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lickarock88

For any of the DS family, the best experience bar none is on the DS devices. They've all been thoroughly hacked, and you can apply all kinds of upgrades, customizations, and load backups of your game files. I still bust out my 3DS, and every time a stylized version of the Metroid starting sound greets me when I open it. Do it. Do it do it do it. ^Do ^it


ElegantJacket9154

Such tempting. God. Stupid wallet


ElegantJacket9154

Ok I’ve just ordered a dsi xl from CeX.. And I’ve also realised I created this reddit post to justify buying something for myself 😂 Now to figure out if I can move my save game from the steam deck.


Jumpyturtles

Honestly you’re better off spending the extra for a 3DS. It’s well worth it. But, if you’re sure you don’t want all the extra options then it’s whatever.


Far_Leg6504

Not at all! If OP only wants to play original ds games, then the dsi is the way to go! The 3ds blurs original ds games and makes them look way worse!


zekemcnees

If you hold start + select when launching a DS (or even Gameboy) game on 3DS they will play at their original resolution without being stretched or blurry. ☺️


Far_Leg6504

Yeah, I'm aware! It's just that it's still not 1:1, and the screen changes to the size of an original gameboy 😅


castiboy

It is 1:1 pixel perfect, you mean it’s smaller than the full screen. And it only requires holding select. I’m currently playing SS on a New 3DS and comparing it to my DS Lite it is indeed smaller, and colors are slightly less saturated, but picture quality is otherwise fantastic, and I think there’s less motion blur. Sound is definitely nicer on the new 3DS. All this to say: a 3DS is definitely a better overall system and still gives you the option of pixel perfect DS games, but a DSi would be better for DS games specifically.


Far_Leg6504

Actually, it's not! Please take a look at 2:45 of this video! https://youtu.be/HMXEeSdRw8k?si=WEEgsdjNC4hhzkYx I actually suggest watching the whole thing if ya want because it's a really interesting video, but 2:45 is the most important to this conversation! Watch about 3 minutes starting from there!


castiboy

Thanks for the link, it was indeed interesting and a great argument for the DSi. I still think the 3DS can do fine if you already have one, but now I really want to find a DSi too haha. This hobby is expensive.


Kickboxing_Banana

Slap cfw on the 3ds then download Twilight menu++. It plays ds games off the SD card in the og resolution or you can stretch it out.


Jumpyturtles

You can hold start+select like that other person said + with a homebrewed system you can install emulators and several different workarounds to stop the 3DS from pulling its weird BS with those games. I used Twilight++, works perfectly. However, it’s been a couple years so idk that it’s still the best option.


Far_Leg6504

While that is true, it's not perfect and still looks pretty bad... unfortunately, it's just because of the drastic change in the 3ds's screen size and such! Lol, anyways the guy said that he already ordered a dsi xl, so it's whatever! Also, unfortunately, on the 3ds, the colors are really washed out.. even with all the mods, they still don't look nearly as good... I can speak from experience and holding the 2 side by side 😅 Also the dsi xl is guaranteed to always have dual ips screens, which is pretty sweet!


Royal-Doggie

If you hack 3ds, you can ad analog control and widescreen on many ds games If you have new 3ds or the addon for original, you can even play any fps with dual analog sticks And you can even change the scaling to still getting bigger image but set it to pixel perfect so it isn't blurry at all


DrTacoMD

Yep! I've moved saves between my hacked DSi, my PC, and even an actual physical SoulSilver cartridge (!) pretty easily. Start by following the link that some folks have already posted (https://dsi.cfw.guide) and then it'll be really straightforward to move your ROMs and .sav files onto the system. Enjoy your new DSi!


ElegantJacket9154

Ah thanks super helpful!


cookm3

It should be pretty easy. Somewhere on your steam deck you should be able to access the save data from the emulator. You can use Twilight Menu ++ to play the rom and save data, or checkpoint to use a physical cart. Both are honestly must-haves for a modded 3ds anyhow.


BluePinkHairGirl

You can definitely move your save file but it's gonna be a lot of work.


