DS lite vs DSi vs DSi XL- Comparison thread

can you get on the internet and dsi shop with wi-fi or do you need a wireless connection only?atomic_purple

i always find it odd when gamers choose to kept the capability to play old games, for consoles that have nothing good coming out on them anymore, even though it had great games, why choose to keep the dead console and not the new one? i mean new games at least are new and have the potential to be great

BTW, DSi ware has just as many A, AA games this year as the Sony Playstation Portable. So people, stop acting like DSiware has nothing.Its 100 days old, so what if nothing appeals to you yet? the fact that critics are loving it says it will continue to get good games

darth-pyschosis

The problem is it should have had all those good games at the release-day not a year after release.

The big scare with the DSiWare store is that it has so far been exactly like the Wiiware which has admittedly a couple of great games but the far majority plain sucks. The Dsiware store is THE reason to buy a DSi if you already have a DSL. So far the DSiware has been a disapointment. It would have been like buying a Wii for Wiiware and nothing else.

You can mention excuses like "It's only 100 days old" if you want but that won't chance the fact that right now so far it's been a disapointment. This might chance in the future but it might also stay the same. We don't know how the DSiWare will look like in a year. It could be filled with great games or it could be even more barren than it is now. Saying stuff like "this will chance" or "give it time" is just as pointless like all PSP and PS3 owners that claims they will rise up and kill all competition you just wait.

I had a DSi for about a month, and I didn't like it at all. There were just so many problems that ticked me off about it that I ended up selling it on ebay to buy a DS lite again. Among the many issues I had with the system were:

Price is not worth it considering all you're really getting is two cheap cameras and a little flash memory

Awful battery life compared to DS lite (seemed about half as long on my favorite setting)

Actually bigger in some respects than the DS lite Lack of GBA compatibility (big mistake to remove it just to shave off a few millimeters in thickness)

Lame cameras with so far no useful purpose (and playing games with them seemed like even more of a headache: See Warioware snapped)

Awful selection of DSiware and Nintendo has no intention of releasing old GB GBC, and GBA games for virtual handheld

Moving the power button to such a bad spot caused be to accidentally power off the system on more than one occasion

Music playback is a joke and is restricted to ONE frustrating format Plans to release DSi exclusive games will neglect the larger demographics of gamers who already have DS lites

Screen size makes welcome menu look extra pixelated and stretched (not unlike how GBC games looked on GBA)

Web browser is slow and eats battery like crazy (and doesn't support flash so no youtube)

Buttons feel different and weird compared to previous systems

And the list goes on and on

All in all, DSi was the first handheld system from Nintendo to REALLY disappoint me. DS lite is beter in almost every respect, and no self respecting Nintendo fan should waste their hard earned money on an inferior system that actually costs more and underperforms compared to the near perfect DS lite.

So I have an original launch DS and have been considering updating as of late. I was wondering if it was worth it to spend the extra money to get the DSi, or if I should just go with the DS lite.

If you don't mind losing the GBA-slot then yes, the DSiware library is improving plus you'll be able to play DSi-only games, sure there're only 2 DSi-only games announced as of now and they don't look promising but I think the DSi-only games library will improve as time goes(just like the DSiware).

DSI simply isn't worth it to me since my DSL works just fine. The idea of DSI exclusives kinda ticks me off but what can ya do. I'm not gonna pay 170 bucks for a minor upgrade on something that's still working fine.

Why are people still buying the old DS lite? Unless I am mistaken the DSi offers bigger screens, camera, browser, downloads and better hardware. Unless you can't actually afford the extra 50$, is there really a point?

Why are people still buying the old DS lite? Unless I am mistaken the DSi offers bigger screens, camera, browser, downloads and better hardware. Unless you can't actually afford the extra 50$, is there really a point?

Chubah

The screens would hardly make a difference in my opinion, and the cameras are really low resolution. I have a web browser on my iPod touch that's probably faster plus has a bunch of mobile/iPhone sites specifically designed for it, making them actually readable. I haven't seen one DSiWare game that looks worth my money and what good is better hardware if it plays the same games. I would not say that those "features" are worth 50$.

