Replacing a DS

TDawg

Back in the grand old year of 2005, I received what may have been the best thing in the world: a blue Nintendo DS (it was much more awesome than my friends ridiculously antiquated six-month-old silver one). Now, in the year 2010, this DS has served me graciously through many a game, and has lived through just about everything with the help of a screen protector and my usually watchful eye. But last week I accidentally dropped it on cement. The hardware still works perfectly but the right-hinge has broken in half, and merely opening the DS makes me worried that I will force it into a more troublesome state that I will really regret.

Now it seems the time has presented itself to me to perhaps get a new DSlite, which looks especially good to me at the moment because my DS's battery life has seen a significant drop in the past year (4~ hours on one charge). But I've heard rumors of the Nintendo 3DS being unveiled soon, and I am hesitant to buy a DSlite when the end is so near. Though I still need something to play my new Pokemon on!

So my question is, does anyone know of a Nintendo repair service that could fix this hinge problem, and for what cost? Or is it best to just buy a DSlite?

Esh

TDawg wrote: »

Back in the grand old year of 2005, I received what may have been the best thing in the world: a blue Nintendo DS (it was much more awesome than my friends ridiculously antiquated six-month-old silver one). Now, in the year 2010, this DS has served me graciously through many a game, and has lived through just about everything with the help of a screen protector and my usually watchful eye. But last week I accidentally dropped it on cement. The hardware still works perfectly but the right-hinge has broken in half, and merely opening the DS makes me worried that I will force it into a more troublesome state that I will really regret.

Now it seems the time has presented itself to me to perhaps get a new DSlite, which looks especially good to me at the moment because my DS's battery life has seen a significant drop in the past year (4~ hours on one charge). But I've heard rumors of the Nintendo 3DS being unveiled soon, and I am hesitant to buy a DSlite when the end is so near. Though I still need something to play my new Pokemon on!

So my question is, does anyone know of a Nintendo repair service that could fix this hinge problem, and for what cost? Or is it best to just buy a DSlite?

Buy a DSlite, or better yet, a DSi.

EDIT: Or you could be a silly goose like me and buy a DSi XL.

TDawg

The DSi has limited appeal to me. Its more expensive, and I don't download many (actually, any) games on my Wii so I can't imagine doing it on my DS. Might as well keep my GBA slot.

Esh

TDawg wrote: »

The DSi has limited appeal to me. Its more expensive, and I don't download many (actually, any) games on my Wii so I can't imagine doing it on my DS. Might as well keep my GBA slot.

Faster interface and load times, bigger screen too.

mooshoepork

Is the 3DS compatible with DS games? Might be worth waiting for that. They'll probably announce it in June/whenever E3 is these days.

MushroomStick

No matter how long you wait, there's always going to be a new version of the DS coming out in a few months.

see317

I don't think a service plan is likely to cover damage caused by "oops I dropped it". If you do get it repaired, chances are it's not going to be any cheaper then replacing the damaged unit.

At the moment, it's probably worth it to just replace your DS.
With the trade-up programs that EB is running, you could probably get a used DSlite on the cheap.
After that maybe upgrade to a DSiXL or 3DS once they start dropping in price in a few months.

Esh

see317 wrote: »

I don't think a service plan is likely to cover damage caused by "oops I dropped it". If you do get it repaired, chances are it's not going to be any cheaper then replacing the damaged unit.

At the moment, it's probably worth it to just replace your DS.
With the trade-up programs that EB is running, you could probably get a used DSlite on the cheap.
After that maybe upgrade to a DSiXL or 3DS once they start dropping in price in a few months.

I don't think there are any trade-ups for "fats" anymore.

mooshoepork

MushroomStick wrote: »

No matter how long you wait, there's always going to be a new version of the DS coming out in a few months.

Original DS - November 21, 2004
Ds Lite - June 11, 2006

1 year, 6 months


Dsi - April 5, 2009

2 years, 9 months

DSi XL - March 28, 2010

Almost 12 months


Time between now and June - 2 months

Belruel

people love to exaggerate mooshoe

see317

Esh wrote: »

see317 wrote: »

I don't think a service plan is likely to cover damage caused by "oops I dropped it". If you do get it repaired, chances are it's not going to be any cheaper then replacing the damaged unit.

At the moment, it's probably worth it to just replace your DS.
With the trade-up programs that EB is running, you could probably get a used DSlite on the cheap.
After that maybe upgrade to a DSiXL or 3DS once they start dropping in price in a few months.

I don't think there are any trade-ups for "fats" anymore.