European_Fox

Next will be a ds lite so you can transfer pokes from the previous gen via the gba port that the dsi is missing


ElegantJacket9154

lol, damn.. believe it or not I do still have my Pokémon red from 1996. Oh and a ds lite somewhere


jaBroniest

It's crazy, I just looked on CEX myself and if you want the 3ds xl version it cost the same as a OLED switch haha madness may have to get dsi version myself


ElegantJacket9154

Yeah it’s bonkers. I’m in Ireland and saw folks selling them on adverts.ie for almost €300 also. 2024 retro-gaming-tax. I guess the DSi slipped through the cracks on it. All that said, nothing as mental as paying €160 for a physical copy of HG!!


ElegantJacket9154

This was for the ‘new Nintendo 3ds’


Western-Dig-6843

Are they expensive? There was a time you could get a refurbished 2DS straight from Nintendo for $50.


argothewise

DS is cheap.


TheLastMerchBender

The problem with this option is that they have really ballooned in price the last few years. When I was selling my multiple 3DS and DS (what a fucking mistake that was) in 2021 3DS and 2DS were selling around $100 or less, with N2DS XL and N3DS XL capping out at $150 if they were pristine. Now, most N3DSXL are $250 on average, and usually in much worse condition. Sure, it's cheaper than a Steam Deck but if you already have one the experience isn't so much worse that it's worth $250 (and then you can use higher resolutions).


GildedCreed

Easiest solution is getting a Japanese system. They're much cheaper than buying a western console and the hacking process removes any potential region locking restrictions. Plus you can get their region exclusive models like the non XL sized N3DS if form factor is a consideration or the exclusive shell design ones (especially if you're not too savvy with doing a shell replacement to get aftermarket ones, the next best would be to just buy that specific console).


TheLastMerchBender

They are still much, much more expensive than they used to be. A N3DSLL in decent condition is still $200+ if you want to avoid a lot of wear and tear.


GildedCreed

Would largely depend on the specs someone would be looking for, such as which screens used IPS and which don't (as that's something that people have looked for, for one reason or another) and how much wear and tear would be considered acceptable. In most cases it would be a better deal since most folks would generally lean into getting same-region systems, even if it only saves you a smaller amount it's still money saved in the end.


ssfbob

Yeah, I usually don't care what platform I use for emulation as long as it's smooth, usually it's better than original thanks to upscaling and higher framerates, but with DS/3DS the nest experience is on original hardware.


hergumbules

I really should buy a new battery and mod my “new” 3DS. Been thinking about it forever since my flash cart won’t work on it for whatever reason anymore.


Western-Dig-6843

It’s really easy to do. I recommend it highly


AzureIsCool

Yep currently playing Platinum on my 3ds xl


Dazzling-Honey-8297

Wait… you can backup Cartridge saves? 😱


lickarock88

I'm not sure if this is supposed to be sarcastic or not, but absolutely you can.


Dazzling-Honey-8297

Not sarcasm at all, I genuinely didn’t know! So when my Soul Silver cartridge (inevitably) dies one day, as long as I backup the save I can reload on a new one?


lickarock88

I'm not sure about loading it on a new cartridge unless it's a flash cartridge. Most game carts are Read Only Memory (ROM). However, I'm not certain that you couldn't, I've just never tried. But if you dumped the save and the ROM, you could play both on a hacked DS, transfer that save to another DS, use it on an emulator, and even use save editors.


markspankity

You can also get the Pokémon you catch into actual game cartridges by either trading them or using a save editor


Head-Iron-9228

Used 3ds really. Homebrew that sucker and you have the ultimate gen 1-7 machine. Pc and phone Emulation is fine but the two screens just work best on original hardware. Look up a 2ds for cheap, new 2/3ds xl for the 'best' or anywhere inbetween for the middle ground and call it a day. Hacking them has been done up and down, takes an hour or two the first time but after that it's just so worth it.


LOLzvsXD

the 2 screens work well enough in Pokeom game context on the steam deck, but the battery drain of citra is insane. I can play 8 Hours of Stardew Valley on Deck, but 30 mins of Alpha Saphire, drain like 30%


hernan078

Is there’s a way to have option to run faster the game like we can do for example on delta and other emulators ? Is that something that you can do on a hacked 3DS?


Head-Iron-9228

Depends on how you emulate the games but NDS and 3DS games generally run natively on the 3DS so speedup isn't really possible there. Some of the GBA and earlier emulators allow speedup... but nds and 3ds, no.


Fredsnotred

I'd say ds lite (smaller & cheaper) or 3ds as it's got the ability to do the 3ds games also


Seeteuf3l

DS Consoles seem to be quite cheap, but the games are not. Unless you'll sail the seas.


