quote name='Tybee']Let me be clear: I think screen protectors are great and plan to use them when I get my DS Lite. However, I never used them on my original DS and after heavy usage, the screen still looks essentially new. Those of you who equate not putting on screen protectors with one of the seven deadly sins need to settle the fuck down.[/QUOTE]

I think he is a PSP convert :D (Those things can scratch just by looking at them :lol: )

I never scratch the screen and I've played Mario Kart and Castlevania to death :)
 
Has anyone had to change their screen protector because the touch screen is less sensitive? The reason I ask is because I am currently playing Trauma Center and the screen is not reacting like it use to. Anyone else have this problem, maybe the game?
 
IMO, these are the best accessories you can buy for the DS:
Screen protector - http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b7-49-en-70-196x.html
Extendible stylus - http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-dy-49-en-15-Touch+Pen+Long+DS+Lite+-70-1bxx.html
Carrying case - http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-77-2-49-en-15-compact+pouch+ds+lite-70-19m5.html

A Hori screen protector is a no brainer even though some people act way too prude against them. I just don't like how the stylus feels against the screen, a screen protector makes it much easier to move freely.

The extending stylus is great because it fits in the normal stlylus slot but adds a bit to the length so it's more comfortable to use tough it's probably not as sturdy as the normal stylus.

And the pouch is the best carrying case available for the DSL. It holds the DSL so that you can play the system while it's still inside the pouch. It doesn't give you much room for accessories though. And I got black instead of the white because I figure the black would be the easiest to keep clean.:)

All those things are made by Hori and officially lisenced products I believe.

EDIT For those wondering about the Hori Multi-pouch, here's the product info site (in Japanese but the pictures help): http://www.hori.jp/products/dsl/dsl_multi_porch/index.html
 
Screen Protectors are a must have even if you don't think you need them. Once you get that first scratch you will be wishing you would have had one.
 
[quote name='Cpt Hooks']Has anyone had to change their screen protector because the touch screen is less sensitive? The reason I ask is because I am currently playing Trauma Center and the screen is not reacting like it use to. Anyone else have this problem, maybe the game?[/QUOTE]

I played Trauma Center with the screen protector the entire time and I got through it just fine. In fact, I'm wondering why so many people complain about the "difficulty" or the "it's not reacting". Only took me 3-4 hours. The only really hard part was the last guy, I was going to kill myself over that; but that's how a last guy should be.
 
[quote name='Vinny']

And the pouch is the best carrying case available for the DSL. It holds the DSL so that you can play the system while it's still inside the pouch. It doesn't give you much room for accessories though. And I got black instead of the white because I figure the black would be the easiest to keep clean.:) [/QUOTE]


Thanks, I needed a pouch that would allow you to play while it's still in there. My previous DS suffered some bad surface scratches and smudges from me carrying it around in my pocket with a lot of other stuff...don't really care about lack of room for accessories. Teh only accessory I carry around is the stylus.
 
[quote name='bmarquardt']http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product_id=802265

The DS Lite Mario Bundle Pack includes Includes neoprene sleeve, Mario skin, and polish cloth.

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product_id=802264

The DS Lite Starter Kit has everything you need for your DS Lite gaming system! It includes a system carry case, screen protectors, a case for your DS and GBA games, 3 stylus pens, 4 game cases and headphones!

Both are made specifically for the DS Lite and are licensed by Nintendo.[/QUOTE]

I saw these instore at Gamestop yesterday. They have a sticker on them that says "Exclusively for DS Lite" but its pretty obvious that the accessories are leftovers for the old DS. Hell, the cases just say "Nintendo DS" and not "Nintendo DS Lite"...
 
[quote name='SMMM']Thanks, I needed a pouch that would allow you to play while it's still in there. My previous DS suffered some bad surface scratches and smudges from me carrying it around in my pocket with a lot of other stuff...don't really care about lack of room for accessories. Teh only accessory I carry around is the stylus.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, the pouch is probably the best option IMO especially due to the high gloss finish which I'm guessing will scuff/scratch up easily. Here's some more more pics of it in case you're wondering what it's like.

http://hori.jp/products/dsl/dsl_compact_porch/index.html
 
Actually, I've never seen the case in the "Mario Bundle Pack." I think that is genuinely new. It's probably the thinnest case possible, basically a sock for the DS Lite. Has no top though, so the DS isn't totally protected. Kind of expensive for a $10 sock, though.

