I think I want a Nintendo DS. Advice please.

[Plecostomus]

Looks like there are a ton of games I'd like to play and I understand it can play my old Advance games?

What are the downsides/flaws/failures of this system? Anything major I should be aware of?

 

[Zulu Romeo]

As far as I recall, the newer DSi (the one with the camera) no longer plays GBA games.

 

[Plecostomus]

I didn't say DSi I said DS. There is a difference.

 

[Sephiroth]

the starfox game can only be played with the touch screen so you are controlling the arwing with your left hand stylus and useing your right to fire, it's incredibly akward, and Final Fantasy 12 revenant wings just plain sucks. so yeah, the only real flaws/failures are in the games themselves

 

[clint g]

It really depends on the types of games you want to play. The DS has turned out to be a great RPG system, but there aren't too many action oriented games.

 

[-Brett-]

Biggest downside I can think of is that some of the developers for DS games fell a little too in love with the touch screen, which doesn't always work very well. If there's a comfortable way to play Metroid Prime, for example, I never figured it out.

 

[Cutter John]

Yeah, I'd definately read reviews before choosing whick games to buy. But thats pretty much true of any game/movie/music purchase isn't it? As for the DS, no complaints whatsoever. I've been lugging mine around for coming on two years now.

And yeah, the DSi is pretty bloody useless for anyone over 12.

Also if you have normal adult (or nearly adult) sized hands, I'd recomend getting one of these http://www.amazon.com/DS-Lite-Nerf-...1_3ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1255308350&sr=8-3 . Its saved me from a ton of finger cramping. Oh, and a set of those clear plasic screen protectors are a must-have. At least for the touch screen.

 

[General_Phoenix]

I don't play my DS as much as my 360, or Wii, but I do like it. New Super Mario Bros. is a really great game, and GTA: Chinatown Wars is a lot of fun. Star Trek Tactical Assault is good too. I have other titles, but they are mainly just revamps of older games - Yoshi's Island, Super Mario 64 DS, Lego Star Wars etc. Don't know of any problems, I have had my DS for about 3 years now and haven't had a problem. I'm glad it can play my Advanced games too, since I have tons of those laying around.

 

[nx1701g]

I like it but the touch screen can get old at times.

 

[Yoda]

Get a DS Lite and one of those R4 cards. Even if you don't want to pirate games. Buy the game, and then download a copy onto the card. It's sooooooo convenient to have your entire library sitting in your DS at all times. Very fun little system with some unique games.

I think my favorites were the Castlevania games... Elite Beat Agents, and Rhythm Heaven.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

The main flaws that I am aware of boil down to the system not being as powerful as a PSP--don't expect the 3D graphics to be dazzling. Some games also use the touchscreen in odd ways, but obviously that's going to vary from game to game. The built-in speakers aren't that great, in my opinion. Fortunately, the DS Lite comes with a standard 3.5mm jack!

Battery life is good. I can get several hours out of a charge.

If you like RPGs, strategy games, adventure games, and platformers, then the DS is a good buy. If you like the GBA library, it's a good buy. If you prefer FPS games, action games, etc. you would be better off with a PSP.

The DS definitely has a greater focus on casual, accessible games. That said, you have some games like Final Fantasy Tactics A2 which are ridiculously long, involved, and complex. Just the way I like it.

A lot of games, you can play without the touchscreen at all, or use it only as an occasional supplement. It's a nice concept, but I admit most games do not benefit from it at all, and some don't even use it.

 

[Plecostomus]

RPGs are what I'm into so it seems this is the system I want.

 

[Cutter John]

Get a DS Lite and one of those R4 cards. Even if you don't want to pirate games. Buy the game, and then download a copy onto the card. It's sooooooo convenient to have your entire library sitting in your DS at all times. Very fun little system with some unique games.

This. The R4 cart has pretty much turned the DSLite into my default MP3 player.