The DS is like the Nintendo PS2, huge library of mostly great games and tons of experimentation. Developers back then really took the risks to create original and interesting games. Not to mention all the great ports, like the call of duty games. This is something that completely died from the 3DS onwards, when development costs became more significant.
The call of duty 4 MW was surprisingly effective on DS with the stylus and bottom touch screen. Closest thing to a mouse and keyboard set up on a portable.
I used to enjoy writing NDS homebrew. Sadly, the XP laptop I used to code on died long ago, so now I'd have to build a retro PC just to get the dev stack back up and running. Glad to hear R4 cards are still available.
I was so surprised to see the scene is still alive and well. I didn't touch on them in this video, but the Mario Kart DS/SM64DS mod scene is even bigger.
I bought a DS lite a couple of years ago instead of stressing about which retro emulation device to get. It just fills that retro need and it's so easy and convenient to play on.
Pro tip: If you have a (N)3DS XL you can boot a NDS game while pressing the Select button to play it in pixel-perfect mode, which will add black areas around the screens but will look about the same size as a regular DSi On a regular 3DS it will look too small to be usable
pro-tip: this has extremely common knowledge since the original 3DS model was released and it's annoying as fuck to see this "fun fact" get posted on nearly every DS video released these days
Not quite the same, but the New 3DS has been my go-to handheld this year. Between the ROM injections, native DS/3DS support, and portability, it just outshines all the other handhelds I have at the moment.
3DS is peak. If it was only a little more powerful and just double the resolution (would be 480p ish), it'd literally be impossible to beat it ever again.
@@trashtrash2169yeah the screen is the biggest L for the new 3ds. My modded new 3ds xp is the most superior handheld I’ve ever used but the screens just need to be better. More power wouldn’t hurt but that could eliminate some charm from the library
@@ShadyRapture Sure, but I think slightly higher res textures would do wonders for the graphics, and that should be based more on the ram than graphics chip, I think, so get faster and more ram, and increase the screen resolution while updating the graphics hardware enough to compensate for the new pixels. That'd be my forever handheld.
Thanks for the awesome coverage on DS. We've been actively developing new exclusive games via homebrew for DS and PSP and will continue that long term for years even as we focus on modern commercial game development. Your video reminded me of all the ribbon cable I've accidentally shredded while repairing and replacing shells years ago on DS Lites.
I would love an Analogue Pocket equivalent of the 3DS. Imagine being able to play all the old DS and 3DS games on a beautiful screen, that would be amazing.
For me it goes: Retroid Pocket 3+ > PS Vita Slim > new3DS > PSP Brite > DS Lite > OGBA All the Genuine Handheld Consoles listed can be hacked or modded in some way, or use flash carts to add more storage and games. And all of these are actually pocket friendly and comfortable. There's no device that is better than the RP3+ and still is pocketable, and if we remove that prerequisite there's too many options.
If money was no-object, and knowing what I know now, I would want to cover as much ecosystems as possible. However some of those systems are better optimised on some form-factors than others. So here's what I would do: Phone: Android Tablet: iOS Laptop: Windows Desktop: Linux TV: PlayStation ....and using an expensive Wifi/5G I would stream games from my Desktop/Cloud to my tablet while indoors and to my phone when outdoors. There's no need to own an Xbox if you have a Windows Laptop or Desktop PC. Otherwise there is always xCloud Ultimate which can be subscribed to for very cheap online.
Usually on DS consoles that have a "broken hinge" actually have a cracked shell in the hinge area. The metal hinge itself usually doesn't break under normal use.
usually the hinge isn't broken but it'll get stiffer or seize up which breaks the shell, even if the hinge still looked like it worked its better to get a new hinge bc the same problem would probably happen after a while even with a new shell
Yo Taki, great vid. Just wanted to say that the top screen being a 'cooler' tone than the bottom was just how it always was. I always figured it was simply because one was touch screen and the other wasn't. But I DISTINCTLY remember that always being that way, where it was noticably different in the image
I've been playing on my DSi XL. There are just so many good games on it, you could realistically keep playing the DS until you die and still have tons of good games left over.
Cool to hear that tidbit about the original R4 devs. I remember 2006-2008 were magical when i got my first NDS R4 carts. It laid the seed for the currnt retro emulation addiction, including being able to back up my OG save files (170hours in FFTactics A2)❤
I just got a practically new DSi XL for less than $50 and it’s been an amazing experience. I always preferred the DSi as a kid, I just liked the way the shell felt and the screens were amazing after coming from a GBAsp 001. I stopped playing handheld anything right as the 3DS came out so with Twilight menu on the DSi XL I get exactly what I need. It’s wonderful
The DSi was my favorite as a kid too. The volume buttons were much better than the sliders and they supported adjusting the brightness on the fly. And they loaded so much faster than the 3DS.
