Nintendo DS Lite Vs DS: GBA Cartridge Placement

I think the thing that drives my hate of the Nintendo DS Lite VS the DS the most is the design of the GBA cartridge interface. They really took a great looking hand held game system and turned it into a home-brew Frankenstein of an affair. The older DS has room for the cartridge to be placed fully into the game system. The DS Lite has it sticking out a little bit like they forgot that this was going to be a regular feature of the device!

The sturdiness of the DS Lite VS DS is also a big question mark. There have been numerous reports of the screen and hinges cracking on the DS Lite. This does happen to a lesser extent to the DS but the older unit is much thicker and stronger.

I'll admit that holding a DS as opposed to the DS Lite may cause some strain on your hands. The Lite is lighter. I like the button placement of the older model better though.

For me, the choice of Nintendo DS Lite VS DS is clear: go for the older model. They are out there at very competitive prices in places like EBay, Gamestop and GameCrazy. The software for the DS and the Lite is virtually the same. It is only when you get to the DSi that a real shift in power occurs. Later we will take a look at the DSi and see if it can give the older DS a run for its money!