Introduction to DS

It has come to my attention that certain forumers have been taking this FAQ and posting up on their Blog. I do not mind you guys doing so but I would appreciate it A LOT if you would at least credit me. I know who you are. and I can find you. So do not steal. Ask for my permission before you post it anywhere else as this FAQ is meant for LOWYAT NET denizens

The Nintendo DS is Nintendo's newest handheld system. Released on 21/11/04
in the US, and 2/12/04 in Japan. The Nintendo DS was the first Nintendo system
to be released in the US before release in Japan. While in development, the DS was named Nintendo DS, with the DS standing for dual screen. It is also said that the DS stand for Developer System.

Currently in the market there is two type of DS available. One is ever increasing while the other is ever decreasing. The firs available DS is called DS. ( pun intended) The second version is called DS Lite. The DS Lite is 30% smaller, and 20% lighter. The firmware is exactly the same in between the DS lite and the DS, with one exception, the DS Lite has 4 backlighting settings. which can be chosen from the main menu. A new, smaller power cord is included and the battery lasts a few hours longer. But the main thing is the fact that the DS Lite is a lot better looking then its sibling.

Specification for Nintendo DS ( Old Version):

Size (closed): 5.85 inch width / 3.33inch long / 1.13inch height
Upper Screen: Backlit, 3-inch, semitransparent reflective TFT color LCD with 256x192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch.
Touch Screen: Same resolution as the upper screen, but with transparent analog touch screen
Color: Capable of displaying 260,000 colors
Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary format; wireless
range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card.
Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A, B, X, Y buttons, + control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons
Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance Game
Paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone
Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users to chat at once, embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration
CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7
Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software
Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering six to 10 hours of play on a four-hour
charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter
Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian


Specification for Nintendo DS Lite (New Version)

Size (closed): 133 millimeters (5.2 inches) wide, 73.9 millimeters (2.9 inches)
long, 21.5 millimeters (0.85 inches) tall.
Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors.
Touch Screen: Same specification as top screen but with a transparent analog touch screen.
Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card.
Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A, B, X, Y buttons, + control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons.
The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 2 millimeters thicker than the stylus of
the Phat Nintendo DS.
Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance game packs, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone. A removable cover for the
Game Boy Advance game pack slot provides added protection from dust and other foreign materials.
Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once, embedded real-time clock; date, time, alarm and touch-screen calibration.
CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7.
Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.
Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering five to 19 hours of play on a four-hour
charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.
Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian.
Available color: White, Black, Pink, Light Blue, Enamel Navy (Dark blue)

When purchasing a DS , you will be furnished with
1 Nintendo DS unit
1 Nintendo DS rechargable battery (pre-installed in the system)
2 Styluses
1 Instruction manual
1 AC adapter
1 Wrist strap ( Straps for DS Lite are only available subject to luck and erratic packaging behaviour of Nintendo)

Shut Down, Sleep Mode, Restarting, and Saving

Let me explain what each thing is. Shut down is obvious. Turning off your DS. When you need to leave your DS for a short amount of time, you turn it to sleep mode, to save battery. Saving is just saving your progress in a game. Restarting is a combination of buttons that resets the console, and works in most games.

**Saving**

To save a game, you do NOT need any memory cards, or anything. Each game pack has a partition of memory set aside for saving games. For information on saving, you should consult each particular game's manual.

**Sleep Mode**

Turning your DS to sleep mode is a lot easier than other Gameboy's. Simply fold the DS up at any time, the backlighting will go off, the game will pause, and it will make a sound. To wake up the DS, just open up the DS, everything will go back the way it was, and it will make another sound.

**Turning Off**

Press, and hold the power button for about a half a second for DS, as for DS Lite, push the power button up and hold it there for a few second

**Restarting**

This only works in certain games, Press and hold Start, Select, L, and R at the same time. The unit will then power off, and on.

WIFI Options

Every game has this service implemented differently, because of this
you will need to refer to each games instruction booklet to find out how to use that particular games online features. The instructions below will assist you in getting your home ready to support DS online play.


1. First you need High Speed Internet (Streamyx, Maxis 3G,Wifi, ETC)
2. You need to purchase a wireless router that is either 802.11B or 802.11G.
(if you don't know what that is, just go get a Wifi connector such as Wifi Link or Wifi Max or Nintendo Wifi Doggle)
3. Install the connector or router according to their instruction.
4. Boot up your DS, follow the instruction from your booklet. And you are good to go.

Setting up wifi on Aztech DSL600EW Router ( Provided by Sheep319)

1.Update firmware of your router
2. Log in router page
3. Click Advanced -> Application -> Port Forwarding
4. Click DMZ -> LAN Clients
5. Get your MAC Address and the IP your DS is running on (to check, go online on your DS, and check the ips and mac addresses below, at the Dynamic Addresses)
6. Fill in the blanks on the page
7. Click Apply
8. Go back to the DMZ Settings, find for your IP, and check the DMZ box, and apply.

Guides to buying DS.

