DS Dilemma

[DNA]

So here's what the situation is.

I got my very first DS Lite on my birthday in April 2007 - all black. It lasted for about two and a half years or so, but then the plastic joint - the hinge - that held the screen in place cracked. Before long, it fell off altogether, making that DS Lite's top screen incapable of holding itself up on its own. (The buttons were wearing out also.)

About the time that the DSi came out (what was that, August 2009?), I got a second DS Lite to replace my old one - the reason I did not decide to get a DSi (despite the discount) was because I loved to be able to play GBA games on a DS, complete with brighter color, headphones...the whole gig.

Today is February 23, 2012, and as I was EV training one of my Pokemon...the plastic hinge joint cracked, just like the other one. Not good. That means it's ultimately going to fall off completely.

I want to prepare myself for the eventuality that I will soon have two DS Lites that cannot hold their own top screens up (ah, c'est une tragedie!), and thus, I will need to eventually purchase a new system. The Pal Pad reset will not be too much of a big deal; I only trade out of two games anyway, and I can leave Diamond trading on my current DS Lite while having Black version move up. (Or, I could keep them both there.) Moving on.

What I find really sucks is that, accounting for this, both of my DS Lites have had a shelf life of only 2.5 years. In addition, I have 2 GBA SP units that I've had for quite a lot longer than that, and both of them are in good working condition.

I see myself as having a few options: I could try to find a DS or DS Lite used, try and find a DSi to use as my main system, or just go for a 3DS. I am a bit reluctant to jump to a DSi or 3DS as neither of them have a GBA slot...but like I said before, I have 2 working SPs and I usually use those for GBA (or GBC) play anyway. I might be leaning towards a DSi, but on the flip side, a 3DS can play games from DS and the upcoming 3DS. However...I detest 3D graphics with a passion and would probably want them permanently turned off.

One perk about the DSi, though, are the buttons - I absolutely LOVE the DSi's buttons because they're identical to an SP's; they never wear out. If the 3DS's buttons are like that too, then...cool.

By the time my birthday (April) comes around, I will probably be able to get a new system, so let's just say for the sake of argument that cost is not a factor, but please try to mention the prices of the various systems if you can. I usually buy locally at GameStop (I do not like nor do I trust the Internet or postal system for something like this), for the option of having it right then and there. However, because of that, I might want to buy new instead of used (that's what I did for my 2nd DS Lite, as the difference in cost was only $20, so why bother?).

As many of you are probably aware, I talk smack about the 3DS a lot because there are no games currently released for it that I actually like. (The only thing I've seen about the 3DS I like is that game when you go collect a bunch of Miis and go out fighting.) So, if you want me to get a 3DS, give me some really convincing arguments. (The same goes for you DSi advocates as well - what could I possibly get from the DSi that a 3DS or DS Lite couldn't already offer me?)

Enlighten me, guys. What is my best course of action, according to you, and why should I choose that?

 

[Infinity]

Well, my DS lite has been working perfectly for 5 years..... You must be treating yours bad or something.

 

[DNA]

You're no help, since I obviously don't have a time machine, and you have no idea how I treat my things. I asked on what I could do to replace my soon-to-have-a-broken-hinge DS Lite, not get lectured...

...Anyone else?

 

[don()shinobi]

I would personally just get the 3DS. Migrate everything you'd need to to your DS games, and since you have 2 SPs, playing GBA games from there won't really be much of a problem. You won't be able to play them on a brighter screen, but at least you'll be able to play them.

With the exception of Super Mario 3D Land, there are basically no 3DS games that nearly require 3D. I turned off the 3D completely for my playthroughs of Ocarina of Time and Tales of the Abyss...not only did that save battery life, but it put a lot less strain on my eyes.

As for your thing with the buttons...I've had my 3DS since July of last year, and its buttons haven't really worn out at all. The d-pad takes a bit to get used to, but for the most part, everything's fine. You don't need to worry about that.

Not sure if this was exactly what you were looking for, but this is what I got. Hope I helped.

 

[DNA]

^That actually helped quite a bit; thank you!

I know there aren't a lot of games out on 3DS right now that I'd like, but I know eventually that a few Pokemon games will come out on 3DS and that will involve me moving on up. At least I can rest easy knowing I can leave the 3D off.

How much would a 3DS cost brand-new (if they still sell those right now), in comparison to used? Do you know?

 

[don()shinobi]

A new 3DS will cost you about $170 without tax. As for a pre-owned system...I honestly have no idea, but I'd guess that since it's a newer system, you probably won't be able to find a used one under $100.

 

[Chariblaze]

The Pal Pad reset will not be too much of a big deal; I only trade out of two games anyway, and I can leave Diamond trading on my current DS Lite while having Black version move up. (Or, I could keep them both there.) Moving on.