[QUOTE="Chubah"]

Why are people still buying the old DS lite? Unless I am mistaken the DSi offers bigger screens, camera, browser, downloads and better hardware. Unless you can't actually afford the extra 50$, is there really a point?

InsertWittyID

The screens would hardly make a difference in my opinion, and the cameras are really low resolution. I have a web browser on my iPod touch that's probably faster plus has a bunch of mobile/iPhone sites specifically designed for it, making them actually readable. I haven't seen one DSiWare game that looks worth my money and what good is better hardware if it plays the same games. I would not say that those "features" are worth 50$.

The cameras of the DSi are meant for games and something extra to play with, it's not meant to replace your dedicated camera or your camera phone. I have a 12megapixel camera and my phone also has a 5megapixel cam but I still bought a DSi, I only use the DSi cameras for playing with pictures when I'm with my girlfriend. Also, DSiwares are actually starting to get better, the browser is nothing special but it's definitely an upgrade from the DS lite's(plus it's free to download), it's not something you want to use as your main browser but it definitely is usable(and "readable"). The DSi plays the same games but it's also going to have it's own exclusive games in the future, sure the're only 2 games announced as of now and neither looks interesting(for me at least) but like the DSiware it will improved in time(maybe next year). I'm not saying the DSi is better than the DS lite(I still have mine btw) but the upgrade is definitely worth it(for me at least),

the wider dsi coming out soon , is it worth buying than the current dsi?

the wider dsi coming out soon , is it worth buying than the current dsi?

horn_stone

The DSi and DSi XL have the same features, the only difference of DSi XL is it's bigger than than normal DSi. If you prefer bigger screen go for DSi XL. Personally I prefer the smaller DSi.

[QUOTE="horn_stone"]

the wider dsi coming out soon , is it worth buying than the current dsi?

buwiset

The DSi and DSi XL have the same features, the only difference of DSi XL is it's bigger than than normal DSi. If you prefer bigger screen go for DSi XL. Personally I prefer the smaller DSi.

Both DS lite and DSi have built-in Wi-Fi and needs wi-fi connection(hotspot) to connect onlline. The only difference is the DS lite only supports WEP security while DSi supports WEP and WPA.

Sorry for my English, not my native dialect :P

Both DS lite and DSi have built-in Wi-Fi and needs wi-fi connection(hotspot) to connect onlline. The only difference is the DS lite only supports WEP security while DSi supports WEP and WPA.

Sorry for my English, not my native dialect :P

buwiset

[QUOTE="buwiset"]

Both DS lite and DSi have built-in Wi-Fi and needs wi-fi connection(hotspot) to connect onlline. The only difference is the DS lite only supports WEP security while DSi supports WEP and WPA.

Sorry for my English, not my native dialect :P

Yoweeh

The DS games won't support the new WiFi as it isn't in DSs

DSi only games will use the better wifi, as some DSiware titles already do

I would say get a DS Lite, because there isn't much point in buying a DSi just yet for 16o dollars; when you could get a DS Lite for 120 dollars. It has a built in GBA port. The DSi only has a not too good camera and and 2 Wi-fi connections and a litle minigame shop.

I would say get a DS Lite, because there isn't much point in buying a DSi just yet for 16o dollars; when you could get a DS Lite for 120 dollars. It has a built in GBA port. The DSi only has a not too good camera and and 2 Wi-fi connections and a litle minigame shop.

Calvin079

[QUOTE="Calvin079"]

I would say get a DS Lite, because there isn't much point in buying a DSi just yet for 16o dollars; when you could get a DS Lite for 120 dollars. It has a built in GBA port. The DSi only has a not too good camera and and 2 Wi-fi connections and a litle minigame shop.

Yoweeh

This. Plus developers are starting to make DSi-only retail games which are exclusive to DSi and DSi alone. Another FYI the built-in cameras of the DSi are not meant to replace your dedicated cameras, it's just something extra that you(and developers) can play around with.

Hey guys, I want to get a DS but which one should i get? DS lite, DSI, or just wait for the new DS XL because they all look cool and all but freaking Nintendo had to make a new freaking upgrade every ****ing year so which one should i get? Thank you in advance

DSi and DSi XL are the same the only difference is the size, if you want a DSi with bigger screen wait for the DSi XL but if you prefer portability go for DSi. Don't get the DS lite specially if you don't care for GBA games because DSi-only(exclusive) retail games are starting to come out which you won't be able to play on the DS phat and DS lite, plus the DSiware titles are also improving. Again, if the size of the normal DSi is fine for you go for it, but if you want bigger screen wait for the DSi XL.