I did the shell swap for a DS lite and managed to break the top screen, bottom screen digitizer and the power switch (same way you did). Had to order replacement parts but got it all fixed up myself. Removing the power switch is not as hard as you think, but you definitely need some soldering experience.
I really liked the DS/3DS form factor, it's very comforting to return to the dual screen/bottom touch screen, after leaving it behind for so long. It really was an underappreciated upgrade. I wish Nintendo would return to this form factor, but you know that's never going to happen. I've grown really tired of the slate/candybar form factor that's everywhere nowadays, it's so monotonous.
Why stop at the DS? Go back to the original GameBoy and enjoy your wrists being cramped in together. Squint at the screen in the best of light and try not to run too fast. Nevermind, batteries are dead.
I hope so too, at least judging by patents nintendo is considering the possibility. In my opinion the thickness of the clamshell could give a more powerful experience than the switch while also being able to fit in your pocket. The dual screen is surprisingly useful as well. We may see it in the future.
I really liked the Nintendo DS Lite, had mine for years. Recently, I noticed the bottom screen was getting messed up. Where the black text warning was when you boot up, it was becoming black with yellow edges. The blue URL was half blue and half black. I tried adjusting the adjustment screw and sometimes it would help, but then revert back. I adjusted that screw so many times I think I stripped it. Couldn't really tell if I did or not so I opened it up. I didn't. I closed it back up and the shoulder buttons were a pain trying to align the spring correctly. Finally got it closed but power switch wasn't springy anymore. Turns out I snapped the onboard nub on the power switch off while closing it. RIP DS Lite. You were a good friend to me.
Thank you for this video, the timing could not be better. I just found my DSi and started homebrewing it a few days ago. It feels good to play on it again :)
I like the single cart multiplayer. Because of the backwards compatibilty with DS, I can use both my DS and 3DS to play Mario Party and Mario Kart wireless local multiplayer with a friend or family member easily. No online subscription required.
Much love Taki. Great to see this device getting some love. I still have my original DSi. Sadly, I went through many versions of the DS/Lite since I carried that thing around everywhere in university/work. 20 years.... "F" in chat for me. One thing to note: When Nintendo made the DS, the BOTTOM screen was the default screen to play GBA games since it was "closer" to the AGS-101 screen. If I am not mistaken, some original Japanese models were even using the same screen since they were being manufactured at the same plant. There is an old Game Informer (showing my age) magazine article that had an interview with one of the developers of the DS explaining the reasoning behind it. This is why people like making those Gameboy Macro's from broken DS's.
For DS games I like the DSi XL the most, it fits nicely in my hands and the big screen is nice, although that comes at the cost of portability. Not a big deal for me as I always wear a backpack or a satchel. It can do emulation decently, but for that I use a NN2DS XL (what a lovely name), the games run very well thanks to Virtual Console and emulators like mGBA and Snes9x. TWiLight Menu++ runs great too; DSiWare can be installed on the system without it. There're also ports of the engines of Diablo, Doom, and Quake II. Of course, for pure pocketability and playing GBA games natively, the DS lite reigns supreme.
@@idunno421i have both a modded New 3Ds XL and a modded DSi and from my experience your not missing out on anything. on the 3Ds u can do what the dsi can and more
I cleaned up and restored my white DSL a few months ago, the thing about the DS is that the hardware is so unique that emulators don't do these games justice, some game benefit a lot from two screens and the stylus obviously is critical for many games. The screen also aged pretty well, the 3ds screen for example has always bugged me, it looks washed out and kinda cloudy compared to other handhelds. Finally the games have aged pretty well, especially the pixel sprite based games, the look crisp and the way the pixels fit the screen 1:1 makes it look so clean. Even some polygon based games look decent, like Mario Kart or Golden sun.
Exactly! I'm super pro-emulation, but until literally every DS I own breaks down, I don't think I'll ever want to emulate DS games. Original hardware or nothing for me
I remember setting up my R4 with YSMenu back when i was like 14, i always had a blast with my NDS and its still here with me, i played on it daily for like 7 or 8 years, great little console, not even the 3ds or the vita got so many playtime out of me. Also i'm really happy they still develop homebrew for it, that genesis emulator really used to struggle with even the simplest of games lol, but was really nostalgic to see the interface of all those emulators and software that i used to play so much. You know what? screw it, you inspired me to restore my trusty NDS to her glory days.
