It's just that I already have a cyclo, plus I'd be ordering a brand new 3ds, so it kinda adds up.
Also, do you know if the short 3ds battery life only affects 3ds games, or will it be short running ds roms on the DSTWO?
Also, I think I'll ask again:
How does the dstwo compare to other 3ds capable flash cards out on the market right now?
Well the DSTwo does come with a processor-microchip thingy to give it more power to emulate GBA and play high-quality videos, so yeah it eats up battery a little quicker than a Cyclo. But the all important thing about the DSTwo is that you can still patch it without owning a 2nd DS should your 3DS firmware block it. However if you're one to play with screen brightness on low, then battery isn't a big as deal as people think.
The only reason I suggest a 3DS + DSTwo is because The 3DS does what the DSi does + plays a whole new set of games. Even if you decide to get a DSi, you're still going to buy a Flashcart that works on a new system. And you could buy another DS Lite, but even used models go for $90. So if you get a used DSLite, After tax thats $100, which is a ripoff since new ones (if you can even find one) afre like $120-$140.
While a new DSi and a new 3DS are both $170, and both need new flashcarts.
And I'm only suggesting a new system because DSLites are old, they're out of production, new parts that you can buy for it are often not the best quality, and you're probably an amateur who wouldn't really know what to do to fix your problem. I mean if BOTH screens are acting up, then maybe its something wrong in the circuittry themselves as the two screens on the DSLite are/and work seperate from each other. It sounds like your DS is approaching dead status and Nintendo repair out of warranty is $90 + shipping + waiting for any repair no matter how minimal.
But listen... It already sounds like your DS is dead anyways, that you're 95% likely to either buy a used DSLit, or better. So you're going to end up spending atleast $95 or more to play NDS games again. That said, if you got nothing to lose, then buy a tri-gram screwdriver for $1, take apart your DS and see what you can or can't do. You'll either be no help, break it more, or somehow fix it. And when it breaks, then you can have some options. I'll make a list of what your options are.
Screen Repair: $10-$25 (Do it yourself, and may not even fix the source of your problem)
Nintendo Repair Service: $90 + Shipping
Used DSLite @ Gamestop: $90 + Tax
Used DSi @ Gamestop: $110 + Tax
New DSi in Warranty: $170 + Tax
New 3DS in Warranty: $170 + Tax
New Flashcard for DSi or 3DS: + $15-$37 + Shipping
Working DSLite via Craigslist/eBay: $$$??? (Possible terribly scratched)
I personally would go for a 3DS + DSTwo Combo (As I did). I got a flashcart that will never be useless because it patches post-firmware update, and the 3DS itself comes with a memory card, some useless AR cards, and can be registered at club Nintendo for an additional 160 Nintendo points and 90-day warranty. Points can be redeemed for a free downloadable game, and the eshop will soon release game demos, and has access to the better DSi ware games.
Though when I did buy my 3DS, it was because my DSLite was worth $70 at the time, and the 3DS that I was getting was the 25th anniversary limited edition zelda 3DS. Thouhg I did have a job then so money wasnt a big issue for me. I spent $200 and got Zelda 3DS + Ocarina 3D + Mario 3D + Screen Protectors + 2-year warranty, which wasn't too shabby. Then spend $40 for a DSTwo, and now I got nothing to buy until Kid Icarus comes out.