With only a few days left before the new Nintendo DSi handheld hits stores in the US and Europe, I thought I’d answer the burning question: should you upgrade to the newest version of the DS?

Because the decision is ultimately a subjective one, I thought I would summarize the pros and cons of the DSi and the DS Lite to help you make your decision, if you haven’t already.

PROS of the DSi:

• Integrated web browser
• Hot switching of games possible (you don’t have to shut off to change games)
• Slightly larger screens (than DS original or DS lite; 3.5 inches)
• Slightly lighter (than DS lite; 214 grams)
• Slightly thinner (than DS lite; .74 inches)
• Adjust the brightness on the handheld at any time (you can adjust the brightness mid-game, if you’d like; a handy feature, especially if you’re moving from inside to out)
• 2 cameras (enables you to take photos with your DS and use them for games; includes editing software)
• Color PictoChat
• Access to DSi shop for DSiware and other downloadable games (saved on internal storage)
• SD card slot for saving pictures, music games, etc.
• Ability to play DSi-only games and get special features from certain other DS games.
• Faster charge time than previous DS models (2.5 hours)
• Music playback available – listen to music on your DS

CONS of the DSi:

• Browser is slow
• Increase in screen size is negligible (0.5 inch)
• Decrease in weight (4 g) and thickness (.09 inch) is negligible
• Charge lasts max of 14 hours (compared to 19 on the DS lite); less if you use the browser or WiFi
• Does NOT play GBA games or DS games that use the GBA slot (like Guitar Hero)
• Does not play mp3 files
• Only available in Black and Aqua matte
• Price: $169 compared to $129 for the DS Lite

PROS of the DS Lite:

• Affordable ($129)
• Plays GBA games, plus games that use the port (ex: Guitar Hero)
• Charge lasts nearly 20 hours maximum; takes only 3 hours to fully charge.
• Even without downloadable DS games, there are hundreds to choose from.
• Several stylish colors available

CONS of the DS Lite:

• No built-in web browser
• Must shut off system to change games
• Must use main menu to change brightness (can’t change mid-game)
• Only plays games (no camera, no music playback, no built-in browser)
• No SD slot
• May not be able to play DSi-only cartridges

Should you buy a DSi? That’s up to you.  If you want to know my opinion; I say unless you don’t have a DS already and know you will use the new features (i.e. camera) – and don’t mind the higher price – stick with the DS Lite.  It’s cheaper and it will get the job done just fine.  I know I will never use the camera or music capabilities of the DSi if i ever get one, so I don’t see why I should shell out another $169 when I have a brand-new DS lite making me perfectly happy.  Besides, I like playing GBA games!

[Sources: Nintendo; IGN]

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Tags: DS Lite, dsi, Nintendo

This entry was posted on Monday, March 30th, 2009 at 3:36 pm and is filed under DS, Editorials, Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.