Don't bother with the extendable stylus. The only one currently available is quite flimsy. Hold out for one made of metal (a different company, licensed by Nintendo, released one for the regular DS before).

As for Hori screen protectors. Try to get the one made for the regular DS. According to several posts I've read, the DS Lite version actually does use an adhesive that leaves residue.
 
[quote name='espy605']Don't bother with the extendable stylus. The only one currently available is quite flimsy. Hold out for one made of metal (a different company, licensed by Nintendo, released one for the regular DS before).[/quote]

That's the PDA Panache one mentioned earlier in the thread. Contrary to one dissenter in the thread, I've owned it for a year and used it on an unprotected screen with no scratches. It's great. 100% recommended (when the DS Lite version comes out, that is).

As for Hori screen protectors. Try to get the one made for the regular DS. According to several posts I've read, the DS Lite version actually does use an adhesive that leaves residue.

Dagnabbit...Once and for all, which one has the adhesive and which one uses static? I want to order them but I keep getting conflicting info.
 
I didn't feel like creating a seperate thread so here goes. When you guys order from playasia.com what kind of shipping do you choose? The default one or the more expensive ones?
 
[quote name='Tybee']That's the PDA Panache one mentioned earlier in the thread. Contrary to one dissenter in the thread, I've owned it for a year and used it on an unprotected screen with no scratches. It's great. 100% recommended (when the DS Lite version comes out, that is).



Dagnabbit...Once and for all, which one has the adhesive and which one uses static? I want to order them but I keep getting conflicting info.[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure the side that says "remove this before putting the screen protector on" is static while the side that says "remove this after putting the screen protector on" is adhesive
 
Does anyone have JUST a bottom screen protector on their DS Lite? I took the bottom one off my old DS and put it on my Lite. Wondering if I should drop the $7 to get the Hori Lite Protectors, or to not even worry.

Also a question. To anyone who is against screen protectors...have you played Ouendan on your DS? Call me crazy, but I can't even imagine attempting a game like that without screen protectors.
 
[quote name='asianxcore']Does anyone have JUST a bottom screen protector on their DS Lite? I took the bottom one off my old DS and put it on my Lite. Wondering if I should drop the $7 to get the Hori Lite Protectors, or to not even worry.

Also a question. To anyone who is against screen protectors...have you played Ouendan on your DS? Call me crazy, but I can't even imagine attempting a game like that without screen protectors.[/quote]

Yes drop $7 for the Hori Lite Protectors. Mine just came in the mail yesterday, and they are perfect. All you have to do is use scotch tape on your screens to remove all the dust (and maybe some LCD swipes), then apply very carefully. I had to get screen protectors, since my baby cousins like playing the with he Lite.

And for those that say that the Hori DS Lite Screen Protectors leave some type of residue, it doesn't. Well at least mine didn't.
 
Here's what you do. Go to the local eye/glasses store. Lenscrafter or whatever. They have some top quality cloths that are 2-5 bucks. These cloths are made for glasses so they won't scratch up anything.

Now go to a hardware store and get some brasso. Dab the cloth with the brasso like you would do hydrogen peroxide to a cotton swab. Now get a water bottle and dab it the same way to dilute. Now wipe your screen with it. Since the cloth is absorbent, and the brasso is strong, you can use the cloth 6 or 10 times without re-applying. DO NOT FLOOD YOUR CLOTH WITH BRASSO! Just a little does a whole lot.

I use this on my Ipod all the time. Granted, the clamshell DS design is good protection all by itself, but a handy can of Brasso removes day to day wear and tear.

Still, people should buy cheap 5$ plastic protectors(not 30$ invishields) even if these shields do scratch easier. One day your going to play it while walking and someoen's gonna bump into you. You don't want to have to use Brasso on a major scratch. For first time appliers of screen protectors, get a cheap one so you can practice getting the air bubbles away.

There IS a technique involved. Even a washed hands has acids and dust that can ruin the screen protector during application. The adhesive is fast and strong as well. Don't believe any of those companies that say that there's no adhesive. There is. Adhesive is minorly corrosive but that's why you have Brasso. Adhesive also attracts insects. It sounds bad but it's worth it. Everything has a trade-off.

To all those that don't believe me about Brasso, just hang out in some ipod forums.
 
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