Dead Pixel

When buying a DS, please check for dead or stuck pixels which is visible when the screen changes. A stuck pixel is a pixel which has only one colour and are stagnant.. It is easily visible when the screen changes scene. You will notice that the pixel remains the same color. That is a stuck pixel.
Dead pixel is simply that. Dead. there is no colour. Only color you can see is black as the pixel is not functioning at all.
Physical defects such as dents and cracks should also be checked as most shopkeeper would not allow you to change your DS with a new DS the moment you walk out of their shop.

Screen protection

It is advisable to purchase a screen protector for your DS as the stylus WILL scratch your screen after long term. One of the most popular screen protector that is available is HORI screen protector, a brand that is dedicated to console games. Price ranges from RM 30 to 40. Depending on where you purchase it from.

Tips: Most of the time you can "pester" the shop owner to give you the Hori Screen protector for free. Although this depends on how good you are with them.

DS Protection

Most DS user here in LYN has also seen it deem to invest in a NDS Bag to protect them from scratches and what not. This is also advisable as the DS is easily scratched. The glossy side of the DS also does not help at all when the DS is dropped or a book slides on top of it. Yes, the DS will scratch even if something slides on it. I kid you not.
There are various type of DS pouch out there, each one have different looks and type of protection. Some of the more notable pouches are Multipouch from Hori, Compact pouch and Hard pouch. Those are pouches which provide space for your DS and 3 cartridge at least and spot for extra stylus. But they do not provide much of a protection in terms of free falling from a table. There are different pouch which cater to those problem. The most notable of them are the Airfoam pouch.

One other way to protect the DS is ala hard casing or silicon casing. It is not recommended to purchase a silicon casing. The silicon is loosely fitted onto the DS and does not protect the DS nicely. Sometimes the casing will also help damage the DS. One of the most notable way this happens is when sweat are trapped in between the silicon and the DS. When the sweat dries, it leaves a stain on the DS. But there is also another type of silicon casing. Made by Capdase, the Soft Jacket ADV

DS White and DS Black

One of the most popular colors for this DS, the white and the black has been debated by most owners as to whether to get which one. From what we mainly gathered we realize that DS white will gain a slightly yellowish stain on the button area as player sweat their way though games. There are ways to prevent this. But the most notable ways are to clean the button regularly.

The DS black gains other type of problems, the problem can easily be identified via the Black DS Lite pet name. Finger print magnet. The outer shell of the DS Onyx ( That's black to us Malaysian) tends to attract fingerprint as the casing is glossy. Finger oil and dust is also easily notable on the Onyx DS. Hence cleaning of the DS is required regularly.

Cracked Hinge

Some DS have been known to have cracked hinge. Cracked hinge happened when the DS is opened too wide or forecibly open too fast. The hinge will appear in between the shoulder L and R button. Some only cracked slightly some are known to leave the DS incapitated into 2.
This is most commen on the white DS Lite. As of today, 31st of December 2006. Only white DS lite have been known to prone to crack. There is yet any reported cracked hinge for every other colour (ON LYN).
But there have been known issue for cracked hinge on every other DS Lite. It is heard that the every single DS Lite is prone to this problem too. But the white DS Lite suffer the most.


Where should I buy a DS

The million dollar question, where should I buy? For forumers here, we have done quite an extensive amount of footwork and pestering. One of the most popular and trusted retailer that we all agree on is Djinn, one of the forumer here which has opened his shop in Cineleisure PJ near The curve. The shop is called Gamers Hideout and have been featured in Gameaxis.

For those on the north side eg: Penang, you can also PM Thaisxs , he is from penang and is also a reputeable retailer. The price provided by Thaisxs is fair and cheap compared to any other retailer that can be found on the north of Malaysia.

For those staying in KL, the consensus is that one of the CHEAPEST place to purchase NDSL is in SG Wang and IMBI plaza. As they provide low price. But it is advisable to go there armed and ready with information as the shopkeeper there tends to furnish you with extensive grandfather and grandmother story, They will lead you on a wild goose chase. Calculate the pricing through their all mighty calculator as if they are dividing their wealth and come up with an exuberant price that threatens to bankrupt you and your whole family. I kid you not.

But the known price that most forumer here has managed to get is RM550 for an NDSL ( That's the lowest) Some of the NDSL selling for RM550 is flashed, some are not. If you want good service, it is best to go to Djinn, Thaisxs and Imbi plaza as it is claimed that they provide one of the best services around. There is also a few online website which caters to Malaysian.
One of the most well known would be Play-Asia . But they do not sell any flashed version of the DS nor do they provide the service to do so. When buying online. Please note the region of the DS as some region of the DS requires a step down converter for the DS to charge.

Price guide

Price, there is no definitive price around as the market for such item rises and drop much like the tide. But the general consensus is that the price ranges from 500 to 600 in Sungai Wang, 600 and above if you check it anywhere else.
So do your own research in your area before purchasing your DS.

Homebrew, Roms and Ahem stuff

Right, Support original. End of story.
But on second thought, I would explain what is homebrew, what is Roms and what does it mean when some of the forumer here keeps clearing their throat.

Roms are illegal program that was extracted from the original game which was bought. It is ILLEGAL to play roms as you are basically stealing from the developer.
Ahem stuff is illegal stuff. As in the roms that I stated.
Homebrew are programs that are written by independent developer which find it as a hobby to create program which can be used in NDS and does not charge people for it. Yes its free.

