Curious about the DSi and XL...

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Please, feel free to refer/link a thread to me if this has previously been discussed before

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Anyway, I was curious if there was any advantage to either of these systems over the old DSlite. I'm planning on PAX this year, and was kicking around the thought of trading in my old cute pale-pink DSlite for one of these systems (though, i'm sad that this color seems to be only unique to the lite series). Also, anyone know of any deals around for an updgrade trade-in deal? That would be a substantial help. I know the XL has the advantage of the (obvious) huge screen, but how does it scale up GBA games? I've inherited FF6 from a friend and its what I have been playing on there now, but if its going to look like crud on the XL, well, that would be a big deciding factor. Are any of the DSi games any good? I haven't looked at that side of the catalouge. Okay, I think that's enough questions!

Apart from the XL having bigger screens, the DSi has cameras (and a camera-based minigame thingy) and access to DSi ware (a digital download shop). The DSi also does not have a GBA slot so that copy of FF6 will not work, unless they released a remake on a DS card without my knowledge.

A friend showed me his XL last weekend (there's a sig for someone) and I gotta tell you, that thing is freakin' huge. Like, I almost felt like I was holding a netbook. It wouldn't fit in a pocket, that's for sure. So, going to an event like PAX, the portability might be an issue.

The DS Magnum totally fits in a pocket. Just need a bigger pocket. Yeah, it's definitely big, but the screen size makes it worth it. I mostly play my DS at home, and usually have a bag when I'm out, so the size doesn't bother me too much.

baggachipz wrote:

A friend showed me his XL last weekend (there's a sig for someone) and I gotta tell you, that thing is freakin' huge. Like, I almost felt like I was holding a netbook. It wouldn't fit in a pocket, that's for sure. So, going to an event like PAX, the portability might be an issue.

On the other hand, if you own a portable simply because you want to play those games and don't actually need to take it anywhere, the bigger screens are a definite plus.

I got an XL for my wife on her birthday. It's exactly like the DSi, only bigger. It comes with an additional pen-sized stylus which is nice. The screens, though bigger, have the same resolution (256x192 I think) as the Lite and DSi. So it does look a little coarse, though not rescaled as though the image has been stretched.

I do like that the power and volume are proper buttons now. And being able to adjust brightness on the fly is a definite plus. On the downside, they thought it would be a good idea to change the plug for the AC adapter. Now you have to keep track of Lite vs. DSi/XL plugs if you're traveling, etc.

The cameras and audio tools are pretty forgettable. The picture quality is terrible, and the tweaking tools would be more fun for kids I believe. Novelties at best. They even use a custom format such that you can't even import your own photos, even if they're the correct resolution (for wallpapers, etc.).

I haven't explored the download stuff, simply because I refuse to support Nintendo's policy that purchases are tied to the console and can't be transferred/re-downloaded to another unit.

The other downside of the XL is the price. $189 for a handheld is pretty steep, IMO. For 10 bucks more you can get a Wii with 2 games. I know the PSP is more, but that's just ridiculous.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: If you're not in any hurry, you might want to wait for the 3DS.

Last week, GameStop was doing a trade-in "deal" and I got $60 for my DS Lite towards a DSi XL. I don't know what you can get now, though; sorry.

The DSi XL does indeed lack a GBA slot which might be a dealbreaker. I still have my old GBA and the GBA player for the GameCube; you could probably get either for peanuts but that would add more to the already significant cost of moving to the XL.

Let me confirm that the XL is huge but still might fit in an oversized pocket. Whether this is feasible depends on your lifestyle, I guess; if you carry a bag regularly, no problem. The bigger screen is great for the DS games, and my declining eyesight is the whole reason I upgraded; haven't looked at any DSi games yet, sorry.

I carry the XL in a cargo pants exterior pocket. Fits fine.

Humm, well, honestly...that is a real dealbreaker right there. I enjoy having that slot for old GBA games because there are a few more on my list that I'd like to purchase, and I really don't want to haul around two different DS/GBA things just to have the opportunity to play both if I've got that whim. And from what you guys are saying the camera and its related games are not really worth it. Maybe I'll wait for the 3DS; though I really don't care much for that "3D" experience they're talking about-- but if it's got or going to have the GBA slot it would be worth the wait. Thanks for the responses.

