DS-i -- anything worthwhile yet over a DS Lite?

[DaveSimmons]

I'll probably end up getting one of the two eventually, for all of the JRPGs. So:

For DSi owners, are there any exclusives / DSi ware that you think are worth paying the extra $40 for yet?

 

[I4AT]

I say just get a used DS Lite, I got mine for less than half of MSRP back in October. By the time anything worthwhile that's exclusive comes out, if anything ever does, you'll be able to get the DSi used for a hell of a lot cheaper than it is now. Personally I don't see the point in buying one at the moment.

 

[R Nilla]

Absolutely not. Unless you're really interested in messing with pictures or audio of yourself or having a virtual clock collection.

(I do not own a DSi but have been paying attention to the releases)

EDIT: Since you don't already have a DS, I'd say go for the DSL if you think you will make use of the GBA slot. Iif you already have a GBA or no interest in those games then you might as well get the DSi unless the $40 increase appalls you.

There have been maybe one or two interesting bit-sized games released for DSiWare that aren't pieces of other games or just absolute garbage.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

The DSi is the future. It has a faster processor, better graphics processor, more memory, SD card slot, more robust OS, more multimedia features, access to the DSi shop and the web, etc. It also has a bigger and brighter screen. The cameras are throw-ins and not really worth considering because their quality is poor.

If GBA games are that important to you, just buy a GBA SP used for like $20.

Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it. Sure, right now, it may not seem worth it, but why buy a system when you know it is already obsolete (the DS Lite)? There aren't any exclusives or DSiWare content right now to be excited about, but keep in mind the DSi only launched in April.

For me, the bigger, brighter screen, the more robust OS and the ability to play music off of SD cards are well worth it. The future incentives are just bonuses.

 

[UpgradeFailure]

If people already own a DS lite, No, I don't think it's worth upgrading. But for people like you, the OP, who don't own a DS system yet (or upgrading from a DS Phat). I say yes, it's worth it. We are talking $40 here, that isn't much money. I'd rather pay the $40 extra up front now with the hopes that it will be worth it later on. I am enjoying the Downloadable stuff so far on the DSi, and in the future there might be games that take better advantage of the faster speeds/cameras/dlc. So, I say just pay the little extra now, to be safe not having to upgrade yet again next year

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer
Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it.

I don't need to own one to know that it doesn't have any exclusive content (games) worth mentioning.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer
Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it.

I don't need to own one to know that it doesn't have any exclusive content (games) worth mentioning.

There is more to the DSi than just exclusive content. Way to go, ignoring the rest of my post. :thumbsup:

 

[oznerol]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer
Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it. Sure, right now, it may not seem worth it, but why buy a system when you know it is already obsolete (the DS Lite)?

Ironically, I see it the opposite - the people who own it are simply trying to justify their purchase by over-emphasizing the advantages of the new features. The DS Lite isn't obsolete. It isn't the future of Nintendo portable gaming. It's a subtle way for Nintendo to give the increasingly-popular DS a price-increase while allowing them to get you to buy yet another copy of NES and SNES releases via download.

The DSi's screen is .25 inches bigger, and only slightly brighter. It's not particularly noticeable. What is noticeable, though - and whether or not this merits the price increase is up to you - is the matte finish which doesn't get fingerprints on it like the DS Lite (if that even bothers you), and the upgraded power switch which isn't the strange slide-button anymore.

Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure
If people already own a DS lite, No, I don't think it's worth upgrading. But for people like you, the OP, who don't own a DS system yet (or upgrading from a DS Phat). I say yes, it's worth it. We are talking $40 here, that isn't much money. I'd rather pay the $40 extra up front now with the hopes that it will be worth it later on. I am enjoying the Downloadable stuff so far on the DSi, and in the future there might be games that take better advantage of the faster speeds/cameras/dlc. So, I say just pay the little extra now, to be safe not having to upgrade yet again next year

$40 is at least a 30% markup of the (retail) $130 DS Lite. It's the price of one (or more so, one and a half) games. Whether or not $40 is a lot or a little in your financial world isn't relevant - but the price difference in comparable items is.