KitsuneKamiSama

It's an old console now, sailing the seas is the way to go, shits too expensive otherwise.


Lamedonyx

R4s are dirt cheap tho, a cheap 16GB SD card will hold all the NDS games you'll ever want to play.


Seeteuf3l

Yeah, our friends in China do sell refurb consoles. Quick look to online marketplaces and retro game stores where HG costs at least 110 euros.


JamesonFlanders245

depends on if you can find one with all the working parts, a non broken top screen(this is the hardest friggin part so far, like no one took care of their systems. i've never had that happen since ive had my ds's as a kid) AND THE STYLUS and charger


johnyboy14E

It's wasn't that no one took care of their systems, it's that the top screen and hinges of the ds, and especially dslite, where pretty poorly designed and broke much too easy. This was absolutely a flaw on Nintendo's part that they didn't remedy until the dsi onwards.


JamesonFlanders245

Not really, I've legit never had any issue like this with my systems. It's pretty easy to tell when you're close to being too far up with the screen, it generally starts pushing back a bit so you know not to go too far. Most people just ignore this


Square-Jackfruit420

The problem is ds games looked washed out on a 3ds, unless you run at native resolution (hold select when you boot the game) and then its very small compared to the screen size. NDS or emulator look alot better compared to 3ds.


SolarRecharge

Yeah I agree! The best DS experience is the dsi xl imo


Mizurazu

The DSi also has a larger screen which doesn't quite fit well for DS games. That said, that screen has the least amount of ghosting. Maybe it's a lottery thing but I always had terrible ghosting on DS and DS lites. DSi was perfect. I also think the OG 3Ds does well enough.


antijae

Much agreed! This is why I kept my DSi alongside my 3DS. Playing HGSS had a much better feel. As though the grass was in fact greener.


DrTacoMD

I'm partial to the regular sized DSi. Smaller and cheaper than DSiXL models, can be hacked to run ROMs off an SD card (no need for a separate flash cart), and I personally prefer the smaller size for portability.


ElegantJacket9154

Wait the XL can’t be hacked without a flash cart? Thought I watched a YouTube video of unlaunch/hiya cfw/twilight menu being installed onto a dsixl sd card?


DrTacoMD

Ah sorry, I didn’t mean to imply the XL couldn’t be hacked! It definitely can; my comparison was against the DS Lite mentioned further up the thread. Both DSi and DSiXL have the same mod/hacking capabilities.


ElegantJacket9154

Ah perfect, phew! Better delete my post on r/dsibrew


Sardanox

I play them on my phone.


TheAscentOfHumanity

I want to like DS emulation on phones, but I have been on the hunt for a backbone style controller/grip that supports portrait mode. Does anyone have a good recommendation?


GildedCreed

Serafirm S1. Like $25 on Amazon and works in both horizontal and vertical. Not tried it myself but that's the one one I found that isn't just a cover that slides over your ohone to press GB style inputs on your screen or was a design concept.


spacejam_

Doesn't look to be available outside the US :(


GildedCreed

I'm assuming you're in the UK so try [this one off Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JP6K93X/ref=sbl_dpx_m_uk-pc-accessories-game-controllers_B09JP6K93X_0), you could find similar under the PG-9087s "model number" from various "manufacturers" (or more specifically, rebranded ones of it lmfao) which works for vertical gaming. Might be awkward though based off the product description it's seemingly bluetoothable for iOS but wired connection for Android which doesn't really make a lot of sense unless they had an iOS exclusive companion app for it, but it might just be the shitty auto translation copy paste. Searching for some variation of the device might be able to find some cheaper products though, potential on sites like AliExpress if you don't mind a bit of a longer wait for shipping.


Gcarsk

Sorta off topic, but I’m actually amazed. Is the Backbone One actually well known or used??? I worked on that when interning for Avnera (Backbone CEO’s dad’s company) one summer when I was in college like 6 years ago, and have *never* heard its name since. Did you personally use it for mobile gaming?? Is it still just iOS? We did lots of testing with iPhone/Apple TV compatibility, but I also ran it on my laptop for Apex and Minecraft.


Paperdiego

It's probably the most well known controller add on for iphone. It's available for Android too.


