Which DS family console is the best for me?


The Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo 2DS consoles are all capable of running in DS(i) mode, as well as GBA games. To help decide which console is best for you, please read this page.

Features Nintendo DS Nintendo DSi Nintendo 3DS/2DS
Max RAM 4MB (up to 36MB with RAM expansion) 16MB 32MB
Max CPU Speed 67mhz 133mhz1 133mhz1
Camera No Yes Yes
Screen type Transflective TN2 (Phat), TN (Lite) TN (Regular), IPS (XL) TN or IPS (varies by model)
Touch sensitivity Yes DSi mode only No
Screen scaling No No Yes3
Brightness levels 2 (On/Off for Phat), 4 (Lite)4 5 5
GBA Compatiblity Native, Near-Perfect5 Great Native, Near-Perfect6
DSiWare Support Yes, Partial7 Yes8 Yes8
  1. DS games will run at 67mhz, but most can be configured to run at 133mhz, though certain games will have issues.  2

  2. The DS Phat was originally thought to have a frontlit TN display, however it was later found to have a Transflective TN Backlit display. See this video by makho for a detailed explanation. 

  3. When launching in DS(i) mode, the screens are not properly scaled, and will not appear pixel-perfect. Holding START or SELECT button will disable screen scaling, but will reveal black borders around the screen images. 

  4. Later Phat models have the same brightness levels as the Lite model, but will require FlashMe to be installed in order to use those levels (at least in the original menu). 

  5. The only game known to have a compatibility issue is MegaMan Battle Network 4: Blue Moon which crashes after the Capcom logo. This only occurs on the DS Phat and not the DS Lite. See this page where the issue is detailed by mGBA dev endrift. 

  6. Large GBA Video ROMs (above 32MB) will not work. Gyro and rumble features will also not work. 

  7. Majority of supported titles do not require the camera. See this page for which titles are supported. TWiLight Menu++ is required to be installed on your flashcard. 

  8. If you’re using TWiLight Menu++ with either DSiWare Booter setting set to nds-bootstrap or if using a 3DS/2DS, then compatibility is near-perfect.  2