Phat- UUUUgly. weak hinges and weak backlight but cheapest

Lite- great backlight, slick, cheaper

DSi- bad camera, bigger screen that only stretches the image to make it look worse, must convert music format, no GBA compatibility wtf?

DSi XL- basically if you're an old person get this because the screen size is only going to make this look worse

Go for the Lite, it looks good and has the whole GBA library.

Phat- UUUUgly. weak hinges and weak backlight but cheapest

Lite- great backlight, slick, cheaper

DSi- bad camera, bigger screen that only stretches the image to make it look worse, must convert music format, no GBA compatibility wtf?

DSi XL- basically if you're an old person get this because the screen size is only going to make this look worse

Go for the Lite, it looks good and has the whole GBA library.

2-10-08

The DSi cameras are not meant to replace your main camera it's for gaming and something extra you can play around with(like when I'm with my girlfriend). The screen doesn't look any worse, my girlfriend was actually envious of the screen she has a DS lite(soon to be DSi). Lastly FYI you can actually play GBA games on the DSi but that can't be discussed here.

Phat- UUUUgly. weak hinges and weak backlight but cheapest

Lite- great backlight, slick, cheaper

DSi- bad camera, bigger screen that only stretches the image to make it look worse, must convert music format, no GBA compatibility wtf?

DSi XL- basically if you're an old person get this because the screen size is only going to make this look worse

Go for the Lite, it looks good and has the whole GBA library.

2-10-08

As for the DSi XL, I have no idea.

I want a DSi for Christmas because my DS is bustedGoods_Merchant

Mine too! But I'm getting my DSi during Boxing Week. I kinda ruined my DSLite by falling into a creek with it in my pocket. It screwed up the top screen (now goes fuzzy if not in position 1 or 2) and ruined my shoulder buttons (L-Button hadn't worked already, but my R-Button was ruined as well) so I decided I'd fork over a few extra bucks and get a system I can Twitter and Facebook on :)

I would say get a DS Lite, because there isn't much point in buying a DSi just yet for 16o dollars; when you could get a DS Lite for 120 dollars. It has a built in GBA port. The DSi only has a not too good camera and and 2 Wi-fi connections and a litle minigame shop.

Calvin079

Phat- UUUUgly. weak hinges and weak backlight but cheapest

Lite- great backlight, slick, cheaper

DSi- bad camera, bigger screen that only stretches the image to make it look worse, must convert music format, no GBA compatibility wtf?

DSi XL- basically if you're an old person get this because the screen size is only going to make this look worse

Go for the Lite, it looks good and has the whole GBA library.

2-10-08

Don't listen to these idiots who clearly have never owned a DSi but are just envious of those who have. I have owned all 3 DS systems...and I never thought the original DS looked ugly and had no problem with its hingest. The weak back lite was my main problem with it. The DS Lite works fine, but it does look like a toy because of its shiny appearance. But it will work for you if you don't mind that and if you only want to play games currently on the market. Also if you want to play games for the old system known as Game Boy Advance, go with the Lite.

Get the DSi if:

* you think you might want to play the DSi only games that will start hitting next year

* if you're interested in downloading games for about a third of the cost of games at Walmart (the Dsi features an online store with very cheap games to buy)

* if you'd like to use it as a music player (It comes with a slot for an SD card so you can transfer files from your computer to the DSi).

* if you'd like to use it to get on the Web, since it includes a free Web browser that won't require a game card (You can also get a slower browser for the Lite, but it will cost extra and will have to be inserted in your game slot like a game ....and as I said, it is slower).

* If you'd like a larger, brighter screen. It's totally untrue that the image gets stretched out of focus on the bigger screens. In fact, DS games are made in a resolution that does not deteriorate when stretched to the larger size of the DSi or even the DSi XL screen. Nintendo was very careful on both systems to only increase the screen size to a point where the picture on standard DS games is not distorted.

* if you'd like to play games without headphones. The DSi sound is MUCH LOUDER and crisper.

