Nintendo DS vs Nintendo DSi – what’s the difference

Among the handheld gaming gadgets crowding online markets, the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DSi are among the most popular ones. If you are thinking of buying either gadget, you must know the difference between these two.

Nintendo DS is the new mother of the Nintendo gaming consoles. Its best feature is having a Gameboy Advance slot. However, the earlier edition is the DS Lite. This one is cheaper than the DSi and slightly lighter than the bulky original release. Models of this type have glossy finish, the same Gameboy Advance slot, better interface and brightness settings.

The Nintendo DSi has larger screens and two built-in .3 megapixel cameras. It is 12% slimmer than the other types as its SD card slot replaced the bigger Gameboy Advance slot. You can store videos, up to 400 pictures and music. Sound recording and even backmasking are enabled. Connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi is another advantage from this gaming console. And the battery is a great plus. Even with full brightness on, you can enjoy up to 9 hours when it is fully charged.

Any of these models come in different colors and with stylus, microphone and two screens. But the DSi has a longer stylus and more model color selections. If you are concentrating on budget gaming, go for the DS. If you want a medium-priced gadget yet aim to heighten gaming experience, go for the Nintendo DS Lite. And if you want massive added features, the DSi is the one for you.

Where can you buy the cheapest Nintendo Ds Lite or Nintendo Dsi?

First of all, the original version is now hard to come by. But there are amazing deals for Nintendo DS Lite bundles. As of 20 January, the best deals we could find were

Amazon – £109.99 for the DS Lite Turquoise with Brain Training or the Red DS Lite for £99.99

John Lewis – ₤128.20, Red with Mario Kart and Carry Case

Comet – ₤99.00 in Red, Pink or Green or a Nintendo DS Lite bundle with Brain Training for £117.43

Play.com – ₤99.00 in Pink out of stock

Game – £99.99 for a DS Lite in black or pink

As for the Dsi, here are were the best prices with same delivery conditions

Amazon – from ₤124.98 + £10 Game Offer + Free Accessory pack

John Lewis – ₤142.45, White with Cath Kidston carry case

Comet – ₤149.99 in Black, White, Red, Light Blue or Metallic Blue

Play.com – ₤139.99 in all the Nintendo DSi colours or £149.95 for Nintendo DSi XL in Wine Red or Dark Brown

Game – ₤139.99 for Nintendo DSi or £149.99 for Nintendo DSi XL

What are the Nintendo Ds/Ds Lite and Dsi reviews like?

For the DS/DS Lite, the reviews are great:

‘I have had my DS for over a year now and I have to say that I am very impressed! At first I thought it be awful when comparing it with the PSP but after playing on it for a few months, I noticed that the DS was innovative compared to the PSP… As for the Ds’s features, they are all very good, the touch screen, microphone and the 2 screens are not gimmicks as they are often seen. They are a new and easy way to play games… ‘  From Amazon

‘At last a console which is fun and easy to use… and available in variety of colours! […] All in all it’s a super piece of gaming technology, for both adults and children. So enjoy!’   From Play.com

For the DSi, the reviews are rather more raving:

‘The Nintendo Dsi is a nice step in the evolution of Nintendo’s handheld. It has a lot of new features that can go a long way. Even Ds lite owners might want to consider updating at some point, but it still stands: if you’re content with your Ds Lite or original Ds you don’t have to get it. It’s certainly worth considering, though.’  From Amazon

‘First off, I never had a Ds Lite so don’t really know if worth getting just to upgrade but a fantastic purchase. Been a Nintendo fan all my life and they have always been king of the handhelds and they don’t disappoint. Brilliant.’   From Play.com