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OK..

situation is.. 10 year old daughter would like a Nintendo DS for Xmas, and there are about 4 different types of DS out there..

DS, DSlite, DSi, DS3d...

I don't want something that can surf the net, nor play 3d type games.. so I suspect the last 2 in the list are out....

But what is the difference between the DS and DSlite? size and weight only?

Is the DS "obsolete"? Can I find games for it still... etc?

How much should I be looking to spend?

Help a Dad out.. I am someone who thinks that Game Boys are still technologically complex here..

-P

My wife and I have a pair of the old original DS systems. As far as I know, all versions play DS games, and the 3DS systems play the 3d games. The original DS and DS lites also play Game Boy Advance games, which I do not think the newer models do. I believe that all of them are internet capable, but I have never used mine as such. I don't know if they have a browser per-se, or are just able to connect to other games only.

From what I have seen, the DS lites have much nicer screens. They are considerably brighter and more clear. I have no idea on battery life though. They are also noticably smaller, which is a detriment to my giant paws, but for a child I doubt it would be an issue.

Price wise, I have seen tons of old originals for $40ish. I don't know about the Lites though.

OK.. so, after taking the time to surf the "largest encyclopedia in the world".. I think I am looking for a DSlite..

Backwards compatible with the Game Boy Advance.. and brighter screens..

(and it comes in pink and purple)

-Porkuslime

We have 2 DSLite and 1 DSi. I far prefer the DSi for everything, myself.

Yes it does have internet - but you have to tie it to your Wi-Fi connection. So easy enough to not do. Not good for much - going to the DS Store is about the only thing it is good for, IMO. You can take pictures with it, and mess around with those - kids love having the camera on it. Some of the games out there have extra features for DSi / 3Ds w/ the camera (one Littlest Pet Shop game, you could download a free bar code, take the picture of it, and get a character for the game, for example).

And it feels more comfortable to me, and (at least ours) the battery seems to last a bit longer.

I had a DS, but ended up picking up the 3ds for each of my kids (6 and . The 3ds plays all of the DS games, plus the 3ds games. Overall I felt it was better/wiser to buy the most current platform vs the older one and the price drop sealed the deal.

Mine got a DS for Christmas from her grandparents last year. She loves is.
I think it's a DSi, which comes with a larger than normal screen. That screen size makes a huge difference. If you can get the one with the bigger screen, DO IT.

Eric

I think that is the DSxL or something. The DSi is the same size as the DSLite, but doesn't do the gameboy advance games. It has limited WiFi,a camera, and an SD card slot.

If you're looking for something that is good and can't get on the internet then I'd personally go with the DSlite. It will play all game DS games and all advance games. It is still a decent price and you can get them used for an even better price. The DS (big bulky and gray is obsolete but still usable), DSI and the DSI-XL are able to get on the internet and you don't want the SDS because it can get on the internet and is not recommended for children because of the 3D technology.