The screens of the handheld video game systems, Nintendo DS and DS Lite, can become smudged or made dirty with fingerprints because of the touch screen feature. These portable gaming consoles have two LCD screens (DS means dual screen). Although the touch screens are meant to be used with a stylus, it's tempting for kids to just use their fingers. General use of the DS will also leave a buildup of fingerprints over time. If a DS screen is cleaned improperly, the touch screen surface can become damaged. Using the wrong type of cloth or cleaning solutions can leave minute scratches that build up over time making the games difficult to see.http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/general/handheld_care.jsp

Although a damaged or scratched DS screen can be replaced it's better to take good care of your Nintendo DS investment and avoid taking such measures. In order to avoid leaving permanent scratches on the Nintendo DS screen or damaging the device there are a few things you should know before trying to clean a DS screen. This page provides an overview of how to properly clean a Nintendo DS screen and tips on how you can keep your Nintendo DS screen clean and free from smudges.

According to the official advice provided by Nindendo.com, a Nintendo DS screen should first be wiped with a clean, soft cloth that has been dampened slightly at one corner. This will help to free any debris, dirt or smudge that is stuck-on. Next, using the dry portion of the cloth, buff the Nintendo DS screen gently until it is free and clear of all dirt or fingerprints. You may need to do this more than once. When cleaning a Nintendo DS, use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth, like the ones intended for use on eyeglasses. Microfiber cloths are made especially for removing dirt and grime off glass surfaces and will not leave scratches behind.http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26868132

When cleaning a Nintendo DS touch screen, always avoid using all types of cleaning solutions. Although you may find blogs or forums online where players claim that it is okay to use products like "screen cleaners" or glass cleaners (Windex) when cleaning a DS, this is not recommended.http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_la/operateTouchScreen.jsp Screen cleaning sprays and liquids can drip down into the electronic parts of the device and ruin it. If the battery gets wet, it will need to be replaced.http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/repair/ds_system.jsp?is=s3E This is true even if you spray a fine mist. Although it is okay to use a slightly damp cloth (dampened with water), never use chemicals, despite word-of-mouth recommendations. If you find yourself frustrated because of a stubborn smudge, repeat the cleaning process. If you still can't remove foreign material from your DS screen, contact Nintendo.com for repair options.http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_la/operateTouchScreen.jsp

Keep in mind that when wiping your DS Screen with a cloth, the cloth should be clean and set aside just for this purpose. Don't make the mistake of cleaning a DS touch screen with the nearest t-shirt as laundry products, like fabric softener, often leave behind a greasy residue.

One of the best ways to avoid smudges, fingerprints and other foreign material from affecting the Nintendo DS touch screen is to invest in a screen protector.

Screen protectors for hand-held video game consoles are fairly inexpensive and are a good way to protect against scratches. Screen protectors are often sold as 'universal,' meaning they can be cut to fit the screens of all kinds of touch-screen devices including handheld gaming consoles, iPods and mobile phones. The screen protectors are made from a thin plastic and that has a peel-and-stick backing. Simply trim to fit, peel the backing off and stick it to the DS screen. After cutting out the first screen protector, use the peeled-off backing as a template and cut a second piece the same size for the second DS screen.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxF34JT8csE

There are also screen protectors made specifically for the Nintendo DS and licensed by Nintendo. The Nintendo DS screen covers vary in price and can be cleaned and reused. These DS screen protectors can be found where DS accessories are sold or online. They retail for between $5.00 and $10.00.http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=600966