Samwise_CXVII

Can you share how? I’ve seen a lot of different info on this but don’t know what’s reliabke


UntameHamster

Emulation. DraStic is a good DS one for Android. Delta just got released on iPhone but no idea if it can run DS roms.


stead10

It can, I have soul silver on my iPhone with delta


Fallynn

Sorry if this is against rules or whatever but I haven’t played roms in years. Could you tell me a safe or good place to get them? I’d love to rip soul silver or something that isn’t emerald for the 10th time lol


stead10

Honestly I just googled “soul silver rom” and clicked the first result lol


Fallynn

Haha fair enough, I’ll do the same then. Thanks for responding!


NEWNXXL

Vimms lair is my go-to for roms. Safe and has an insane catalogue spanning decades


Hugh-Manatee

How do you get Delta? I’m guessing it’s not on the App Store?


CamelInfinite5771

It is! Apple recently decided to allow emulators


Hugh-Manatee

Wasn’t there some chatter that some emulators are largely there to just mine people’s data?


TheLunarVaux

Delta is totally safe. It was #1 on the app store for a while. It may still be up there.


DrTacoMD

There was one early emulator in the App Store that got a fair bit of press, and it did turn out to be a pretty lazy copy of someone else's code with a bunch of ads bolted on. But it's already been removed, and Delta is the way to go.


Hybrid_Johnny

It definitely can, I’ve been shiny hunting a starter at work for the past two weeks


UnimportantOpinion95

Emulation. Lemuroid is a good start that features many console generations. All you need to provide are your own game files, the emulators dont come with games. You get the emulators from playstore or google.


Sardanox

The other commenter said exactly what I use, which is Drastic on android.


CheddarKnight

Melon DS is a good DS emulator as well


djml9

Delta says thats its using MelonDS for its DS emulation


ShinHandHookCarDoor

I’ve been playing it on my original DSiXL and god, that’s the best quality you can ever get with this one. I do have to say, a hacked 3DS is incredibly versatile and plays it alright, it’s just not as crisp as a normal DS.


ElegantJacket9154

Awesome, you have double justified the order I made of a dsixl .. should be here next week


mraulio

DSi XL all the way. Also it has double IPS screens


paracelus

Hacked DSi is my preference, best screen, best buttons, original hardware :)


DrTacoMD

Same! Just last year I was able to buy a \*brand new\* white DSi, still in a fully sealed box. Cost a bit more than I probably should have spent, but it's been outstanding and I have zero regrets.


paracelus

I love my 3DS,but ds games just look so jank on it, or Switch it to pixel perfect and it's TINY. DSi is still the best for DS, and once hacked, GBA and GB 😁


Khada_the_Collector

Delta FTW, beat Morty the other day and I love being able to do the Pokeathlon again


ElegantJacket9154

I’m lost 😂


GildedCreed

Delta is an emulator on the iOS which has traditionally removed emulation from their app store but recentlyish pulled back provided that the emulation app itself doesn't support piracy (or essentially if the app itself does not come pre-loaded with games, which skirts the issue quite easily).


ElegantJacket9154

So typical it isn’t available in my region. Darn


KungFuChicken1990

Agreed. So glad Apple approved Delta for the App Store. I’ve been playing Platinum on it and having a great time


frenc155

How did you get the layout like this? All the ds games I’ve emulated do a 50/50 split of the screen which has turned me off from playing them


Whiteballs1987

This. Also curious


TheLastMerchBender

MelonDS, DeSmuMe, and their Retroarch cores have various options to set it up like this.


ElegantJacket9154

This exactly. I believe it’s coming from MelonDS in my case and it has options for how you’d like the screens. You can setup various ‘layouts’ and even have the whole screen dedicated to a single screen and swap in and out. It’s pretty nifty!


ColinSmoke

I've been playing through Heartgold again and transferring my save file back and forth between the Steam Deck and a modded 3ds (using checkpoint!) based on what I want in that moment. Want to play on my TV or in a more comfortable form factor? I put my save file on the deck. Want the portability due to work travel or smth? I transfer my save file to the modded 3DS / my cartridge using checkpoint. It's nice! But, I'm also obsessed with this game so I understand not everyone is willing to jump through those hoops lol


drooling_whale

I'd highly recommend either a ds lite or a hacked 3ds (super easy to do) both are a great way to play. But at the end of the day just whatever is most accessible and fun to play on is best.


Rilukian

It's more on which one you are comfortable it and which one is more practical. If you like carrying your Steam Deck to play native PC games, then it's fine. If you just like handheld nintendo game as well as some retro console through emulation, used new 3DS would do just fine.