* if you'd like to create an online photo album. The DSi camera is extremely under-rated. The image, on most of my pictures, looks as good as most pictures that my cell phone takes. And there's also the ability to click and immediately upload the picture to a Facebook account. So you can establish a separate Facebook account as nothing but your photo album....and online, the pictures look just fine.

Hope that helps.

[QUOTE="2-10-08"]

Phat- UUUUgly. weak hinges and weak backlight but cheapest

Lite- great backlight, slick, cheaper

DSi- bad camera, bigger screen that only stretches the image to make it look worse, must convert music format, no GBA compatibility wtf?

DSi XL- basically if you're an old person get this because the screen size is only going to make this look worse

Go for the Lite, it looks good and has the whole GBA library.

RichardWrite

Don't listen to these idiots who clearly have never owned a DSi but are just envious of those who have. I have owned all 3 DS systems...and I never thought the original DS looked ugly and had no problem with its hingest. The weak back lite was my main problem with it. The DS Lite works fine, but it does look like a toy because of its shiny appearance. But it will work for you if you don't mind that and if you only want to play games currently on the market. Also if you want to play games for the old system known as Game Boy Advance, go with the Lite.

Get the DSi if:

* you think you might want to play the DSi only games that will start hitting next year

* if you're interested in downloading games for about a third of the cost of games at Walmart (the Dsi features an online store with very cheap games to buy)

* if you'd like to use it as a music player (It comes with a slot for an SD card so you can transfer files from your computer to the DSi).

* if you'd like to use it to get on the Web, since it includes a free Web browser that won't require a game card (You can also get a slower browser for the Lite, but it will cost extra and will have to be inserted in your game slot like a game ....and as I said, it is slower).

* If you'd like a larger, brighter screen. It's totally untrue that the image gets stretched out of focus on the bigger screens. In fact, DS games are made in a resolution that does not deteriorate when stretched to the larger size of the DSi or even the DSi XL screen. Nintendo was very careful on both systems to only increase the screen size to a point where the picture on standard DS games is not distorted.

* if you'd like to play games without headphones. The DSi sound is MUCH LOUDER and crisper.

* if you'd like to create an online photo album. The DSi camera is extremely under-rated. The image, on most of my pictures, looks as good as most pictures that my cell phone takes. And there's also the ability to click and immediately upload the picture to a Facebook account. So you can establish a separate Facebook account as nothing but your photo album....and online, the pictures look just fine.

Hope that helps.

DSi is better than the DS because you can watch movies,play music,take pictures, and get on the internet. XExodussX

So true man. Especially about the camera. IT DOESN"T SUCK! martinX3X

Yea, it does. Saw it in action today in Best Buy. Its really no better than the average crap phone camera.

I was trying to pick between the Lite and the DSi, but went with the Lite because I think buying another game was worth more than a camera(I've got one on my phone and a dedicated one), a crappy internet browser(not gonna be very useful for my girlfriend who I bought it for), and a very limited selection of quality downloadable games.

If you're obsessed with having lots of features, go for the DSi. If you just want to play games, then the Lite is probably better value.

[QUOTE="martinX3X"]So true man. Especially about the camera. IT DOESN"T SUCK! seankane

Yea, it does. Saw it in action today in Best Buy. Its really no better than the average crap phone camera.

I was trying to pick between the Lite and the DSi, but went with the Lite because I think buying another game was worth more than a camera(I've got one on my phone and a dedicated one), a crappy internet browser(not gonna be very useful for my girlfriend who I bought it for), and a very limited selection of quality downloadable games.

If you're obsessed with having lots of features, go for the DSi. If you just want to play games, then the Lite is probably better value.

Aside from the camera, it actually improves on the previous models. Here's a few (not all) impovements/changes: -Buttons are firm and more responsive -New, customizable OS -Hotswapping -Managing internet settings from the menu -Parental controls -Usage of 802.11g networks as well as usage of WPA and WPA2 security encryptions, -Returning to the menu at any time without restarting the system -Software Updates -Larger, brighter screens with less glare and same quality -Casing is more stain-resistant -Longer stylus -SD card slot for cards up to 32GB -Can be synchronized with your Club Nintendo account so, it actually offers more than a decent camera and music player...windsquid9000

I could care less about any of that. Again, I'd rather just get another game.

