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Since Nintendo's release of the DS Lite, a lighter and more compact version of its popular DS handheld gaming system, Ebay and other markets have been inundated with several variations of the system. Some are original DS systems from owners who wanted to upgrade to the DS Lite, others are DS Lites from owners dissatisfied by how quickly the hinge holding the two screens together cracked. In any case, unless you've been closely following Nintendo's marketing for the past couple of years, the number of options is bound to be confusing. So, here are a few things to keep in mind if you're thinking of bidding on a used DS.
**COSMETIC DETAILS THAT INFLUENCE PRICE**
1. Cracked Hinges. In my opinion, a cracked hinge on a DS is a purely cosmetic problem. Your DS is not in danger of falling apart if it happens, and I for one don't even notice the crack when I'm playing a game. It's also important to keep in mind that this problem is extremely common and not the fault of the buyer or the seller. Rather than bemoan the problem, you can use it to your advantage; other bidders will likely be uninterested in trying to purchase a "damaged" system over "like new" ones and their loss can be your gain!
2. Original vs. Lite. What's the difference between the two versions? Not much. Both systems have imbedded stereo speakers, microphone, wireless capability and backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance games. If you compare the technical specs at Nintendo's official site, the only advantages of the DS Lite are a slightly smaller size and longer battery life. If those two features are important to you, great. But again, in my opinion, you would do well to bid on the less appealing original DS and get mostly the same product for less!
3. Colors. These systems come in a variety of colors... "electric" blue, "onyx" black, "polar" white, "coral" pink, etc. This detail has nothing to do with buyer preference, but the rarity of each particular color. Some colors were only made available for a limited time, or as part of a specific package and this is what drives up their value. The least expensive variety of the original DS is "titanium". Expect to pay more for any other color, especially since some are exclusive to the pricier DS Lite.
**POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR**
1. Scratches on the touch screen. One of the key features of the DS system is its use of touch screen technology, which allows you to control the game with a stylus (like you would with a Palm Pilot) instead of the traditional D-pad and buttons. Some gamers use the stylus too aggressively and wind up scratching the touch screen. The possible consequences are limited functionality or sensitivity problems with the touch screen, which can interfere greatly with certain games. Make sure your seller accepts returns before bidding on a system with scratches on the touch screen and test the sensitivity as soon as possible when you receive it.
2. Missing accessories. Many accessories are available for the DS, including the stylus itself, AC adaptor, instruction manuals and wrist straps. Consider what's included before entering your max bid... spare styluses are commonly available in 2 packs and cost $7, so be prepared to take that cost if the stylus is missing. On the other hand, I found AC adaptors with extremely low prices so you don't need to be dissuaded if that part is missing (besides, it still runs on batteries too). Instruction manuals and wrist straps are purely optional.
3. Inflated auction prices. I can't stress this point enough. Used, original DS systems are commonly available at certain electronics stores for $80.00. The suggested retail for a new DS Lite is only fifty bucks more, $129.99. Unless you're looking at a package deal with games included, there's no good reason to enter more than those prices for a max bid. If you can't find reasonable prices at Ebay auctions, you can always shop at regular stores online... or better yet, at half.com. As I'm writing this, there's an electric blue original DS with cracked hinge being sold for $50 plus shipping, so why compete?
Hopefully this guide has clarified some of the intricacies of shopping for a used Nintendo DS. By following my own advice, I was able to get a used DS for only $50 with shipping included, and I wish you luck finding your own bargain.
**COSMETIC DETAILS THAT INFLUENCE PRICE**
1. Cracked Hinges. In my opinion, a cracked hinge on a DS is a purely cosmetic problem. Your DS is not in danger of falling apart if it happens, and I for one don't even notice the crack when I'm playing a game. It's also important to keep in mind that this problem is extremely common and not the fault of the buyer or the seller. Rather than bemoan the problem, you can use it to your advantage; other bidders will likely be uninterested in trying to purchase a "damaged" system over "like new" ones and their loss can be your gain!
2. Original vs. Lite. What's the difference between the two versions? Not much. Both systems have imbedded stereo speakers, microphone, wireless capability and backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance games. If you compare the technical specs at Nintendo's official site, the only advantages of the DS Lite are a slightly smaller size and longer battery life. If those two features are important to you, great. But again, in my opinion, you would do well to bid on the less appealing original DS and get mostly the same product for less!
3. Colors. These systems come in a variety of colors... "electric" blue, "onyx" black, "polar" white, "coral" pink, etc. This detail has nothing to do with buyer preference, but the rarity of each particular color. Some colors were only made available for a limited time, or as part of a specific package and this is what drives up their value. The least expensive variety of the original DS is "titanium". Expect to pay more for any other color, especially since some are exclusive to the pricier DS Lite.
**POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR**
1. Scratches on the touch screen. One of the key features of the DS system is its use of touch screen technology, which allows you to control the game with a stylus (like you would with a Palm Pilot) instead of the traditional D-pad and buttons. Some gamers use the stylus too aggressively and wind up scratching the touch screen. The possible consequences are limited functionality or sensitivity problems with the touch screen, which can interfere greatly with certain games. Make sure your seller accepts returns before bidding on a system with scratches on the touch screen and test the sensitivity as soon as possible when you receive it.
2. Missing accessories. Many accessories are available for the DS, including the stylus itself, AC adaptor, instruction manuals and wrist straps. Consider what's included before entering your max bid... spare styluses are commonly available in 2 packs and cost $7, so be prepared to take that cost if the stylus is missing. On the other hand, I found AC adaptors with extremely low prices so you don't need to be dissuaded if that part is missing (besides, it still runs on batteries too). Instruction manuals and wrist straps are purely optional.
3. Inflated auction prices. I can't stress this point enough. Used, original DS systems are commonly available at certain electronics stores for $80.00. The suggested retail for a new DS Lite is only fifty bucks more, $129.99. Unless you're looking at a package deal with games included, there's no good reason to enter more than those prices for a max bid. If you can't find reasonable prices at Ebay auctions, you can always shop at regular stores online... or better yet, at half.com. As I'm writing this, there's an electric blue original DS with cracked hinge being sold for $50 plus shipping, so why compete?
Hopefully this guide has clarified some of the intricacies of shopping for a used Nintendo DS. By following my own advice, I was able to get a used DS for only $50 with shipping included, and I wish you luck finding your own bargain.
Guide created: 11/09/06 (updated 10/03/08)
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