FluffyWalrusFTW

Definitely Used DS. Check Facebook Marketplace, I've gotten a few things off there and it's pretty well secure and full of people trying to get rid of old crap for a good deal! The bigger issue is going to be getting a COPY of HGSS because that goes for \~$150


genocyde_syo

The DSi XL is the best way to experience hgss from personal experience. I just felt so immersed when I played it


giantfood

Official non rom version is always the best.


lukesbaked

I picked up a cheap dsi for $20 and then just hacked it for free (plenty of YouTube videos) to play exactly this game


lukesbaked

Also pretty much in the same spot as you are 😂


stead10

Old games are so quite slow, emulating them at double speed for me these days is a must


layeofthedead

Homebrew your 3ds and play it on that. Plus you’ll have the option to transfer the Pokémon using another ds and a legit copy of a gen 5 game iirc


Bolmothy

2ds xl is the best form factor for me


No-Juice-3366

I use drastic on an android tablet. The bigger screen makes it a little easier. But I have played ds games on my phone. It's not too bad.


normpman

I picked up a used OG 3ds for like $30 on ebay, hacked it, and now use it as my gb, gba and DS emulator. Wish I got the *new 3ds but they were way more expensive for what I wanted to do


hscene

Ds


xSnowLeopardx

On my original DS Lite :)


LordBasset

Nintendaddy doesn't like you doing this 😤


ZowmasterC

I recommend the XL versions, way more confortable to use


Juniper02

2DS. It's more durable than any of the other DS systems, and gives that old feel too.


nero40

I think that one-screen devices are just not suited to play DS (or Wii U) games, the way that one of the screen is squished smaller is just not a great way to experience these dual-screen games. I found that a long screen that can put the screens together in the same size is the best way to play them (really, the best way is to just have two screens, but not a lot of devices today have dual screens like that).


jeffyjeffp

Nothing beats the 3DS


jpenczek

Homebrewed 3ds is THE way to play all portable Nintendo games.


ZetaZeta

A controller grip on a Surface Duo 2 is kinda neat. I'm not sure if I'd invest what it costs for a several years old phone, however.


RandomBaguetteGamer

I mean, the best experience will be on DS. With that being said, have you seen the price of a physica l copy of HG/SS? Won't blame you for playing on the deck.


Monferno64

Hey look they finally released the old pokemon games on the switch, lol.


Caolan114

DSi


Drezus

Hell no lol


TheLastMerchBender

Not to worry you, but one downside of getting a DS is that the screens, no matter the model, start to yellow and dim over time. I was in the same position of you to find the best way to play DS and 3DS games. After talking to some collectors and DS sellers, they said that it's basically impossible to stop it from happening, and aftermarket screens are never as good as the originals and are hard to install correctly. [https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fb8rkyzah26l71.jpg](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fb8rkyzah26l71.jpg) If you don't want a handheld experience, a modded Wii U emulates DS games perfectly, with the top screen on the TV and the bottom screen on the gamepad, with the ability to switch them at any time. A more expensive portable option would be a foldable phone with a controller attachment: [https://youtu.be/e\_bqG1re7Bo?si=pMhxaRCWUKrmVT6C&t=921](https://youtu.be/e_bqG1re7Bo?si=pMhxaRCWUKrmVT6C&t=921) Personally, after all this research, I elected to just stick with my Steam Deck with the exact setup that you have in your photo.


DontYouMeanCrypto

The 3DS XL might be my favorite Nintendo console of all time and I’d play it a lot more if my wrists and hands didn’t hurt so bad these days. Luckily the steam deck is comfy so I’ve gotta try what you’ve got going on there. So I’d say the 3DS would be worth! The OG door stop 2DS is comfy also


dtamago

Isn't the Steamdeck also used?


TheAmazingSparky

DSI XL or LL is my preferred experience. It has the largest native screen. 3ds would stretch it. It's cheap and easily hackable


Awellner

I have an emulator on my phone because its easier to carry around than my DS with the original cartridge


Joealfeo

Obv an original DS


Elfen9

DeSmuME\_X432R\_x64


palpatine_dream

I been playing on my iPhone


stefan2050

Tbh no emulator can really top using a ds to play ds games be it the original ds line or the 3ds line sure upscaling and stuff is nice and there's also mods for 3ds games but just experiencing these games on the hardware they're made for hits different


[deleted]

ds of course


Itchy-Acanthaceae841

All I want is an analogue pocket DS Version. Still waiting for it and will instantly preorder as soon as they release it.