I may have been unclear as to what I meant.
The EB stores are taking in a bunch of DSlites from people who are trading up to get a DSi or XL.
I assumed that the EB register biscuits would have a stash of used DSlites that they'd be looking to sell quickly and cheaply. The OP could get a used DSlite, then when the 3DS is released pick one of them up.

Unfortunately, between the hinge damage and the dead battery, I don't think the OPs fatty is long for the gaming world.

bobmyknob

I would look on craigslist for a used DS Phat or Lite. They're going for pretty cheap nowadays.

TDawg

see317 wrote: »

The EB stores are taking in a bunch of DSlites from people who are trading up to get a DSi or XL.
I assumed that the EB register biscuits would have a stash of used DSlites that they'd be looking to sell quickly and cheaply.

I have access to a Gamestop, but my past dealings with them and the used products involved has never involved the word "cheap", I hesitate to go back for such transactions, though I have had good experiences with them for new products.

Esh

TDawg wrote: »

see317 wrote: »

The EB stores are taking in a bunch of DSlites from people who are trading up to get a DSi or XL.
I assumed that the EB register biscuits would have a stash of used DSlites that they'd be looking to sell quickly and cheaply.

I have access to a Gamestop, but my past dealings with them and the used products involved has never involved the word "cheap", I hesitate to go back for such transactions, though I have had good experiences with them for new products.

I'm always surprised at what people think used product should sell for. It's still cheaper than new, and I bet there are some pretty cherry systems due to the DSi XL coming out (I know they ran a trade up promotion for it).

TDawg

Esh wrote: »

TDawg wrote: »

see317 wrote: »

The EB stores are taking in a bunch of DSlites from people who are trading up to get a DSi or XL.
I assumed that the EB register biscuits would have a stash of used DSlites that they'd be looking to sell quickly and cheaply.

I have access to a Gamestop, but my past dealings with them and the used products involved has never involved the word "cheap", I hesitate to go back for such transactions, though I have had good experiences with them for new products.

I'm always surprised at what people think used product should sell for. It's still cheaper than new, and I bet there are some pretty cherry systems due to the DSi XL coming out (I know they ran a trade up promotion for it).

My issue is less with the price that they give you, and more with the compensation they give to the people who trade them in, but that is a different issue and I guess it doesn't really influence my situation right now, so lets ignore it.

Bionic Monkey

The 3DS is going to be officially unveiled in June, but it won't actually be available to buy until this Christmas at the earliest, or sometime next spring more likely. It will be BC with DS games though, so your best bet is to just get an old fat off ebay or craigslist to keep you through until the new one is released.

Evil_Reaver

According to the G&T Pokemon thread, the next Pokemon game is going to be for the regular DS (Phat/Lite/DSi/DSiXL) and not the 3DS.

So, stop worrying about not being able to play the next Pokemans game if you buy a DSLite.

TDawg

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

According to the G&T Pokemon thread, the next Pokemon game is going to be for the regular DS (Phat/Lite/DSi/DSiXL) and not the 3DS.

So, stop worrying about not being able to play the next Pokemans game if you buy a DSLite.

I am gonna be honest, I haven't thought much about the next Pokemon since I have been focusing more on how behind I am in SoulSilver compared to everyone else (so very, very far behind!), but this is nice to know, as it greatly extends the lifespan of any DSlite I do buy.

Evil_Reaver

TDawg wrote: »

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

According to the G&T Pokemon thread, the next Pokemon game is going to be for the regular DS (Phat/Lite/DSi/DSiXL) and not the 3DS.

So, stop worrying about not being able to play the next Pokemans game if you buy a DSLite.

I am gonna be honest, I haven't thought much about the next Pokemon since I have been focusing more on how behind I am in SoulSilver compared to everyone else (so very, very far behind!), but this is nice to know, as it greatly extends the lifespan of any DSlite I do buy.

I think I may have read meaning in to your OP that you didn't intend. Regardless, buying a DSLite right now won't bone you for future Pokeman games. A DSLite really is the best option for your needs right now.

1. Used is going to be cheap and even brand new is still cheap.
2. GBA slot is handy for GBA games.
3. It will still be relevant for the foreseeable future.

I have a DSLite and I have no intentions to upgrade until mine breaks. Seriously, dude, don't worry about future tech right now.

TDawg

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

TDawg wrote: »

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

According to the G&T Pokemon thread, the next Pokemon game is going to be for the regular DS (Phat/Lite/DSi/DSiXL) and not the 3DS.