[QUOTE="windsquid9000"]Aside from the camera, it actually improves on the previous models. Here's a few (not all) impovements/changes: -Buttons are firm and more responsive -New, customizable OS -Hotswapping -Managing internet settings from the menu -Parental controls -Usage of 802.11g networks as well as usage of WPA and WPA2 security encryptions, -Returning to the menu at any time without restarting the system -Software Updates -Larger, brighter screens with less glare and same quality -Casing is more stain-resistant -Longer stylus -SD card slot for cards up to 32GB -Can be synchronized with your Club Nintendo account so, it actually offers more than a decent camera and music player...seankane

I could care less about any of that. Again, I'd rather just get another game.

[QUOTE="martinX3X"]So true man. Especially about the camera. IT DOESN"T SUCK! seankane

Yea, it does. Saw it in action today in Best Buy. Its really no better than the average crap phone camera.

I was trying to pick between the Lite and the DSi, but went with the Lite because I think buying another game was worth more than a camera(I've got one on my phone and a dedicated one), a crappy internet browser(not gonna be very useful for my girlfriend who I bought it for), and a very limited selection of quality downloadable games.

If you're obsessed with having lots of features, go for the DSi. If you just want to play games, then the Lite is probably better value.

Yes, but what will you do when the DSi exclusives are released this coming year?

[QUOTE="seankane"]

So true man. Especially about the camera. IT DOESN"T SUCK! martinX3X

Yea, it does. Saw it in action today in Best Buy. Its really no better than the average crap phone camera.

I was trying to pick between the Lite and the DSi, but went with the Lite because I think buying another game was worth more than a camera(I've got one on my phone and a dedicated one), a crappy internet browser(not gonna be very useful for my girlfriend who I bought it for), and a very limited selection of quality downloadable games.

If you're obsessed with having lots of features, go for the DSi. If you just want to play games, then the Lite is probably better value.

Yes, but what will you do when the DSi exclusives are released this coming year?

what about the rumors of a virtual console on the dsi? does anyone know if it will be coming true or not?

[QUOTE="Robbie8912"]

[QUOTE="seankane"]

Yea, it does. Saw it in action today in Best Buy. Its really no better than the average crap phone camera.

I was trying to pick between the Lite and the DSi, but went with the Lite because I think buying another game was worth more than a camera(I've got one on my phone and a dedicated one), a crappy internet browser(not gonna be very useful for my girlfriend who I bought it for), and a very limited selection of quality downloadable games.

If you're obsessed with having lots of features, go for the DSi. If you just want to play games, then the Lite is probably better value.

TriniPlayer

Yes, but what will you do when the DSi exclusives are released this coming year?

Better question, what will you do when Nintendo releases Nintendogs 2, Super Smash Bros DSi, etc on DSi only? (if they do)

i'm not ready to give up my ds lite's gba slot yet.

the size differences are too minor to sway me.

new color options, camera, and online capabilities are really cool...but i have those on my cell phone, so why do i need them on my ds too? and i'm pretty sure the dsi store would end up eating a lot of money...most of the apps i've seen don't seem worthwhile.

sorry nintendo, but this upgrade isn't really worth it.

[QUOTE="TriniPlayer"][QUOTE="Robbie8912"]

Yes, but what will you do when the DSi exclusives are released this coming year?

Better question, what will you do when Nintendo releases Nintendogs 2, Super Smash Bros DSi, etc on DSi only? (if they do)

[QUOTE="darth-pyschosis"]

[QUOTE="TriniPlayer"] It will still have regular DS games on saleTriniPlayer

Better question, what will you do when Nintendo releases Nintendogs 2, Super Smash Bros DSi, etc on DSi only? (if they do)

Yea thats my point,. Once nintendo gets whatever DSi only titles out that it makes, if its compelling for you (and lets face it nintendo will throw its best at it why the **** wouldn't they? do they not like selling DSi's?) you'll buy one because of the new exclusive retail software and the DSi you purchase will distiguish itself fro the DS lite you used to own by games only it can play

Humm, I gess I'll buy the DSi instead of the DS lite. I won't buy something that won't be compatible with everything...