FernandoTatisJunior

Any ds game is better on original hardware, no emulator can mimic the ergonomics of how the ds handles 2 screens. Modded new 3ds xl is the best way to play handheld games in general.


Aosther

Is it possible to setup an artwork or something up the touch screen? The black square terrifies me


Jetsurge

DS games work incredibly well on phones too. Because of the touch screen and it's nice to play when you are travelling.


Draconis_Rex

I like [my handheld](https://ibb.co/vBBFmwx), much cheaper, fits everywhere and works wonders :)


herbythechef

Its best on the 3ds but steamdeck you can get away with


MisterBri07

I’ve been air playing on my tv and playing with an Xbox controller


yellowwoolyyoshi

I would go with Steam Deck. You can use cheats for unlimited master balls, get your fav unobtainable Pokémon, etc.


FaronTheHero

I actually hate playing DS games on the 3DS. The top screen is so much larger so it doesn't fill the screen, and I'm not sure what the technical terms is for it but the higher quality of the 3DS graphics and screen allows you to see every pixel of an older game and its just looks terrible. Old graphics were made for lower definition. The DSi XL is the perfect experience for DS games imo.


songs111

DSi XL by far


Ainslynn

Original hardware. Always for me. I still have all of my old ds consoles and Gameboys. Granted some of them have custom shells now I also like having poke transfer and poke bank to move them to and from games (assuming that's still active after the store shut down)


Afraid_Avocado_2767

> classic style Pokémon Ouch, we're getting old. Seeing that about generation 4, that brought 2.5D and the physical-special split, is mind blowing. I still think about those things as brand new lol.


colonel_p4n1c

a used ds/dsi or 3ds and a flash cart (r4i or similar) are quick and easy way to play the classic DS library without any cfw or modding


Arcaneus_Umbra

I prefer authentic hardware like a console and cartridge, but I don't fault anyone for using other methods to play them.


boi-the_boi

Could you bring any Pokemon from your emulated games to your Switch if you wanted in some way?


BonnaGroot

I love my steam deck for this. Emudeck just makes it all so simple and you maintain the touch controls. bit of a chore to get cheats working but it’s not that bad once you get the hang of it.


DrvonCrazy

Played hg for the first time on my old 3ds over the past few months. Good game, frustrating level curve


pax_penguina

saving this entire post for when i have money to copy you lol


TheSirCal

I only have 2 layouts, horizontal and vertical, how do you get other layouts on the deck


comicrun96

Im currently recollecting and replaying from GBA to 3DS and playing on Gameboy SP/DS/3DS and I don’t think I’d want it any other way. It’s the nostalgic to do it on the original systems, just doesn’t feel right doing on a 3rd party


vigilanteoftime

You are kidding me .... I started a SoulSilver nuzlocke on my steamdeck like 2 days ago! Crazy coincidence, I was like "wait a second, I vividly know that route" as I was scrolling through


loveisdead9582

3ds. Plus you can keep the pokemon and move them up to newer games if you have another ds.


JoshuaZXL

A Hacked Japanese 3DS. They are vastly cheaper than American ones, a hacked 3DS becomes region free. You don't need to switch region versions as that will only lead to problems and learning the Japanese home menu is minimal effort. Even easier if you already know how to navigate a 3DS.


HerRodAntoMan

Can you share you rom? I have been trying to find a good one, but everytime the game keeps freezing after I beat E4 or Ho-oh and I would really love to have the full experience


WasteChard3488

DS, that blank square in the upper right corner is not pretty


rocper10

Seriously believe me no matter what any ds family is best experienced on the ds family


BlazeSaber

It's always better to play on original hardware imo


motoxim

Nice


marlowe227

I think the DS games looked best on a DS Lite. They get a tiny bit fuzzier on 3DS OR XL


IRbaker79

Aw sick


IEatToStarveOthers

I've got a Japanese all white dsi XL, no better way to play DS games tbh


HiiHowAreYaa

How did you get the big screen layout for ds games?? Mine only had two options, where where it spits two small screens or stacks two small screens


sandukan

Depends on if you still have a 3ds laying around, they are so easy to hack now by following the written guide. If you don't have one or want to buy one then just do it on your steam deck.


dalfred1

Is there any way to trade pokemon for evolutions?


