Choosing a DS?

Hey NA,



So i have missed out on just about all of DS and 3DS gaming. I had a DS for a short time in 2010ish to play Pokemon soul silver. Now I am trying to decide which system to buy. I was going to get a DS lite because then i can play DS and GBA games in one cheap enough unit. There are so many versions of each system it is hard to know which to get. 



I was debating a 3ds but I just am pretty hesitant on spending so much on a 3ds when i could just get a switch and not many 3ds games stand out to me as must plays. So i might just wait until 3ds systems are dirt cheap one day. 



1-Should i get a DS lite and call it a day for both GBA/DS

2-GBA Sp 101 for GBA/GB/GBC and a DSi for DS games(more comfortable than the lite?)



Just curious if the DSi is more comfortable than the lite especially the Dpad and if playing GBA games on a DS is even enjoyable



Thanks!



Edit- I didn't mention any of the XL systems because i prefer a lighter more compact system over giant screens. 



 
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Comments

  • Not long ago I picked up a DSi XL (actually a Japanese LL) and that's what I'd recommend, I use an AGS-101 for all GB/GBC/GBA gaming.



    Edit: Didn't saw you'd rather not have the XL version, in that case I'd go with the DSi and do all GB gaming in AGS-101 since I do quite a bit of original GB and GBC gaming and the DS Lite doesn't support them.
  • Anyways I'm not an expert on DS consoles and the amount of versions it has still confuses me, better go to a local game store to check both models by yourself.
  • 3DS XL for compatibility with 3DS and DS. You'd do better going up a generation than going back to a DS just for the GBA port. Can play GBA games on Gamecube or GBA SP if desired.
  • Once you get one of the XLs, everything will seem so small in comparison. Definitely a 3DS XL for DS games. DS Lite is a pretty sweet system too, IIRC the d-pad is a bit small. You can get them for next to nothing too. I sometimes bid on nice looking ones to add to my Japanese Ebay orders and win them for like $3-4.
  • I like DS lite. It still plays gba games. But most importantly the d pad feels like a traditional NES/SNES d pad. All other models I've tried have the stiff clicky d pad
  • I vote for option 2. DS only covers GBA games, and and that's a lot of extra size and weight to only use one screen. I have a AGB-101 and a new 3DS XL and it covers every gen of Nintendo's handheld games. I would recommend just coughing up the extra dough for a 3ds, because either you will just end up buying 2 systems (DSi now, 3DS later) instead of 1 (just 3DS now), and if you are planning on buying a used 3DS, the condition of systems is only going downhill from here.
  • Get a 3ds it plays ds and 3ds games. It's a no brainier. Pick a colour you like. Buy it loose and save a bunch. Even cheaper If you pick an unpopular colour. Slap some stickers on that mafk for decoration
  • DS lite is a fantastic handheld. I like the feel of it better than the 3DS. If you were going 3DS I'd say go for the XL, not a fan of how the standard one feels.
  • I guess I hold the unpopular opinion in that I prefer the original DS over the DS Lite. I've never liked the cheap feel and poor durability of the DS Lite, pretty much its only improvement is the LCD screens.



    I've had an original 3DS pretty much since it first launched 8 years ago. I've thought of getting a New 2DS XL but it's hard justifying dropping over $100 on a handheld I wouldn't use for much, just Pokemon and Smash Bros really.
  • The DS lite is considered the best version of the ds by many. It's comfortabe, good battery, and can play gba games.
  • I've used a DS, DS Lite, DSi XL, and a New 3DS XL over the years and my favorite by far is the DSi XL. I actively look for more games to play on it. With a flashcard the screen size is perfect for GB/GBC/GBA. Being able to choose to play the older consoles on that large, hinged upper screen does wonders for the neck too.
  • I'm really happy with my New 2DS XL which (A) has a nice big screen, (B) is lighter and less bulky than the 3DS XL, and (C) has access to SNES games on VC.



    I've owned an original DS, DS Lite, 3DS and 3DS XL and the New 2DS XL is by far my favorite model of DS/3DS line now.
  • Originally posted by: xMaGuSx



    I was debating a 3ds but I just am pretty hesitant on spending so much on a 3ds when i could just get a switch and not many 3ds games stand out to me as must plays. So i might just wait until 3ds systems are dirt cheap one day. 

     







  • No good games for it....should just lock er up after Brock's post. The 3DS is a beast
  • now THAT's a post haha. I love 3DS.
  • Originally posted by: empire



    No good games for it....should just lock er up after Brock's post. The 3DS is a beast

    Care to point out where i said there were "no good games for it"? I just said there aren't many MUST PLAYS for me personally and i was going to wait until the system comes down a few years from now before investing in it. So no, that post didn't do much for me. I am already aware of what games are on it lol 



     
  • That's no post, that's a STATEMENT.