And what downloadable games have you been enjoying?

For what it's worth, if I had $170 + tax to spend, I would much rather get a DS Lite and a couple of games than just a DSi.

I would wait until Nintendo even announces a decent DSi-only game before even considering buying one.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer
Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it.

I don't need to own one to know that it doesn't have any exclusive content (games) worth mentioning.

There is more to the DSi than just exclusive content. Way to go, ignoring the rest of my post. :thumbsup:

I didn't ignore anything. I know exactly what the DSi has to offer and that knowledge does not require ownership. If you go back and read my post you'll notice I recommended the DSi provided GBA games (and the extra $40 cost--which could get you 1 or 2 DS games) aren't of significant importance to DaveSimmons. I'm willing to bet he already has a GBA so the DSi might be the right choice.

And I could be wrong but I think the OP is primarily interested in games, not music capabilities--which can easily be done on the DSL with a flash cart (worth having no matter what version of DS you own).

 

[pontifex]

gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: pontifex
gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

Yes, which is not a bad deal (considering it is GameStop), but the OP doesn't have a DS Lite as far as I can tell.

 

[VashHT]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: pontifex
gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

Yes, which is not a bad deal (considering it is GameStop), but the OP doesn't have a DS Lite as far as I can tell.

If you bought your DS lite new then you've basically spent about 290$ to get yourself a DSi with this deal.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: VashHT

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: pontifex
gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

Yes, which is not a bad deal (considering it is GameStop), but the OP doesn't have a DS Lite as far as I can tell.

If you bought your DS lite new then you've basically spent about 290$ to get yourself a DSi with this deal.

F in math.

Cost of a new DS Lite: $130
Cost of a new DSi: $170
Trade value of DS Lite: $70

Going straight off of MSRP, since taxes vary so much from area to area.

130 (cost of new DS Lite) + 170 (cost of new DSi) = 300 (total cost for both of them new)
300 - 70 (trade in value for DS Lite) = 230 (final cost for having a new DS Lite and then trading it in for a new DSi)

Not to mention the fact that you've had the DS Lite for X amount of time, which has some non-monetary, intrinsic value. Also, the fact that the DSi has new features over the DS Lite. You essentially paid $70 extra to use the DS Lite for X amount of time then upgrade to the DSi.

Depending no how long and how much you used your DS Lite, it's not that bad of a deal.

 

[VashHT]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: VashHT

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: pontifex
gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

Yes, which is not a bad deal (considering it is GameStop), but the OP doesn't have a DS Lite as far as I can tell.

If you bought your DS lite new then you've basically spent about 290$ to get yourself a DSi with this deal.

F in math.

Cost of a new DS Lite: $130
Cost of a new DSi: $170
Trade value of DS Lite: $70

Going straight off of MSRP, since taxes vary so much from area to area.

130 (cost of new DS Lite) + 170 (cost of new DSi) = 300 (total cost for both of them new)
300 - 70 (trade in value for DS Lite) = 230 (final cost for having a new DS Lite and then trading it in for a new DSi)

Not to mention the fact that you've had the DS Lite for X amount of time, which has some non-monetary, intrinsic value. Also, the fact that the DSi has new features over the DS Lite. You essentially paid $70 extra to use the DS Lite for X amount of time then upgrade to the DSi.

Depending no how long and how much you used your DS Lite, it's not that bad of a deal.

Since when was the DS lite 130$ when it was new, it was 180$ when I bought it. Thanks for being an ass though.

EDIT: And before you come back with MSRP exact math again, I said about 290$, as in AROUND 290$ (since you do pay tax when you buy things you know).

Double Edit: Why are you so vehement about defending the DSi anyway, I never said it sucked, I just said you've paid a lot for it if you bought the DS lite when it was new and traded it in for this. Just for the record I seriously thought about trading in my DS lite to get it, but decided not to because the only thing I really cared about on it were the nicer screens.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: VashHT

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: VashHT

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: pontifex
gamestop currently lets you trade in your DS for $70 off a DSi.