Er, you do know you can transfer Pal Pad information, right? Somewhere in the wireless settings, there's an option to transfer your wireless configuration. Use DS Download Play on a new DS, and it all gets transferred over without problem.

However...I detest 3D graphics with a passion and would probably want them permanently turned off.

Then you'll definitively never want Pushmo or Super Mario 3D Land. Both are a lot harder to play in 2D. But you said you don't want a single thing from 3DS, so no matter.

One perk about the DSi, though, are the buttons - I absolutely LOVE the DSi's buttons because they're identical to an SP's; they never wear out. If the 3DS's buttons are like that too, then...cool.

They aren't exactly the same, but they are fairly clicky like the DSi's and GBA SP, and not mushy like the DS Lite's.

As many of you are probably aware, I talk smack about the 3DS a lot because there are no games currently released for it that I actually like. (The only thing I've seen about the 3DS I like is that game when you go collect a bunch of Miis and go out fighting.) So, if you want me to get a 3DS, give me some really convincing arguments.

All right, but my advantages will include DSi stuff. Also, note that I'm going to get a bit rambly.

Spoiler

First, you're getting the Circle Pad. That's nigh an analog stick. So far, it's really good for Ocarina of Time 3D, Mario 3D Land, Resident Evil Revelations, and Metal Gear Solid, but it works well with everything anyway. Having the D-pad below it can be a bit jarring at first, but you get used to it. I only really use my D-pad for Mutant Mudds, and Mario Bros., and it works great.

Your Start and Select buttons are now more... paddy, and centered. It takes a bit of getting used to if you really need them, but they work well. But note, SRing will be harder.

Your stylus is in back again, which can be very inconvenient at times. But it telescopes, and feels nice.

You're getting an SD Card slot, and a 2GB card (though you can use cards with sizes of up to 32GB). That's not really a hardware advantage, but I'll get to the software stuff where it helps.

The 3DS cameras are fun to play with for their 3D, but cell phone cameras are better when it comes to quality, so this shouldn't really be a factor in your purchase.

Since the DSi, we've had a sound player. A lot of people simply use their phone or iPod or something for music, but I find this to be a really useful included feature. The sound filters are fun to play with, but again, this shouldn't really be a factor in your purchase if you already use something else.

The game you mentioned is part of StreetPass Mii Plaza. You can create a Mii in the Mii Maker, or use one from your Wii. When you pass others with a 3DS, you'll be able to recruit their Miis to play a mini-RPG. I don't get much use out of it in southeast Ohio, but a SoCalian like yourself might.

You might hear some hype about Nintendo Zone from Nintendo. It's a fun thing to try at Best Buy or McDonalds, but it definitely shouldn't be a factor in a purchase.

Nintendo Video gives you some short 3D videos on an almost daily basis to watch. Most of the time, it's stuff from 3net, so you're seeing short cuts of actual TV shows. Again, fun, but not a factor in a purchase.

Swapnote is fun. It's basically the 3DS's Pictochat. You can create three page notes that can be sent to people on your friend list, or people you pass with StreetPass.

Netflix works well. Some might think watching it on a tiny screen is bad, but I find it nice. Not really going to help if you don't use it.

Game Notes let you take note of something in a game. The obvious example many use is Zelda. Is that an island out of reach? Ok, I'll note it down and come back later.

Friend codes are improved. Instead of an FC for every game, you get one for everything (note, this is for 3DS games only, not DS games). So someone you register for a Mario Kart race will be easily playable in Street Fighter. There's also some cases that give you a direct Join Game feature. So your Mario Kart friend is playing against random people on Wi-Fi, you notice, hit Join, and appear in his lobby.

The 3DS browser works fairly decently. It's not too fast, but you can view 3D photos, and you can use it when your game is suspended.

Oh, suspension, that's right. That's what the Home button is for. Hit it during a game, and you'll be on the menu to access some things like the browser and Game Notes. Instead of shutting down the system to do something else, you simply suspend and exit to the menu.

And that's because the 3DS is not made to be shut down. Sleep mode is very heavily focused on. That'll let you get StreetPass hits, videos from Nintendo Video, Swapnotes from your friends, Mario Kart ghosts, and a lot more.

But then you have the eShop. Aside from getting access to some stuff I'll list below, you get some nifty features. Instead of points, everything is handled with dollar amounts. Recent updates let you download stuff later while you're 3DS is sleeping (so you don't have to wait for some 100MB download while you're sitting there waiting). Download codes let you redeem codes from Club Nintendo to get a game without buying it through the eShop. Buying money is done through credit cards, and $20 cards in stores. Credit card info can be saved for later, and it can also be used to give you the exact difference needed to buy something. So previously, you could have $3, want to buy something that $5, and would have to buy a $10 increment. Now, you can just buy the remaining $2. Everything except DSiWare can be put and played off an SD Card, which makes the 3DS's paltry storage nigh obsolete.

