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 | TN(?) | TN (Regular), IPS (XL) | TN or IPS (varies by model) |
| Touch sensitivity | Yes | DSi mode only | No |
| Screen scaling | No | No | Yes2 |
| Brightness levels | 2 (On/Off for Phat), 4 (Lite)3 | 5 | 5 |
| GBA Compatiblity | Native, Near-Perfect4 | Great | Native, Near-Perfect5 |
| DSiWare Support | Yes, Partial6 | Yes7 | Yes7 |
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DS games will run at 67mhz, but most can be configured to run at 133mhz, though certain games will have issues. ↩ ↩2
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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. ↩
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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). ↩
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The only game known to have a compatibility issue, MegaMan Battle Network 3 crashes after the Capcom logo. ↩
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Large GBA Video ROMs (above 32MB) will not work. Gyro and rumble features will also not work. ↩
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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. ↩
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If you’re using TWiLight Menu++ with either
DSiWare Bootersetting set tonds-bootstrapor if using a 3DS/2DS, then compatibility is near-perfect. ↩ ↩2