Advice for UK Consumers

Nintendo 3DS, DSi, DS and GBA Consoles

This page provides information on the Nintendo range of handheld games consoles, including the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DS and GBA. Links to the lowest prices for purchasing the consoles, games and accessories in the UK.

Nintendo's handheld consoles

Nintendo's Game Boy Advance was released in June 2001, continuing the popularity of the original Game Boy, then Game Boy Color. It was a true 32-bit graphics games console, that fits in the pocket.

A version known as Game Boy Advance SP, with backlight and built-in rechargeable battery, was launched in March 2003. This was followed by the touchscreen Nintendo DS in 2005, the Nintendo DS Lite and the Game Boy Micro.

In 2009, the wi-fi enabled Nintendo DSi was launched, and 2011 saw the launch of the Nintendo 3DS for 3D gaming without the need for 3D glasses.

	Nintendo 3DS The Nintendo 3DS launched in the UK on the 25th of March 2011 - The strong selling point for this console is 3D - Play games in 3D without the need for 3D glasses. As well as supporting 3D games, the 3DS comes with a stereo camera (for 3D photos), improved wi-fi and two new sensors for games (motion detector and gyro). The Nintendo 3DS looks set to be a serious mobile gaming console. You can order Nintendo 3DS from the following online retailers: Tesco Online (free delivery plus Tesco Points!) Amazon GAME(free delivery pack) Play.com (free delivery) Want to know more? Listen to the 10 minute podcast review: Nintendo 3DS Audio Review
	Nintendo DSi The Nintendo DSi launched in the UK in April 2009. Like the DS Lite, this has two screens, but this model adds two cameras, wi-fi connectivity, support for SD cards, and some new software for audio and image editing. Review: Podcast review at FrequencyCast - Details You can get the DSi from the following online retailers: Amazon Tesco GAME (free delivery pack) Play.com (free delivery)
	Nintendo DS Lite Nintendo DS launched in the UK on the 11th March 2005, with a retail price of £99. This machine followed on from the success of the GBA SP, has two screens (for compatible games), one of the a touchpad, and comes with wireless messaging software called PictoChat. Existing GBA games are compatible, but won't take advantage of the DS's extra screen. The lower DS screen is a touchscreen, and the DS adds stereo speakers and a built-in microphone. The DS Lite became available in 2006, with a slimmer smaller styling. Available from Amazon, and Play.com
	Game Boy Micro The Game Boy Micro launched in the UK in November 2005. This is an even more pocketable games console, and supports the GBA games cartridges. Availability: Try Amazon and Ebay.co.uk.
	Game Boy Advance SP This console became available in the UK in March 2003. Features include: Handheld video game console with flip-top screen Built-in screen light with on/off switch Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) offers 10-18 hours of continuous play 32-bit RISC CPU Backward-compatible - plays all Game Boy/Game Boy Advance games Availability: Try Amazon and Ebay.co.uk.
	Game Boy Advance First appearing in June 2001 in the UK, this is still a very popular and powerful handheld console. This was available in Blue, Clear blue, White, Pink, Platinum and Black The colour handheld electronic gaming console with 32-bit graphics and built-in stereo speakers was priced around £99. You may still be able to pick up one at Amazon or on Ebay.co.uk.

We recommend:

Best game for Nintendo DS or GBA: Advance Wars Dark Conflict

This is the fourth in the family of "Advance Wars" games. If you've not tried "Advance Wars" - it's a war strategy game - buy troops, tanks, aircraft and ships, and battle against computer opponents. You can also play with others by passing the console to a chum. Hugely additive and well worth trying.

"Dark Conflict" is a little more dark than the earlier "Advance Wars" games. Still top gameplay, and amazingly additive - all new COs, real-time Combat mode and more battle skills. Dark Conflict makes use of the DS touch screen, which aids until selection and provides an info display using the top screen while you play.

Advance Wars Dark Conflict is available from GAME , Amazon and Play.com.

Advance Wars screen