As for the eShop's selection, you get DSiWare, VC games, and original eShop games.

List of non-DS games that are worthy of purchases, at least at certain prices:

Spoiler

• Pilotwings Resort
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
• Donkey Kong '94
• Super Mario Land 2
• Mario's Picross
• Star Fox 64 3D
• Bit.Trip SAGA
• Super Mario 3D Land
• Mario Kart 7
• Pushmo
• VVVVVV
• Resident Evil Revelations
• Shantae RIsky's Revenge
• Airport Mania First Lights
• Art Style Pictobits
• X-Scape
• Cave Story 3D
• Cave Story
• Mutant Mudds

There are more, this is just from the top of my head.

(The same goes for you DSi advocates as well - what could I possibly get from the DSi that a 3DS or DS Lite couldn't already offer me?)

Not much. Flipnote Studio, I suppose, though it'll come to the 3DS eventually. A matte finish. The screens are slightly bigger. The DSi XL is obviously bigger all-around. Also, the 3DS stretches out DS games a bit oddly, so they don't look as as good. A new DSi is $150, and for that, I'd recommend a 3DS at $170.

Enlighten me, guys. What is my best course of action, according to you, and why should I choose that?

I'd recommend this setup:

• GBA SP - You already own it, good for GBA games and link cable stuff.
• GameCube and Game Boy Player - $40, will make GBA games look fantastic, but it's not portable.
• DS Phat - $80, GBA quality is like the GBA SP, but gives you Pal Park functionality.
• 3DS - $170, will give you futurey 3DS stuff, and DS compatibility.

Sorry for the wording oddities. I didn't want to spend too horribly long on this. Just ask for clarification on anything needed.

 

[Athena]

If I were in your shoes, I'd just bite the bullet and do the upgrade to the 3DS.

I don't have a 3DS yet. 3D graphics actually make me severely motion sick (I can't do 3D movies or anything either), so that entire content vector holds nothing of interest to me. However, I know that when a new Pokémon game comes out for the 3DS with no regular DS compatibility, I'm definitely going to make the upgrade.

I'm not going to automatically assume you're the same in that a Pokémon game will make or break the decision to get a 3DS at some point. But chances are, at some point, there's going to be something 3DS exclusive that you're going to want to upgrade to. And if that is the case, and you know you're going to get one, then you may as well spend the extra money to get the 3DS now, rather than spending money getting an older system (DSi or DS lite) and then spending more money later to get a 3DS.

At least that's my take on it.

The only real reason I can see wanting to hold off as long as possible on getting a 3DS is waiting for another price drop and/or improved functionality. I got one of the original DSes right after it game out, only to upgrade to a Lite later on when they came out. It seemed to me like the DSes went through upgrades rather quickly, and the 3DS may do the same. It's a gamble either way, though.

 

[DNA]

Er, you do know you can transfer Pal Pad information, right? Somewhere in the wireless settings, there's an option to transfer your wireless configuration. Use DS Download Play on a new DS, and it all gets transferred over without problem.

...did not know that also transferred Friend Codes. However...if I tried to connect on the new DS, I think it wipes my Pal Pad anyway. Eh. I'll find out.

*reads all the 3DS advantages and notes that Link's Awakening DX is there, grows sad that he sold his original GBC copy, and keeps reading*

And that's because the 3DS is not made to be shut down. Sleep mode is very heavily focused on. That'll let you get StreetPass hits, videos from Nintendo Video, Swapnotes from your friends, Mario Kart ghosts, and a lot more.

Downloading things in sleep mode? Wouldn't that involve that the 3DS have a point to access the Internet from? Most of the time I don't always have this, and it would ultimately be more convenient to probably just turn the 3DS off - I am NOT a fan of sleep mode at all, as that would require hooking my system up to a charger, which as a result drains the battery life like no other. (I've had enough of that on my PSP and I don't want to see it again.)

Oh yeah, forgot about the battery life. What is the battery life of a 3DS, under normal circumstances? (Assume I'm using medium lighting, if that makes a difference.)

If I were in your shoes, I'd just bite the bullet and do the upgrade to the 3DS. [...] And if that is the case, and you know you're going to get one, then you may as well spend the extra money to get the 3DS now, rather than spending money getting an older system (DSi or DS lite) and then spending more money later to get a 3DS.

That's what I'm considering too, seeing as I'll have to do it eventually; getting a DSi and then later getting a 3DS sounds like a waste. And, like you, I cannot stand 3D graphics.

I'm not going to automatically assume you're the same in that a Pokémon game will make or break the decision to get a 3DS at some point. But chances are, at some point, there's going to be something 3DS exclusive that you're going to want to upgrade to.

