Nintendo DSiFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 51 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment84%
PROS 84%
CONS 16%

Rank based on 51 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want the best possible screen and experience for playing original DS cartridges
  • You're into modding/hacking handhelds cheaply for retro emulation
  • You value the nostalgic Flipnote Studio and DSiWare software library

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need native GBA cartridge support
  • You want to buy and expand digital DSiWare storage without hassle
  • You want MP3 playback support built in

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Affordable priceExtremely durable buildComfortable ergonomicsNo 3D functionalityNon-foldable slab designSingle speaker only
Affordable price
Extremely durable build
Comfortable ergonomics
No 3D functionality
Non-foldable slab design
Single speaker only
2Mid
StreetPass and social featuresCustomization and personalityHuge legacy game libraryScarcity and rising pricesBattery aging and data riskConfusing naming and missing features
StreetPass and social features
Customization and personality
Huge legacy game library
Scarcity and rising prices
Battery aging and data risk
Confusing naming and missing features
3Mid
Huge, beloved game libraryConsole-quality graphicsStrong homebrew and emulation scenePSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcityDead pixel issuesLater slim models had inferior build/finish
Huge, beloved game library
Console-quality graphics
Strong homebrew and emulation scene
PSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcity
Dead pixel issues
Later slim models had inferior build/finish
4Budget
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachmentClever hardware engineeringColorization of original Game Boy gamesMuted, dim screenInconsistent early third-party graphicsShort console lifespan
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachment
Clever hardware engineering
Colorization of original Game Boy games
Muted, dim screen
Inconsistent early third-party graphics
Short console lifespan
5Mid
Deep nostalgia factorStrong game library tie-inDesirable special editionsFragile under rough useHard to find and pricey nowAccessory and game scarcity for rare shells
Deep nostalgia factor
Strong game library tie-in
Desirable special editions
Fragile under rough use
Hard to find and pricey now
Accessory and game scarcity for rare shells
6
Exceptional game libraryStrong nostalgic valueImpressive pseudo-3D and graphics capabilityPoor screen visibilityDifficult sound chipPerceived shortage of good games at launch
Exceptional game library
Strong nostalgic value
Impressive pseudo-3D and graphics capability
Poor screen visibility
Difficult sound chip
Perceived shortage of good games at launch
You are here
7Budget
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacyEasy to mod/hackBeloved DSiWare libraryNo GBA slotGBA emulation still buggyDSiWare transfer data loss
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacy
Easy to mod/hack
Beloved DSiWare library
No GBA slot
GBA emulation still buggy
DSiWare transfer data loss
8Budget
Sharper, clearer screen
Sharper, clearer screen
9Mid
Vibrant OLED screen
Vibrant OLED screen
10Mid
SteamOS Experience
SteamOS Experience

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Design and build quality earn consistent praise. Commenters repeatedly call the DSi the 'nicest designed DS,' citing its slick matte finish and premium feel that holds up compared to the DS Lite's glossy, fingerprint-prone shell. Several say build quality is sturdier than the DS Lite, whose hinges were known to break. Owners note units from 2009 still function well over a decade later, with only minor cosmetic wear like hinge clicking or shell yellowing on some long-used consoles.

Flipnote Studio and DSiWare left a huge creative legacy. Numerous commenters say Flipnote Studio taught them animation and even launched YouTube careers, with Hatena's community introducing many to internet meme culture as kids. DSiWare gems like Cave Story, Shantae, Petit Computer, Zenonia, and Rytmik are fondly remembered as full, worthwhile games. Petit Computer in particular is praised as a powerful game-creation tool that inspired hobbyist developers, including one who ported Mega Man 2 to it.

Modding turns the DSi into an ideal retro handheld today. Many users say the DSi and DSi XL are simple to hack with just an SD card, unlike the original DS/DS Lite, enabling emulation of NES through Genesis and GBA titles via TWiLight Menu. Multiple commenters recommend it as the best way to play the full DS library, citing sharper visuals than the 3DS's blurred DS mode. Prices are cited from $20-$150 depending on model, making modded units an affordable go-to for portable retro gaming.

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