Topic: Multiple saves info where?

Where on the box or on this website or anywhere on the web can I find out how many save slots are on a game? My 6 year old just got a DSi on Tuesday and I was going to let him share his brothers games but only 1 out of 4 (25%) had more than 1 save point (it was PvZ). I don't care about the cart specs, this is a blatant moneygrab and I refuse to buy a game with only 1 save point. Problem is finding out BEFORE I buy it. (And yes I googled it but couldn't find anything, only that no Pokemon game ever has more than 1, so we aren't getting any of those.)

There isn't a very reliable way of finding out other then possibly googling it (yes, I know you tried already.) The box won't say since the amount of save files isn't really important to most games/gamers. So Google and friends who have played the game already are pretty much the only ways to find how many save files on a game.

Although it might be a bit of some effort, you can get yourself some SD cards, and switch save file info for downloadable games.

With Pokemon if you have two children that are interested in playing the game get one copy of each. Most Pokemon games come out in two version White and Black, Red and Blue, Gold and Silver etc. That way not only do they get there own save file but they can trade with each other (if you have 2 DSes). That is what my son and I are currently doing.

But as far as finding out how many save files a game has you are going to have to either talk to a salesperson or someone whos has played the game.

Well, with pokemon, both kids can share a save file if they want (i have done this with my brother before and it was kind of fun, actually).
I'm not sure how multiple save files on a single pokemon cart would work.

For DS games with 2 or more save files i have...
Mario Party DS
New Super Mario Bros
Yoshis Island DS
Mario & Luigi
Viva Piñata PP
Animal Crossing
Rhythm Heaven
NeoPets Puzzle Adventure
Harvest Moon DS, Island of Happiness, Rune Factory etc
Fina Fantasy III and IV
Resident Evil DS
The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
The Sims 2, 2 Pets (DON'T BUY THIS ONE) and 3
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Metroid Prime Hunters
Brain Age
Band Hero
Scribblenauts

For DSiWare, if each kid had their own SD card, they could save a copy of the "one file only" games and each have their own file, but it would take some patience (copy your game to the console, copy it back to the SD card after playing and deleting the game from the cosole (optional))

I'd just like to point out that it clearly isn't a moneygrab if the cart's specs are to blame. A game like Pokemon uses a very large save file and fitting more than one on a cart would either be impossible or very expensive. The vast majority of DS games DO allow multiple save files and most of the ones that don't seem to be because of technical limitations more than anything else. Saying "I don't care about the cart specs, this is a blatant moneygrab" is like saying "I don't care about the limitations of the six year old technology, my games should do the impossible".

The best solution is to ask on this forum before you buy a game. At least one person here is bound to know how many save files a particular game has, unless it's an obscure or low-quality title.

Personally I'd say you should get a DS for each of your kids. DSes are supposed to be individually owned so people don't have to timeshare their games. Even better, your kids will be able to play games together, which is a lot more fun than playing alone.

Thanks for all the - wow really - quick replies. Special thanks to abgar for that list, makes me feel better. Bought a couple of 2 gig SD cards at Target last night for $6 each, sounds like that may help on occassion.

HolyMackerel - I do have 2 DS, 1 for each kid, and that's part of my problem. If I only had 1 DS and each DS only had 1 save point I'ld understand it more, but I assumed saves would be in the console or on SD cards, not on the cart - NEVER even crossed my mind there'ld be 1 save per cart. I almost bought my 6 yr. old a PSP but didn't b/c I thought he could play his brothers games, that he couldn't made me regret my purchase.

NFreak007 - I don't think it's a 6 yr. old technological limitation when the technology includes a card slot which would give you unlimited amounts of save storage, with R4 or Supercard or Cyclo-DS Evolution and micro SD.

Also, as a long time gamer myself, I'm used to having more than 1 save space for my own personal use.

And finally, this isn't just for myself, I feel bad for families with 3 kids but only 1 DS and they want to share games. My experience of only 1 of 4 games made me think we were doomed, but it looks like we'll be ok. Bought Starfy last night and it has 2 saves AND Download play. I give Nintendo big props for 1 card download play, no matter how limited.

Again, as HMack said, handheld games are usually meant to be played with a solo experience. As there is never multiple slot play as you would see on consoles.
If you don't want your kids saving over each others file, you need to buy two copies of the game.
That said, most games come with multiplayer, so buying two copies gives the game longevity to your kids, as they can play with each other.

@rjejr Beware that the above will only work for DSiWare - not DS game cards - and only for one DSi. You can't share DSiWare games across two DSi's since they are locked to a single device. You'll either need to purchase the games separately for each DSi (more convenient but more costly), or purchase all of the games on one DSi and do the SD card swapping on that one alone (less convenient but you only buy games once).

@rjejr: You're welcome!
oh, so each kid has their own DSi?
Well, then unless one is willing to share its DSi with his brother for the DSiWare, you will need to buy the DSiWare for each DSi, which pretty much nullifies the concern of single-filed DSiWares.

I figure with DSiWare it's a 1 trick pony, but most of those games are under $10, retail games are $20 and over (well except for the shovelware). DQ Wars is only $5, and it's multiplayer, and I can keep it stored on the SD card. My 8 yr. old will destroy my 6 yr. old but it's a learning experience for them. That copy trick looks like too much work anyway. (I just trashed a stupid Pysclone PS3 controller b/c getting the thing to recognize was giving me agita.)

Thanks again to everyone, think now that I've vented and got some really good feedback I'm over it. (But I'm still checking every game before I let them buy it.)