Nintendo DS or Gameboy Advance?

[Poff]

I am considering getting one of these two, but I am not sure which. I want to try to get my wife into some gaming with this aswell, and a pro with buying a GBA is that we could link on games like Kirby: Nightmare In Dreamland and stuff if we bought another one.

On the other hand, the DS seems more "friendly" to the non-gamer. The stylus should be more natural. I know she'll love Polarium, and she might also like the Kirby-game for DS. (Power Paintbrush?) We'll never get two DS's because of the cost, tho. And the GBA is smaller and cuter.

So, if I could humbly ask for your opinions, which system do you think I should get? What games do you think would be cool for girls. We're both 22 yrs old.

Gameboy Advance:
Pros:
small, cute
kirby:nightmare
more games
multiplayer linking?
cons:
maybe not so "nongamer friendly"?

Nintendo DS:
Pros:
nongamer friendly
polarium
nintendogs? maybe?
cons:
expensive
big, bulky
few games
no multiplayer

[mrgreen4242]

I'd say go for the DS, unless you NEED something pocket sized. Since you're looking at this to get someone into gaming, the wireless multiplayer is a huge bonus if you eventually get a second unit. (They will get cheaper and be available used, so never say never!)

The price isn't bad, an extra $50 isn't too bad for the latest and greatest... :)

[eva01]

The DS can play gameboy advance games thou O_o so in theory the DS doesn't have less games.

[Agilus]

I agree with mrgreen4242. I end up playing all of my GBA games on my DS anyway, and the wireless multiplayer will be great as soon as I find someone else with a DS nearby. The loss of GBA multiplayer functionality isn't that big of a deal to me, because I never used it anyway (Only game I liked it for was Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and the friends I played it with usually enjoyed console versions of MK better anyway - it was a nice addition for the All-version Mario Kart extravaganza party I thew, though :) ).

[Dagless]

honestly i dont know what i'd pick! the new SP has a screen much brighter than that of the DS, PSP and the GB Micro! its supposed to be beautiful.

then again, the DS is going places. Nintendo Wifi Connection is announced in October, we'll probably be given a mountain load of Wifi games to play through by Xmas time. and Animal Crossing is just round the corner too... so for Multiplayer its sorted. and its single-pak sharing is much more generous than the GBA single-pak sharing.

Right now id go for the SP but i'd know deep down that i'd buy a DS if not before, then for Xmas.

Both platforms are fantastic. one is a legend one is growing to become one. besides you know that if you get an SP you will always crave a DS ;)

[Dagless]

The DS can play gameboy advance games thou O_o so in theory the DS doesn't have less games.

you donut! the SP can play original GB and GBC games; the DS not. GBA win :P ;) :) :eek: :cool:

[eva01]

you donut! the SP can play original GB and GBC games; the DS not. GBA win :P ;) :) :eek: :cool:

he might be considering the GBA micro which can't play the GB and GBC games

;)

[Xeem]

Buy the DS. It really is much friendlier to the nontypical gamer, especially girls (I know more than one girl that bought a DS just for Nintendogs).

[GFLPraxis]

Get the DS. Nintendo launches their online network in November with a bunch of games.

Mario Kart is online!

Animal Crossing is online!

Tony Hawk's American Sk8land is online!

I'd be surprised if Burnout Legends wasn't online (they said they didn't make a Cube version of Burnout 3 because it didn't have online play).

w00t!

Plus a ton more games in November.

[Poff]

Thanks for all the replies. Just out of curiousity, could you mention some cool multiplayer games for the GBA? I know about the Kirby-one, but are there others that would appeal to both sexes?

[ExoticFish]

my girlfriend isn't a gamer but she can not stop playing nintendogs. with all the awesome DS games on the horizon and the ability to play all the Advance games... i'd get the DS over an Advance any day of the week.

[cubist]

If you say you'll never get two DSs, then you'd be better off with two of the new, brighter SP, than just one DS.

Drawback is, you can't get Nintendogs, or Advance Wars DS, which is a great game. And other good games will be coming out. Also, very few games on the SP seem to work in 'download mode', so you might end up spending more on games, which will cut into your savings.