Homebrew can only be run on Flashed DS or DS that have Passme.
For more in for on this, please make your own research. Google is your friend.
P/S : We don't condone piracy.


Following FAQ regarding Flashme,Flashcart and the rest are taken from Thaisxs thread.

What is passme ?

Passme is a program which belongs to Natrium42, Pasme is used to bypass the NDS verification into the GBA slot. By doing so, it allows the GBA slot to load up its content.

What is PASSME2 ?

Passme2 is an improved version of Passme ( DUH? ) Passme and Passme2 looks basically the same and are not easily distinguishable.

What is Flashme?

Flasheme is a firmware modification for the Nintendo DS.One of the main reasons for using it is its ablility to execute homebrew DS applications and games. It also enables the DS to play ROM images, though this is not encouraged by the creators.

Flashme indepth

Sleep mode does not work properly when playing ROMs stored on a slot 2 storage device. There are a few methods to fix this problem.
Inserting any official game cartridge/NoPass/PassMe (1 or 2) into slot 1.
Inserting a Dummy Card in slot 1.
Using a slot 1 storage device to play ROMs.
Opening up the DS and solder a piece of wire between pins 1 (GND) and 7 (IRQ) of the slot 1 socket.

This new passthrough method is not without risks, however. In order to successfully overwrite the firmware, the write-enable contacts (SL1) need to be short circuited to allow writing to the first 512 bytes of the firmware. The SL1 contacts are located next to the battery under the square red and white sticker on the original Nintendo DS, and on the very left of the holes on the DS Lite. Removing the sticker on the original DS voids the warranty. The flashing process is halted if the SL1 contact is no longer short-circuited. If the power is turned off before the first 2% of the flashing process, the Nintendo DS will fail to run and is most likely non recoverable unless the first block (100 bytes) has been written (see lower right hand corner of the screen when flashing). If the DS loses power during the process and enough of the firmware was flashed, holding the Start, Select, A, and B buttons will boot FlashMe from a GBA cart in a failsafe mode.

In another words, you are screwed if you failed to flash your DS correctly the first time. Hence, do not do the flashing yourself. Leave it for the pro!

Recommended Games for New DS Owner



Title: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (1st Series)
Genre: Point and touch (Text based story telling)
Touch screen usage : High
Replayability Value : Low
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Review:
A heavy text based game which combines an engaging story with quirky and interesting characters. The game provide unique ways to interact with the character, evidence and the in-game scenery. Phoenix Wright has low replayability value but are colorful, have engaging storyline and lengthy adventure which keeps you wondering what is happening next. Recommended for those that do not mind spending most of the time reading the story and the rest of the time making good use of the information provided to investigate the truth of what is happening.

Preview:
Story are based on Phoenix Wright, a newly graduated lawyer which was thrust into the position of a defense attorney again and again against all odds in his fight to defend his client. Maneuver through the deceit that was cast by the prosecution attorney and emerge victory while finding out the truth of your client's innocence!

Recommendation for new DS owner: 3 out of 5 star!



Title: Elite Beat Agent
Genre: Rhythm Based Point and touch
Touch Screen usage: High
Replayability Value: High
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Elite Beat Agent

Review :
You take the role as 3 men in black (pun intended), this 3 men goes around the world dancing and moving to the tune of David bowie , Madonna, Steriogram, Avril Lavigne, Billy Fogarty, Earth Wind and fire, and various other artist. EBA is a rhythmic game which requires player to touch the screen based on the round number that appeared. EBA is ridiculously easy to play but extremely hard to master as the song moves from slow to fast and fast to slow. There are various level and high replayability value as the player moves on from one stage to another.

Preview:
You woke up to find that you overslept because your alarm clock battery died, while rushing to clean up, you cut yourself at the cheek while shaving. Running out of the house, you found that your shoes have been stolen and your socks have been shredded to pieces by the wild dogs. Running with your spare shoes towards the bus stop, you watch as the bus moved away from the station. While chasing after it, you tripped, fell and landed in a pile of mud, effectively ruining your clothes. This is only the start of your bad day. You are late, dirty and you missed the bus. Looking towards the sky you screamed HEEEEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPP!!!!

Far away, a man dressed in combat fatigue is watching from the satellite, he stood and said, " Agents are GO!!", as his scream subside 3 men dressed in black with ridiculous hair style and sporting a really spunky car halted to a stop besides you. Jumping off their car they started dancing to a tune and singing. Encouraging you to stand up and rejuvenating your soul. This 3 man are Elite Beat Agent!

Recommendation for new DS owner:[/I] 4 out of 5 star!



[i]Title: Final Fantasy 3 (Remake)
Genre: RPG
Touch Screen usage: Optional
Replayability Value: Low
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Final Fantasy 3

Review

The Good:
Final Fantasy III provides versatility, with the Job System. It may not be as innovative, as say, FFVII's Materia system, or the FFX's Sphere Grid system or even the FFX-2's Dress Sphere system, but it gets the job done. As a result of this, the game provides alot of possibilities for you to decide on what party on what do you want to go with. Do you want an all out physical attacking party, or an all magical party attacking furiously with magic? The choice is yours. Final Fantasy III also provides a challenge to gamers, unlike the current generation of Final Fantasies, so it is not so easy to breeze through the game.The graphics of the game are superb, and it has one of the best graphics seen on the DS handheld system.