The 3DS won't have a GBA slot either.

Yeah, GBA, that's gone man.

I like the XL because it's easier on the eyes, frankly.

Does anyone know if there are plans to sell GBA games on the DSi shop? I would have thought that was a no-brainer.

D-Man777 wrote:

Does anyone know if there are plans to sell GBA games on the DSi shop? I would have thought that was a no-brainer.

Does it have the ability to emulate GBA games? I'm not sure that the DSi has a Z80 chip in it that is required for certain GBA games. If they don't already have an emulator set up and running then that's possibly one more barrier to getting GBA games up on DSiware.

Robear wrote:

I carry the XL in a cargo pants exterior pocket. Fits fine. :-)

So, that's what you had in your pocket the last time I saw you....

D-Man777 wrote:

I haven't explored the download stuff, simply because I refuse to support Nintendo's policy that purchases are tied to the console and can't be transferred/re-downloaded to another unit.

Only reason I didn't get an XL myself. I want the bigger screens, and some downloadable cheap games. But if I lose those games when i get a 3DS next year, there's no point. Might as well just wait for the 3DS. My Lite is still quite acceptable.

Stele wrote:
D-Man777 wrote:

I haven't explored the download stuff, simply because I refuse to support Nintendo's policy that purchases are tied to the console and can't be transferred/re-downloaded to another unit.

Only reason I didn't get an XL myself. I want the bigger screens, and some downloadable cheap games. But if I lose those games when i get a 3DS next year, there's no point. Might as well just wait for the 3DS. My Lite is still quite acceptable.

Makes one wonder--with there be a 3DS XL?

Nintendo says they have no plans to offer GBA games on the DSi. However, GBAs are only about $40. Why not just get one?

Because I've already got a GBA compatible device >.>; Besides, I mean, as long as the DSlite functions to do things at PAX and continue to keep me entertained I guess I don't need to upgrade. However, I wish they would offer GBA games on the DSi... They could make bank with all the fans. I never did figure out how to get the Internet to work on it though. Does the lite even have a browser?

Yes, the LX has got a browser. You can put in your local wireless info, or I think use it at Starbucks and the like.

Aendiev wrote:

However, I wish they would offer GBA games on the DSi... They could make bank with all the fans. I never did figure out how to get the Internet to work on it though. Does the lite even have a browser?

Yes, as Robear said, though the browser sucks on the Lite.

If Nintendo didn't bring Gameboy games to the DSi, I'd be surprised if they would bring GBA games to the 3DS. Not saying it's impossible, but I think Nintendo is kinda soured on that idea. Look at the releases on the Wii ... they've trickled down to next to nothing.

For some reason I thought you needed one of those little DS wifi adapters for the LX, oh well, I'll experiment with it tonight then. Thanks all

No, the wifi is built into the LX.

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm expecting to be flying and spending my time in hotel rooms quite frequently within the next year, so I am thinking about getting a DS of some sort. From what I could gather so far, the DS provides a handheld experience of a SNES (and maybe a little beyond) magnitude. The games just look very 8-bity.

I am unsure which iteration of the console to get and which games would be worth my money. I have Chrono Trigger down for a must-buy, but beyond that, I am in the dark as to which games I wouldn't regret buying. I am beyond linear sidescrollers like your classic SMB and never had much love for Castlevania and derivates, although I heard the Metroid games seem to be a significantly different implementation of this genre. Back in the SNES days I loved the turnbased and non-turnbased RPGs (Zelda, Illusion of Gaia, Lufia and of course Secret of Mana/Evermore). I also watched a few Advance Wars videos on YT and think I might like some turnbased strategy game along those lines. Puzzles and open-worldish games like Harvest Moon are always great, but they would need to provide some replay value through procedurally generated content or complexity.

Any tips for a shopping list of a DS and about three to five games along those lines?

PS: I don't own any other mobile Nintendo platform or games and the last and only Gameboy I had was around 1999/2000 with basically Tetris, some Pokemon thingy and Dragon-Monster-Farmer-Rancher-Hunter-Breeder-something-something. But I would pick up a GBA compatible DS, if you recommend a GBA gem that would be good enough to justify getting the backwards compatibility.

PPS: Not fond of the whole stylus deal. Knowing myself, I'd lose, break or swallow it sooner or later. So the games would need to support the "classic controls".