I really think you ought to reconsider the ol' budget here. Multiplayer gaming is a hoot. Your wife may not care for Advance Wars, but Animal Crossing DS might be something you two could play.

[Viewtiful Rich]

Never is a long time....

Get the DS... I just imported a white one myself, goes so nice with my iMac

Anyways the GBA has quite a backlog of games, but really it's dieing hardware that Nintendo has injected with some life via the Micro. DS is the future, and with the Nintendo WiFi connection starting this year it's going to make it better than ever. Not to mention we're finally starting to see killer apps that have had a good amount of development time... and the holiday season simply looks awesome!

I like the DS because it feels so interactive and I'm sure that's what a lot of non-gamers like about it too... there are so many new types of games coming out and I really want to try them out.

I'll put it this way, I used to play my SP when I didn't have access to my console, and now I'm playing my DS instead of my console.

[Dagless]

I'll put it this way, I used to play my SP when I didn't have access to my console, and now I'm playing my DS instead of my console.

same here! Since i got back from my girlfriends 2 weeks ago I haven't played on my Gamecube, only played on my Xbox because i had a huge hankering for Panzer Dragoon Orta (before realizing it would incredible with the Rev controller :D ).

I play Nintendogs every night -just bought the $500 home!. and Final Fantast 1+2 are always in the GBA port.
its just so much easier playing a handheld. and so much more fun :) the DS is at a perfect point in the handhelds great journey. its back to PS1 graphics. back to the basics where gameplay was focused upon rather than cinematic graphics. its going to be a nice ride :) but the next handheld... well if it followed the consoles path its the GC/Xbox/PS2 where gameplay declined a little :( for me at least.

[Poff]

If you say you'll never get two DSs, then you'd be better off with two of the new, brighter SP, than just one DS.

Thanks for all great replies. I'm leaning towards GBA, since internet play won't be needed anyways.

Do all the new SPs have brighter screens? I'm thinking of buying from Lik-Sang.

I haven't completely decided yet, tho.. hmm..

A good point that most GBA multiplayer games need two carts. I think this is the truth with Kirby:Nightmare aswell.

[GFLPraxis]

GET THE DS! Seriously, right now I'm searching the house for my GBA because I left a game in it, haven't played the GBA for like two months.

[Viewtiful Rich]

Thanks for all great replies. I'm leaning towards GBA, since internet play won't be needed anyways.

Do all the new SPs have brighter screens? I'm thinking of buying from Lik-Sang.

I haven't completely decided yet, tho.. hmm..

A good point that most GBA multiplayer games need two carts. I think this is the truth with Kirby:Nightmare aswell.

Do you realize an SP cost $100 + shipping at Lik Sang... while a DS cost $130 at a store?

[bousozoku]

I saw a GameBoy Micro yesterday and while I liked the shape, I think it might be too small since it's seems even smaller to hold than the N-Gage, even if the screen is much bigger.

[GFLPraxis]

Do you realize an SP cost $100 + shipping at Lik Sang... while a DS cost $130 at a store?

Actually the SP is $79.


Why would Poff have to buy the SP off Lik-sang, but not the DS? :confused:

[takao]

Actually the SP is $79.

well isn't he living in norway ? ;)
here in austria the price for the SP is still around 99€ (inkl tax) and the price of the DS is about to drop to 129 so the difference is not that big like in the US

personally i would go with the DS despite the small buttons i don't like that much

(with the micro launching at 99€ as well the question micro vs sp is a different one over here too .. the micro is a much better deal than the SP IMHO.. and more comfortable to hold as well)

but for myself i'm holding out for more price drops on the micro or DS

[Viewtiful Rich]

Actually the SP is $79.


Why would Poff have to buy the SP off Lik-sang, but not the DS? :confused:

Good point about ordering, but the SP is $100 bucks (98.90) at Lik Sang.

but anways no matter whether it's a $30 or $50 difference the DS is still worth it.

[Sol]

The GBA Micro would be great for gaming anywhere. As much as I like the games on the DS, I think that the size is big enough to make me think twice before putting it in a pocket. It is heavier too.

Any GBA with a copy of Wario Ware, Inc. should convince anyone about its merits.

[Dagless]

i cant decide either, but its even worse now!