The Bad:
The game often times does not clearly tell you where to go, so often times you will find yourself lost. There is also a noticable lag in gameplay whenever there are too many things on screen. The save system is also not liked by many, as you can only permanently save on the world map, which means players must be very careful with their actions in the dungeons, because if they die somewhere near the end, they will have to do the whole dungeon again. (This is especially true for the final area)

Preview:

The world is in chaos and consumed by the darkness. As the protagonist was traveling he was summoned and unceremoniously dropped into a hole which leads to a Crystal. The crystal, a guardian of the world request the help of the protagonist to restore light to the world and prevent evil from spreading. And so, the story begins as the protagonist travel the world, recruiting new comrade and find the truth of what is consuming the world.

Recommendation for New DS owner: 3 and a half out of 5 star!



Title: Animal Crossing : Wild World
Genre: Virtual Sim
Touch Screen usage: Optional
Replayability Value: Normal
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Animal Crossing

Review/Preview:

There is this little inner child in all of us which squeal in delight every time we see something cute or pretty. A small part of us which wish that we have a stress free life, where we can fish for living, farm for food or lounge around doing nothing everyday. In comes Animal Crossing. You take control of an alter ego which was determined gender, looks and what not through a series of questioning before the start of the game. The game then throws you into a new town where you starts a new life, paying of debt and earning money. From there, it is free reign on what you would like to achieve in Animal Crossing.
The game uses DS internal clock to keep track of when and how long you have played. There is no estimated completion of time for this game as the existence in Animal Crossing does not stop. Every day can be played with different scenario, filled with new scenario. Neighbours in Animal Crossing awake and sleep at certain time, hence scheduling your playtime to fit their hour is needed if you want to build a relationship with them.
The surroundings and weather will change depending on the time of year, offering snow and rain in the winter and flourishing plants in the summer. The tides will change based on the hour. Certain animals will only appear at specific times and months. Should be awake early enough, you can watch the sunrise, then watch the stars appears as dusk settles in the evening. If you return to the game after a long absence, you'll find that your house is filled with roaches and the neighbors missed you dearly. It is truly a dynamic environment filled with the little details that you hardly ever notice in your own life.
Starting of the game is tedious at best if need to be described. It took me 3 tries to immerse myself into Animal Crossing. It is one of the biggest mistake I ever made as I spend every free moment devoting myself to the Animal Crossing world. This is a must get for those truly wish to start a whole new experience devoid of everything else.

Recommendation for New DS owner: A whooping 4 and a half star out of 5!



Title: Mario Kart DS
Genre: Racing Sim
Touch Screen usage: None
Replayability Value: High
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Mario Kart DS

Review/ Preview:
Mario kart DS is just that, a racing simulation. Mario Kart features a number of single-player grand prix that comprise of four races in each. There is a total of eight grand prix competition which basically means 32 different map to race in. A significant amount of those area not available until the select few that have been beaten. There are a total of 16 racing tracks that are new and 16 other which were taken from previous Mario Kart game. There are eight character to choose from with 2 more hidden character which can only be unlock when certain requirement are completed. Upon total completion of the game ( and I do mean total) every kart will be unlocked and can be driven by different character. Boosting the amount of Kart available significantly. There are also 54 mission available which requires player to perform certain task while racing through certain track. Each mission gets increasingly harder as it progress and provides a good distraction from all the racing.
But the gem of Mario Kart is not in its single player, contrary to all the goodies provided there. The gem is in multiplayer. Obtain one of this and plunge yourself in for hours of hectic racing and cursing against various other DS owner as you race your way to victory. Nothing more bring smiles to your face more then when a blue shell from you wreak havoc against your friends. With a good library of single player options and good multiplayer options, Mario Kart is a game to behold!

Recommendation for New DS owner: A 3 and half out of 5 stars!



Title: New Super Mario Bros
Genre: 2D Platform
Touch Screen usage: Low
Replayability Value: Normal
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia New Super Mario Bros


Review/ Preview:
How can anyone not associate Nintendo with Mario? How can a new Nintendo line of product be complete without the ever aging plumber in red which somehow manage to entice the princess of a country? The story starts off with Bowser Jr. Kidnapping the princess ( yet again ) and Mario needs to save her by running through eight world towards the right side of the screen while jumping onto the heads of enemies. Through the occasional use of Super Mario World secret exit and alternate path, you can just skip 2 world (don't know why you would want to do that) The Singleplayer quest is the main meat of the whole game, there are additional modes available such as two-player Mario versus Luigi mode that pit you against another player in a short level that goes around. Star appears in the world and you must attempt to collect more then your opponent. If you hit your opponent with fireballs, jump on him or just hurt your opponent, your opponent will drop stars. Its fun for multiplayer.
This game is fun for those that have followed Mario from the day of old Nintendo. For new players though, this game is not half bad if you want a short adventure in between tea break and taking the train.

Recommendation for New DS owner: A 3 and half star out of 5!