Very nice video. Got a couple still laying around from childhood and siblings, some broken parts in them all really but I might be able to combine them into atleast one functional ds. Would probably clearshell mod too, it looks really great in the video anyways. Well made definietly inspiring
Great video! The NDS is definitely underrated. It can run many systems through emulation, along with a ton of native games. Best low-cost gaming system IMHO.
you should also change the title to screen comparison. i just got into the hobby after 15 or so years of missing my gba stuff lol. having this knowledge for beginners is helpful.
love the DS lite its my most played handheld, i still have a working one and its amazing i havent charged it in years but it still works lol. i got a few broken ones that i was going to do some parts swapping and get a new shell but never got around to it.
Recently i bought Nintendo 3DS xl and i am still amazed how good is the 3d effect working there. Such 3d gaming without any glasses is so good still up today.
I am on the lookout for a DSi XL. I already have a DS Lite with perfect screens, but I want bigger screens (I am not getting any younger). I swapped the my DS Lite shell with a transparent shell and boy, does it look good! The games library for the DS is incredible and a reason to still buy one in 2023.
I've still got my DS lite. It was the first handheld where I thought it was so light weight and comfortable. Feel that way about the Switch Lite as well. And while I do enjoy playing on emulator handhelds I still love having official handhelds and physical games.
My one issue with the DS Lite is that the screens are starting to yellow due to age and replacement screens are often pricier than they're worth 😭 It doesn't help that they're a pain in the butt/very fiddly to open
I just got an OG Red DS shipped straight from Japan, it works, and its in good condition. It still amazed me how the screen was different from the DS Lite
Download play is the single best feature of this console. I wish there was a modern equivalent of this. I'm considering getting more DS's just to get hassle free 8 player mario kart when we're enough people locally.
flash card tip, i got this 208&482 card on amazon. really good card with good emulaion support including gba snes pc engine and neo geo (in some .neo format). came with roms that i just got rid of since i use my own ripped roms and uses wood themes in the main ds section
I love you content Taki it’s 3am and I’m watching you video lol Your the reason why I love retro gaming and why I got my psp and modded it. I really want to see you make a video about the Ps vita as that’s my dream handheld I never got
I have a white DS Lite in mint condition and with the complete box and manuals... battery is still good! i had it from a friend who used it for a max of 1-2 hours which is why it is like brand new. So happy to have it.
Didn't realize that you can run gba off of an r4. Def gonna be checking that out. I have a launch ds that I always kept in a case, its so minty. Never liked the mushy d pad on the lite. Hitting diagonals seemed tough. Thanks for the video!
I live in Brazil and this day I bought a DSi XL in perfect condition, in the box with all the accessories and papers, manuals, etc. for R$350 (USD $70). I installed Twilight Menu on the SD card and left it to configure to start at boot, using Unlaunch. Wonderful console to accompany me around when I can't take my Nintendo Switch with me.
I bought my girlfriend (now wife) a pink DS Lite when we were in high school and a second pink one when it broke. That one also broke and I've kept them in my closet for years telling myself I'll fix them one day. Now I feel inspired to finally tackle them. My 7 year old girl would love the DS.
I wish PSP-2000 had aftermarket IPS screens available. I've spent $40 so far ordering replacement screens that arrived in even worse condition than the original one I wanted to replace.
I got a DS Lite in 2007, and an early R4 clone, and it still works and looks great. I'd kinda like a 3DS too, but there was only one 3DS game I _really_ wanted to play, and it's pretty expensive for just one game. Mostly though, I just play stuff on my homebrew Switch so I can use a big screen and controller.
Right up my alley Taki! Nice!!!The DS fats are difficult to fix but I can fix ds lite pretty well. If I can't fix ds, I'll make it into a neon and be a deticated as a gba games (not a ds) keep the shells yessss
I'm a collector and this was pretty much when live punched me in the groin and took all my money, still working on finishing the collection, have an OG Gameboy to put back together. ... So, this is gonna be a fun thing to collect it seems, damn! :D
Nobody ever seems to talk about the difference in how the buttons feel between the models. I think the original fat model had the best button feel, with a soft digital press that was clear on when you were or weren't pressing the button. I love the DS Lite but the buttons all have a mushy, almost analog feeling and are much more prone to wearing out. DSi has a hard digital feel that feels better than Lite to me, but isn't as comfortable to use for platforming and action games as the OG DS. Good vid, thanks!
