Best packages for the Nintendo DS: On a budget

The cheapest handheld in the budget range is the DS Lite, with a 3" touchscreen and battery life up to 15 to 19 hours. It weighs about the same as the DSi but is lighter than the XL and has most of the basic functionality they do.

The Lite differs from the DSis in that there's no camera or SD memory card slot, and you can't download games directly via the wifi connection. However, it does have one function the other two don't – backwards compatibility. This gives you the ability to play older Game Boy Advance games, which are still available to buy if you hunt them down.

Built-in wifi connects to the internet over any wireless network, so you can play games with other DSers or join online games anonymously.

While there are plenty of bargains out there for second-hand items, gaming consoles are one item it might be wise to purchase new. That way, you get a warranty and can rest assured it hasn't been dropped in the toilet by a previous owner. Also, there are sometimes added benefits when registering a new console online, like joining Club Nintendo.

Extra bits
Staying within a budget, you might want to limit how many extra bits and pieces you purchase. A couple of extras that might come in handy to keep your DS in tip–top shape is a shield and cleaning cloth. Some are available in packs, like this one from PDP for the DS Lite. The clear shield allows you to still use the touchscreen while protecting the original membrane.

Small carrying pouches are available for keeping the console extra safe and holding all your DS bits and pieces in one place. If you think your DS Lite will get a bit of rough-and-tumble action, these little rubberized Nerf protectors are not too bulky and come in different colors. There's even a matching case that holds 6 games.

Power on the go in the form of a car adapter is ideal if you're taking your DS on the road and won't have access to an electrical outlet. And who could do without a pack of Star Wars lightsaber styluses?

If you think you might want all of these extras in one go or you're giving the DS Lite as a gift, a handy starter kit is a not-too-expensive option. For example, this one provides a carrying case, clear "play-through" case, USB car charger, screen shields, extra styluses, and a set of earbuds.

Games
Sometimes games are cheap because, well, they suck. So if you're buying the DS Lite as a gift and aren't really sure what you're doing, it might be best to leave games to those who do. Otherwise, you could end up getting something that's not so great, like Wiffle Ball, for someone who really wants the highly rated Grand Theft Auto.

Some DS Lite packages come with a game, so look out for specials in stores and online. Even if you don't like the game, you could sell it and buy something else. Or to keep under a truly strict budget, buy a few secondhand games and swap them with friends once they've been played through. There are places online for this, like Amazon or Swap Game and Swap It in the U.K.

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