I am not a big video game player. I never had the coordination or patience to learn the button controls needed to play a game. With the innovative touch screen design of the Nintendo DS system it eliminates some of the need to learn button controls since some of the controls are done via touch screen. The Nintendo DS system has an extensive variety of games for everyone. And I do mean everyone. I have seen this system played with by children as young as three and by someone in their late forties. This system can even be an educational tool with games that teach math, spelling, and even foreign languages! There are many games out there to help improve problem solving skills. You will also have all your classics such as Mario and Donkey Kong, but you will find those cutting edge games too. This is probably the first handheld gaming system that is sought out by such a variety of people. The system is also compatable with Gameboy cartridges.

tkshepp

Orange City, FL

My little brother got this DS from a friend because they got the newer DS lite. I borrowed it, so I could play some games I bought. The DS is a portable game system from Nintendo. It has 2 slots, one on top for the older Game Boy Advance and one on top for DS games which come in a smaller chip. The DS has 2 backlit screens, and a rechargeable battery like the GBA SP. The DS has a great library with classics such as Pokemon, Tetris, and the Golden Sun series. One con of the DS library is that the games are more catered for a younger audience. If you want more bloody and violent games, you should get a PSP so you can play games like Metal Gear Solid. Another con of the DS phat is that the screens aren't that bright and the battery life is only about 6 hours. Also, it is really fat compared to the newer DS lite. However, if you have budget constraints or like the retro look of the DS Phat, you should get it and play some great games on two screens!

gzaroff

San Diego, CA

The Nintendo DS has two screens, one of them being a touch screen to interact with your games even further.  The touch screen is best used with a Nintendo DS stylus, for accuracy, but you can use your finger if you want.  There are very fun games for the Nintendo DS which make great use of its touch screen, with great titles such as The Legend of Zelda and Mario.  The gaming experience is enhanced by having wi-fi capabilities, which allow you to play your games with people from all over the world.  There is no set-up needed, you just turn it on and play.  It also has support for GameBoy Advanced games, which sometimes can work with the DS games, like with Pokemon Pearl and Diamond where you can import your Pokemon from your GameBoy Pokemon games.  Some cons with the Nintendo DS are that it's not very sturdy and can be broken easily.  I dropped mine from about 3 feet and the top screen broke off and the body shattered. It can handle wear and tear pretty well, but after a year or so you'll start noticing problems with the top screen.  if you're not careful with it, the touch screen can be damaged by pressing the stylus too hard.   Also, the power button is very close to the D-pad and accidentally turning off the game is very easy.

SpaceDude

Auburndale, MA