I just got Advance Wars DS from Game yesterday (£30! *grumbles* spose its not as bad as those £35-40 PSP games :D) and its bloomin awesome. possibly one of the most addictive games i've ever played. portably digital crack indeed.

Then again I was playing my girlfriends old GBA. the vintage purple one. and its so much more comfortable to hold compared to the DS, SP and PSP. its just uber comfy.

[dubbz]

Anyway, since you're two people and you can't afford more than one DS, I guess I'd go with the GA too. A good multiplayer session is hard to beat in fun-value.
Although, if you only had yourself to worry about, I'd go with the DS. It's so different from the reason of the bunch, with its dual screen and pen. :)

As for ordering for Lik-Sang. I assume you haven't forgotten about that pesky import tax? How much cheaper does it get compared to buying it in Norway? Because I'm tempted to order it myself. :)

[DEXTERITY]

metroid will also have wi-fi. That is the reason it was pushed back to next year. Also, expect a huge wi fi announcement sometime in October. You will be pleased by it. The micro is actually a little bit brighter than the new sp's.

Also if you are considering getting a ds there are some new bundels coming soon. On Oct. 24th their is a Nintendogs bundel with a teal and pink DS. The only way to get these colors is with this bundel. Also the version of Nintendogs offered is a limited version called best friends, which features the 6 most popular breeds from all three versions. This also includes skins for the ds.

In november a mario kart bundel will be available. IT is a hot shot red ds which includes mario kart and some skins for the DS. Both DS bundles are 149.99.

if your looking for a cube their will be a pokemon bundel next week and a mario party seven bundel with an extra controller. This is available in Nov and is 99.99.

oh yeah not to mention Castlevania and Resident Evil are on the way..

The DS will also connect to the next gen console wirelessly allowing you to download demo's to the ds and possible play the games via the next gen console (similar to gameboy player).

[Dagless]

The micro is actually a little bit brighter than the new sp's.

actually no. Joystiq found a comparison review on the internet (may have been NintendoGal) and the SP on full brightness dwarfed that of the Micro. totally owned the PSP as well.

thats true what Dexterity said about connectivity. Nintendo have announced that DS demos will be downloadable through the Rev. and that yes, Prime Hunters WILL BE ONLINE! I have to keep saying that otherwise i'd start to think it was a dream.

as for the "Pee Es Pee" thing... haha. what? i worked out how much it'd cost for a PSP and the 4 games I want and it came to something ludicrous like £350. FOR A HANDHELD?!!! no way in effin hell!

[DEXTERITY]

actually no. Joystiq found a comparison review on the internet (may have been NintendoGal) and the SP on full brightness dwarfed that of the Micro. totally owned the PSP as well.

thats true what Dexterity said about connectivity. Nintendo have announced that DS demos will be downloadable through the Rev. and that yes, Prime Hunters WILL BE ONLINE! I have to keep saying that otherwise i'd start to think it was a dream.

as for the "Pee Es Pee" thing... haha. what? i worked out how much it'd cost for a PSP and the 4 games I want and it came to something ludicrous like £350. FOR A HANDHELD?!!! no way in effin hell!

Well when it comes down to an overall comparision the micro's screen is a little bit clearer and "cleaner" than new SP. And that is straight from corporates mouth. It also depends on the game, some games "slow down" on the new sp screen depending how much movement is going on (if you have the backlight turned on for the brighter of the two settings).

If you put them side by side the sp looks brighter but the micro's colors look a little bit richer. They booth look good but the micro's lighting looks a little bit more natural. I Can't really explain it but they both look nice and better than our previous screens..The new sp's will be put in store interactives in two weeks so you can check for yourself if you have a micro.

[cubist]

There's an Advance Wars 2 you can get for the Micro or SP which is an earlier version of Advance Wars DS. You could find the original Advance Wars but if you've played AWDS you'd probably think it was missing the best features.

You may like Lego Star Wars on the SP. Need for Speed Porsche Unleashed is the best racing game, I think. Crash Nitro Kart and Mario Karts are fun, especially with the link cable. MK is supposed to work with only one cart but I haven't tried it.

