DS Accessories: what you really need

Sometimes, having a Nintendo DS is just not enough. We need extra styli, car chargers, mini game cases and silicone skins. Actually, no, you don’t really need any of that. Cutting through countless possibilities, PVG has gone through it all to bring you the must-have DS accessories you really need. Sure, a headset and an external emergency battery are cool, but every serious DS owner shouldn’t be caught without these neat items; a great stylus, a great screen protector, and a great system case. Come along as we show you the best of these objects, as well as another you might want and another everybody would want.



PDA Panache’s DS Lite Pro Stylus
If you can only have one of these three accessories, make it this one. Without a doubt, this is the best stylus for your Nintendo DS, Phat or Lite. This stylus is well built, designed for perfect handling, and includes a durable tip that won’t scratch your touch screen. Trust us; $20 seems high, but it’s well worth it. REVIEW

Hori DS Lite Screen Protectors
The perfect complement to a ‘non-scratching’ stylus is a tough screen protector, and Hori makes them tough indeed. Of course, the best thing to do would be to apply these to a brand new DS, but any system can use extra screen protection. Follow the application instructions carefully and your screens will be safe and sound from all sorts of attacks. Best of all, when it’s time to apply a new pair of protectors, you can safely remove the old ones without any sticky residue left behind. These protectors are so great, you could even say they are the bulletproof vests of handheld devices; they’re that good. REVIEW

Hori Compact Pouch
Hori also makes great system carry cases, and anyone who has used the Compact Pouch can vouch for its greatness. This sturdy but well-padded case snuggles your DS Lite and some games, up to 8 all squeezed together. You can also opt to substitute some DS cards for a GBA game or slot-2 accessory. Available in many colors, the Compact Pouch from Hori is of perfect size and it’s soft but also safe for your double-screened system. There’s a downside to this great case, however; it’s mostly only available via import. $15 or so can snag you one from popular game import sites such as YesAsia or PlayAsia.

With these three accessories and some good DS games, you will be a lean, mean, DS-gaming machine. If your DS collection escalates to heavenly heights, however, you might be in trouble. Worry not; we have the perfect item for you…

Nintendo Ultimate Game Library
This baby can hold 32 DS / GBA games, or, after some slight modifications, you can increase its capacity to a whopping 64 DS cards. There is one big problem, unfortunately; this is an endangered species, and your chances of finding one are very, very slim. Remember; eBay is your friend, and if you ever see this case, don’t think twice about it; buy it and be happy.

Ah, yes, and the one thing we all wish was readily available in stores…

DS Video-out Box (unofficial name)
This highly-priced little box is part of an early development kit for the Nintendo DS. Available only to game developers and some press members, this magical package can project DS video to a display, such as a computer. It would be awesome to have the ability to record our own DS videos, or show off our ‘leet skillz’ while playing Mario Kart on a giant screen display at the local mall. Oh well, maybe someday…