Nintendo DS -vs- Gameboy

[Nomad]

Hi all, I am looking into getting one of either a Game Boy or a Nintendo DS. I am assuming Nintendo DS is better, but this is for an 8 year old boy. Anyone know what kind of games are used on Nintendo DS? I know Gameboy has plenty.

[Mr_D]

Well, don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure the DS is backwards compatible, meaning that all the old gameboy games will play on it aswell. Once again i'm not 100% sure on this so you might want to check at a games store or something. The DS is great in all respects, it can handle far better games such as a fully 3D port of Mario 64 which I would reccomend buying if you're getting a DS. It's also quite easy to use due to the touch screen interface and as a result of the touchscreen lots of new and innovative games are coming out.

Of course the older versions of the gameboy are cheaper and nowadays come bundled with several games alot of the time. If you're going to get a Gameboy as opposed to the DS get an advance SP, they're the small flip top design ones which make them more portable. You can get them in a wide array of colours and of course they're compatible with original gameboy games and advance games.

[Magus]

Yeah, all Gameboy systems are made reverse-compatible with previous Gameboy versions. I stopped with Gameboy after Advanced because I figure what's the point getting a new one when they come out with a different version every couple of years and then stop making games for all other versions?

But a friend of mine showed me his DS once. It has a harmonica program in it where you blow through some part of it and press buttons and it actually sounds like a harmonic. It's just a little complicated to use, but really fun, especially if you know a few songs already.

[Nomad]

Thanks for your input folks! Yeah, i did more reading and buying the DS is better. Heck, Ill play it more than my son.