DS Accessories Buying Guide

Whether you've got the original Nintendo DS  or the new DS lite,  there are a bunch of accessories to consider buying--from the essentials to the stuff that's just for fun.  Check out this buying guide to learn how to trick out your DS while keeping it in tip-top shape.

The Basics

These products will help you keep your DS protected, charged and ready for some touch action.

The Must-Haves
The Stylus  Although your DS comes with a stylus, it makes sense to buy a replacement in case you lose yours in a frenzy of screen scribbling.  You can get styli in all different sizes and colours--whatever matches your mood or your DS best.  A few companies even make styli that attach to your fingertip, so your hand becomes your best tool.	Screen Protector  If things get a little wild during game play, you'll be happy you have one of these. This thin layer of plastic will keep your screen free of scratches and dirt, ensuring that you can always see your screen clearly.  Custom DS screen protectors come fitted for both the touch screen and the viewing screen.	The Battery and AC Adapter  Before replacing the battery and adapter that already come with your DS, try troubleshooting at Nintendo.com. Making sure your DS is always fully charged helps to avoid any unfortunate gaming incidents--like getting to that last level right as the screen fades to black!	Starter Pack   To make sure you have all the essentials, from screen cleaners  to car chargers,  power packs  and cases,  consider picking up a DS starter kit.  These babies can range from the super-simple to downright extravagant.

The Cases

Cases are as much about protection as they are about style.  In all sizes, colours, shapes and varieties--hard, soft, travel etc.--you have a lot of thinking to do before handing over any of that hard-earned cash.

Endless Cases
The Hard Case  Hard cases are made for those of you who are bit more rough and tumble.  You can get hardcore aluminium to durable plastics and insulated Styrofoam.	The Soft Case a.k.a. The Pouch  The soft case, more commonly known as a DS pouch  doesn't offer quite as much protection as its harder brethren, but it still keeps dirt and other harmful substances from getting into the ports of your DS.  It also adds scratch protection while being squishable for easy storage.  An added bonus?  Most pouches come with outside pockets for game cartridges and other accessories.	Novelty Cases  Do you have a cartoon you're really into?  Maybe everything in your room and wardrobe is colour coordinated and you want your DS case to match.  No matter what your quirk, there are tons of novelty cases out there to match.  From Hello Kitty to zebra stripes, you're covered.	Travel Cases  Some cases are made specially for travel, with carabiners to hook to your belt buckle or detachable straps and handles.

There's More

• Skins  and covers add a little pizazz.
• Touch pens  work well for the bigger hands out there.
• Game cases  are a great way to stay organized.
• Ear buds  come in handy when travelling on a bus or subway with other passengers.

Related Guides

The Must-Haves
DS Games	Wii Accessories	Nintendo DS Lite	XBox 360 Accessories	Playstation 3 Accessories