Thanks,

the looking-for-more-geeky-toys-to-stuff-into-itself Luggage

(that sounded wrong...)

Not sure on the must-haves (i already have Chrono Trigger - it's brill!) but IMO the 3D capabilities of the handheld are rubbish and any game that seeks to exploit them in any way beyond what you see in New Super Mario Bros. just looks absolutely crap. I'd avoid them.... especially the Final Fantasy remakes.... i'd rather play the originals.

I'll highjack this thread, too!

I'll soon be buying a DS of some kind primarily in order to play imported DS games. It's my understanding that non-DSi-only carts are region free and will play in any DS Lite or DSi while DSi-only games and DSiWare are region-restricted. Given that there is a $40 difference between a DS Lite and a DSi, are there any compelling reasons for me to buy a DSi instead of a DS Lite? Are there any really killer DSi or DSiWare titles that I can't go without, or am I better off saving that money and buying a DS Lite?

(So yes, this is sort of the original question of the thread, but the GBA slot isn't relevant to me. I don't have the time to go back and play old GBA games when I'm already buried under an avalanche of newer games.)

ClockworkHouse wrote:

Given that there is a $40 difference between a DS Lite and a DSi, are there any compelling reasons for me to buy a DSi instead of a DS Lite? Are there any really killer DSi or DSiWare titles that I can't go without, or am I better off saving that money and buying a DS Lite?

My buddy, a Nintendo fanboy to the nth degree, imported an XL a while ago and he loves it, but has yet to find anything on DSiware that really felt all that terribly interesting to him. He mainly loves the Xl because he's turning 38 this year and he no longer gets hand cramps with the XL.

Personally, I think the Lite is the better priced option. The back catalog for DS games is so deep now I think that's the bigger draw than an XL or DSi, especially with your penchant to give JRPGs a try. The DS has a bazillion worthwhile games to check out and I think your $40 would be better spent on picking up a bunch of cheap/used DS games rather than plopping down for a DSi/XL.

Plus, you could always get a used Lite for even less. Regardless, don't forget screen protectors. In town, places like Best Buy and whatnot have a cheap option and Pelican protectors. Don't go cheap, spend the extra $2, $3 or $4, whatever it is, to get the Pelican. Waaaaaay better.

I'm double posting on purpose, but this applies to you too Adam.

Luggage wrote:

Any tips for a shopping list of a DS and about three to five games along those lines?

Duoae wrote:

Not sure on the must-haves (i already have Chrono Trigger - it's brill!) but IMO the 3D capabilities of the handheld are rubbish and any game that seeks to exploit them in any way beyond what you see in New Super Mario Bros. just looks absolutely crap. I'd avoid them.... especially the Final Fantasy remakes.... i'd rather play the originals.

I actually agree with the 3d assessment, they just don't look terribly good on a DS. Even games like Metroid Prime Hunters, which is a first person 3d game, not a 3d remake of a 2d game, looks pretty clunky, but doesn't play all that well imho. First person controls with the stylus work once you adjust to them, but never become good imho.

That said, you're on the right track. Advance Wars is a great choice and while I prefer the art in Days of Ruin, I see nothing wrong with getting Dual Strike on the cheap. If TBS is interesting to you, then check out the offerings for Fire Emblem both on the DS and the GBA. They may not be you're cup of tea, but if you're willing to give TBS a shot on the DS, I highly recommend them.

Umm, New Super Mario Brothers, Tetris DS and Mario Kart DS are all must haves. Mario Kart is probably the best overall of those games, but I love me some 2d Mario and the DS iteration of Tetris does have some fun multiplayer modes. Speaking of puzzle games, Meteos is worth a look on the DS. It's pretty hard, but like Lumines on the PSP, to me it's the puzzle game that defines the particular handheld.

Personally I don't care for the Zelda offerings on the DS ... or even the GBA all that much. Minish Cap might be worth a look if you really liked A Link to the Past.

One of my favorite games on the DS has to be The World Ends With You, but it's JRPG to the max, even though it takes the cliches and twists them around a bit. Elysium wasn't able to get past the tropes, but I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story and there is a ton to collect in the game. The battle system is completely unique, if a bit of a mess, but I adore that game.

