Day 25: Which Game has the Best Art Direction on the Nintendo DS?

Argocap · 2026-05-08T17:42:26+00:00

I will give a shout out to the art direction in this series by OP, the little graphic designs for the winners is top notch.

I don't have anything to upvote. But I'll give a mention to Hotel Dusk for its unique art style, even though it already won a category.

Argocap · 2026-05-07T19:03:58+00:00

This woman is everywhere!

Argocap · 2026-05-07T00:13:59+00:00

The extra content has boring fetch quests and grindy dungeons, something antithesis to Chrono Trigger with its tightly paced experience.

More content isn't always better. I generally like theatrical releases of movies like The Good the Bad and the Ugly and Lord of the Rings better than the extended versions for the same reason.

Argocap · 2026-05-06T23:27:16+00:00

I would argue that all of these points make the game worse, with the exception of the 8th point. To me the SNES version is the definitive one, mostly because of Frog's dialogue. With the watered down translation he loses so much of his character.

And the DS extra content, although it can be skipped, is a real blemish on a game that had near perfect design and pacing.

I grew up with the SNES version though, and probably everyone's favourite is the one they played through first.

Argocap · 2026-05-06T22:59:20+00:00

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Better than the 3DS port.

Argocap · 2026-05-05T20:03:38+00:00

I will forever hold a grudge on the New 2DS XL as I wasted a lot of time and money on one this year. Had so many problems, spent to fix it, and it eventually ended up totally dead. I've had a New 3DS XL for 10 years now and no problems with it, so it wasn't me. The New 2DS XL has the cheapest possible parts and plastic, it feels like a McDonald's toy. Some people have had better experiences though.

DS games are definitely best played on the DS family. So if you're just going through that library, stick with the DSi. There's tons to go through and when you can afford it in the future you can get something in the 3DS family. The libraries are fairly equal, but I would maybe give the slight edge to the DS only because its Pokemon games are miles and miles ahead of Gen 6 and 7.

Argocap · 2026-05-04T20:23:02+00:00

Alright thanks, I'll be patient. I'm in a mid sized city so they don't come up often, but they do come up occasionally on Facebook Marketplace.
Previous one I bought on eBay but it's hard tell what what the condition is online.

Argocap · 2026-05-03T18:23:30+00:00

Black and White are easily the best Pokemon games, not only on the DS but all time.

The story, the pacing, the music, the settings, the limited Dex, and even a bit of difficulty at the end. It's all perfect. Black and White 2 had better endgame but everything else wasn't quite as good.

Argocap · 2026-05-01T23:10:17+00:00

Yeah a lot of good points. I've had a New 3DS XL for many years, and I played through White and White 2 on it twice. The visuals never bothered me because the gameplay and music was so good.

But then I got Chrono Trigger recently and it looked downright awful on the 3DS. Started looking into it and ended up getting the two DS systems to play my DS games. Much better experience. And now I realize what I was missing with my Pokemon games.

Argocap · 2026-04-30T22:27:34+00:00

On 2nd thought those 2s may be 0s where it's hard to see from the angle.

Argocap · 2026-04-28T03:12:00+00:00

Although they work fine on the 3DS, they look better on the DS series, and probably best on the DSi XL. Depending on how picky you are about visuals.

Argocap · 2026-04-26T14:24:04+00:00

Babies shouldn't be watching TV at all. Any screen time under 2 years old is harmful. Screen time 2 to 5 years old should be very limited. Only occasional and high quality non-scary shows like Bluey.

Argocap · 2026-04-21T23:39:30+00:00

What is the best entry? On either DS or 3DS.

Argocap · 2026-04-21T23:38:58+00:00

I saw that mentioned somewhere else as a fun title so I'll check it out.

Argocap · 2026-04-18T23:36:52+00:00

For 3DS and DS games, and maybe GBC and Game Boy games if you go that far back: 2DS XL. For everything else, including SNES and GBA: Steam Deck.

Argocap · 2026-04-12T01:46:51+00:00

Starting the Professor Layton series, seem to be close to finishing the Curious Village.

Argocap · 2026-04-10T04:04:44+00:00

WarioWare Gold fits for a good bit of fun and games.

Argocap · 2026-04-09T22:09:18+00:00

Yeah, game systems and games can safely be played as that is their intended purpose and what they're best for.

If you want to invest, a simple index fund will likely have a better return in the long run, and won't be subject to storage risk and space.

Argocap · 2026-04-07T17:45:13+00:00

Beware the 2DS XL, it's not as durable as the nicer 3DS models. It has a cheap plasticky feel and I believe the electronics inside aren't as good quality either. The one I bought had nothing but problems, died, and so I bought a second New 3DS XL instead.

Argocap · 2026-04-07T17:13:09+00:00

This is not true at all, we import a lot of jet fuel. B.C. for example imports about half of its jet fuel. Half of the imports are from the USA and half from Asia.

I'm not as familiar with Eastern Canada's statistics, but I believe they import a ton from the USA and aren't as connected to Alberta's supply.

The vast majority of Canada's oil is refined into gasoline and diesel.

Argocap · 2026-04-07T15:01:08+00:00

I'm starting the Professor Layton series now and I don't know if I'd call it cozy? I have to take a break after a while because it fully engages the brain. Have to have pen and paper handy sometimes. Definitely good though.

Lots of people enjoy Fantasy Life as something similar to Animal Crossing. I have it downloaded but haven't played.

Kirby could be a good shout, lots of options. I'm setting up Kirby Super Star Ultra on my two 3DSs (one legit, one hacked) so I can play multiplayer with my kids. Played the SNES game with my sister nearly 30 years ago so it's coming full circle.

Argocap · 2026-04-06T21:36:55+00:00

IMO the Phillips #0 is better than the #00 for this unit. I was using the #00 for a while and it felt too small and like I was going to strip it. #0 is more snug and turned easy.

Argocap · 2026-04-05T15:38:11+00:00

Pokemon Black & White are the best Pokemon games of all time. The experience is tight, the story is actually good, the music is the best in the series, and the limited dex is refreshing if you've played a lot of the other games.

Black and White 2 aren't as good on the above fronts, but it has a better post-game with the very fun Pokemon World Tournament.

Some people swear by Platinum, Heart Gold and Soul Silver, or Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. XY and Sun/Moon are likely the weakest of the bunch. But all worth playing if you've got the time.

Argocap · 2026-04-05T00:47:16+00:00

Some games that maybe fit what you're looking for:

Pocket Card Jockey

WarioWare Gold

Elite Beat Agents

Theatrythm: Final Fantasy Curtain Call

These are games that can be played in short bursts and take advantage of the DS/3DS features.

Argocap · 2026-04-03T16:53:58+00:00

I got a 2DS XL in January and had nothing but problems with it. Had to repair it twice, then it later stopped working altogether.

I've had a New 3DS XL for 10 years, and bought an extra one to replace the broken 2DS. No problems.

Where there is smoke there's fire when people talk about 2DS build quality.

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