Yes, which is not a bad deal (considering it is GameStop), but the OP doesn't have a DS Lite as far as I can tell.

If you bought your DS lite new then you've basically spent about 290$ to get yourself a DSi with this deal.

F in math.

Cost of a new DS Lite: $130
Cost of a new DSi: $170
Trade value of DS Lite: $70

Going straight off of MSRP, since taxes vary so much from area to area.

130 (cost of new DS Lite) + 170 (cost of new DSi) = 300 (total cost for both of them new)
300 - 70 (trade in value for DS Lite) = 230 (final cost for having a new DS Lite and then trading it in for a new DSi)

Not to mention the fact that you've had the DS Lite for X amount of time, which has some non-monetary, intrinsic value. Also, the fact that the DSi has new features over the DS Lite. You essentially paid $70 extra to use the DS Lite for X amount of time then upgrade to the DSi.

Depending no how long and how much you used your DS Lite, it's not that bad of a deal.

Since when was the DS lite 130$ when it was new, it was 180$ when I bought it. Thanks for being an ass though.

EDIT: And before you come back with MSRP exact math again, I said about 290$, as in AROUND 290$ (since you do pay tax when you buy things you know).

You got taken for a ride, then. The MSRP for the DS Lite has always been $129.99 US dollars, even at launch.

May 4, 2006 - The DS Lite will officially go on sale here on June 11 for a mere $130.

You're also claiming that you pay $60 in sales tax on purchases totaling $300. That is a 20% sales tax rate. Where the heck do you live?!

Assuming a 7% sales tax rate (which is pretty middle-of-the-road), if you bought a DS Lite new and then traded it in for a new DSi, you would pay $251. A far cry from the "$290" you claim.

Just stop.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Thanks guys. No I don't has a DS phat or even a GBA. I do have an iPod and Sansa so the media capabilities of the DSi don't interest me, I just care about games.

$40 isn't a major part of my budget, but as with the PSP Go I object to being gouged. When I look at the DSi I see features I don't care about (cameras, MP3) and features that aren't being used yet as far as I can tell (spec bump).

Like everyone else the "future proofing" of getting the DSi appeals to me, but then I'm back to thinking why should I give Nintendo $40 for it? (rabble rabble rabble!)

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Thanks guys. No I don't has a DS phat or even a GBA. I do have an iPod and Sansa so the media capabilities of the DSi don't interest me, I just care about games.

$40 isn't a major part of my budget, but as with the PSP Go I object to being gouged. When I look at the DSi I see features I don't care about (cameras, MP3) and features that aren't being used yet as far as I can tell (spec bump).

Like everyone else the "future proofing" of getting the DSi appeals to me, but then I'm back to thinking why should I give Nintendo $40 for it? (rabble rabble rabble!)

You basically just need to decide if the "future proofing" and the extra features are worth $40 to you. If so, then buy a DSi. If not, buy a DS Lite.

 

[DaveSimmons]

So far it seems like future proofing is the only reason to buy the DSi if you just want to game.

I was hoping I'd missed hearing about something more compelling than this week's sudoku download.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
So far it seems like future proofing is the only reason to buy the DSi if you just want to game.

I was hoping I'd missed hearing about something more compelling than this week's sudoku download.

Given your interest in (J)RPGs, I would be surprised if there were ever any DSiWare releases that made you regret a DSL purchase. I would love to be proven wrong but just look at the current state of DSiWare and how WiiWare has gone thus far.

 

[zerogear]

DSi titles are region locked. :]

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
So far it seems like future proofing is the only reason to buy the DSi if you just want to game.

I was hoping I'd missed hearing about something more compelling than this week's sudoku download.

Given your interest in (J)RPGs, I would be surprised if there were ever any DSiWare releases that made you regret a DSL purchase. I would love to be proven wrong but just look at the current state of DSiWare and how WiiWare has gone thus far.

I keep hoping to see Final Fantasy IV: The After Years show up on the DSi Store at a reasonable price, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
So far it seems like future proofing is the only reason to buy the DSi if you just want to game.