Title: Advance War: Dual Strike
Genre: Turn Based Strategy
Touch Screen usage: High
Replayability Value: High
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Advance War: Dual Strike


Review/ Preview:

This is not a game. It is something more. The game has simple mechanism to reel you in, to deceit you to play it. Then the game will smack you right across your room with its tactic and strategy, frustrating you to try over and over again to grasp that complete victory over the NPC in a battle of wits and strategy. Welcome soldier to Advance war: Dual Strike. This game is addictive, its crack on a piece of bacon fried with hotdog and rolled together with roti canai. ( I'm hungry now). Created for the Game Boy Advance in 2001, this is the third installment in its series. This is one of the best game that was ever created for the DS system. The usage of Stylus and touch screen further enhance this game to go beyond what others could. Expect hours after hours of turn-based gameplay that are surprisingly brisk with tons of different modes to play and superb Wi-Fi multiplayer support.

It's possible to have up to eight players in a combat battle with just one copy of Advance Wars: Dual Strike between the lot of you. Combat takes some of the units and mechanics of Advance Wars and translates them into a fun little arcade game, where the object is to capture the enemy base. You directly control one unit at a time, firing on your enemies and recovering damage at your cities. There aren't many units or maps in the combat mode, but it's a fun diversion, and it represents another solid addition to the series.

There are a huge array of different units available in game. Each unit have their own pros and cons. Mix in the multitude type of map, and you will have in your hand a deep engrossing strategy game which needs you to think clearly on every decision and move you made. Battle can also happen on both the top screen and bottom screen of the DS. The fate of each battle depends on how well they cooperate. And do remember this. The game's AI is no pushover. Expect tricks and strategic maneuver against this AI as they outsmart and out think you.

Recommendation for New DS owner: A 4 out of 5!



Title: Trauma Center: Under the Knife
Genre: Puzzle
Touch Screen usage: High
Replayability Value: High
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Trauma Center: Under the Knife


Review/ Preview:

Trauma Center: Under the Knife is yet another in a recent deluge of anime-inspired adventure games for the Nintendo DS. In this one, you play yet another spiky-haired hero imbued with special powers on a quest to save the world. What's the hook? This spiky-haired hero happens to be a doctor. The threat to the world's safety, in this case, is medical terrorism. A rogue group with mysterious intentions is unleashing a man-made disease called GUILT upon the world, and it's up to you to stop them. You'll do that by doing what any good doctor would--performing a whole lot of surgeries. Wait, give it a chance. This isn't just some stodgy medical simulation. Trauma Center is more of a challenging puzzler with medical underpinnings than anything even remotely medical-simlike. The game makes solid use of the DS's touch-screen technology by putting the scalpel in your (hopefully) steady hands through a series of fast-paced, marginally insane surgical scenarios. It's an offbeat game for sure, and at times it can be a little too tough for its own good, but DS owners with a strong stomach and an open mind ought to have a good time with Trauma Center.

All of the main action in Trauma Center takes place on the touch screen. Along the sides of the screen, you have icons for all your main surgical tools, like your scalpel, clamp, laser, sutures, and even a futuristic antibiotic gel that actually cures minor cuts, and disinfects anything it touches. The bulk of the screen is taken up by your patient. You'll start off more often than not with an uncut patient that must be carefully cut open via the scalpel. Once in, you'll find the affected organ. Conditions vary from patient to patient. One moment, you'll be draining and removing tumors from someone's pancreas, and the next you'll be fighting off GUILT-infected tumors that actually will move around a given area, making them exceptionally difficult to nail down and remove. All of these cases require fairly specific orders of events, and the challenge comes from simply trying to manage all these different tasks while on the clock. Every surgery has a time limit, and all the while, a patient's vital signs must be kept stable. If the vital signs drop, you can take a moment to inject them a few times with more magic gel to restore them, but that takes time. You'll need to be extremely quick and mindful to succeed.

Trauma Center succeeds because it strikes such a good balance between its medical theme and its puzzler roots. It's more than just a DS version of the old board game Operation, but it's also not so complex that anyone couldn't pick it up and enjoy it. While the mind-blowing storyline might lead some to scoff and the general brevity of the gameplay might give you pause, overall, there's a fun time to be had with Trauma Center, and it's definitely worth your while to check it out.

Article taken from Gamespot

Recommendation for New DS owner: A 3 out of 5!



Title: Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
Genre: Puzzle Based Point and Touch
Touch Screen Usage: High
Replayability Value: High
Can be purchased from: Play-Asia Brain Age

Review/Preview:
Originally from Japan, Brain Age is inspired by the work of renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima. The premise of the game is to give your brain a good mental work-out (and hopefully become smarter) by playing the mini games that make up the Daily Training mode.

These fun and challenging mini games test you in terms of memorization, calculation, re-call, as well as hand and eye coordination and you'll unlock more mini games as you progress in the game. You are measured for your Brain Age from the get go and by playing these mini-games daily, you'll be able to lower your score with 20 being the best Brain Age.

Also, you can setup local WiFi download play to challenge up to 16 players with a single Brain Age cartridge!

The good doctor himself makes an appearance in the game as the avatar guiding the player through the games. As a part of Nintendo's Touch Generation series of games, Brain Age does not require the player to be a video gamer in a traditional sense. This game is stylus and touch screen dependant but you virtually need not use anything else to navigate the game. Occasionally, you'll use the Nintendo DS' built-in microphone for some of the mini games as well.