But the real point is that the DS is a new platform and there are wholly new games coming out for it. Meteos and Polarium, for example. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney looks very interesting. There is even a surgery game coming out for the non-squeamish. DS games are a big "advance" over the GBA. If you're going to spend that much money, you want it to be an investment that will keep value for a long time.

[DEXTERITY]

In addition to all the other pro's, just for the fact of the wifi the DS is worth it. You can play mario kart against people in Japan. And it looks really good so far. The tony hawk game is nice as well. And if you don't have a wireless adaptor a usb adaptor will be offered. The graphics on MK look really sweeet and it plays great.

[Poff]

but for myself i'm holding out for more price drops on the micro or DS

I might also wait a little, see how it goes with the GBMicro pricing.. The little thing looks cute.

[ijimk]

I think either one you choose you will be happy with. I have both and play both about the same. I do like playing GBA games better on my GBA SP but ohter than that i have no complaits about my DS.

[DEXTERITY]

I might also wait a little, see how it goes with the GBMicro pricing.. The little thing looks cute.


The DS just dropped in price, it won't drop again anytime soon. All you will see are the bundels I mentioned. The micro definitely isn't dropping in price anytime soon as the SP would have to follow with a price drop of it's own.
If the micro sells well as it has you will continue to see it available. If it doesn't do as expected it is a one time deal.

[Dagless]

here (http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/108-Backlit-GBA-SPs.html) is the comparison page. no Micro though. although the Micro probably would have a clearer screen. compressing the same size resolution into a smaller screen and all that. look how it even fades out the PSP's brightness. and that was taken on its lowest brightness setting (i think? sure i read somewhere that there have been no full brightness SP and PSP comparison shots on a popular public forum yet).

one way of looking at it is would you rather settle on a tried and tested system with some amazing games (Mario Advance series, Golden Sun series, Advance Wars series, Kirby, probably the final Mode7 Mario Kart, Street Fighter Alpha 3. etc) where you could be very happy or go for something new and fresh that may or may not have the same level of uber quality that the GBA has, in terms of hardware and software.

[DeSnousa]

Of note many DS games allow in multiplayer to have one game and the other user can download the data. So in the long run, if you by a GBA you will need to purchase two of the same games to play multi player while the DS just one. The GBA will end up costing you even more in the long run. Just a consideration :)

[Dagless]

Of note many DS games allow in multiplayer to have one game and the other user can download the data. So in the long run, if you by a GBA you will need to purchase two of the same games to play multi player while the DS just one. The GBA will end up costing you even more in the long run. Just a consideration :)

yea so far Nintendogs is the ONLY DS game i've played that doesn't have a form of single-cart download play. and thats sorta obvious why :)
and Metroid Hunters.

Advance Wars, Nanostray, Yoshi, Mario 64, Bomberman... all my games at least all have the download ability!

[GFLPraxis]

yea so far Nintendogs is the ONLY DS game i've played that doesn't have a form of single-cart download play. and thats sorta obvious why :)
and Metroid Hunters.

Advance Wars, Nanostray, Yoshi, Mario 64, Bomberman... all my games at least all have the download ability!

Heck, Advance Wars allows for single DS multiplayer (remember; it's turn based. You can play pass-the-console).

Although it's not the ONLY one. Star Wars Episode 3 DS has no single cart multiplayer.

[Poff]

So.. while cart-sharing multiplayer is possible on GBA, few games use it? Why? :confused:

[GFLPraxis]

Because the GBA generally runs stuff directly off the cartridge (which can be up to 32 MB in size IIRC), since the cartridges are fast enough to run stuff directly from them.

The GBA itself only has 500k of RAM or something like that. So for single pack you have to squeeze the entire game into that 500k.

[Poff]

Because the GBA generally runs stuff directly off the cartridge (which can be up to 32 MB in size IIRC), since the cartridges are fast enough to run stuff directly from them.

The GBA itself only has 500k of RAM or something like that. So for single pack you have to squeeze the entire game into that 500k.

Ahh.. the 500k explains a lot, as long as it cannot be updated throughout the game.

There are 1Gb cartridges out there, btw. (=128MB)

[Verto]

If I bought a Game Boy Advance, would I be able to play the old school Mario, Final Fantasy, Zelda, etc from (S)NES or even N64?