I was hoping I'd missed hearing about something more compelling than this week's sudoku download.

Given your interest in (J)RPGs, I would be surprised if there were ever any DSiWare releases that made you regret a DSL purchase. I would love to be proven wrong but just look at the current state of DSiWare and how WiiWare has gone thus far.

I keep hoping to see Final Fantasy IV: The After Years show up on the DSi Store at a reasonable price, but I'm not holding my breath.

Yeah, there's really a lot they could do with DSiWare--but they aren't. The upcoming Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis March Again is a half-step in the right direction, but we'll just have to wait and see.

A Virtual Console for GBA, GBC, and GB games would be nice too.

 

[RyanPaulShaffer]

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer

Originally posted by: R Nilla

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
So far it seems like future proofing is the only reason to buy the DSi if you just want to game.

I was hoping I'd missed hearing about something more compelling than this week's sudoku download.

Given your interest in (J)RPGs, I would be surprised if there were ever any DSiWare releases that made you regret a DSL purchase. I would love to be proven wrong but just look at the current state of DSiWare and how WiiWare has gone thus far.

I keep hoping to see Final Fantasy IV: The After Years show up on the DSi Store at a reasonable price, but I'm not holding my breath.

Yeah, there's really a lot they could do with DSiWare--but they aren't. The upcoming Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis March Again is a half-step in the right direction, but we'll just have to wait and see.

A Virtual Console for GBA, GBC, and GB games would be nice too.

Yes, there is a ton of potential for the DSi Store, but will Nintendo utilize that potential? That remains to be seen. I still have my initial 1000 DSi points sitting around unused.

 

[Dumac]

Originally posted by: RyanPaulShaffer
The DSi is the future. It has a faster processor, better graphics processor, more memory, SD card slot, more robust OS, more multimedia features, access to the DSi shop and the web, etc. It also has a bigger and brighter screen. The cameras are throw-ins and not really worth considering because their quality is poor.

If GBA games are that important to you, just buy a GBA SP used for like $20.

Notice the folks who commented do not have a DSi. They are just speculating and have no first-hand experience with it. I have a DSi. It is worth it. Sure, right now, it may not seem worth it, but why buy a system when you know it is already obsolete (the DS Lite)? There aren't any exclusives or DSiWare content right now to be excited about, but keep in mind the DSi only launched in April.

For me, the bigger, brighter screen, the more robust OS and the ability to play music off of SD cards are well worth it. The future incentives are just bonuses.

There is no point to any of the hardware or software features you mention without developers taking advantage of it, which I doubt will come any time soon.

The DSLite screen is already robust big and bright enough. A slight upgrade in size and brightness (I didn't even know the DSi was brighter - thanks for pointing that out) isn't worth upgrading to me.

You could already play music before, but that point is moot to me anyway, as why would I want to play music off my DS?

A robust OS is hardly a pro. I would rather stick with a simplistic OS for a simple gaming handheld.

Because of all this, I personally can't think of any reason to upgrade to a DSi. If you think the DSLite is obsolete, you are sadly disillusioned.

OP, you can probably find a DSLite for really cheap if you look hard enough right now. If you want the best, though, go for the DSi. I doubt you will regret it.

Either way, have fun gaming.

 

[Oyeve]

If games come out that utilize the DSi stuff and utilizes it well, and if they come out with better colors, I may consider getting one. Right now between me and my son, I have a crimson/black DS, he has the original fatty DS and a black DS Lite. And we are perfectly happy with it and play the 3 GH games all the time. DSi didnt apeal to me for 2 reasons. No GBA slot and even tho there are to SPs in the house we rather play on one console and second, cant play GH on the DSi. Hopefully they make a guitar controller for the DSi, dont know how, maybe something in the SD slot? or is that gonna snap the slot? Anyway, its a good idea, but I know of nothing worthy on the SW front to urge me to get a DSi. But, I said the same thing when the first DS hit and no good games came out for a while and I thought the PSP was the shit, then the PSP had no good games and the DS came out with a lot of good games. So time will tell.