DS System - Frequently Asked Questions (Page 01)

Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for DS System - Frequently Asked Questions (Page 01).

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| _| |_  |          F A Q            |    O    |
||_   _| |        Version 4.7        |  O   O  | 
|  |_|   |         7/29/05           |    O    |
|        | Computerdude1032@gmail.com|         |
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Table of Contents:
I.    GENERAL INFORMATION
 1.	Introduction to the Nintendo DS, and this FAQ (C1T1)
 2.     How to navigate this FAQ (C1T8)
 3.	Technical Specifications (C2T1)
 4.     Where's My Stuff? (C1T9)
II.   BASIC OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
 1.	Initally Setting Up Your DS (C2T2)
 2.     Changing Your DS's Settings (C7T1)
 3.	Inserting, and Playing Games (C3T1)
 4.	Pictochat Information, And Use (C3T2)
 5.	Offline Multiplayer(C3T3)
 6.     Online Multiplayer (C3T6)
 7.     Shut Down, Sleep Mode, Restarting, and Saving (C9T0)
 8.     "Play Yan" Device (C7T2)
III.   OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
 1.     Frequently Asked Questions (C4T2)
 2.     News(C6T1)
 3.     Nintendo Replacment Parts(C4T4)
 4.     Rumor Control (C9T6)  
IV.  GAMES
 1.	Recommended Games (C4T3)
 2.     Upcoming Games (C1T5)
V.    INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FAQ
 1.     Copyright Information (C5T1)
 2.     Credits (C5T2)
 3.     Version Notes (C5T3)
 4.     Thanks For Reading (Free Gmail Invites)


If you are having trouble navigating this FAQ (or just think its a pain to do),
I have now created a web site that has the exact same information in an easy
to navigate, and easy to read format.  I've put a lot of time into it, and I
think it looks, and works great. (with the exception of a few pages, which
still need to be put into the correct format).  If you've got comments or
suggestions on the site (or anything else about the FAQ, or DS), please email
me at computerdude1032@gmail.com.

Thanks for coming to read my FAQ, I really appreciate it.  As my thanks, I'm
giving away free gmail invites.  I have a TON of them, so if you want one,
email me at computerdude1032@gmail.com asking for one.  Please don't email me
asking what a Gmail invite is.  If you don't know, you can read about it at
www.gmail.com.


I. GENERAL INFORMATION
   In the general infmormation section of the FAQ, you will find general stats
about the Nintendo DS, and this FAQ.
****************
Introduction to the Nintendo DS, and this FAQ (C1T1)
***************

The Nintendo DS is Nintendo's newest handheld system.  It was released 11/21/04
in the US, and 12/2/04 in Japan.  The Nintendo DS was the first Nintendo system
to be released in the US before release in Japan.  While in development, this 
unit was code-named Nintendo DS, with the DS standing for dual screen.  Later, 
Nintendo decided to keep the name Nintendo DS, but change the meaning to 
developers system, as this console obviously offers a lot for game developers.
Currently, the Nintendo DS retails for $149.99 in the US.  Currently the only
colors avaiable in the US, and Europe are Silver, and Electric Blue.  You can
import other colors from Japan.

The reason I made this FAQ was so I could help current DS owners with 
questions they may have, and tell non-DS owners about this great system.
If you have a question that is not anwered, or have a suggestion, please
email me at computerdude1032@gmail.com.  I will usually respond within a day.
It should be noted that I can only post updates to CheatCC on weekday's, so if
you contribute something to me it will be posted within the next business day.
It should also be noted that this is the original DS Hardware FAQ.  I've been 
around long before that other one thats posted.  Thanks to a lot of hard work, I 
even managed to get my size bigger than that other one.  Remember, no 
question is a stupid one.  If there's something you're confused about, chances 
are that other people are also confused, so please email me so that I can clear 
it up for you.  The address is computerdude1032@gmail.com



***************
How to navigate this FAQ (C1T8)
***************
It can be quite easy to navigate through this guide, provided you are using
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, or Mozilla's Firefox.  Just press the CTRL, 
and F buttons on your keyboard, and a window will pop up.  Type the code behind
the category of information you are looking for from the table of contents, and+
either click find next, or press ENTER on your keyboard.  Next thing you know,
you will be at the section of the information you are looking for (unless I
accidently put the code at the wrong section, in which case, please send me
an email notifing me of the error)



