Nintendo DS? - Phoenix,AZ

I have a DSLite, my daughter plays with it all the time! It works just find for her, she's just 5. I'm wanting the bigger one, let her have the DSLite. I think a Lite will work well for you.

We have the DS lite, for each of my kids. It's easy, and works wonders for waiting rooms, the grocery store, and the car. Don't know what I would do without it!

Hi Diana-

Here's a link to a website that will help you decide on the Dsi or the DS Lite.

http://ds.about.com/od/nintendods101/tp/dsivsdslite.htm

I don't know much about the 3D.

I definitely recommend you shopping at GameStop for these. Their reputation (at least by me in Illinois) is great! You can also purchase used games for about half the price. I was leary at first at buying used games but they've all worked and for some reason if they wouldn't work, you can return them for up to 10 days with a receipt. Your kids can bring their DS into GameStop and try out games on the spot. If they decide they don't like the games... they get boring, complicated, just not interested, etc... you can return the game and get a different used game. (THis policy is for just used games.) So many of my son's friends request gift cards from this store and I can see why. The workers in these stores are so helpful. I have gone to 3 in my area. I stumbled upon the store after my twins had already had their DS's for a couple of years. Also... a good place to go for games is the library. We can check DS, Wii, etc... out for 1 week rentals. (I love that because it's free and kids can see if they like it enough to go to the store and buy it.)

My 6 year old daughter just got a new 3D DS (with her own money that she saved...I'm so proud) and loves it. The 3D is really neat and you can adjust the level of the 3D or just turn it off. Honestly, she prefers it off most of the time.

I have been doing video game systems for around 20 years now. Get the 3DS. Always get the newest version of whatever you get because just like computers the shelf life starts from the minute it comes out. In other words they have already phased out the games for the DS lite.

My kids have the DSI and the DSIxl. We are trading them up for the 3DS because all the new games only work on that platform.

My 5 year old has the DS I xl and loves it! His favorite game is batman Lego and it's easy enough for him. I would steer away from the 3ds there have been reports of seizures, and I played one at game stop and it hurt my eyes after a few mins! The xl has a camera and a bigger screen. So my vote is for the DSi xl

Dsi with the camera is cool they love it. Get the pack that comes with the nintendo game and a carrying case. Alsoi I got my kid brainage, its educational but she seems to like it. Nice for saturday mornings or long car rides. Set guidelines now though like mine is not allowed to play during the week unless its a special occasion.

We just got our son the DSi for his birthday next week (he'll be 4). We also got him a few age appropriate games. We just felt the 3D was a bit too much- I feel like the 3D thing is just big right now with all technology. I'd say get the DSi or Lite. Sounds like either would be a good fit.

My kids have the DSI.....There are a few more features on the DSI compared to the DS lite. (it has a camera, connects to internet to download games, slightly bigger) I would definitely recommend getting the nerf armour to protect it. My son started out with a DS lite and it got dropped 1 to many times and broke...so when we got the DSI, we also got the nerf armour to protect it. It protects it really well. Can't really comment on the 3d one. (i don't reallt like things in 3d) The DSI is perfect for them...it has been a lifesaver at restaurants, long lines, car trips, plane trips....etc..

I refused to buy the DS in 3D my son wanted it so bad but after going to shop for one the qualiity of the picture is great but the effects from the 3D image is horrible on the eyes & the balance/coordination on children/adults you move it slightly the 3D is effected by it thus causing some unsteadiness in gate & dizziness.I did purchase the DSlite & the games except from the 3D version can be used for this & it was cheaper than the others plus I did go with the 2 yr warranty just incase.

They came out in this order
year 1 - DS
year 2 - DS Lite
year 3 - DSi
year 4 - DSi XL
year 5 - 3DS

Get the DSi XL. Your kids are both too young for the 3DS. There is an age restriction for the 3DS.
The DSi XL has the largest screen available.

Another thing to consider may be the Nook Color e-reader. You can put (kids) books on them as well as fun apps, like Angry Birds as well as downloading your own photos and search the internet. You can check out the apps available on the Barnes & Noble web site. That way they can read as well as play games. And, you can put them on the same account so that they would all have the same books and games.

We have the DS Lite and the DSi- my 5 year old has the Lite and 10 year old has the Dsi. Other than the camera option I dont see any other major differences. The DS Lite is the cheapest of the 3 also. (Not sure if you are on a budget or not) FYI.. The emplyees at Game Stop have told me many times that the 3D is not recommended for children under the age of 7. It has something to do with the way their eyes are forming and the 3D images are not good for their eyes. I think no matter which you choose they will love it!!

My son had a DS lite and loved it but got the 3DS just a few months ago -traded in a lot of games at Game Stop to get it. Now that they have dropped the price, this is the one you want. You can turn down the 3D so that it is not there (hurt my eyes but my son loves it). All the new games for the 3DS are very cool and it plays all the regular DS games as well. I have found great used games at Game Stop but buy most of my new games at Costco (way cheaper). The camera is easy to use and has some really great features that allows you do change up the pics taken. I got my son his first one when he was 7. Now we have a Wii, X-Box with Kinect, 3DS, and Sony PSP. All have great games but watch the rating - there are some DS games that have Teen and Mature ratings. Get good cases for them so if they are dropped, they will weather the damage and don't let them use the stylus on the screen without a screen protector (will definitely ruin the screen).

There was an earlier question just like this earlier today.
Get the DS Lite. Your boys will love it, and you are correct that it is wonderful for waiting rooms, car trips, etc. And the battery charge is pretty good....you can play it a LONG time between charges (compared to a lot of other electronic toys). My son has had his for over 5 years now, and having only had one repair (the hinge). It's just like new. He's 13, and he still plays with it. (Usually when his ipod battery is dead, lol).

For that age, honestly, I just go with the ds lite. We have the dsi for my 10 year old and it's great, but she's older and can understand how to use the camera and other options. I'd get yourself one too! I love playin Mario on her's! Lol.