If you walk into your local game store and say, “I'd like to buy a Nintendo DS,” the salesperson will ask, “A DS Lite or a DSi?” You need to have your answer ready.
Nintendo DS Comparison – Which Model Should I Buy? (DS vs Lite vs DSi vs DSi XL)
While most Nintendo DS games are interchangeable between the DS Lite and the DSi, there are some key differences between the two. This list will help you make a choice based on the price and features of each unit.
The Nintendo DSi lacks the cartridge slot that makes the DS Lite backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) games. This also means that the DSi cannot play DS Lite games that use the slot for certain accessories. For example, Guitar Hero: On Tour requires players to insert a set of colored keys into the DS Lite's cartridge slot.
DSiWare is the general name for games and applications that can be downloaded from the DSi Shop. Although both the DS Lite and DSi are Wi-Fi compatible, only the DSi can access the DSi Shop. Online purchases are made using “Nintendo Points,” the same virtual “currency” used for purchases on the Wii Shop Channel.