***************
Technical Specifications (C2T1)
***************
For all you nerdy people out there who actually know how to decipher this stuff
(yes, I am one of them) this section contains the technical specs of the 
Nintendo DS handheld gaming system:

Size (closed): 5.85" wide / 3.33" long / 1.13" tall 

Upper Screen: Backlit, 3-inch, semitransparent reflective TFT color LCD with
256x192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch 

Touch Screen: Same as upper screen, but with transparant analog touch screen
 
Color: Capable of displaying 260,000 colors 

Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary format; wireless
range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play 
multiplayer games using just one DS game card 

Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face
buttons, plus control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons 

Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance Game 
Paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone 

Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users to chat
at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen 
calibration 

CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7 

Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the 
software 

Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering six to 10 hours of play on a four-hour 
charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter 

Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian 

Color: Silver and black (silver on front, black on back)/Electric Blue (Blue
on front, black on back)


Summary In Layman's Terms:
In case you aren't one of those nerdy people who can decipher that, I've done
the work for you.  Some of the stuff that was self explanatory received no
extra explanation.

*The screens are backlit, instead of frontlit, allowing for sharper graphics.
*The DS has a touch screen, allowing you to do amazingly cool things
*The DS has enough power to display some awesome graphics
*The DS uses 802.11 G or B (check FAQ if you don't know what that is) to allow
you to play wireless multiplayer, offline or online.
*You can control the DS using the touch screen, the microphone, face buttons,
d-pad, shoulder, and select buttons.
*Inupt: There are slots for both GBA, and DS games.
*Output: There is a port for stereo headphones.
*Built in chat software, alarm clock, and clock.
*One processor for GBA games, and one very powerful processor for DS games.
*Awesome speakers, can produce exact same sound as a console connected to a TV
could.
*Long lasting battery, quick charger
*Available in many languages for those of you who want to test out some
of those foreign language skills you've been learning in school, or for those
who live in other countries, and imported a US DS. (Or those who prefer to
speak a different language in the USA)


***************
Where's My Stuff? (C1T9)
***************
When you open your new Nintendo DS, you should receive:
1 Nintendo DS unit
1 Nintendo DS rechargable battery (pre-installed in the system)
2 Styli (styli is plural for stylus)
1 Instruction manual
1 AC adapter
1 Wrist strap

In case you are having trouble loacting an item inside your box, I will tell
you where you can find each item.  The DS unit can be found in a clear plastic
bag inside the rectangular cardboard insert.  The battery is already in the 
system.  One stylus is in the clear plastic bag withthe instruction manual.  
The other is already inserted intothe stylus hole in the back of the DS unit.
The instruction booklet is found in the clear bag with the spare stylus.  The
AC adapter is in a seperate clear bag, which should be right next to the bag 
with the manual (but things can be shifted during shipment).  The wrist
strap is in a tiny blue bag, all by itself.  Hopefully this assisted everybody
having trouble finding items in their DS box.  If you still can't find
something, or think you are missing something, email me at
computerdude1032@gmail.com, and I will either help you locate the missing item,
or provide you with Nintendo's contact information so you can report your
missing item to Nintendo customer service.


II. BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
    For the MOST PART, everything in this section can also be found in the DS's
instruction booklet.  If you have had your DS for a while, and don't need help
operating it, you can just skip right over the basic operating instructions
section and head for the next section.  This section may also be refrenced to
as the "noobier" section.


***************
Initally Setting up your DS (C2T2)
***************
Holy crap, your first time turning on your DS.  Get ready to be amazed, these
are step-by step instructions to get you going once you've turned on your DS,
and seen the startup menu:

1. Turn on the DS (press the button marked "power")
2. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
3. You are now at the setup menu
4. The first option is to select a language, touch the language of choice, and
then press accept.
5. The next option is to tell the DS your nickname.  Using the on screen
keyboard, type your name, then hit enter
6. The next option is your favorite color.  Press your favorite color, and hit
accept on the touch screen.
7. Next option is to set the time.  Using the touch screen, set the DS's time,
in military time.  (if you need help with military time, see the military time
question in the FAQ)
8. Last step is setting your birthday.  Using the touch screen, set the day,
and month of your birthday. (there is no option for year).  Touch accept on the
touch screen when done.
9. Congrats, your done.  The system will now shut down, upon which you can
start it up, and find out exactly why touching is sooooo good.



