There are a lot of different Nintendo DS models, and that makes it hard to figure out which is the best model. I've summarised the best Nintendo DS models here.

With so many Nintendo DS Models available, some models are more specialised at particular tasks than others, here is a brief comparison that aims to help you find the best DS model for your purposes.

Something to note is that if you have larger hands, or smaller and narrower controllers cramp your hands, then you may want to try the XL/LL model variations - or even the "doorstop" 2DS model. But please note they compromise on portability, and they don't really fit inside a pocket. If portability is a requirement, then you should go for the non-XL/LL models.

If you're simply looking for how to visually tell the difference between similar looking Nintendo DS/3DS models, the please check out this page here instead.

The Best "Do Everthing" Nintendo DS/3DS Model

The New 3DS (not the XL/LL) is the most performant, and pocketable, game console with usable stereoscopic 3D capabilities in this console range. If you don't require portability, the New 3DS XL/LL is the alternative.

The recommended model is either the New 3DS or the physically larger New 3DS XL/LL. These have the best performance, will play all DS and 3DS game cartridges in existence, and they have the most potential too. The New 3DS face-tracking makes the special 3DS 3D effect a lot more usable as it adjusts to your position, unlike on the original 3DS where slight hand or head movement will ruin the 3D effect causing your view to distort. Although the New 2DS XL/LL has the same performance, it lacks the 3D effect, and if you never want to use the 3D feature, then it is also worth considering.

If you plan on running custom firmware and modding your 3DS, or are considering the possibility of doing this in the future, these are the two best models for you as they will emulate ROMs from various platforms (e.g. SNES and GBA) better than an original 3DS. The portable New 3DS is about the size of today's smartphones, and although considerably thicker, it will likely fit into your pocket. The New 3DS XL/LL is bulkier with larger screens at the cost of portability, but you may be more comfortable playing on it for longer periods of time.

The Best Nintendo DS Model for Playing GBA Game Cartridges

The DS Lite is the last console in the DS/3DS range that supported Gameboy Advance game cartridges.

The DS Lite and the original "fat" DS are the only two options for playing GBA game cartridges - they will also play all DS games (not 3DS). The GBA cartridge will protrude from the bottom of the DS Lite while inserted, while it doesn't protrude on the original DS. The backlight is much better on the DS Lite, and it is also a more compact and pocket friendly, although the original DS screen was more capable under sunlight, outdoors.

The DS Lite was the last of the "dumb" handheld consoles before Nintendo introduced onboard storage, for installing apps and games, with future models. For some people, playing GBA games on a DS Lite may be more comfortable than playing on an actual Gameboy due to its layout and wider form factor. You can also change the settings on the DS Lite, or original DS, and specify if you want to play the GBA game on the top or bottom screen.

You may see something called a "Gameboy Macro" out in the wilds of the second-hand market. That is actually just a DS Lite with the top-screen removed, meaining it can only properly play single-screen GBA games. Sometimes it's reshelled to look more "complete" and original.

The Best Nintendo DS Model for Playing DS Game Cartridges

The DSi XL/LL allows you to play all original DS (not 3DS) games on the largest original screen possible.

The DSi and DSi XL/LL are the best consoles for solely playing DS games. Note that you cannot play GBA cartridges on them. Since DS games will be running at native resolution, their screen pixel mapping will be 1:1, and you will be getting the largest and clearest display possible for playing only DS games, as there won't be any unnecessary scaling, that you would get from the more modern 3DS/2DS model displays - which can cause blurring.

It's also claimed that all DSi XL/LL screens use the coveted IPS panels rather than the standard TN panels found in most of the other DS/3DS consoles.

This is an extract from a larger post of mine. If you're interested in my main page about all Nintendo DS, 3DS, and 2DS models, please check it out here.