Nintendo DS plus...what?

[Jeikobu]

Ok, so I'm planning to ask for a DS (probably DS Lite) for the Christmas season. I also want to get Pokemon White imported from Japan. However, I have one question: should I get anything else (i.e.: accessories)? In short, what does a strictly Pokemon DS gamer need to have the best experience? I'm really new to DS as a whole, which may sound silly. Can anyone explain things to me?

 

[Fox♠]

Nah, DS does what it says on the tin, it's fairly limited accesory wise. I mean there are things like lights and grips but they're all pointless. Might be an idea to pick up a few extra stylus though.

 

[Stellar]

Essentially, there's no accessory that can enhance the 4th generation Pokémon experience. If you get a Lite rather than a DSi you don't have to worry about not being able to import from 3rd generation games, and it's not like you need a link cable or anything since everything is done wirelessly. So if you were to get DS/Lite by itself, you would be capable of playing D/P/Pt and HG/SS to their fullest capacities, and the only thing you'd be missing in B/W is the Live Caster feature which is exclusive to the DSi.

 

[Jeikobu]

Essentially, there's no accessory that can enhance the 4th generation Pokémon experience. If you get a Lite rather than a DSi you don't have to worry about not being able to import from 3rd generation games

I think I want a Lite since I think it goes for the cheapest. Since I have a GBA SP, it shouldn't matter if the DS can play the 3rd generation games, should it?

the only thing you'd be missing in B/W is the Live Caster feature which is exclusive to the DSi.

What is "Live Caster"?

Does DS Lite have a built in lit screen like GBA SP does? Also, does it charge by being plugged in with a cord (i.e.: not on batteries) like the GBA SP?

 

[ソラ]

I rather get Lite then DSi for Black and White if you want to import it.
But other games will do good on DSi. But I like the lite more. You'll learn on it, you'll grow. But If you want Experience get Pokemon Platinum, and HG or SS too with it. :33

 

[Ninja Caterpie]

Does DS Lite have a built in lit screen like GBA SP does?

Yes, and with multiple adjustable levels of lighting.

Also, does it charge by being plugged in with a cord (i.e.: not on batteries) like the GBA SP?

Charger, yep.

Lites are good. Accessories are completely unnecessary.

 

[Jeikobu]

Thanks Caterpie!

I rather get Lite then DSi for Black and White if you want to import it.

Why?

You'll learn on it, you'll grow.

How so?

But If you want Experience get Pokemon Platinum, and HG or SS too with it. :33

Why?

I like your name by the way. :) Conan's been a great show I think, thought I'm only about 1 1/2 hundred episodes in.

 

[Prometheus]

Get a DSI, My lite can't read games like ACWW.

 

[Crystal-Heart]

I'd get Pokemon Platinum (the definite version of Gen IV, since it has everything, story/location-wise, from D/P and more), and HeartGold or SoulSilver (either is great, a fitting remake of the Gen II games and more).
I'd wait to get White, personally, since its supposed to be released in Spring, probably March or April, and you'll have one of the other Pokemon games to tide you over.
Also, you shouldn't limit yourself to just Pokemon, there are alot of fantastic non-Pokemon titles on the DS.

 

[Jolene]

You should get a little microphone if you are going to play Pokemon online. There is one built into the DS but I don't think it is very good. You can't use a normal computer microphone you have to use one that is made for the DS.

 

[Captain Riolu]

I have a Lite, and it serves me well. It's great if you don't want to spend money. But if you are really into the online side of things and don't mind giving up the cash, DSi is great, especially for Pokemon Black and White. Lets you do live chat with other people with BW.

 

[Jeikobu]

Get a DSI, My lite can't read games like ACWW.

What's ACWW? If it's game other than Pokemon, then this contingency doesn't matter to me.

I'd wait to get White, personally, since its supposed to be released in Spring, probably March or April, and you'll have one of the other Pokemon games to tide you over.

I only want the Japanese version. The only reasons I can think of to wait on White are 1) I still don't know much Japanese, 2) I'm playing Red right now and have considered, "would I rather play them in order"? Ultimately though, I can look online for help if I get stuck in White, and I'd just rather have the newest most improved game now and then I can go back later.