**************
Changing your DS's Settings.
**************
If you've changed your name, moved to a different time-zone, need to mess with
the date for Animal Crossing cheating methods, changed your favorite color, or
need to change any other setting, follow these instructions.  If you have a
Japanese DS, refer to the icons, which are the same on US and Japan DS's.

1: Start The DS Unit (press the button marked "power")
2. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message
3. On the main menu, touch the icon that is on the bottom-center of the touch
screen.  It is a picture of a little DS.
4. Now, you are at the change settings menu.  Here's a list of what each of the
icons does:
*Wrench- Lefmost icon: Allows you to select the screen you would like to use
when starting GBA mode, and allows you to set the default language.
*Calander and Clock- Center-left icon: Allows you to change date, time, and
alarm settings.
*Person- Center-Right Icon: Allows you to enter user information (name,
favorite color, etc..)
*Crossbuck- Rightmost icon: Allows you to calibrate the touch screen.  To do
this, you must tap the center of the boxes with your stylus.
5. Touch the icon representing whichever setting you need to change.
6. When you are done chaning all the settings you need to change, hit the quit
button on the change settings main menu to leave.
7. You will be prompted to shut down the system.
8. Press "Yes," or "No."
9. If you press "No," you will be returned to the change settings main menu,
the only way to get back to the startup menu is to power off the system, and
turn it back on.



*************
Inserting, and Playing games (C3TI)
*************
This section provides step-by-step instructions for functions involving games.
All game playing instructions are given for when the DS is in manual startup
mode, if you have your DS in automatic startup mode, you will need to refer to 
the DS instruction manual, or email me for help.

**Inserting a Nintendo DS game card:**
1. Remove the card from the case.
2. Hold the card, label down.
3. Line up the card with the DS game hole in the back of the unit.
4. Start sliding the card into the hole
5. Keep pushing untill you hear a click.
6. Once you've heard the click, you can let go.
7. You can now go to the "Playing a Nintendo DS game" section.

**Inserting a Gameboy Advance game pack:**
1. Hold the pack label down.
2. Line up the pack with the Gabeboy Advance game hole in the front of the
unit.
3. Start siding the card into the hole.
4. When it is about 3/4 of the way in, it will no longer slide freely.
5. When this happens, give it a good hard push, and it will snap in to place.
6. You can now go to the "Playing a Gameboy Advance game" section.

**Removing a Nintendo DS game card**
1. Push in on the game card.
2. You will hear a click
3. Release
4. The card will pop half-way out.
5. Pull out the card.

**Removing a Gameboy Advance game pack**
1. Grab the little bit of game sticking out of the front of the unit
2. Pull hard
3. There may be a bit of resistance at first, but then it will come right out.

**Playing a Nintendo DS game**
1. After you've inserted your game, and you want to play, look at these 
instructions.
2. Turn on the DS by holding the power button down for about 1 second.
3. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
4. Touch the icon labeled "Game Name Here."
5. Your game will start.
6. For gameplay instructions, consult your game manual, or email me.

**Playing a Gameboy Advance game pack**
1. After you've inserted your game, and you want to play, look at these
instructions.
2. Turn on the DS by holding the power button down for about 1 second.
3. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
4. Touch the icon labeled GBA Game Pak.
5. Your game will start
6. For gameplay help, consut your game instructions, or email me.


************
Using Pictochat (C3T2)
************
Pictochat is a program built in to every DS that acts like an instant
messaging program.  You may chat with up to 16 people that are within 100 feet
of you.  Here are instructions on how to enter, use, and exit pictochat:

**Entering Pictochat:**
1. Turn on the unit by pressing, and holding the power button for about 1
second.
2. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
3. Press the center-left icon titled Pictochat
4. You are now at the select a chat room menu, for further instructions see the
using Pictochat section.

