Nintendo DS

[butterfliesinmytummy]

My dd wants a Nintendo DS for her birthday (I know this isn't a Christmas thread but couldn't figure out where else to post). Currently I think there is a 2DS and a 3DS out and the 3DS is obviously the better, 3D model. However, Amazon sells DSi's too - do all games work on all consoles and is there a console that is way better than the rest and really worth its price?

the 3DS games will not work on the DSi so i wouldnt get that one. 3DS games work on the 2DS and 3DS. The 2DS does not fold so is not as compact as the others. What age is she? The 3D function shouldn't be used under age 7 but you can turn it off.

The 3ds cartridges are a different shape so definitely won't fit a 2ds or dsi.

The dsi isn't 3d, is a good size for little hands and plays the standard games.

The 3ds is the same size as the dsi, has a slightly larger top screen and can be 3d (you can turn the 3d capability off or on) if playing a 3ds cartridge game.

The 2ds isn't 3d and is a flat console, not one that can open or close. This is good if you are worried about damaging the hinge, but not good if you are worried about damaging the screen. I liked the fact that the dsi and the 3ds close to protect the screen.

There is also an xl version (of the dsi and of the 3ds) which is better if you want a bigger screen, but it comes with a bigger price tag too.

Umm, actually, 3DS cartridges DO fit in the 2DS!

The difference is in the 2DS not having the 3D function or folding shut. It's a cheaper option for those who don't want the 3D function.

I would only go for the 3DS/2DS as the majority of new games for the system are now only coming out in 3D (but playable in 2D on the 2DS system) so they won't fit/work on the old DSi system.

But you can still get all the old DS games dirt cheap online and in places like Game (or independent second-hand places). It depends what games you're after really.

Thanks, so it looks like the 2d or 3d are best. She's turning 10. I like the hinged one but don't see the point of paying more just for that and 3d. Is the 3d function really 3d? Is it worth the extra money? We are in the USA, 2d is $117 and 3d is $190.... Is it better to spend the difference on games? Maybe I should ask her what she prefers....

My ds 9 has 3dxl and he always turns the 3d off. Am getting ds6 a 2ds for Christmas.

In all honesty I don't think the 3D is worth paying the extra for.

I'm a demon for my 3DS and I bought one when they first came out, upgrading from my (then) DSi XL. I pretty quickly turned the 3D off and very rarely turn it back on now. I've since upgraded to a 3DS XL simply because I like games like Zelda and Professor Layton where I want a bigger screen.

DS1 (10 in January) had a 3DS for his eighth birthday and he doesn't bother with the 3D aspect of it either - he just likes the fact that he can play the latest Pokemon games on it.

I would definitely ask her what she thinks. She may/may not want the 3D function. But I don't think it's worth an extra $70! You could definitely get some great games instead with that difference, especially if you buy used copies online.

My two never use the 3D either but needed the 3DS for the new games (the 2DS didn't exist at that point)

Don't bother paying extra for the 3d. It's really bad for the kids eyesight and is permanently switched off on ours.

The 2DS plays all the 3DS games, just not in 3d and us considerably cheaper.

The screen size is different too, though, and the 3Ds folds so better protection from scratches etc. I would look at both in person if you can

Just to let you know that a new version of the 3ds will be coming out in the new year. It will have some extra buttons and in the future games will be made which won't be compatible with the existing 3ds, only the new one.

I imagine Nintendo aren't going to want to piss off too many customers though so I would imagine that it will only be a small number of games.

Lol at pissing off customers. No, they make the new version so that people will sell their old consoles and buy the new one to get the new games!

OK I've just watched the video about the new one, and the new buttons can already be bought as an add on controller, and are for very few games at the moment. I wouldn't wait for the new one. You're not going to be missing out on any games.

Basically the DSi is an older model, over five years old now, 3DS came next, then 3DS XL (larger screen), the 2DS came out most recently as a "budget" option which plays the newer games.

My gut feeling is that the 2DS is a bit more babyish whereas the 3DS feels more grown up. The website calls it "All the fun of the 3DS in a more kid-friendly package". The big problem with the hinged ones is that small children can easily wreck them by flipping the screen up and down all the time, holding the game and jumping around, generally throwing the console around, so the non-hinged one is more robust. But that probably wouldn't be a problem for a sensible older child.

Some reviews/comparisons:
www.idigitaltimes.com/nintendo-2ds-vs-3ds-vs-3ds-xl-which-handheld-best-buy-pok%C3%A9mon-x-y-and-other-popular-titles-363218

Dd1 is 10 and has the 3ds and a dsi, she says the 3ds is much better and a lot of the newer games are only for the 3ds, the 2ds will play the 3ds games but not in 3d but I don't like the fact it's not hinged, would easily get broken in my house.

OK, I just ordered a 3ds xl for the same price as a 3ds. I think a 2ds would get badly scratched around here, plus I have a younger dd who is going to want one once she sees her sister's so she would be a good candidate for the 2ds. They can share games (I guess?) and we can tell them apart.

Thanks for the input!

I had the same dilemma last year when DS wanted a DS. We bought a 3DS XL in the end and it was a good choice. All of the games play on it and we keep the 3D function switched off most of the time.