DS Lite vs. DSi

[KDROBERTS]

Hey guys, I've been looking to get a new DS since my original bought the farm a few months back. This week Target is selling the DS Lite for a hundred bucks, which seems to good to pass up. That being said, should I just shell out the extra $70 and get a DSi? I haven't heard much in terms of downloadable content for the DSi, and the camera is neat, but not earth shattering. Just wanted to get some opinions on it.

[mkiker2089]

It's too soon to say really but I suspect the DSi is the way to go. Games that take advantage of it's advanced hardware, and games that will not be backwards compat are looming ahead. right not nintendo is in a tough spot. They sold a bagillion ds's so they can't kill it now, but they want to badly. Will the consumers let them? Do you want to gamble that they won't?

[Steve T Power]

I'd be all over DS-Lite. You just want games? That's the way to go. The DSi also kills the GBA port, which really, really sucks.

[KDROBERTS]

Both of you have great points, I think I am just going to go for the Lite at the moment. If there are any DSi exclusives in the future that I really want, then I'll just pony out the cash then. I got a rain check from Target thats good until the last of September so I still have alittle time to finalize my plans. Thanks guys.

[albernbowen]

What about the Lite and DSi? From what I'm seeing, the only reason people are buying it is the fact that it has a camera, and little add ons. Is a camera and a few little extra features (some that cost additional money) worth $60 more than a DS Lite? I say no, though some would argue. A lot of people who buy the DSi just for the features that the DS Lite doesn't have probably have a phone. And that cell phone probably has a camera. If you look at the capabilities of the DSi phone, it's only 0.3 mega pixels, and the resolution isn't that fantastic coupled with that. Basically similar to a camera phone. The only instance you will need the DSi phone is if you need to take a casual picture, don't have a better phone, and don't have a camera phone with you. Some people will find an instance like this, though the DSi phone won't be replacing a digital or even traditional camera any time soon.
The added features? They do make the DSi more of a multimedia electronic. There are quite a few people who don't have their own MP3 players like iPods or Zunes or the such (namely myself). I expect that the audio capabilities are lower than the former though, so the DSi won't be replacing MP3 players any time soon either. Useful for a pseudo player though. The feature that allows you to modify your files seems to only be good in the case that you're bored.
I've heard that the Wi-Fi on the DSi isn't that great. Good if you just want quick makeshift surfing, though not if you want it as your own personal laptop.
The camera feature is fun if you have friends around and want to play around, but of course, the editing software on it is not going to be replacing art programs on the computer any time soon. Still, it would be fun to play around when you're bored.
Really, the little "upgrades" are just gimmicks to me. What I find better about the DSi is the hardware. It was improved of course.
But then there's the battery life, which was reduced.

[mkiker2089]

The biggest advantage to the DSi is that is uses real security and has a better time getting online. With a DS you have to cripple your security and often disable the firewalls.

Nintendo is thinking of making a new DS. It's almost unfathomable to see them do it at this point but it's the rumor. I'd hold off on buying anything until it's more known.

[BrettCullum]

$100 for a DS would make me not even worry about it. I mean if they do suddenly release some super new version then so be it. But you get a system that can play all the DS titles plus the backwards capability from the GBA days! Puh-lease! These things hold up pretty well.

I say go for the bargain!