**Using Pictochat:**
1. Choose a chat room to enter by touching it.
2. You are now in the chat room.  Messages will be displayed on the top screen,
you can type/write on the bottom screen.  Here's a brief list of functions:
*The button below the enter button is the copy button, you can press it to copy
the last message displayed on the top screen (this is great for games of tic
tac toe, or hangman)
*You can drag letters onto the screen, or just press them, and have them appear
on the top-left of the first line.
3. When you are done typing your message, press the Enter button.
4. For help exiting Pictochat, please see the "Exiting Pictochat" section.


**Exiting Pictochat**
1. Press the small "X" located in the upper right corner of the touch screen
2. You will be brought to the select a room menu
3. Press the exit button on the bottom of the screen
4. The system will ask you to shut down.  If you press no, you will be brought
back to the select a room menu.  In order to leave Pictochat, you must shut the
system off
5. Touch "Yes" on the touch screen
6. The system is now off.

************
Offline Multiplayer (C3T3)
************
This section contains information on how to use both single and multiple card
multiplayer modes.

*****Single Card Multiplayer*****

Some DS games allow you to wirelessly share one copy of the game among multiple
DS's, so that you may play multiplayer with only one card.  This is how to set
up Single card download play:

**Host (person with copy of game)**
1. Turn on your DS
2. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
3. Touch the icon to start a Nintendo DS game (for more detailed instructions
on how to do this, look in the "playing a DS game section."
4. From this point, every game is different.  You will need to consult your
games manual for more information on hosting a match for each particular game.

**Playing a Game (people without copies of the game)**
1. Turn on your DS
2. Touch the touch screen to pass through the warning message.
3. Touch the icon labeled "one card download play," which is located in the
center-right of the touch screen.
4. You will be brought to a list of available games.
5. Touch the game you want to play
6. The game will be downloaded
7. Once all users have downloaded the game, the host can start the match.

*****Multi-card Multiplayer*****

Some games feature  multiplayer modes that are too complex, and large to be
transfered quickly enough, so they require a copy of the game for each player.
Here is how to do it:

**Host(whoever wants to be)**
1. Start your DS
2. Touch the screen to pass through the warning message
3. Touch the icon representing whichever DS game you are playing
4. On the games main menu, choose multiplayer
5. Choose host
6. Choose the settings for your game
7. Now, have all other players follow the "non-host" instructions below
8. Once all players have joined the game, and chosen any avaiable settings
(like color for their character, etc..) touch start, and your game will start.

**Non-Host(everybody that isn't the host)
1. Turn on your DS
2. Touch the screen to pass through the warning message
3. Touch the icon representing whichever DS game you are playing
4. On the games main menu, choose multiplayer
5. The screen will take a few seconds to load, and once it does, choose the
multiplayer game you want to join from the list.
6. Once all players have joined the game, and chosen any avaible settings (such
as color for their character, etc..) the host will start the game.

NOTE: For more detailed instructions, please see the instructional booklet 
included with your particular game.


************
Online Multiplayer (C3T6)
************
Every online game has the service implemented differently, for example, in
Animal Crossing, you need to go to the "gate of the city", and talk to the
guy in order to connect.  In Mario Kart, you can choose online from the main
menu.  In other games, there are other ways of getting online.  Because of this
you will need to refer to each games spefic instruction booklet to find out how
to use that particular games online features.  The below instructions will 
assist you in getting your home ready to support DS online play.  For other 
questions, see the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the FAQ.

1. First you need High Speed Internet (Cable, Satellite, or DSL, accellerated
dial-up services DO NOT COUNT as high speed internet)
2. You need to purchase a wireless router that is either 802.11B or 802.11G.
(if you don't know what that is, you can tell the nice man at your local Best
Buy store that you need to but a 802.11B/G wireless router, and they will
direct you to the right product)
3. Plug your High Speed internet into the incoming port on the wireless router,
connect one of the outgoing ports to your computer using included ethernet
cable.
4. The Windows setup wizard will automatically start, and will get your
network set up for you in a jiffy. (if you're not using Windows, you may as
well throw your router in the street, and run it over, because it is worthless
due to the fact that other operating systems will only use routers made by them
(cough)apple(cough)
5. Congrats, your network is setup!
6. Flip open your DS, and press the black "power" button
7. Touch the screen to pass through the warning message
8. Start the DS game (if you have the DS in manual mode), otherwise the game
will automatically start.
9. Consult each particular games instructions booklet from this point on.