Brain Age showcases the full interactive capabilities of the DS with its various mini games and it is easy enough for even non-gamers to play. With the added bonus in the form of 120 Sudoku puzzles, this bargain-priced title deserves to be in any new player's library.

Reviewed by: Zorocaster

Recommendation for New DS owner: A 3 and a half out of 5!

Price List of Items that Bernard Moh Have

1. nds lite screen protector (hori) (C) = rm 15
2. nds lite screen protector (hori) (o) = rm 35
3. nds lite portable touch pen = rm 15
4. nds lite 2 in 1 metal retractable stylus (pega) = rm 15
5. nds lite pass we 3 = rm 90
6. nds lite 1gb micro sd (kingston) = rm 140
7. nds lite micro sd super card = rm 160
8. nds lite compact pouch (hori) = rm 40
9. nds lite multi pouch (hori) (o) = rm 80
10. nds lite soft jacket (capdase) = rm 60
11. nds lite 1gb mini sd (kington) = rm 100
12. nds lite mini super card = rm 180


GAMERS SOLUTION
B45, City Bazaar, Ground Floor,
No. 239, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
50100 Kuala Lumpur.
03 - 26977728 or 012 - 3783129

How to share a wireless connection from a Mac to a Nintendo DS (for OS X 10.4)

1. Make sure you're connected to the internet via something other than the AirPort card (i.e. Ethernet).
2. Turn on Internet Sharing:
   • Go to System Preferences, click on the Sharing icon, then click on the Internet tab.
   • Change the Share your connection from: pop-up to Built-in E thernet.
   • Under the To computers using section, check the AirPort box.
   • Click AirPort Options...
     • Enter an easy name such as nds. Leave all the security options blank -- implementing security is an exercise left to the reader -- then click OK.
   • Click Start in the Internet Sharing panel.
   For sharing internet access with other computers, this is usually sufficient. However, the DS doesn't play well with the built-in DHCP server, so we have to manually configure the DS. To do this we, must gather some info...
3. Gather Information:
   • Open Terminal.app and type ifconfig en1. In the output...
     • Look for: inet xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx netmask ...
     • Take note the IP Address (the x's) associated with the first inet (mine was 10.0.2.1; yours may be different).
4. Configure the DS:
   • Edit your Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings from within a compatible game.
   • Select a connection to edit.
   • Choose Manual Setup.
   • Enter the following parameters:
     • SSID: nds (or whatever you chose in step one)
     • Auto-obtain IP Address: No
     • IP Address: Take the first IP Address you obtained earlier, and make the last digit bigger. i.e., mine could be 10.0.2.7
     • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Gateway: The first IP Address, unchanged. (e.g. 10.0.2.1)
     • Auto-obtain DNS: No
     • Primary DNS: this is the IP Address of the Airport. This is not the server address found with dig in Terminal. Again, mine was 10.0.2.1.
     • Secondary DNS: blank.
   • Test Connection in the upper right corner of the touch screen. This should work, and you should get a Connection Successful message and be returned to the Settings page.
5. Save Settings and click Back twice.

Disclaimer: I will accept no responsibility for the use or misuse of software or hardware, for any damage that may be caused by the software or hardware. I am not responsible for any charges you may incur from your cellular provider as a result of using this instruction set.

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Original articles from macosxhints.com:

1. How to share a wireless connection with a Nintendo DS
2. Set up Nintendo DS surfing via PowerBook and Treo 680

note: I gathered references from these 2 articles and made a little adjustment myself, so that the instructions are clearer. Enjoy ur WiFi now.

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How to set up GW-US54Mini2G for DS



note: Please make sure you have your PC/laptop's WiFi disabled, before starting.

1) Driver
Download the latest driver from Planex:
http://www.planex.net/download/wireless/gw-us54mini2.htm

don't use the driver from the CD, as I believed that version is buggy.

2) Installations
Please refer to the User's Manual... and take note on the following:

Chapter 2
#1. ...
...
#4. choose "Planex Configuratiohn Tool";
#5. choose Optimize for performance mode";

3) Configurations on [B]GW-US54Mini2[/b]

• Look for the "PCi" icon at Taskbar;
  
  
• Right click and select "Switch to AP Mode"
  
  
• Once you "Switch to AP Mode", you should see the utility pop up below.
  Here you have to set your "SSID" to any name of your choice.
  
  
  1. by default, it's "planexuser";
  2. Clicking on "Auth. vs Security" will allow you to configure the security. This step is optional.

• If you choose to set the security, kindly configure according to the following:
  
  
  password = can be any 5 alphanumeric characters, e.g. AB123;
• There's another window that pop up when you "Switch to AP Mode", i.e. Internet Connection Sharing with SoftAP - an ICS bridging for the software AP.
  
  
  1. Select the "name" of your Ehternet Adapter;
  2. Click "Enable ICS";

• Done.

4) Configurations on NDSL
To test the WiFi connection, turn on your NDSL with any games that have WiFi capability.


The easiest NDS game to configure/test your WiFi settings, would be Mario DS Kart.

Just go to the WFC Setup screen, and choose "Search for an Access Point", and it shall be able to pick up/recognise the signal, from your PC/Laptop automatically.