I have a Lite, and it serves me well. It's great if you don't want to spend money. But if you are really into the online side of things and don't mind giving up the cash, DSi is great, especially for Pokemon Black and White. Lets you do live chat with other people with BW.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Time Guardian]

Honestly, if you can find it, I would say to get the original DS since they last longer and much more durable then the lites. I've had my DS ever since before the lites came out and it's still is in working condition despite going through a little bit of abuse, but a few of my friends have lites and most of then ended up breaking theirs in half by accident and/or have an responsive R/L trigger.

As for accessories, there isn't really anything that you need, extra stylus are always a plus to be on the safe side in case you lose one or two. If you're concerned about your bottom screen getting too scratched up and not working right over time, you may need to consider getting some screen protectors, but that's only if you plan to get games that use a lot with the stylus and bottom screen.The pokemon games can mostly be played without use of the touch screen, and even so it's once in a while and not extensive, so you're not going to need it unless you plan to expand on your games library.

Anyways, since you plan to import the Japanese version, then the DS would HAVE to be either the original one or the lite. The DSi's are region locked so you can't played foreign games with them unless you get someone to hack the game system for you.

And all of Nintendo's portable systems since the GBASP has a charger and a backlit screen. And this is something that will end up being kept as a standard for all portable game systems more then likely

 

[Captain Fabio]

In my opinion, accessories are very pointless for the DS, since there isn't anything it really needs. An extra stylus would be a good idea if you lose or break your original.

 

[Ninja Caterpie]

Honestly, if you can find it, I would say to get the original DS since they last longer and much more durable then the lites. I've had my DS ever since before the lites came out and it's still is in working condition despite going through a little bit of abuse, but a few of my friends have lites and most of then ended up breaking theirs in half by accident and/or have an responsive R/L trigger.

but whatever you do with a DS Brik, do not drop it while open. I did and it pretty much snapped the middle hinge so now I have a DS with a really dodgy top screen. The graphics died too.

The battery of a DS Lite is stronger than that of a Brik, but the buttons are less durable. Meh.

 

[Wings Don't Cry]

Really the lite is ideal if you just want to play Pokemon. Some might say the brik last longer but they all last long as long as you look after it properly. You still have your GBA SP so it's safe to assume your not one of those people who go through a handheld console in a year or so because of tardy handling. The only thing you'd want is screen covers for the touch screen otherwise it gets ruined. Don't bother getting another stylus since I don't see how you could break it during gameplay unless you smash it onto the screen and you probably won't lose it since there's a gap on the side of the DS to hold it. Not to mention that the DS Lite comes with two styluses. So just get a DS Lite and screen covers unless you plan on buying the DSi Exclusive version of Black/White.

 

[Stellar]

I think I want a Lite since I think it goes for the cheapest. Since I have a GBA SP, it shouldn't matter if the DS can play the 3rd generation games, should it?

It kind of does if you want to bring your 3rd generation Pokémon over to your 4th generation games, since the only way to do that is to migrate them which requires the extra GBA slot.

Anyways, since you plan to import the Japanese version, then the DS would HAVE to be either the original one or the lite. The DSi's are region locked so you can't played foreign games with them unless you get someone to hack the game system for you.

Wow, I had no idea... good call. Makes me glad I never got a DSi.

 

[Zet]

To be honest, I'd say wait till march next year and get the 3DS. Though is importing a game you can barely understand really worth it? That is if you don't know the language.

 

[Prometheus]

ACWW is Animal crossing wild world, A very fun life-styled game where cup-caked headed animals live, Its very popular.

 

[Shadow]

The only accessory I would suggest are some headphones. Turning the sound down a tad helps your battery life quite a bit and with headphones you'll be able to hear your DS at half volume louder than you would without the headphones and the DS at max volume while it sucks out more battery power.

Mostly because the official Nintendo DS headphones are literally the best ones I've gotten ever. They're comfortable and lightweight, have lasted longer than much more expensive headphones from computer companies, and they good quality.

They look like these ones: https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-DS-...OY/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1288170668&sr=8-20