NOTE: This is the ONLY way to connect online, contrary to the rumors going on
throuought the internet, you CANNOT connect the DS to the internet with a USB
cable. (and if you don't beleive that, check your DS for a USB port, and tell
me what you find)



************
Shut Down, Sleep Mode, Restarting, and Saving (C9T0)
************
First, let me explain what each thing is.  Shut down is obvious... turning off
your DS.  When you need to leave your DS for a short amount of time, you turn
it to sleep mode, to save battery.  Saving is just saving your progress in a 
game.  Restarting is a combination of buttons that resets the console, and
works in most games.

**Saving**
1. To save a game, you do NOT need any memory cards, or anything.  Each game
pack has a partition of memory set aside for saving games.  For information on
saving, you should consult each particular games' manual.

**Sleep Mode**
1. Turning your DS to sleep mode is a lot easier than other Gameboy's.  Simply
fold the DS up at any time, the backlighting will go off, the game will pause,
and it will make a sound.(in a FEW games, there is no sleep mode sound)
2. To wake up, just open up the DS, everything will go back the way it was, and
it will make another sound. (in a FEW games, there is no sleep mode sound)

**Turning Off**
1. Save your game using the method described in your game instruction manual.
2. Press, and hold the power button for about a half a second.
3. The DS is now off.

**Restarting**
1. This only works in certain games
2. Press and hold Start, Select, L, and R at the same time.
3. The unit will power on, and then off.



***********	
Online Play (C4T1)
***********
YES, NINTENDO FINALLY ANNOUNCED ONLINE PLAY!!!!!!!!!

Here's what we know:

Its coming Q4 of this year

IGN owned Gamespy will be in charge of hosting the servers, and programming
them to work properly

1st party games will ALL be playable free, 3rd party games can charge for any
part, or all of their online play, as they see fit.

Games with online capabilitles are (as soon as actual game titles are announced
I'll post them):
Activision, Inc. -- Tony Hawk game (working title)
Atari -- TBA
BANDAI CO., LTD. -- Mobile Suit Gundam (working title); Digimon World (working 
title)
BANPRESTO CO., LTD. -- TBA
Buena Vista -- TBA
CAPCOM CO., LTD. -- TBA
Electronic Arts -- TBA
FromSoftware, Inc. -- Tenchu DS (working title)
HUDSON SOFT Co., Ltd. -- Bomberman (working title); Momotaro Dentetsu World 
(working title)
KOEI Co., Ltd. -- Dynasty Warriors DS (working title)
KONAMI CORPORATION -- KOJIMA Productions Products; WORLD SOCCER Winning Eleven 
Series; JIKKYO POWERFUL PROYAKYU Series (working title); Castlevania Series 
(working title)
Majesco -- TBA
Marvelous Interactive Inc. -- Bokujou-Monogatari series (working title); Rune 
Factory (working title); Contact (working title); Real-Time-Strategy (working 
title)
Mastiff -- TBA
NAMCO LIMITED -- New RPG (working title)
Nintendo -- Animal Crossing DS; Mario Kart DS; Many more titles in development
SEGA CORPORATION -- TBA
Spike CO., LTD. -- Professional Wrestling (working title)
SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. -- Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles (working title)
TAITO CORPORATION -- TBA
Take 2 (2K Games) -- TBA
Telegames -- TBA
THQ -- TBA
Ubisoft -- TBA
Vivendi -- TBA 

Check the FAQ section of this FAQ for more information about things you are
most likely wodnering


************
Rumor Control(C9T6)
************
A lot of things get out of hand on the message boards. I try to browse those 
boards, and when it seems that there is confusion about whether something is 
true or not, I will post a definite answer.

