Second DS: Phat, Lite, i, or i XL?

[cantab]

So, like I expect many people, I want a second DS for Poketransfer and Entralink.

My current one is a DS Lite. The hinges have started cracking :-( so I'm a bit worried about lifespan on it.

I could get a
DS Phat for £45
DS Lite for £55
DSi for £75
DSi XL for £105

For reference, the usual selling price for Pokemon Black and White, and most DS games, is £25-30. (Also, a 3DS would be close to £200).

I can probably rule out the DSi XL. The main question then is are the extra features on the DSi worth spending £30 - essentially the cost of a game - more for? Should the original DS be avoided in favour of the Lite?

 

[Night Shadow]

If you really want to buy an old ds, go get the cheapest one you can find.

 

[BCVM22]

The main question then is are the extra features on the DSi worth spending £30 - essentially the cost of a game - more for?

If you're going to be using the unit only for Pokémon's two-DS features, absolutely not. Buy a used original DS for a relative pittance.

If you're actually going to use it as a primary unit at some point, then spend whatever additional money you feel is necessary to get a unit you'll be comfortable with full-time if need be.

 

[Chartreux]

DSi, or like, 3DS if possible. The backwards compatibility loses it's appeal when you note how a Lite still plays GBA games with the top screen removed~ ^-^

 

[Enviros]

DSi, or like, 3DS if possible. The backwards compatibility loses it's appeal when you note how a Lite still plays GBA games with the top screen removed~ ^-^

Um, what? How does that make the backwards compatibility lose it's appeal?

Well if you just want it for trading I'd go for a Phat, or Lite (Lite is more durable), but like others said if you're gonna use it for a primary gaming device at some point go for DSi.

 

[cantab]

I assume Chartreux is saying that even if my DS Lite's hinges completely break, it will still play GBA games, so there's no need to get another DS Phat or Lite. Well, if my DS Lite breaks, I can play GBA games on my GBA. But really, I'd still want to Pal Park, and that I need a DS Phat or Lite in full working order for.

 

[Hejiru]

Only spend the extra money for a DSi if you plan to use it for downloading DSiWare games and/or using the camera and stuff. That's really the only difference.

 

[Sapphire_Pichu]

My second DS is a DS lite, and I got it for 90 dollars at Gamestop. It was in pretty good condition, considering it was used.

 

[Chartreux]

I assume Chartreux is saying that even if my DS Lite's hinges completely break, it will still play GBA games, so there's no need to get another DS Phat or Lite. Well, if my DS Lite breaks, I can play GBA games on my GBA. But really, I'd still want to Pal Park, and that I need a DS Phat or Lite in full working order for.

Totally what I was getting at. ^-^
Forgot about Pal Park and stuff tho....

(Lite is more durable),

Ummm... disagreed. Lites are like glass or something hingewise! D:

 

[Endoplasmic Reticulum]

In all honesty, I think you should get a Phat. If you only want to get one so you can use the poketransfer, don't go overspending yourself.

But since you're saying your DS lite is breaking, maybe you should get a DSi.

But TBH, I wouldn't get any of these and grab yourself a 3DS. It's not that much more expensive than the DSi

 

[Enviros]

Ummm... disagreed. Lites are like glass or something hingewise! D:

I've dropped my Lite numerous times and it works fine, and the hinges are still strong. I dropped my Phat like... 2 times and the hinge broke.

 

[Night Shadow]

I've dropped my Lite numerous times and it works fine, and the hinges are still strong. I dropped my Phat like... 2 times and the hinge broke.

Nintendo's handhelds in general are indestructible.

 

[2D Thom]

i recommend buying the Phat.

 

[cantab]

Well, I put in the order for the Phat. Hopefully it'll arrive soon.

 

[Doned]

Both my hinges now broke on my phat. Looks like I am shopping for a 2nd DS too now.

 

[Night Shadow]

$65 for a DS Phat

 

[centipede2000]

Just buy a 3DS, so you'll have more games to play!

 

[cantab]

It's four times the price, and at present plays only about a dozen more games, only one of which (Pilotwings) I've any interest in buying. For me, the 3DS just doesn't add up right now.

EDIT: Well the DS Phat arrived earlier today. It gets WiFi signal in the same room my PC is in, which is a big plus - gonna make trading a lot less hassle! On the minus side, the screen isn't as nice as on the Lite, and there's a spot of damage on the touch screen. Battery life is of course not yet tested.

Now to start my Poke Transfering.