So, stop worrying about not being able to play the next Pokemans game if you buy a DSLite.

I am gonna be honest, I haven't thought much about the next Pokemon since I have been focusing more on how behind I am in SoulSilver compared to everyone else (so very, very far behind!), but this is nice to know, as it greatly extends the lifespan of any DSlite I do buy.

I think I may have read meaning in to your OP that you didn't intend. Regardless, buying a DSLite right now won't bone you for future Pokeman games. A DSLite really is the best option for your needs right now.

1. Used is going to be cheap and even brand new is still cheap.
2. GBA slot is handy for GBA games.
3. It will still be relevant for the foreseeable future.

I have a DSLite and I have no intentions to upgrade until mine breaks. Seriously, dude, don't worry about future tech right now.

When I said "New Pokemon" I meant "Month old Pokemon game that I still haven't gotten very far in", but considering all of the news for the NEW new game I can see the confusion, as I was not very specific.

I think I will go with the DSLite, unless I find a really good deal on used DSfat. A hidden part of me has wanted to upgrade since the Lite was announced and since I may hold onto it for a while, the purchase price could be justified. Thanks for all of the recommendations!

Esh

TDawg wrote: »

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

TDawg wrote: »

Evil_Reaver wrote: »

According to the G&T Pokemon thread, the next Pokemon game is going to be for the regular DS (Phat/Lite/DSi/DSiXL) and not the 3DS.

So, stop worrying about not being able to play the next Pokemans game if you buy a DSLite.

I am gonna be honest, I haven't thought much about the next Pokemon since I have been focusing more on how behind I am in SoulSilver compared to everyone else (so very, very far behind!), but this is nice to know, as it greatly extends the lifespan of any DSlite I do buy.

I think I may have read meaning in to your OP that you didn't intend. Regardless, buying a DSLite right now won't bone you for future Pokeman games. A DSLite really is the best option for your needs right now.

1. Used is going to be cheap and even brand new is still cheap.
2. GBA slot is handy for GBA games.
3. It will still be relevant for the foreseeable future.

I have a DSLite and I have no intentions to upgrade until mine breaks. Seriously, dude, don't worry about future tech right now.

When I said "New Pokemon" I meant "Month old Pokemon game that I still haven't gotten very far in", but considering all of the news for the NEW new game I can see the confusion, as I was not very specific.

I think I will go with the DSLite, unless I find a really good deal on used DSfat. A hidden part of me has wanted to upgrade since the Lite was announced and since I may hold onto it for a while, the purchase price could be justified. Thanks for all of the recommendations!

Get a DSlite. Phats are going to be worn down at this point and likely to break on you. Spend a couple extra dollars. Lites are a huge improvement. You won't be sorry.

MetroidZoid

I'm still using my DSphat, and it's great except the bottom screen is marginally scratched. I'm not looking to replace it until the 3DS. What you should consider is have you spent any time playing the DSlite? I tried; my hands are too big, and are in no way comfortable playing the Lite for more than a few minutes. So if the DSphat is really nice in your hands, keep an eye out in pawn shops and game exchange stores (barring Game Swap, unless you think you'll get lucky). I've seen a few phats for reasonable price and in fare to great condition. Enough to last you until a brand new upgrade.

Fletcher

if it were me I'd grab a cheap used DSlite, with the intention of saving a few bucks to go towards a new 3DS when it eventually comes out

that way you get the more comfortable size of the lite compared to the phat, you save money (by not buying new) that you can put towards a fancy new 3DS, AND you still have a functioning GBA slot

p.s. after i getting a DSlite I couldn't believe how much better it was than the phat. IT IS SO GOOD.

Kyanilis

I would personally recommend a DS Lite to tide you over if the GBA slot still appeals to you and you don't care about DSiWare games or the larger screen or basically anything shiny about the DSi. Of course a repair is still going to be cheaper than a new system so that might be another option to look into as well.

Count Funkula

Depending how handy you are and if you have/want to get a triwing screwdriver, you could always get a replacement shell like these:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/ds%20shell%20replacement?_dmd=1&_sop=12&rvr_id=&MT_ID=69&crlp=1414935942_1&tt_encode=raw&geo_id=1&keyword=ds+shell+replacement&gclid=CIz2n8TAhqECFcNO5wodMVzDdA&adgroup_id=539356992

Monolithic_Dome

When I called Nintendo about repairing my DS Phat about 2 years ago, they offered me a refurbished DS Lite if I sent in my broken DS Phat and something like 80-100 bucks. I don't know if they still offer that deal, but it was pretty good at the time.