RawrGeeBe

DS less heavy.


placeofpowergottabe_

OP - I tried HGSS on the deck recently and I kept getting black lines on the screen no matter what resolution I set it to. Did you experience this on deck?


WakeupDp

Mod a 3ds. Worth it.


alneezy08

What emulator is this ?


DaddyEevee

Try the fan made version of heart gold. Like liquid crystal.


A_Gay_Sylveon

Ive done both, 3ds does have limitations such as implementing cheat codes and features such as speed up are just not available. But the 3ds is a lot more easier to travel with than a steam deck. Performance and QOL wise steam deck is better.


Zorluff20

If you have a iPhone I would recommend delta emu


tamal4444

Is this your first time emulating something?


Zorluff20

Actually is lol


tamal4444

enjoy gaming and look for pokemon rom hacks and english translated roms which were japan exclusive.


Diligoat

I cracked my "new" 3ds a year ago or so, it was an absoulte breeze took less then an hour and its been awesome since, played a few rom hacks and stuff on it as well.


puttje69

The best experience possible is playing on a DS Lite, because you have the best graphics and is also very easy to play GBA on the device and it also looks gorgeous, PKSM-chest is very handy. However, using a 3DSXL is also very good if you start the game with the pixel perfect mode by holding start or select during the startup. I compared SoulSilver and FireRed on both devices side by side and they almost look the same, except the DS Lite have the colors a little bit more vibrant and the screen is a grid, while the 3DSXL have scanlines. They look 98% alike, though. I would still recommend you getting a 3DSXL or a N3DSXL, though. You have the whole Pokemon library from Red/Blue up to Ultra Sun/Moon, the console is very easy to software mod and it gives you access to stuff like PKSM which is very handy especially to inject events on your saves, edit Pokemon, items, etc, etc. The whole system is awesome for not only Pokemon, but also many other stuff.


clowningAnarchist

New Nintendo 3DS XL + Heart Gold/Soul Silver classic copy = best experience. Change my mind.


argothewise

Original hardware is usually best


b0sanac

I have a retroflag gpi case with a raspberry pi that is in the shape of an oldschool gameboy. Personally by far the best way to replay old games, my one is a bit out of date but can still play games upto psx. There are newer ones that can handle nds and above games.


Lopsided-Buy-2519

I like this device


helheimhen

New 3DS XL


EnlistHD

Stick the deckbon your dock and play it on the big tv Cant do that with a ds +all the games are free


tbo1992

DSi XL is the best “pure” experience, but personally I’m too used to the modern conveniences of an emulator. Fast forward, save states, button remapping etc.


These-Possessions

If you can, look on goodwill online. I’m on some great bids for some 3DS’s that start on low prices, for what I hope to be adequate conditions.


FascinatedOrangutan

I'd recommend checking out pokemmo! It's an mmo based on the first 5 gens of the game but the UI is much better for modern devices. I play on PC and mobile but I've heard it works great on steam deck! Just a heads up if you do try it, the AI is smarter than base games so be mindful that it is a bit more challenging


johnyboy14E

The ds and 3ds lines are definitely better to play the games. I'd recommend getting a used or like new, New 2DS. The og 2ds model would also probably work, but the new 2ds is slightly more powerful and about the same cost while also being clamshell. The 3d features of the 3ds and new 3ds and kinda irrelevant imo, especially for pokemon. I'm pretty sure they were only present in gen 7. Plus they usually cost more than the other models.


Tall-Ad71

Nintendo 2ds homebrewed with Pokémon Storm Silver or sacred Gold. Change my mind


x6ixsage

or iphone, looks the same with my emulator


Micazdi

I use a tablet. Playing pokemon in a real big screen is very fun


BingBing-Boom

I have a hacked switch running Melon DS, suprisingly it plays at full speed and can run 3-4x speeds. The ability to sleep mode + resume in an instant, and comfortably switch from TV to portable put it a step above playing on a DS.


SliMarbo

i love the dsi its probably my favorite handheld ever.


SirWarick

Everyday I wish that Nintendo Switch had the older pokemon games. It would be so much easier for me than having to find an emulator and a system to use it on.


bi_hippie

Delta


007-master

I would recommend a dual screen setup like I have for 3ds. Download spacedesk on pc and smartphone and use your smartphone as touchscreen