Rumor: You can connect a USB cable to your DS as an alternative of buying a
wireless router to connect to the internet.
Truth: Look at your DS.  Do you see anywhere for a USB cable?  Even if there
was (which there isn't, if you missed that) Nintendo has already stated that
ALL multiplayer modes on the DS would be completly wire free.  For those of
you worried about buying a router, just go to www.compusa.com, and click
weekly ad.  They usually have a router on sale for $5-10 every week, and even
if they don't have a store near you, you can order online using their penny
shipping option.

Rumor: The Play Yan is coming to the US/Europe
Truth: Yes, it is.  Either Q4 2005, or Q1 2006.  While Nintendo has not yet
made this information public, I can say with 100% accuracy that it IS coming.

Rumor: Animal Crossing DS is coming out July!  Nintendo power said so!
Truth: Its true, Nintendo Power did say this.  Unfortunatly, they have now
issued a statment stating that this was a misprint, and you should be expecting
the game in October, not July.  How this kind of a misprint happens, nobody
knows, but it is now past July, and no AC:DS :(

Rumor: The Nintendo "Revolution" will connect to the DS
Truth: Most likely yes, but you won't be needing any cables, because both
devices have built in Wi-fi, and Nintendo says they want everything wireless.

Rumor: Online play has been confirmed!!!!!!
Truth: YES, IT HAS.  AWESOME!!  Its going to freaking rock.

Rumor: Screen protectors are necessary!!!!!!!!1??1!!!
Truth: On NOA's site, they clearly state that they don't recommend using screen
protectors, but if you do, the warranty on your screens are voided, as a lot
of screen protectors leave behind a residue, and Nintendo can't be responsible
for that.  I've had my DS since launch, haven't used any screen protectors,
have been very rough on my screen, and no scratches, or other damages have
occured.  Screen protectors are a waste of money, and in many cause cause more
damage than they prevent.

Rumor: Bill Gates wants to buy Nintendo
Truth: Who wouldn't want to buy Nintendo?  That aside, Bill Gates already has
a successful gaming company, and could get into the handheld business if he
wanted too.  This one is false (well, I'm sure he has a wild fantasy of buying
Nintendo, but there is no way it would ever happen)

Rumor: The PSP is better than the DS
Truth: Hardware... yes.  In every other aspect... no.  The things that really
kills the PSP are the 1 minute + loading times, and low battery life.  The 
thing that really makes the DS rock are touch screen, unique games, and 
portabality.



************
"Play Yan" Device (C7T2)
************
The Play Yan IS coming to the US, however I cannot currently post any details
besides that.  Check back for instructions on using your Play Yan.  NOTE: Play
Yan is the Japanese name, it WILL be getting a new name for the US/Europe.



***********
Frequently Asked Questions (C4T2)
***********
Thanks to my nice mini-table of contents, you should be able to find answers
to your questions in record time.  If you have any suggestions on how this 
section could be improved, contact me.  As with the main table of contents, 
you just need to type the code behind the section you are looking for into 
the CRTL+F search box.

FAQ Section Table Of Contents
I.     Hardware
 1.  Screens (FQ1T1)
 2.  Battery/Charging (FQ1T2)
 3.  Other (FQ1T3)
 4.  Pictochat (FQ1T4)
II.    Games
 1.  Game Questions (FQ2T1)
 2.  Puting in/taking out games (FQ2T2)
 3.  Multiplayer (FQ2T3)
 4.  Online (FQ2T4)
 5.  Backward Compatibality (FQ2T4)
 6.  Connectivity (FQ2T5)
III.   Accessories
 1.  General Accessory Questions (FQ3T1)
 2.  "Play Yan" Device (FQ3T2)
IV.    Other
 1.  Temporary Questions (FQ4T1)
  


     **Screens** (FQ1T1)

Q: My friend/mom/dad/cousin/dog/fellow cheatcc user told me that there are 2 
different touch screens, one offering a better level of protection than the
other.
A: I looked into this myself, extremly throughly.  I ran a test of my own, and
contacted Nintendo of America corporate HQ.  Both results were the same.  There
are 2 differently designed touch screens.  They came from different factories.
They offer the same level of protection, and almost the same level of clarity.
Don't beleive anybody that says one screen is less durable than the other.

