DS Old and dead?

Yes, they will replace it. It doesn't matter if the pixel is off to the side or in the corner. If it bugs you, they'll replace it. Trust me, I've talked to a lot of people about it.

I own Mario 64 DS, WarioWare Touched and the Metroid Hunters demo. I use the thumb-strap for Mario and Metroid and the stylus for WarioWare. The thumb-strap is best for more intense, action-based games like Mario because it allows you to hold the system with both hands. The stylus is better for touchscreen-only games like WarioWare because you get more precise control and you don't need to use your other hand to press the buttons.

By the way, I'd highly recommend picking up WarioWare. One of the weirdest, most addictive things I've ever played.

Cool, I'm just waiting for some cash to come in before I get more games Mario 64 is pretty hot so far, but I still can't get used to controlling it with the thumbpad/stylus. Just needs practice I suppose.

I've read some reviews about Wario, and there seems to be either side to it. Alot of people don't like it because it solely depends on the touch screen. Does this bother you at all?

Not in the slightest. In fact, I think the touchscreen-only setup is friggin' brilliant. The only honest problem with the game is that it's relatively short if you just want to beat it. However, the whole point of the game is that it's a pick-up-and-play title, intended to be replayed constantly for higher scores and such.

Using the touchscreen does take some getting used to, but in all fairness, so did analog joysticks. Give it time and you'll eventually have no issues with it. I actually had less problems beating the DS version than the N64 game. It takes some time to adapt, but once you do, it will grow on you.

I can't even get past the second level because the turtle runs so friggin fast

Use the long jump to stay ahead of him. While running, press R then B and you will do a low-arc jump that gets a lot of horizontal distance. It's the best way to keep ahead of that guy.

Another good tip is to always run up the grass hill at the base of the mountain instead of trying to follow him around the path. It seems like it takes forever, but it's actually a bit quicker. Just make sure you don't stop running while on the hill or you'll slide back down it and you'll have to start over.

Yea, I've managed to get ahead of him in a couple of occasions but I always make a mistake and fall off a cliff or something :P

Eh, I wouldn't worry about it. It takes some practice, but once you beat him, you'll be racing like a pro in no time.