[Poff]

If I bought a Game Boy Advance, would I be able to play the old school Mario, Final Fantasy, Zelda, etc from (S)NES or even N64?

NES only, methinks.

[Dagless]

or just get the GBA ports. the whole Mario series is there, with GBC Mario Bros DX (or you could get the NES Classic original). Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls is an update to FF1 and 2 and is just bloody awesome. you can Link to the Past and the original NES Classic Zelda I and II.

Best of all; Metroid Zero Mission. a massive update to the original Metroid game with the original NES game as an unlockable.

[GFLPraxis]

Whoops, looks like the correct GBA RAM is, from nintendo.com:

Memory (RAM): 32KB, 256KB external

256KB of RAM.

Anyway; Verto, with a GBA flash cart you could run NES emulators. And Nintendo sells GBA versions of many NES and SNES games.

The GBA has no 3d hardware or analog sticks, so no N64.

[Poff]

Whoops, looks like the correct GBA RAM is, from nintendo.com:



256KB of RAM.

Anyway; Verto, with a GBA flash cart you could run NES emulators. And Nintendo sells GBA versions of many NES and SNES games.

The GBA has no 3d hardware or analog sticks, so no N64.

Yup. I checked the MBV2 (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=51&products_id=1415&), 256KB or less for the program. (=2Mb)

Looking at the size of the few ROMs I have on my HDD,
Another World (Get this classic, it's free!) is 1,9MB
A 3d tech-demo where you fly in a helicopter and shoot things is 804KB
A Polarium-clone is 60KB

So mini-games, puzzles and stuff should fit. Graphics intensive or long games would not fit. In other words, kirby would be too big, one stage at F-Zero might be small enough.. Hmm..

Ok so I searched at nintendo.com, here's a small list of single-pak games:

Mario Kart
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Adwance Wars 2 (apparantly not as goot tho)
Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius Vs. Jimmy Negatron
Colin MacRae Rally 2.0
Mega Man Zero 3


Some of them are said to not be so good, tho. I don't know.

[Verto]

Nintendo really should create a handheld that lets you download the NES/SNES titles from their website or something; even if they sold em for a couple bucks, I'd buy em. Otherwise these classics will only be readily available through emulators and ROMs.

[Poff]

Nintendo really should create a handheld that lets you download the NES/SNES titles from their website or something; even if they sold em for a couple bucks, I'd buy em. Otherwise these classics will only be readily available through emulators and ROMs.

True. Maybe the DS will do it through the Revolution?

The NES-series for Gameboy Advance were a great success.

[GFLPraxis]

Yup. I checked the MBV2 (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=51&products_id=1415&), 256KB or less for the program. (=2Mb)

Looking at the size of the few ROMs I have on my HDD,
Another World (Get this classic, it's free!) is 1,9MB
A 3d tech-demo where you fly in a helicopter and shoot things is 804KB
A Polarium-clone is 60KB

So mini-games, puzzles and stuff should fit. Graphics intensive or long games would not fit. In other words, kirby would be too big, one stage at F-Zero might be small enough.. Hmm..

Ok so I searched at nintendo.com, here's a small list of single-pak games:

Mario Kart
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Adwance Wars 2 (apparantly not as goot tho)
Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius Vs. Jimmy Negatron
Colin MacRae Rally 2.0
Mega Man Zero 3


Some of them are said to not be so good, tho. I don't know.

Megaman Zero 3 is single pak? WOAH! I didn't even realize it had multiplayer.

It's one of the best GBA platformers on the market.

EDIT: No sites have it listed as having multiplayer...?

[GFLPraxis]

Nintendo really should create a handheld that lets you download the NES/SNES titles from their website or something; even if they sold em for a couple bucks, I'd buy em. Otherwise these classics will only be readily available through emulators and ROMs.

Or the Revolution.

[Poff]

Megaman Zero 3 is single pak? WOAH! I didn't even realize it had multiplayer.

It's one of the best GBA platformers on the market.

EDIT: No sites have it listed as having multiplayer...?

http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=5bd56612-59f3-44f6-861e-8cf235ba28d5 It says players:1 player and then multiplayer:single-pak :eek:

So it's a good game?