Of course you should get the Professor Layton games if you have any interest in puzzles. The first Layton game was my GOTY when it came out. Looooooooved it.

I really enjoyed Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes. Like Puzzle Quest it's addicting, but I probably prefer the Clash of Heroes addiction over the Bejewled model in PQ. Clash of Heroes has no replay value, but it's super fun.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is probably the best (traditional) JRPG on the entire system, and yes, I've played Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Story. Devil Survivor is an excellent offering from Atlus. It's not something you can take lightly, it's deep and fairly difficult, but like most Atlus games it never feels cheap.

On that same note, I like the Etrian Odyssey games, but they certainly appeal to a certain niche audience, specifically those who liked Wizardry back in the day.

I think all of these games, except Mario Kart, are all 2d, which was unintentional, but true for my tastes. Metacritic tends to agree. Except for a few games where it makes sense (Meteos, Picross), I never use the stylus.

I really wish Nintendo would do a DS Phat with a backlit screen. I could never get comfortable on the Lite and subsequently the DSi or XL. A Phat with the same backlight and downloadable games would be perfect.

My favorite DS games are still on the GBA platform.

All the tactics games.

DSGamer wrote:

My favorite DS games are still on the GBA platform.

All the tactics games.

I came back to add that all a DS is is a GBA with two screens, so Adam's comment about not being interested in GBA games is, to me, a bit moot. Some of the best DS games are really just GBA games with another screen and/or touch controls.

It's worth pointing out that downloadable purchases from Nintendo are not transferable between hardware. Meaning that if you were to buy a DSi or XL and then want to upgrade to a 3DS down the line, you'd lose anything you purchased from the DSiware store.

Given that, if you're in the market for a Nintendo handheld and don't want to wait for the 3DS, I'd call the DS Lite your best bet. It's cheaper, it's a good size, and it has a GBA slot.

As far as games go, New Super Mario Bros. and Mario Kart DS are the standard must-have first-party Nintendo games. Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are all right if you liked the Wind Waker style of Zelda game, but not anything amazingly amazing. Fortunately the best Zelda game ever, Link to the Past, is available on a GBA cart, and Minish Cap is another good pick if you're into the 2D Zelda games but have already played LttP a million times.

If you're into JRPGs, besides Chrono Trigger there are a plethora of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest remakes. The former come in both original 2D GBA varieties and 3D DS remakes; the latter are mostly only available on DS carts, but they're in 2D and faithful to the spirit of the original. Dragon Quest IX also comes out in a couple days and look promising.

For short-burst arcadey type games, there's WarioWare Touched and DIY, and if you're into Peggle, Peggle Dual Shot includes the content from both Peggle and Peggle Nights and the touchscreen controls are implemented very well. In fact, I'd call it the best version of Peggle I've tried (vs. the PC and XBLA versions) and it's priced competitively with other versions. Space Invaders Extreme 2 is another nice variation on a classic concept.

Another good pick is Civilization Revolution. Naturally it's not as deep as Civ IV or (presumably) the upcoming V for the PC, but as a portable implementation of Civilization on such old hardware it's pretty amazing how much they were able to cram in there. Very playable, and as addictive as Civ ever was.

Luggage wrote:

PS: I don't own any other mobile Nintendo platform or games and the last and only Gameboy I had was around 1999/2000 with basically Tetris, some Pokemon thingy and Dragon-Monster-Farmer-Rancher-Hunter-Breeder-something-something. But I would pick up a GBA compatible DS, if you recommend a GBA gem that would be good enough to justify getting the backwards compatibility.

PPS: Not fond of the whole stylus deal. Knowing myself, I'd lose, break or swallow it sooner or later. So the games would need to support the "classic controls".

I love my DSI XL. Since I bought it, I play my ds way more than I have in a long time. The bigger screens are great and so is just having a bigger device. The larger console feels more comfortable for an adult. Plus it comes with the pen stylus which is nice.

i would recommend the Mario and Luigi RPG's. If you are just going to get one, get Bowser's inside story. If you like puzzle games in the vein of sudoku, get Picross and Picross 3D. Dozens of hours of content there. The advanced wars games are great. If you like snes era rpg's a lot of them beside chrono trigger have been remade for the ds, like a couple of the Dragon quest games. Plus the new Dragon Quest 9 is out this sunday.

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