    And as good of one it is I could think of more to add to that. Unless I missed it, Williams Pinball Collection (aka pinball arcade) are not on there and really should be.
  • Thank you, I didn't realize that existed, despite being the guy who added all the 3DS games to the database.
  • Originally posted by: xMaGuSx



    I was debating a 3ds but I just am pretty hesitant on spending so much on a 3ds when i could just get a switch and not many 3ds games stand out to me as must plays. So i might just wait until 3ds systems are dirt cheap one day. 

    Then just get a 2DS.  A used 2DS is probably around $50 and I assume a DS Lite is roughly the same.  The 2DS gives you compatibility with the entire 3DS library, you just don't get the slider to enable the psuedo-3D.  Which isn't much of a loss at all, because most of the 3DS games I played were with 3D turned off anyway.  You'll find some people like it, some people don't, and if you move around your head then you get blurring sometimes.  



    Only thing is that the 2DS doesn't fold (it's like a tablet), but that is clearly the best bang for the buck DS iteration.  
  • Good Lord, man. This was the first time I ever had a browser crash on me due to a copious amount of images.



    Any way you can consolidate them to at least one or a few viewable images? Damn. lol
  • Not sure if I am a minority here or not but between DS/3DS tapes I think the 3DS might be the best Nintendo system ever.



    I can't think of another system that has so many good games, the library is absolutely massive.
  • Originally posted by: TornxieRalls



    Not sure if I am a minority here or not but between DS/3DS tapes I think the 3DS might be the best Nintendo system ever.



    I can't think of another system that has so many good games, the library is absolutely massive.

    I agree.  Unfortunately I haven't played much (any) DS / 3DS since owning a switch, but there are still so many DS / 3DS games that are worth playing it is ridiculous.  
  • Originally posted by: TornxieRalls



    Not sure if I am a minority here or not but between DS/3DS tapes I think the 3DS might be the best Nintendo system ever.



    I can't think of another system that has so many good games, the library is absolutely massive.



    It's a fascinating library. And if you think of DS/3DS as a combined library, yeah it's absolutely massive. One of the things I find really interesting is these weird licensed titles that have nothing to do with their big-brother counterparts. Stuff like the Thor game that WayForward released. The DS in particular was this really cool "modern retro" machine. DS/3DS is the library where I'm continually finding out about cool games that totally slipped under my radar.



     
  • 2DS XL is $150 and plays all 3DS and DS games, highly recommend. If you really have no interest in 3DS (honestly I think you'd be missing out big time) then go with a DS lite since it plays GBA and DS games. But I really think the bigger screens of the 3DS XL or 2DS XL will benefit you the most. I can't see myself going back to a small screen now. I have DSi XL for DS games because I like the crisper resolution of it but it only plays DS games, and if you were going to buy one of those you might as well spend another $20-30 and get a brand new 2DS XL.



    But honestly I think 2DS XL is your best bet. It's got the large screens (no stereoscopic 3D, but I think that feature isn't necessary to enjoy the system anyway) plays all DS and 3DS games, and even if you say nothing stands out to you in 3DS, I strongly recommend you take another look at the library, I think it has the best library of any portable ever made, not even counting regular DS games. But 3DS and DS combined? Absolutely massive and fantastic library.
  • Originally posted by: jonebone

     
    Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     

    Then just get a 2DS.  A used 2DS is probably around $50 and I assume a DS Lite is roughly the same.  The 2DS gives you compatibility with the entire 3DS library, you just don't get the slider to enable the psuedo-3D.  Which isn't much of a loss at all, because most of the 3DS games I played were with 3D turned off anyway.  You'll find some people like it, some people don't, and if you move around your head then you get blurring sometimes.  

    It comes down to having very specific requirements i guess is the issue for me because of my situation.



    Most people would just get a used 3ds xl for like $75 and call it a day and then maybe an AGS101 sp later for GBA since most people would rather 3ds over GBA. But for me since i have bad arthritis the lighter the system the better. So that means i have to get something light, like the regular New 3ds and those are a bit more expensive because they seem to be limited systems like the pokemon 20th anniversary and mario limited edition which go for a lot used still. Or the 2ds xl which is also light but seems to have some drawbacks in quality. Screen, speakers, ridiculously small stylus. I wouldn't buy a regular 2ds because i hate the design of it, but you are right best bang for buck. 



    Also what is holding me back is i need something for GBA as well. So it comes down to choosing a system that does 3ds/ds or ds/GBA. And i figured a Ds lite because the GBA and DS library i skipped will hold me over for a long while and would only cost me $40 for a mint ds lite lol As opposed to spending $125+ on a used New 3ds and then another $85 on an AGS 101. 