[Dagless]

yea all we've been told is the Revolution will play NES, Snes, N64 and Gamecube games. I was a little confused to hear no mention of GB/GBC games. which leads me to think they'd be downloaded to the DS.

finally be able to get me a copy of the original Pokemon Red/Blue :D if that does happen. i hope.

[GFLPraxis]

http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=5bd56612-59f3-44f6-861e-8cf235ba28d5 It says players:1 player and then multiplayer:single-pak :eek:

So it's a good game?

I'd highly recommend it, though you might want to play the first game in the series for the story. Be warned; MegaMan Zero is considered one of the most difficult Megaman games ever made.

The Zero series are incredibly fast paced platformers. Great games.

Capcom did pretty well with their GBA Megaman games. Except...the Battle Network series is great- for one game. When you play two of them that require 30 hours to beat yet each game is almost exactly the same it gets old fast. #3 is the best. The Zero series never gets old.

[Poff]

I'd highly recommend it, though you might want to play the first game in the series for the story. Be warned; MegaMan Zero is considered one of the most difficult Megaman games ever made.

The Zero series are incredibly fast paced platformers. Great games.

Capcom did pretty well with their GBA Megaman games. Except...the Battle Network series is great- for one game. When you play two of them that require 30 hours to beat yet each game is almost exactly the same it gets old fast. #3 is the best. The Zero series never gets old.

Difficult is great! The game gets longer that way. I currently play Another World which is extremely difficult at times. You should try it, since you have a flash-cartridge. Download legally from here (http://www.foxysofts.com/index.php?l=content/gba/anworld.inc).

I still love the graphics after all these years..

[GFLPraxis]

Don't actually have the cartridge yet, I was going to buy the M3-CF but I decided to hold off for the M3-SD. I'll be sure to try it when I get it though :D


Zero 3 is only a couple hours long, but once I beat the game I created a new score and tried to do it with a perfect ranking on every level- because as long as your average ranking remains A, when you defeat a boss you get a new skill. I somehow, miraculously managed to get all 12 (you have no idea how difficult it is. Take too long, take too much damage, die once, miss one of the extra objectives, and you don't get a perfect score) EX skills.

THEN I went into hardmode. No charging weapons, no EX skills, no combos, no powerups...

I don't think I could beat the last level again if I tried :(

And Zero 3 is the easiest of the Zero games apparently.

There's some funny stuff on IGN, like a video of them getting owned by the first boss on MMZ (which tends to kill me as well, sadly).

[TEG]

Nintendo DS. Excellent Games, Online connectivity, GBA support, mini-games, price.

TEG

[dizastor]

I vote DS.

I bought one for my wife a few weeks back when she injured her back and was bed-ridden. I bought her Nintendogs, Kirby, SM64, and Zoo Keeper. She loves all of the games, and is currently addicted to Zoo Keeper.

I like it so much I think we're going to get another one so we can play against eachother.

[Tommyg117]

DS by far. With mariokart coming out and others, it is really unstoppable right now. That alone makes it worth the purchase but then you have games like mario ds which is amazing as well.

[TEG]

Don't forget that The New Super Mario Bros. is coming out only for the DS this year. And it looks great. Another $30 out of my pocket.

TEG

[takao]

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsconference/index.html

sadly in japanese but i still figured out the launch dates of the DS online games
and a picture of the Nintendo USB WI-Fi connector is there as well

[DEXTERITY]

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsconference/index.html

sadly in japanese but i still figured out the launch dates of the DS online games
and a picture of the Nintendo USB WI-Fi connector is there as well


the launch of wifi should be November 14th with Mario Kart DS and Tony Hawk. Animal Crossing is in December. and Metroid is January (as of now).
Also, and I think I mentioned this before, but in case you didn't scroll through all the messages, a huge wi-fi announcement will take place sometime in October. This should surprise a few people.

Also, sonic rush is going to use part of the wifi as well. I heard MK may get pushed back a little but not sure about that yet. I have a bad build of the beta (some online functions out of wack) but it is looking sweeet and all that stuff will obviously be fixed. The graphics are great. MK is way too addicting..