Q: Whats a dead pixel?
A: Its basically a "broken" pixel.  It always displays one color, no
matter where you are or what you are doing.  It could be gray, green, red,
blue, white, or any other color (but those are the most common).  No need to
worry, all LCD procuct manufacturer's have problems with broken pixels.
(ESPECIALLY Sony)  It is a manufacturing problem, and CANNOT occur during 
shipment, or anytime outside of the plant.  And just for the record, the Sony 
PSP (so far) has a MUCH higher dead pixel % than the DS. (and they refuse to
give you a new one if you have less than 3 dead pixels)

Q: Whats a pixel?
A: Look closely at the screen (with it turned on).  You should see tons of
tiny dots.  These dots are pixels.  There are 49,152 of them on the screen.
(No, I didn't actually count, I'm just going off the information I was given
by Nintendo) 1,000,000 pixels is also known as a megapixel.

Q: AHHHHHH, I have a dead pixel
A: Its ok, quite a few other people are having this problem as well, so did I.
Just call Nintendo, tell them about your dead pixel problems, and they will 
send you a new one via UPS 2 day air.  Then when you get the new one, you use
the included label, and send it back to them.  If you prefer not to talk to
people, there is a nice way to do it online.  Just go here:
https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/repair/repair_form_us.jsp
Note: If you fill out the form online, you must send in the old DS before you
get a new one, if you call, they will send you the new one first. (NOTE: If you
call, they need a CC number.  This is just to prevent you from not returning
the broken DS.  If they do not receive the broken one within 14 days, your CC
will be billed $132.95 plus shipping, and don't ask me how they came up with 
that price)

Q: What are the chances of me getting a dead pixel?
A: Nintendo reports that under 1% of units have dead pixels, but in my dealings
it is seeming to be more like 2-3%.

Q: How do I clean my screen?
A: Wet half a paper towel with any cleaning agent, or water.  Rub the screens.
With the dry half, dry the screens.  The paper towel will not scratch the 
screens, or leave behind any lint, don't beleive anybody who says differently.

Q: Do I need a screen protector?
A: No, Nintendo put lots of extra protection on the touch screen.  As I
mentioned above, its nearly impossible to damage the screen.  If you still feel
the need to have a screen protector, you can purchase any PDA screen protector
and cut it to size.  Note that using a screen protector does void the warranty
on your screens, and usually causes more damage than it prevents)

Q: My friend/mom/dad/cousin/dog/fellow cheatcc user told me that I can use a 
plastic bag, and some glue for a screen protector.  Will this work?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!  A friend/mom/dad/cousin/dog/fellow cheatcc user also
told me this.  It is just a mean spirited person trying to ruin your DS.  If
if you use glue and a bag on your touch screen, it will cause severe damage,
and will definitly affect the touch screens touching abilities. (ex: the touch
screen may be less accurate, or not work at all).  No matter what anybody tells
you, never use a homeade screen procetor, or any screen protector for that
matter.

Q: Whats the difference between a backlit screen, and a frontlit screen?
A: With a front lit screen, the light is in front of the screen, so if you
hold it at an angle, you will be able to see the light.  In a backlit screen,
the light is behind the screen, and allows for more even lighting, and makes
the graphics look much sharper.  The DS, and GBA:M have backlit screens, and 
the GBA:SP has a frontlit screen.



     **Battery/Charging** (FQ1T2)

Q: Can I charge my DS while playing?
A: Yes, and contrary to the rumors, you CAN unplug it while its on.


Q: Does it hurt my DS if I don't charge it before the first use?
A: Nintendo claims it may reduce battery life, but in all my electroincs
expierence I've never seen battery life reduced because you didn't charge
before first use.  I'd still recommended doing it, because you'd rather be safe
than sorry.

Q: My friend/mom/dad/cousin/dog/fellow cheatcc user told me that if I unplug
the DS while it is turned on, a cicruit will blow.
A: I know, some PSP fanboy posted this on the message boards.(their post was
quickly deleted by the mods).  Anyway, this is completly false, I tested it on
mine, and nothing happened.  Also send Nintendo an email about it, and they
said this is false.

Q: A red light is on when I'm playing, what should I do?
A: This means your battery is low.  Save ASAP, and plug it in.  Note that you
usually have about 15-20 minutes of play time left once the light comes on, so
feel free to finish whatever you were doing.