What is the Difference Between Nintendo DS Models?

The Nintendo DS is currently the top selling video game console on the market. Hard to believe? The latest numbers have the Nintendo hand held selling in excess of twenty-five million units, just in the United States alone. The DS is a bona fide sales monster, and don't expect the demand to shrink.

Nintendo has a long history of offering upgraded models of old hardware (Gameboy Color, anyone?), and the DS is no exception. Let's take a look at what they have floating out there. What is the difference between the old school, clunky DS systems and the sleeker, modern ones? What's the difference between the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DSi?

Featuring the innovative stylus touch system, two separate screens, wifi for on the go multiplayer, and tons of other neat toys, the Nintendo DS is definitely the best portable system on the market.

The original DS is somewhat derisively refereed to as the DSfat in online circles, and for good reason. Compared to the newer models, it is thick, and clunky. While still reasonably sized for a portable system, it is nearly twice the width of the newest model, and quite a bit heavier too.

What really differentiates the two systems, though, is the original DS screens lack of a backlit screen.Wht this mean is, it will be difficult to see the action in low light conditions. If you're the type who only plays their portable systems in the sun, then this shouldn't concern you too much. However, if you're not a fan of only being able to play your consoles in the most optimal of climates, you might think twice about using the DSfat.

The original DS models are very rare, however. You will only see them in previously owned sales markets, such as eBay or Gamestop. So, ideally, you shouldn't have to worry too much about the limited features this older mode contains. Keep an eye out for it if you are going to buy used though

If you're going out to buy a new DS, this is probably the one you're goig to end up with. The DS Lite is well, light and lit. Skinny, light weight, and with a newly redesigned button placement, the newest model of the Nintendo DS is a comfortable on-the-go gaming tool.

A backlit screen with four varying levels of brightness (Protip: keep it low to save your battery charge) let you play even in the blackest night. And isn't midnight out in a starless field when everyone wants to play Pokemon, anyways?

Like its big brother, the DS Lite is able to play all of your old Gameboy Advanced cartridges. There are also some great deals and alternate versions available, so check those out.

Bundles and Pretty Colors

Right now, Nintendo is still offering some great special bundles featuring some of their top games and specially modified DS Lites. Recalling the original cartrdige for their classic series, the Phantom Hourglass bundles comes with a copy of the latest Legend of Zelda game along with a shiny golden DS. Ladies (might) enjoy the pink Nintendogs pack. But don't let gender stereotyping stop you, buy whichever package makes your heart soar.

The newest Nintendo DS model is a one of a kind mix between a camera and a portable gaming system. The Nintendo DSi is an amazing system that shows just how innnovative Nintendo can be when designing their new systems. However, it is not the end all, be all of portable gaming systems. There may be a few reasons someone might want to choose a regular Nintendo DS vs. the Nintendo DSi.

Nintendo DSi Pros

The DSiwill be continue slimming down, being a good ten percent skinnier than even the svelte Lite. Nintendo has made the ability to carry the DS with you anywhere one o their top priories, and it is paying off. If phones keep getting smaller, why not our systems?

But not everything is getting smaller. While the overall width has decreased, the screen size of your DSiwill be slightly larger than previous DS models. Previous models had a 3 inch screen while the Nintendo DSi has a 3.25 inch screen. From personal experience, the change is noticeable but only barely. It has very little effect on the actual gameplay.

But what really sets the DSi apart is the two cameras attached to the sleek chassis. If you weren't happy with having a digital camera, a camera phone, and a disposable from Walgreens in your bag, good news! Your DS can take pictures now. One is located on the outside of the hinged case to take quick snaps of friends, while another is located on the face near the screens, presumably to capture nerds in their natural habitat.

The camera's aren't just for taking photos though. Games are already beginning to use the Nintendo DSi camera in-game. Ghostwire for instance has players literally wandering around their apartments, using the Nintendo DSi to find apparitions hiding so they can take care of it. Other games like Wario Ware: Snapped and Monster Hunter are also making use of the camera. For those who want to be able to have the full Nintendo DS library at their finger tips, it looks like the DSi will be a must.

Nintendo DSi Cons

First of all, goodbye GBA! Nintendo officially discontinues support for the Gameboy Advance with the newest model as it will no longer support last-gen portable games. If this matters to you, then you might be better off sticking to the previous incarnations of the DS.

The real bad news is that all the added features are energy hogs, meaning the DSi will have a significantly reduced battery life. The DS has been renowned for its long battery life, and the limited longevity of our smaller, photographic new toy might not win it any fans.

The older models had a minimum battery life of 14 hours, but the DSi can run out of charge in only 9 depending on settings. Unfortunately, this is a pretty big draw back for a portable gaming system and one customers should strongly consider when choosing to buy a new Nintendo DSi.

Right now, the Nintendo DS is selling like hotcakes, so don't expect a new system incompatible with your old games any time soon. A DS purchase is going to have some longevity on it, so make sure you're choosing the one that is going to best suit your play style.