    I agree with you there are good games on the 3ds. I was never stating otherwise. Just that there are no "must play" games i need to play right now to warrant spending the extra money right now. I don't mind waiting to dig into that library. People keep bringing up how i said there are no good games in the 3ds library and that is by no means what i am saying.





     
  • Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     
    Originally posted by: jonebone

     
    Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     

    Then just get a 2DS.  A used 2DS is probably around $50 and I assume a DS Lite is roughly the same.  The 2DS gives you compatibility with the entire 3DS library, you just don't get the slider to enable the psuedo-3D.  Which isn't much of a loss at all, because most of the 3DS games I played were with 3D turned off anyway.  You'll find some people like it, some people don't, and if you move around your head then you get blurring sometimes.  

    It comes down to having very specific requirements i guess is the issue for me because of my situation.



    Most people would just get a used 3ds xl for like $75 and call it a day and then maybe an AGS101 sp later for GBA. But for me since i have bad arthritis the lighter the system the better. So that means i have to get something light, like the regular New 3ds and those are a bit more expensive because they seem to be limited systems like the pokemon 20th anniversary and mario limited edition which go for a lot used still. Or the 2ds xl which is also light but seems to have some drawbacks in quality. Screen, speakers, ridiculously small stylus. I wouldn't buy a regular 2ds because i hate the design of it, but you are right best bang for buck. 



    Also what is holding me back is i need something for GBA as well. So it comes down to choosing a system that does 3ds/ds or ds/GBA. And i figured a Ds lite because the GBA and DS library i skipped will hold me over for a long while and would only cost me $40 for mint ds lite lol As opposed to spending $125+ on a used New 3ds and then another $85 on an AGS 101. 



    I agree with you there are good games on the 3ds. I was never stating otherwise. Just that there are no must play games i need to play right now to warrant spending the extra money right now. I don't mind waiting to dig into that library. People keep bringing up how i said there are no good games in the 3ds library and that is by no means what i am saying.



    If weight of the system is an issue, I can attest the 2DS XL is very light and comfortable to hold. Or even the regular 2DS is light and comfortable (smaller screens though and no clamshell design)
  • I'm with Kraken. New 2DS XL rules. Same screen size as 3DS XL; but thinner and lighter - with the added bonus of SNES VC.
  • Originally posted by: KrakenSoup

     
    Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     

    If weight of the system is an issue, I can attest the 2DS XL is very light and comfortable to hold. Or even the regular 2DS is light and comfortable (smaller screens though and no clamshell design)

    Yeah unfortunately because of my arthritis i am having a hard time even holding a playstation controller lately :/ Really sucks, i had to stop playing certain games altogether like rocket league.



    What do you think of the screens on the 2ds xl? I keep reading they are not the greatest. I have no interest in 3d at all, so i don't mind the 2ds concept. 
  • Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     
    Originally posted by: KrakenSoup

     
    Originally posted by: xMaGuSx

     

    If weight of the system is an issue, I can attest the 2DS XL is very light and comfortable to hold. Or even the regular 2DS is light and comfortable (smaller screens though and no clamshell design)

    Yeah unfortunately because of my arthritis i am having a hard time even holding a playstation controller lately :/ Really sucks, i had to stop playing certain games altogether like rocket league.



    What do you think of the screens on the 2ds xl? I keep reading they are not the greatest. I have no interest in 3d at all, so i don't mind the 2ds concept. 

    The screens on the 2DS XL look fine to me. I know there are two differerent "types" of 3DS screen but honestly I can't tell the difference between them. If I had to say anything negative about the 2DS XL it's that it only has one speaker, and it's on the bottom portion of the system so no stereo sound except with headphones, and louder sounds will make the system vibrate in your hands a little bit, but I don't think it's a big deal. I like the form factor of the 2DS XL the best out of all the 3DS's. Thoiugh I still play my New 3DS XL the most, I keep a 2DS XL as a back up. Another reason I'd recommend a 2DS XL over a DSi or DS lite, is that you can buy 2DS XL's at any store brand new right now. If you wanted to wait a few years before getting into 3DS you might have to pick up a used system or pay a premium on a new one. That sucks that just holding a controller hurts your hands, I can't say a 2DS XL weighs less than a PS controller, but there may be some kind of stand or grip that allows you to rest the system on a table so you're not holding it up with the weight in your hand.



    EDIT: Actually correction there IS a stand, or at least one came with Kid Icarus Uprising, I'm sure there are third party ones out there as well.
  • I'd suggest you pick up a DS Lite from Japan, those are very light, they can be had for cheap, and the games are region free so you'd be able to play any US released game.



    Take a look at eBay completed listings (filtered by location -> Japan):

    https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ds+lite&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_fsradio2=&LH_LocatedIn=1&_salic=104&LH_SubLocation=1&_sop=13&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1&_fosrp=1
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