Fun fact: Every system upgrade I did up to this point, excluding the GBA SP, was because a Pokemon game was coming out soon on that system (I got a DS exactly 2 weeks before Diamond was released.)

The only real reason I can see wanting to hold off as long as possible on getting a 3DS is waiting for another price drop and/or improved functionality.

Wasn't there already a huge price drop on 3DS about 2 months after its release or something? They dropped the price but then gave the Ambassador System to the veteran purchasers. In either case, I'm not worried too much about a price or fall at this point - and if there is one, it won't be much. All that's left to do is to decide the color (I'll probably go for either red or black).

...And as a closing comment, truth be told, the only thing I don't like about the DS Lite is - surprise surprise - the buttons! If the buttons were SP style, I'd think it was a positively perfect machine. Fortunately, the DSi and 3DS picked up on that error, so that won't be a problem. I believe I am going to try and get myself a 3DS for my birthday, since that seems to be the best thing to do. I will lose out on being able to play GBA games on a DS and have it benefit from headphones and enhanced color (well, not completely - the only thing really wrong with my DS Lites are wonky hinges...except my 1st one does have a broken headphone jack, though, but the 2nd works fine that way), but eh, there's a trade-off that I'll be willing to take, since I won't be totally out of GBA gameplay forever.

Thanks much for your feedback, guys!

 

[Chariblaze]

...did not know that also transferred Friend Codes. However...if I tried to connect on the new DS, I think it wipes my Pal Pad anyway. Eh. I'll find out.

It wipes your Pal Pad because the data hasn't been transferred. If the exact profile was transferred, everything would remain. I've done this with Black.

Downloading things in sleep mode? Wouldn't that involve that the 3DS have a point to access the Internet from? Most of the time I don't always have this, and it would ultimately be more convenient to probably just turn the 3DS off - I am NOT a fan of sleep mode at all, as that would require hooking my system up to a charger, which as a result drains the battery life like no other. (I've had enough of that on my PSP and I don't want to see it again.)

You'd still get StreetPass hits, but yeah, it might be worth it to keep it off if you don't have a connection a lot of the time.

Oh yeah, forgot about the battery life. What is the battery life of a 3DS, under normal circumstances? (Assume I'm using medium lighting, if that makes a difference.)

Er, I did forget to mention that. Probably it's most controversial issue, the battery life sits at around... 6 hours, with medium lighting and no 3D, maybe?

Wasn't there already a huge price drop on 3DS about 2 months after its release or something?

Yeah, it launched at $250, and dropped to $170.

 

[don()shinobi]

6 hours? No, that's preposterous. My 3DS has the Powerpak + (which you should all get, btw) and it barely hits 8 hours. Without any sort of replacement battery, the 3DS (assuming it's left on, Wifi and 3D are turned off, not in sleep mode, minimum brightness, and no volume) battery life is a bit more than 4 hours per charge.

 

[superpokemon67]

If you're worried about battery life though, I would just plug it into the wall whenever your not out somewhere. That's what I do and I've never had a battery problem.

 

[Chariblaze]

All right, 6 hours is preposterous. But so is 4. It seems more like 5.

 

[don()shinobi]

Well, 265 minutes is 4 hours and 25 minutes. Just about 4.5 hours.
Seems =/= What it is.
Just get the Powerpak + if you're concerned about the battery life.

 

[Luckyfire]

I haven't read everything in this thread, but I did read the first post fully and completely, and I think I could try to help solve your problem. After all, I do have both DSi and 3DS systems. Both are good, but I preferred my old DSi more. It's lasted for about three years without breaking apart. Plus, there are many- maybe thousands- of DS games. I do suppose that is good, but the 3DS might be better. I've played three 3DS games, but they are incredibly easy. The advantage is that it has very much better quality than the DSi. The disadvantage is that it has few games that actually came out, and its games in the E-Shop are really expensive, whereas there are some free games in DSi.

I'd definitely recommend the DSi if you want games, Wi-fi, or multiplayer games that run over the DS Download. I really love my DSi and DS games and really want to play my DS games!

 

[DNA]

The thing with that is that the 3DS can play regular DS games anyway. So, in that regard, a 3DS would be better than a DSi anyway. Plus, in the eventuality that a Pokemon game gets released on 3DS (or really any other game I'm looking for), then buying a DSi would probably be a waste of money.

Plus, I hear 3DS has Link's Awakening on it as a DLC.

 

[ESP]

I'd get a 3DS. There's really (in my opinion) nothing that the DSi has going for it.

And besides the other opinions in this thread that I agree with, there are at least a few games coming out soon for the 3DS that I like such as Luigi's Mansion 2, Kingdom Hearts, Paper Mario, Super Smash Bros, and probably the next Pokemon game.