Are tje GBA and DS combined the king of handheld 2D platformers

[ATARI7800fan]

I have recently started looking into the DS and GBA advance and it seems like these two combined have every platformer that was good in the 90's. The GBA has everything from crash and spyro to sonic. Even some platformers that were on both system seem to do better on the GBA like Spyro the eternal night compared to the DS version(I am a spyro fan one of my favorite games on the PS2). Plus New super mario bros on the DS. I also find it interesting that the company that did Spyro eternal darkness on the GBA also did the DS version of Eragon which got positive reviews unlike the consoles version, both were made by Griptonite Games. What do you guys think, do you think DS plus GBA equals platforming heaven for handhelds.

Edited March 31, 2011 by ATARI7800fan

[godslabrat]

I have recently started looking into the DS and GBA advance and it seems like these two combined have every platformer that was good in the 90's. The GBA has everything from crash and spyro to sonic. Even some platformers that were on both system seem to do better on the GBA like Spyro the eternal night compared to the DS version(I am a spyro fan one of my favorite games on the PS2). Plus New super mario bros on the DS. I also find it interesting that the company that did Spyro eternal darkness on the GBA also did the DS version of Eragon which got positive reviews unlike the consoles version, both were made by Griptonite Games. What do you guys think, do you think DS plus GBA equals platforming heaven for handhelds.

 

That's my setup-- original GBA and original DS. I wouldn't want to be without either. As a 2D fan, I love having these particular portables, in addition to a Super Game Boy and Game Boy Player.

 

I still wish for a system that would support all GB and DS iterations, but I know that's never to be...

[Tr3vor]

Just wondering, why did you make two of the same thread? Its kinda confusing.

[ATARI7800fan]

Just wondering, why did you make two of the same thread? Its kinda confusing.

 

I did that in case some people only go to the classic section and not the modern one, trying to get as many opinions as possible, so I know if it worth getting a DS lite with the GBA slot or not.

[Tr3vor]

Just wondering, why did you make two of the same thread? Its kinda confusing.

 

I did that in case some people only go to the classic section and not the modern one, trying to get as many opinions as possible, so I know if it worth getting a DS lite with the GBA slot or not.

 

 

I would prefer a ds lite before a dsi, due to the GBA port. I really don't like how they removed it. There are a bunch of good platforming games on the ds/gba too.

[+wood_jl]

The DS Lite is the best version of the DS to come out. Here's why:

 

(1) Gameboy Advance slot (I know you know this, but it's the #1)

 

(2) **MUCH** brigher/more visible screens than the original DS.

 

(3) Cheaper (given equivalent condition) than the others....at least for now.

 

(4) Non-upgradable firmware - pick a DS Flashcard now, it will work forever - including Flashcards that support Gameboy Advance (and GB and GBC) games. NO UPDATES!

 

(5) Very cheap hard plastic armor available. The kind that "snap" on, and protect the finish. This is no small deal. One of these and a bottom screen protector, and your rig can be well-used and keep like new. No kidding. (hurry though, these are going fast)

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MUYV4O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=atariage&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MUYV4O

 

People will bullshit you that the DSi is "so much better" - with its fractionally-bigger screen, and no GBA slot. HA HA HA. It's the same friggin' thing, with features removed (uh, GBA slot) and some gimmicky cameras. Flashcards: some work, some don't. Upgradable firmware means you don't know for how long it will work, until a system update disables it. One nice thing about it, you can get the clear plastic protective armor for it.

 

DSi XL: Interesting, but suffers from same drawbacks as DSi, high price. No armor means you'll have to baby it. Cool, if you don't care about flashcarts and GBA games.

 

3DS: Waaaaaay too expensive. Over $300 out the door (console, 1 game, tax) and it's not even a good game? HA HA HA HA. Go ahead, rich boy. Flashcard out of the question, I presume. Try again when it's $100 and there's a convincing 3D Mario game, or at least one "killler app and not launch filler and high prices.

[Austin]

I mean no offense in this whatsoever, but you need to figure out what YOU want. That should be the largest deciding factor in purchasing any system.

 

Do YOU want a GBA slot (i.e., earlier models)? What is that worth to YOU? Are there any GBA games that interest YOU? Have you bothered looking? Now, how about a better screen (i.e., later models)? Do YOU want one? How about a better form factor (all about taste)? Do YOU want that? How much are YOU willing to pay (newer = more expensive, older = less expensive)? The facts have been laid out pretty well already. It's up to YOU to decide what you want to do with these choices.

[ATARI7800fan]

The DS Lite is the best version of the DS to come out. Here's why:

 

(1) Gameboy Advance slot (I know you know this, but it's the #1)

 

(2) **MUCH** brigher/more visible screens than the original DS.

