DS Lite vs. DSi: Which Should You Buy?

Quick Comparison

Feature	DS Lite	DSi
Release	2006	2008/2009
Screens	3.12", 256x192	3.25", 256x192 (brighter)
Cameras	None	2× 0.3 MP (front/back)
SD Slot	No (GBA slot only)	Yes (SDHC up to 32 GB)
Internal Storage	None	256 MB NAND (DSiWare)
Wi-Fi	WEP only (insecure)	WPA/WPA2 (modern routers)
DSi Shop / DSiWare	No	Yes (closed 2017, redownload until 2023)
Browser	No (cart only)	Opera-based (slow, limited)
Battery Life	15-19 hrs	9-14 hrs
GBA Slot	Yes (full)	No (removed)
Price (Used, 2024)	$35-60	$50-90

Choose DS Lite If:

You have GBA games to play.
You want longer battery and smaller form factor.
Budget is tight.
You only play DS cartridges.

Choose DSi If:

You want WPA2 Wi-Fi (works on modern routers).
You want cameras for Face Training, WarioWare: Snapped!, QR codes.
You want DSiWare exclusives (Art Style series, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, Flipnote Studio).
You prefer slightly larger, brighter screens.

Better Alternative in 2024:

Nintendo 3DS / 2DS / New 3DS XL. Plays ALL DS + 3DS games, has homebrew (custom themes, emulators, cheats), screens larger, Circle Pad, C-stick, ZL/ZR, Miiverse (archived), eShop closed but CFW (Custom Firmware) enables CIA installs, updates, online via Pretendo. Prices: $80-150 used.

Nintendo DS