DS or DS Lite?

[Malon_Forever]

I'm considering getting either the original DS, or the DS Lite model and I'm unsure which is the better opition.

I was reading the comments in the DS Lite thread, and I keep seeing mixed thoughts on both models, which I expect because everyone has their own opinion.

So, which model do you think is better to get? I want to be able to play GBA games also. I know the DS Lite is suppose to be brighter....is this true, and is it that big of a deal? Thanks!!!

[Cornelius]

Neither version can play GB games, both can play GBA games (in single player mode only) and videos.

I think the DS looks pretty hideous. Add that to worse battery life and larger size and I have to vote DS lite.

[Solertia]

I upgraded to the Lite last fall after owning the original since launch, and I love it. Smaller, better form/looks, better battery life, and WAY brighter screen (which results in much more vibrant colors). DS Lite all the way!

[Kuros]

No contest, DS Lite.

Now if this were a contest between DS Lite and DSi, then we might have some contention.

[IceDrake]

I prefer the regular DS b/c the GBA cartridge doesn't stick out unlike the Lite.

[Swamperon]

DS lite definitely! Not much argument really.

[Mathius]

The DS lite is worth it just for the brighter screen.

[sebastiankirchoff]

DS Lite, end of story.

[Malon_Forever]

Neither version can play GB games, both can play GBA games (in single player mode only) and videos.

I think the DS looks pretty hideous. Add that to worse battery life and larger size and I have to vote DS lite.

That's a bummer that you can't play old GB games. I guess you can't expect it to.

Thanks for all the responses. Seems like the DS Lite is the way to go.

[Therealqtip]

Not sure why you'd get the original DS when the DS lite is like 20 dollars more and looks better and smaller and larger screen. But the 20 dollars is spent well when you have a MUCH larger stylus pen. The original DS stylus pen made me tape the pen to a pencil.

[alxbly]

DS Lite just for that much brighter screen, it really does bring out the colors.

[Gameguy]

Personally I prefer the original DS because it fits better in my hands, the DS Lite feels too small for me. The screens aren't bad for the original DS, I notice a big difference playing GBA games on it compared to an Advance SP(the SP looks pretty terrible once you've seen the games on a DS).

[Baloo]

Original DS due to much better L and R buttons.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The DS Lite is the better design except where the controls are concerned. A back step in that regard. Cross-pad and shoulders mostly.

[Mimi Nakamura]

32% voted for the original DS.... Word??

[c0ldb33r]

If you're only going to get one type of DS, I'd either get the original or a DSi.

I HATE the d-pad on the DS Lite. It made playing Contra impossible :(

[j_factor]

I say go with the original. The Lite cramps my hands really badly. Actually so does the original DS, but not as bad. The screens on the original are perfectly fine -- how bright do you really need it to be? Everybody bought Nintendo's handhelds when they weren't even lit at all.

[Damaramu]

I've never had problems with the Lite's d-pad or the shoulder buttons. I absolutely HATE the glossy finish on it, however. Fingerprint city and it's prone to scuffing and such.

Love the size of the system and brightness of the screens too!

[BetaWolf47]

If you have basketball player hands like me, DS is the way to go. Plus, the shoulder buttons feel nicer.

DS Lite is pretty good too. The backlight is better, so the colors look amazing. The face buttons are really good to press. I dislike that GBA games stick out while you're playing them. Plus, I really don't like how the system looks.

[Malon_Forever]

If you have basketball player hands like me, DS is the way to go. Plus, the shoulder buttons feel nicer.

DS Lite is pretty good too. The backlight is better, so the colors look amazing. The face buttons are really good to press. I dislike that GBA games stick out while you're playing them. Plus, I really don't like how the system looks.

Is it uncomfortable to play GBA games on a Lite due to it sticking out?

[BetaWolf47]

Not uncomfortable at all, just a little discerning. You won't want to put the system in your pocket with a game sticking out.

[Jorpho]

Is it uncomfortable to play GBA games on a Lite due to it sticking out?I have no idea why people keep making such an issue of this.

Also, if the DS Lite is too small, I suggest the purchase of one of the many convenient grip-style cases available for it.

[Therealqtip]

If you have basketball player hands like me, DS is the way to go. Plus, the shoulder buttons feel nicer.

DS Lite is pretty good too. The backlight is better, so the colors look amazing. The face buttons are really good to press. I dislike that GBA games stick out while you're playing them. Plus, I really don't like how the system looks.

If you have big hands there's no way you're holding that stylus for long without it being uncomfortable

[The 1 2 P]

I was just thinking about this very question not long ago. I thought the DS lite was a no brainer but judging by the responses I'd say that both models have their supporters. I'll probably eventually own both anyway.

[BetaWolf47]

If you have big hands there's no way you're holding that stylus for long without it being uncomfortable

Forgot about that. I've always hated how ridiculously small it was.