However, if you are not sure what to do, kindly refer to:
1) Planex - http://www.planex.net/support/list/NDS-support.htm; OR

2) The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Instruction Booklet that comes with the game;

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note: contributed by penman
Posted for the 5th time by Reveur. Thats right. Pennyman requested that I change this 5 times! Talk about picky >.<

All information gathered from endless reading on Gamefaqs, Wikipedia and using the search button in Lowyat net. So yeah, courtesy goes to them and to me for reading all this stuff up!

Shame on you all if you still ask something that i already posted here.

P/S: I know i missed something. I dont know what. PM me to tell me what i need to add. Thank you!!!

P/P/S: I take no responsibility if my information is wrong or misleading. All information here are for guidance purposes only. I do not claim to know fully in regard about Nintendo DS.

Ok lah from what I gather from reading the threads:

Jap ver DSL - Has strap (my friend has one of these [the first batches anyway] so can confirm)
US ver DSL - At least the White DSL batch doesn't.
Europe DSL - Andy_lhc says his one doesn't
Asia DSL - It has the strap.
Aussie DSL - Um....maybe some batches only have...since some say have, some say don't @_@

US Version and Europe/Aussie don't have strap at all. (For nds lite)

only Japan and Asian Model only.

i am using the phat DS. and i am worried about the future. all accessories for the DS now are for the lite.

1. my screen protector is getting scratches now, thanks for eyeshield21. lolx. hori somemore... thinking where on earth i can still get hori DS screen protector? are they the same? phat and lite screen protector?

2. stylus. one of it, due to eyeshield21 (again) it's getting ermm... how do i put it... the layer of plastic is starting to peel off. sigh!

i bought the hori screen protector at the mission shop in midvalley for RM 50

The phat protectors are also available in Sonig Enterprices Mid valley. As for stylus, you can find them in Gamescore in Funan IT Center, Singapore

reveur you could add guides to prolonging lithium ion batteries.many ds owners don't know this

-Li-ion batteries should be charged early and often
-Li-ion batteries should be kept cool
-Lithium-ion batteries should never be depleted to empty

*taken from wikipedia

Reveur! Add this to your 3rd post!
Games available at Gamers solution
1. nds advance wars dual strike
2. nds age of empires
3. nds american dragon long jake
4. nds animal crossing
5. nds asphault urban
6. nds barbie 12 dancing
7. nds big brian academy
8. nds brain age
9. nds brain age boost beta wave
10. nds brain age boost gamma wave
11. nds bomberman
12. nds bomberman land touch
13. nds burnout legends
14. nds castlevania 2 protrait of ruin
15. nds children of mana
16. nds club house
17. nds cooking mama
18. nds deep labyrinth
19. nds digdut digging
20. nds digimon world
21. nds dino master
22. nds dogs : chihuahua
23. nds dogs : dachshund
24. nds dogs : lab
25. nds dogs : dalmation
26. nds dragon booster
27. nds dragon ball z super warriors 2
28. nds dragon quest : rocket slime
29. nds elite beat agents
30. nds final fantasy 3
31. nds fifa soccer 07
32. nds harvest moon
33. nds guity gear
34. nds ice age 2
35. nds the incredibles
36. nds justice league
37. nds kim possible
38. nds king kong
39. nds kirby squeak
40. nds lunar dragon
41. nds lunar knights
42. nds madagascar
43. nds magical starsign
44. nds magnetica
45. nds super mario bros (new)
46. nds super mario 64
47. nds mario hoops 3 on 3
48. nds mario kart
49. nds mario luigi
50. nds mario vs donkey kong 2
51. nds mech assault
52. nds megaman 5
53. nds megaman zx
54. nds metroid prime hunter
55. nds monster house
56. nds monster bomber
57. nds nanostray
58. nds narnia
59. nds need for speed carbon
60. nds nicktoon unite
61. nds open season
62. nds over the hedge 2
63. nds phoenix wright ace attorney 2
64. nds point blank
65. nds pokemon dash
66. nds pokemon mystery dungueon
67. nds pokemon ranger
68. nds prince of persia
69. nds rainbow island
70. nds rayman
71. nds resident evil deadly silent
72. nds ridge racer
73. nds rayman raving rabbits
74. nds scooby doo
75. nds shrek super slam
76. nds the sims 2
77. nds the sims 2 pet
78. nds sonic rush
79. nds spiderman battle new york
80. nds splinter cell
81. nds starfox command
82. nds star wars : lego 2
83. nds superman returns
84. nds super princess peach
85. nds tamagotchi 2
86. nds tenchu
87. nds tetris
88. nds tiger woods pga tour 07
89. nds tony hawk's project 8
90. nds touch detective
91. nds trauma center under the knife
92. nds marvel ultimalte alliance
93. nds the urbz sims in the city
94. nds viewtiful joe
95. nds wario ware
96. nds wario of master disguise
97. nds winx club
98. nds worms open fareware
99. nds xiao lin
100. nds yoshi island 2
101. nds yoshi touch & go
102. nds ys strategy
103. nds yugioh gx tag force
104. nds hotel dusk room 215
105. nds star wars : lethal alliance
106. nds magical vacation
107. nds meteos : disney magic
108. nds bionicle heroes

If u want it, you can pm Bernard moh! ok! thanks!

got europe version. i think that is in english also.

hey guys, is it alright to open the ds 180 degrees? will it put extra presure on the hinges or something?
btw can recomend me a shop which sells leather covers for ds

Try not to open 180 degree coz it will pressure the hinge and also i dont think yoiu can play it with 180 degree. Screen will be in a weird angle.

