Nintendo DS FAQ
How much does the DS Lite cost?The stand-alone DS Lite costs $129. DS Lite systems bundled with a pack-in game generally sell for $149.
How much does the DSi cost?
Nintendo hasn't announced availability or pricing for the DSi outside of Japan yet.
Is the original Nintendo DS still sold in stores?No—well, maybe in the used hardware bin. If you want a new DS, you're going to have to buy a DS Lite or DSi.
Can I change the screen brightness while in-game?No. Nintendo currently allows you to adjust brightness levels only from the system menu.
How long does the DS Lite's battery last?Depending on the screen brightness level, the DS can function anywhere between 5 and 19 hours starting from a full charge.
My DS doesn't power on for very long, even after a full charge. Is it defective?It's likely that the battery needs to be replaced. Most batteries lose effectiveness after a certain number of charge cycles; in the DS's case, that's around 500 charges. Nintendo offers replacement batteries for $9.99. You will need a Philips-head screwdriver to swap in the new battery.
I took my DS to a café that offered free Wi-Fi, but I couldn't play online. Is there a way to get my DS to work?Private cafés that offer free or pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi are a bit of a crapshoot. You might be in luck if the café's network requires only a simple WEP key. Otherwise, you're going to have to lug a laptop and a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector with you to get online with the DS.
I got a replacement DS, but my old friend codes no longer work. What should I do?You will have to generate new friend codes. Friend codes are unique numbers tied to a single system and game combination. If you have to replace the system or the game, you're going to have to generate a new code to give to your friends.
Can I play my Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on the Nintendo DS?The Nintendo DS is compatible only with Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games. You'll have to hang on to your Game Boy and Game Boy Color in order to play older games.
Does the Nintendo DS work with secure Wi-Fi networks?The Nintendo DS only supports WEP encryption. If your router has WPA enabled, you'll have to disable it.
What are the physical differences between the different DS models?| DSi | DS Lite | Original DS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 214g | 218g | 275g |
| Console Size: | 137.0 x 74.9 x 18.9mm (when folded) | 133.0 x 73.9 x 21.5mm (when folded) | 148.7 x 84.7 x 28.9mm (when folded) |
| Stylus Size: | 92mm | 87.55mm | 75mm |
| Display Size: | 3.25 in. | 3 in. | 3 in. |
| Battery Life: |
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