Nintendo Ds help please

[mdezot]

Ok, I am looking for some help choosing a Nintendo DS for my son who is turning 9. Basically I have found out that there is a DSI and a DS lite and I need to figure out which one we should be buying for his birthday. He already has a digital camera. Thank you for any help or advice.

 

[DrCavin]

I would get the DSI, it is the newest model. Plays same games as DS, just has some extra features now.

 

[harleyquinn]

I always suggest getting the newest version of a product so that you don't turn around next year and the old one isn't being supported with new games...

The DSi is really cool and if you can afford the higher price, I would definitely go with it.

If you need something cheaper than $169, you should be able to find used DS lites for much less than that, just make sure there are no scratches and the hinge is in perfect condition. I would not buy a first generation DS. My DH loves his, but especially for smaller child hands, the DS Lite is way better.

 

[MinnieMe87]

I have a DS Lite and it's awesome. I like the DSI too, it's got some cool extra stuff on there. I'd probably spend the extra money and get him the DSI if you can pay the extra money for it.

 

[harleyquinn]

I would get the DSI, it is the newest model. Plays same games as DS, just has some extra features now.

That's not entirely true as it no longer has the game boy advance slot, so at this point the Lite can play more games. I can't think of any reason you would actually NEED the GBA slot though, so I wouldn't let that make my decision!

Oh! OP One more thing. The camera on the DSi is important, not just for being a camera, but for one that connects with games...you can take your picture and import it into games or use it to edit the pictures--it's cooler than it sounds! lol

Plus only the DSi has the capability to download games and there are a couple good ones coming. www.ign.com is my favorite gaming site if you need more info.

 

[TheGoofster]

Here's a quick recap:

DS(lite) advantages:

1) cheaper
2) Right now it has access to many,many more games (I don't know exactly how many Game Boy Advanced games there are, but it's probably in the 1000's) through the GBA port.
3) Because of the access to these games, you can find really cheap games to play with it (For example, Amazon has hundreds of GBA games for great prices)

DSi advantages:
1) faster / more powerful processor (this is something that will be used when they start making DSi specific games)
2) larger screens (3.25 inches vs. 3 inches for the DS(lite))
3) Internet connection (requires wireless router)
4) 2 digital cameras
5) uses SD cards (Up to 32GB. Can transfer photos to and from the Wii or a PC)
6) Can be used to play music (it doesn't use MP3's, but rather AAC files which is actually a better system (although not as popular as MP3's))
7) You can download programs and games through the DSiWare program. kind of like the Wiiware for the Wii. So far not much has come out, but there are high hopes of some great programs being available.
8) Future co-op use with some Wii games.
9) Future access to Nintendo handheld games via DSi Virtual Console. They are talking about making all old Game Boy and Game Boy advanced games eventually downloadable (thus eliminating advantage numbers 2 and 3 for the DS)
10) improved speakers

So basically, right now there isn't a huge advantage of a DSi over the DS, but in the not to distant future, I think you will see many really good advantages.

 

[mdezot]

I knew that if I posted here that all of you helpful knowledgable disers would give me the useful information that I needed. Thank you so much for all of your input. All of your responses have reall helped make our decision. You guys are the best!