Nintendo Ds Review: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Remember the satisfying *click* of a hinge closing on a handheld console that fit right in your pocket? The Nintendo DS, with its groundbreaking dual screens and touch capabilities, completely changed portable gaming forever. It wasn’t just a console; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought millions of new players into the gaming world.

But today, diving back into the world of the DS can feel overwhelming. Should you get the original chunky model, the sleeker Lite, the clamshell-less? Or maybe the 3DS line? Each version offers unique features, and knowing which one fits your needs—whether for retro collecting or introducing a new gamer to classics like Brain Age or Pokémon Diamond—is tricky. Many people struggle to weigh screen quality against battery life and physical size.

This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We break down every major iteration of the Nintendo DS family. You will learn the exact pros and cons of each model, helping you decide which piece of gaming history deserves a spot in your collection. Get ready to discover the perfect handheld companion for your adventures!

Top Nintendo Ds Recommendations

No. 1

Nintendo DS Lite Polar White (Renewed) [video game]

DS Lite doesn't just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering

No. 2

Nintendo DS Lite - Crimson Red & Black (Renewed)

No. 3

Nintendo DSi - Matte Black (Renewed) [video game]

Dual 3.25-inch screen
Download exclusive games, clocks and calendars via the Nintendo DSi Shop
Take pictures using either an inward or outward facing camera and chose from 11 different lenses to customize your shots
Connect wirelessly to browse the internet, share photos and play with others
Access your music in the AAC format off any standard SD Card

No. 4

Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt/Black (Renewed) [video game]

DS Lite doesn't just play DS games it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering

No. 5

Nintendo DSi - Pink (Renewed) [video game]

Includes: Nintendo DSi System, Nintendo DSi AC Adapter, Nintendo DSi Stylus (2), Easy Start Guide, Manuals (Basic & Controls) and Support Booklet

No. 6

Nintendo DS Lite Premium Bundle (Onyx Black) (Renewed)

Nintendo DS Lite Console – Fully tested and refurbished for optimal performance
Stylus (2 included) – Precision touch control for effortless gameplay
Charger – Stay powered up for hours of gaming
Earphones – Enjoy immersive audio while you play
Protective Carrying Case – Keep your console safe on the move

No. 7

Nintendo DS Lite Console with Charger - Powder Blue (Renewed) [video game]

Nintendo DS Powder Blue
HardwarePlatform: Nintendo DS
OperatingSystem: Nintendo DS

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Nintendo DS

Thinking about getting a Nintendo DS? That’s a great choice! These handheld consoles offer tons of fun games. This guide helps you pick the right one. We cover what matters most so you can make a smart purchase.

Key Features to Look For

When you look at different DS models, some features stand out. These make your gaming experience better.

Screen Quality and Type

Dual Screens: All DS systems have two screens. This is the main feature! One screen is for the main action, and the other often handles maps or controls.
Touch Screen: Most DS games use the bottom screen for touch input. Check if the screen responds well to light taps.
Resolution: While older DS models have lower resolution screens, newer ones (like the DSi XL) offer slightly bigger and clearer displays. Bigger screens often mean a more enjoyable view.

Connectivity and Storage

Wi-Fi Capability: Newer models (DSi and DSi XL) have built-in Wi-Fi. This lets you play some games online or download extra content. Older models might need a separate adapter.
Game Slot: Ensure the console accepts DS game cards. Some newer models also play older Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges.
SD Card Slot: The DSi models include an SD card slot for saving photos or downloaded content.

Portability and Battery Life

The smaller models (Original DS, DS Lite) are very portable. The XL models offer a larger screen but take up more space in your bag.
Check user reviews regarding battery life. Battery life can degrade significantly on very old, used consoles.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your DS lasts. You want something durable that feels sturdy in your hands.

Casing and Hinges

Plastic Quality: Most DS shells use hard plastic. Look for consoles without major cracks or deep scratches.
Hinge Strength: The hinge connecting the two halves is crucial. If it feels loose or floppy, the console might not last long. A solid hinge keeps the screens aligned perfectly.

Buttons and Stylus

Button Responsiveness: Press all the buttons—A, B, X, Y, and the directional pad. They should click firmly. Mushy buttons reduce the fun of fast-paced games.
Stylus Fit: The stylus (the pen used on the touch screen) should slide in and out smoothly. Many consoles come with one or two styluses included.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The condition of the console greatly impacts your experience.

What Improves Quality

Original Packaging and Accessories: Having the original charger and box often means the owner took good care of the system.
Screen Protectors: If the previous owner used screen protectors, the actual touch screen underneath should be scratch-free.

What Reduces Quality

Water Damage: Watch out for consoles that smell musty or have corrosion near ports. Water damage is a major quality reducer.
Screen Burn or Dead Pixels: Inspect both screens carefully under bright light. Dead pixels (tiny black dots that never light up) can be very distracting.
Heavy Wear: Excessive scuffs or missing rubber feet mean the console took many drops.

User Experience and Use Cases

The Nintendo DS family offers different experiences based on the model you choose.

For Casual Gamers and Kids

The DS Lite is a fantastic starting point. It is reliable, widely available, and plays almost every DS game, including GBA titles. Its compact size is great for smaller hands.

For Better Visuals

If you prioritize screen size, the DSi XL is the best option. The larger screens show off the colorful graphics better, making games like New Super Mario Bros. look fantastic.

For Photography and Downloads

The DSi (non-XL) adds built-in cameras and an online store for purchasing small games. This model offers a slightly more modern feel than the Lite.

Ultimately, the DS is perfect for on-the-go fun, puzzle games, role-playing adventures, and creative applications. Choose the model that fits your budget and screen size preference!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying a Nintendo DS

Q: What is the difference between a DS Lite and a DSi?

A: The DSi is newer. It has built-in cameras, an SD card slot, and access to the DSi Shop. The DS Lite cannot play DSi-exclusive games, but it can play older Game Boy Advance games, which the DSi cannot.

Q: Which model has the best battery life?

A: Generally, the DS Lite often boasts the longest battery life when new, though this varies greatly depending on the age of the battery in a used unit.

Q: Can I play original Nintendo DS games on a 3DS?

A: Yes, the Nintendo 3DS family consoles play nearly all original DS games perfectly fine. However, the 3DS cannot play GBA cartridges.

Q: Is the touch screen on all DS models the same?

A: The touch screen technology is similar, but the physical size changes. The DSi XL has the largest resistive touch screen.

Q: Do I need a special charger?

A: Yes, you need the proprietary Nintendo charger for the specific model you buy (DS Lite, DSi, or original DS). USB charging cables are sometimes available but can be slower.

Q: How much storage does the DSi have built-in?

A: The DSi models come with a small amount of internal storage, usually 256 MB, but you can expand this significantly using an SD card.

Q: Are the screens backlit?

A: Yes, all DS models feature backlit screens, meaning you can play in the dark. The brightness settings can usually be adjusted.

Q: What does “region-free” mean for the DS?

A: It means you can play game cartridges from any region (Japan, US, Europe) on your console. DS games are generally region-free.

Q: Should I buy a new or used DS?

A: Since production stopped years ago, you will almost certainly buy used. Focus on finding a used unit in “Good” or “Excellent” cosmetic and functional condition.

Q: Are replacement parts easy to find?

A: Yes, because the DS was so popular, replacement parts like hinges, batteries, and styluses are relatively easy and affordable to find online for DIY repairs.