Leather cover? I think Midvalley mission world haves it. Price will be very high though

i mean for games where u need to hold the ds vertically (hotel dusk, brain training) doesnt it feel easier to open the screen 180?

so how far do u open the screen? till the 1st click or before it

1st click. Sometimes no click also.

click?
what do u mean by click?
when opening ds it will click?

there is a click sound when u open it maybe about 160degrees.....

Hi guys, can anybody teach me how can I go wifi using NDSL. I have belkin wireless rauter, but when i tried it said can't detect any nintento wifi connection. Can anybody teach me.

mine dont have "click" sound wor...
only there a sound "tak" when i fully open.

i think "click" = "tak"...or is "tak" flat 180? :think:

when i open in the half way is no sound....
onli fully only got sound "tak"

ok..so click = tak....after tat i think u can still open til its flat...then its really 180 degrees...but hinge will be loose after too many times......for flat 180 i think there is 2 clicks = 2 taks..

what?
still can open till 180 degree?
i dont dare to do it,scared will break

I just got my NDSL yesterday and when I fold, I stopped when I heard the 'click' sound. I couldn't dare to open it up widely.

Btw, I folded slowly, scare the alignment will become loose.

D.Sync,
where did u buy it and how much?

I bought it from thaisxs for RM580

Can anyone with DS Web Browser (EUROPE) give their impression on how it performs in local Wi-Fi hotspots? Any issues?

I'm thinking of buying the EUROPE version and I hope its in English.

i think both versions are same. pm is using the japan version though.

I'm thinking of buying the NDSL.
My choices are to buy from Malaysia or from Melbourne.
Can all the NDSL experts give some input on this ?

There are no difference on this. Only difference is in price and also will you be in melbourne for long or in malaysia longer

if ur in Melbourne longer then buy there so you can claim the warranty easier and vice versa

I'm a Malaysian...
Will the Australian unit be able to play games I buy from Malaysia ?
How much is the average price for a game in Malaysia ?
It's selling approx AUD$50-$100 per title.

Games are region free, so no worries about that. Average selling price..probably around RM 130 - RM 150.

What is the R4 I've been reading about ?
Can we play MP3/video on the NDSL ?

R4 is a flashcart

and if you have an R4 or play yan or some other flashcart , then yes , you can play MP3's and videos

which is the better FlashCart ?

As of now your safest and cheapest bet is getting an R4

Finally bought the Black NDSL
Does using the R4 Flash-cart cause any harm (long-term/short-term) to my precious NDSL ?
Can the R4DS support 2GB Micro-SD ?

anyone know about m3 ds simply? it's like R4 but i don't know which one is better

R4 in essence is better. They are actually the same thing buy R4 has faster firmware support. and its easier to get it in Malaysia.

But looking at ur siggy it seems u can get stuff easily from US. No? U might want to try Ezflash or something.. That one if you buy the whole set you can play slot 2 and slot 1 too. Do a search for it.

Before u go for simply, u might want to hold back a bit considering M3 has just launched a new slot 1 solution. So i heard...

does anyone know how much is the ndsl charger? and where can i get it...

Just bought a NDSL one week ago I have a few questions

1) Battery lasts for only bout 5 hours at level 2 & 3 brightness, low volume, non-continuous play. Normal n ok?

2) Has anyone used this Hori Protector? Wonder if the sticky strips will leave marks/residue on the DS body when its taken off. Or maybe should wait for this Hori Protect Case instead. Recommendations?

I think i c a few hairline scratches

Okay, I have a Q. What are suppose to happen when we recharge our DS lite? Does something supposed to light up? Mine doesn't show a thing. Just receive it from my brother who just returned from US. Could it be the charger is faulty?

The DS still flashing red and wont charge. Step down converter? What's that?
Will serbu Imbi this afternoon and look for someone who can get it charge. Maybe I should try looking for a USB charger.

My brother also gave me stuffs called G6 Flash. Anyone knows how to use it?

G6 flash is a flashcart. unfortunately we cant discuss it here. Try to google it. Personally I have no idea how to use it though

It is best you get the USB charger. Its simpler and easier to use.

Mario and The shop opposite from Mario will be your best bet. Or you can go to Sungai Wang and hit upon J & D

Lot G-132-A3, Ground Floor
Sungei Wang Plaza

Look For Alvin. Fellow is not bad.

Or head over and find Bernard Moh, He is better and his shop is located at er...

Edit : Bernard's Add


GAMERS SOLUTION
B45, City Bazaar, Ground Floor,
No. 239, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
50100 Kuala Lumpur.
03 - 26977728 or 012 - 3783129

Question: How to play Jump Ultimate Stars online and any free hotspots (That doesn't need to login) in Bukit Bintang/Maluri/Cheras in general/ area? I need a step by step manual... And what is error 53000? (The error comes out in Japanese, Whoop-dee-do.)