 

(3) Cheaper (given equivalent condition) than the others....at least for now.

 

(4) Non-upgradable firmware - pick a DS Flashcard now, it will work forever - including Flashcards that support Gameboy Advance (and GB and GBC) games. NO UPDATES!

 

(5) Very cheap hard plastic armor available. The kind that "snap" on, and protect the finish. This is no small deal. One of these and a bottom screen protector, and your rig can be well-used and keep like new. No kidding. (hurry though, these are going fast)

 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000MUYV4O/ref=nosim/cheapassgam08-20

 

People will bullshit you that the DSi is "so much better" - with its fractionally-bigger screen, and no GBA slot. HA HA HA. It's the same friggin' thing, with features removed (uh, GBA slot) and some gimmicky cameras. Flashcards: some work, some don't. Upgradable firmware means you don't know for how long it will work, until a system update disables it. One nice thing about it, you can get the clear plastic protective armor for it.

 

DSi XL: Interesting, but suffers from same drawbacks as DSi, high price. No armor means you'll have to baby it. Cool, if you don't care about flashcarts and GBA games.

 

3DS: Waaaaaay too expensive. Over $300 out the door (console, 1 game, tax) and it's not even a good game? HA HA HA HA. Go ahead, rich boy. Flashcard out of the question, I presume. Try again when it's $100 and there's a convincing 3D Mario game, or at least one "killler app and not launch filler and high prices.

can a GBA game be used with the plastic case on though.

[ATARI7800fan]

I mean no offense in this whatsoever, but you need to figure out what YOU want. That should be the largest deciding factor in purchasing any system.

 

Do YOU want a GBA slot (i.e., earlier models)? What is that worth to YOU? Are there any GBA games that interest YOU? Have you bothered looking? Now, how about a better screen (i.e., later models)? Do YOU want one? How about a better form factor (all about taste)? Do YOU want that? How much are YOU willing to pay (newer = more expensive, older = less expensive)? The facts have been laid out pretty well already. It's up to YOU to decide what you want to do with these choices.

 

I already have an idea of what I want I just like to get the general opinion on things. Also yes I would want a GBA slot, it has the only good version of Spyro eternal darkness so far. The only thing is what version to get lite or original. The price is about only a 30 dollar difference where I live.

[MagitekAngel]

Truth be told, I don't care much for playing GBA games on the DS Lite. Especially in the case of platformers, I dislike the position of the A and B buttons. It's an uncomfortable angle, the buttons are small, and the D-Pad sucks. Best to stick with the old GBA models, which can play GB/GBC games as well.

[ATARI7800fan]

Truth be told, I don't care much for playing GBA games on the DS Lite. Especially in the case of platformers, I dislike the position of the A and B buttons. It's an uncomfortable angle, the buttons are small, and the D-Pad sucks. Best to stick with the old GBA models, which can play GB/GBC games as well.

 

how about the original DS.

[+wood_jl]

Truth be told, I don't care much for playing GBA games on the DS Lite. Especially in the case of platformers, I dislike the position of the A and B buttons. It's an uncomfortable angle, the buttons are small, and the D-Pad sucks. Best to stick with the old GBA models, which can play GB/GBC games as well.

 

Preference, I suppose. The GBA SP is too narrow - my wrists get tired at the angle necessary to keep them that close together. The A and B buttons (and the others) seem well-placed, to me. Plus, with a flashcard you can play GB/GBC games "zoomed in" to 50% bigger than on a GB/GBC/SP, and play in "Super Gameboy Mode" right on the DS. It rocks.

[MagitekAngel]

The buttons on the original have a nicer, more solid feel, but they're still in the same awkward layout for GBA games. I would have appreciated being able to use the Y and B buttons instead.

[toptenmaterial]

Get yourself an old DS or DS Lite, the Castlevania Double Pack (GBA) and Advance Wars: Dual Strike (DS) and you're all set!

Edited April 1, 2011 by toptenmaterial

[ATARI7800fan]

Get yourself an old DS or DS Lite, the Castlevania Double Pack (GBA) and Advance Wars: Dual Strike (DS) and you're all set!

I tried a DS lite out today for a bit while I played Star Fox command. I did notice the the lower profile of the lite resulted in the corner digging into my hand a bit as I held it with one hand to use the stly's. I do not seem to have that problem with the DS phat but have not played it as long either. I was wondering is the bottom screen on the lite more sensitive because I noticed that compared to the slightly used DS lite when I tried the screen on the original DS(which my cousin has had since it came out) sometimes it did not want to register as well when I used the style's compared to the lite.

Edited April 1, 2011 by ATARI7800fan

[toptenmaterial]

the only issue that I had with a ds was with the original model. the power button, if i remember correctly, is right above the action buttons, so i would often shut my game off by mistake.