Thinking of getting a DS what do i need to know

[Crimson Day]

Ok it seems the whole DS phenomenon has somewhat passed me by as handhelds havnt really intrerested me. coming so late the party theres lots of questions i need answering i feel so ashamed. After my holiday in feb should actually have alot more money to spend on games decided to get a wii but want another toy late christmas pressies to me

1. Does it matter on region, or is it completly region free like previous gameboys? with the dollar being so weak importing might be the best option.
2. Wheres the best site to import from while importing is it best to get the unit stand alone or with a bundle?
3. Having missed so much ill probly pick up quite a few games, really interested in FF3,Castlevania,New super mario and brain age any others that i MUST pick up.
4. What are the odds on getting dead pixals on a import as i obviously cant really send it back as its overseas.
5. whats the battery life like on the little buggers?
6. wheres best to get games here or abroad? and an indication on prices?

Well that should be all i need to know any help would be kindly appriciated

[Mayhem]

1) Region free.
2) VG+ probably.
3) Ouendan/Elite Beat Agents, Phoenix Wright, Super Mario Kart, Mario&Luigi, Pac Pix, Touch Wario, Advance Wars, Zookeeper.
4) Minor but it's hit and miss like any screen.
5) About 10 hours on full charge with the Lite.
6) Most US games are $30-40 or roughly £15-20 at the current exchange rate compared to £30 here.

[Crimson Day]

cheers mate, how are VG+ on customs friendly with the DS? will i get hit if so how much?

[JamesS]

If you import the console, don't forget that you'll need to use a stepdown to charge it (or get hold of a UK charger). I got charged customs on my DS Lite from VG+, but I can't remember how much it was. You might be better off with a UK console, and then import the games. UK charger, plus you can take it back easily if you have dead pixels.

[MattyD]

^^ What he said. You may as well buy a UK machine because it's exactly the same as any other region but you don't have to worry about the adaptor and you get the benefit of a warranty should anything go wrong, esp. dead pixel issues. Once you've paid any customs charges and bought a new stepdown / adaptor I don't see you making a saving by importing.

I use Movietyme for all my DS games. They're cheap and they post from the UK so deliveries are fast and there's no bother with customs etc. Unfortunately they don't seem to sell consoles.

[Crimson Day]

yea thats what im thinking now as i think it will work out cheaper and theres alwasy the ease of taking it back, ill just import the games i think cheers for your help mate

[Crimson Day]

^^ What he said. You may as well buy a UK machine because it's exactly the same as any other region but you don't have to worry about the adaptor and you get the benefit of a warranty should anything go wrong, esp. dead pixel issues. Once you've paid any customs charges and bought a new stepdown / adaptor I don't see you making a saving by importing.

I use Movietyme for all my DS games. They're cheap and they post from the UK so deliveries are fast and there's no bother with customs etc. Unfortunately they don't seem to sell consoles.

Cheers mate will definatly pick a few games up from movietyme