What has really changed from Nintendo DS to DS Lite?
Back in 2004, Nintendo unveiled a hand-held game console that was a forecast for the future launch of the Nintendo Wii. The Nintendo DS is much more than an improved and newer version of the Gameboy. It would only be fair to say that Nintendo didn’t have conventional gaming in mind when they developed the DS.
Each and every aspect of the Nintendo, right from the double screen (some that has not been done since the watch and game system) display do to multiple control systems (voice control, touch screen and traditional game pad), the DS was everything but traditional.
To get things underway, the Nintendo Lite is much smaller and slighter than DS, and by a huge margin. Despite being a smaller entity, it also comes with a 1000mAh battery, different to the 850mAh on the DS, which gives it an additional 5 hours of game-time within a single charge. The huge battery performance is in part due to the redesign of the Lite’s processor.
While it is still as powerful as the DS, the smaller built process allows the process to get less power. It still is however quite mind boggling how Nintendo has managed to extend game-time so much considering that the screens have been replaced by brighter ones, which are essential when you play under direct sunlight.
If you were to walk into gaming store and say “I would like to buy a Nintendo DS,” the seller will ask, “A Nintendo DS Lite or DSi?” you’ll need to have your answer ready. While most DS games can be interchanged between the DS Lite and the DSi, there are some major differences between these two. The following list will help you make an informed decision based on functionality and pricing for both units.
Keep in mind that the initial model of the DS—commonly referred to as the “DS Phat” in gaming circles—is a little heavier than the Nintendo DS Lite and has a smaller display screen, but with features that are identical to its other version.
The Nintendo Cannot Play GameBoy Advance Gains
The DSi doesn’t have the cartridge slot that the DS Lite backward compatible with GameBoy Advance games. This means that the DSi cannot play DS Lite games that use slots for certain accessories. For instance, Guitar Hero: On Tour needs players to plug some colored keys in the DS Lite cartridge slot.
Only Nintendo DSi Can Download DSiWare
“DSiWare” is the general term for applications and games that can be downloaded from the DSi Shop. Although both these game consoles are Wi-Fi compatible, it is only the DSi that can gain access to the DSi Shop. Online purchases can be made using “Nintendo Points,” the same virtual money that is also used to purchase items on Wii Shop Channel.
The DSi Comes With Two Cameras, and The DS Lite Doesn’t Have
The DSi comes with two in-built 0.3 megapixel camera; both located at the exterior and interior of the device. The camera allows you to take shots of yourself any friends hanging with you, which can also be manipulated using in-built editing software. The camera also plays a critical role in certain games like Ghostwire, which enables players to huntdown and catch ghosts via photography. While the DS Lite doesn’t have a camera function, games that require camera snapshots can only be played on the DSi version. DS Lite also doesn’t have any photo editing software.
DSi Has a SD Card Slot, While the DS Lite Does Not
The DSi supports SD cards that can store up to 2GB in size, and SDHC cards up to 32GB. This enables the DSi to play music only in AAC format, and not MP3s. Storage can also be used to modify, record and store voice clips, which can be embedded into songs. Pictures that are imported from SD cards can be altered with the photo editing software, and beginning in 2009, scan be synchronized with Facebook.
The DSi Has A Downloadable Browse, The DSi Lite Does Not
On the DSi you can downloaded an Opera browser through the DSi Shop. With this browser, owners of the DSi can browse the web anywhere where Wi-Fi is available. The Opera browser was designed for the DS Lite back I 2006, but it was rather hardware-based and required using the GameBoy Advanced cartridge slot instead of being downloaded, it has however stopped being used.
The DSi Is Slimmer Than The DS Lite And Has A Larger Screen
The term “DS Lite” has become much of a misnomer since the DSi’s release. The screen is 3.25 inches, whereas the DS Lite has a 3 inch screen. The DSi is also 18.9 mm thick when closed, about 2.6mm thinner than the DS Lite. You wouldn’t break your back carrying any of the systems around, but game players with an attraction for sexy and slim technology may want to keep the measurements and specifications of both systems in mind.
Menu navigation On the DSi Has Similar Navigation On The Wii
The main menu on the DSi is like the “fridge” style which was made famous by the main menu on the Wii. Seven icons can be accessed when the system is taken from the box, and these include DS Download Play, settings, PictoChat and other Nintendo DS and or GameBoy Advanced games that are plugged into the portable.