Has a black DS lite in great condition ( lives in a Gameboy case)using a newer R4 card with date of 2021 and no problems. Also has a 2DS (wedge) also in great condition ( lives in it's official case) Modded 128gb SD card runs great. Really interested in the Super Mario Galaxy DS will have to check that out.
I literally just ordered a white DS lite a few day's ago to do the exact same thing. I plan on doing the same thing for my siblings and mother so we can play multi-player like we used to years ago. That's the only reason i bought the damn thing because if I wanted to play alone i can easily get an emulator on my phone and use a controller.
Your favorite DS is my favorite DS. I made sure to get one that was lightly used by an old lady off FB marketplace. Both the screens have a nice slightly warm color temp.
If you can hunt a Supercard DSTWO or DSTWOPLUS, those are the only 2 flash carts that I know of that ran Super Nintendo at full speed on the DS, but there's 2 major issues with acquiring one. 1)they don't manufacture the cart anymore and the Supercard company never blew up like R4, so good luck finding one. 2) if you do happen to find one, nobody hosts the firmware anymore so even if you get the card it's a gamble if it'll work
Quake DS is outstanding. I played it more than most official titles for the console. And I also have to agree with you about multiplayer. Since every other friend I had had a DS it was so easy to set up and play some Mario Kart.
One thing I really like about the OG DS is that it's only 1.6 watts as opposed to 2.3w on the lite. My OG GBA is only .6w. Efficient for off-grid gaming. PSP and Vita are 6w for sake of comparison.
When I was younger (like in 2010 haha) I made the exact same shell change to my DS lite (Even to that color!), and i messed the power button as well. It makes my younger self a bit more calm knowing I'm not the only one who had that happen to them haha :)
Please, please, please making a breakdown on the New 3DS would be amazing. Mostly b/c I just got one 3 weeks ago lol. I would love to see if you could get a Street Pass in 2023 as a side project too.
I still have my DS's from release, with the exception of the original DS which I traded in when DS Lite came out though I wish I hadn't. I still use my 3DS a lot but not so much the DS Lite or DSi's. I'm actually playing some Pokemon ROM hacks on my 2DS XL right now although my 3DS does have better screens..the 3DS is not hacked but the 2DS is. I do use Twilight ++ all the time. All of them I have are original equipment and in good condition.
I don't know about the DS but Homebrew on the 3DS (or Luma) lets you change the color temperature on each screen. I matched my screens and made them both a bit warmer than the stock temp which I found too sterile.
Bought myself a maroon DSi XL this year. It was discounted coz it was missing its original stylus and was a little bit scratched up and dirty but it came with the big chunky stylus and once its on you can barely tell that the screen is scratched. I already own two 3DSs, one of which I bought to mod in case I messed it up, and the other which is my main 3DS, but I’ve been playing a lot of DS games this year and wanted to play them in the original resolution coz the DS has a couple of tricks to make the games look slightly better on the less powerful console. Overall, I love the DS and 3DS lines and still go back to play them even though I own a switch and some of the more current consoles.
The XL version was something that I purchased to get back into gaming in the hand. I detested it from day 1 and sold it within a month as it just didn't run as the hype implied at the time.
The turbo grafx emulator inside Twilight menu works pretty good and you can play CD games too if you use the bios and it will save until you turn the power for the game system off then everything's erased I mean the only way to play through a RPG like Dungeon Explorer 2 is to leave the power on and just plug it in and never shut the power off
amazing video. glad i watched i was going to replace my lower ds lite screen with an ebay screen, iv decided against it. The screen covers are impossible to find. (the black framed screen cover)
I have been thinking about getting a New 3ds xl for a while now, but haven't pulled the trigger. It really does seem like the best as long as you dont want to play your physical gba games.
I started on the DS Lite, and while I gave it to my elder brother, I still have my DS original. It is a strange shape, but from what I understood, it was exactly the same as the Lite variant, just a finer form factor.
Hey, Taki. Curious as to why you still haven't got your Odin 2. I want to see if the teardown is as easy as the previous Odin for shell swap or joystick swaps.
I love my DSi XL with R4 card. I don't know why but it gives so much more fun to play DS games on real device, rather than ie. some Odin Lite or Steam Deck etc.
No screen swapping antics. And the screens are aligned as designed. I remember playing Hotel Dusk Room215 with the DS held vertically (side ways) so that's it's like a book. Wouldn't want to hold a steam deck in Taté mode 😅 🗼
Yeah, it's because the DS is such a unique device, that emulating it is usually a worse experience. With the way you have two screens at once, can easily touch the screen or reach the buttons, one screen is above the other, just kinda all comes together. Though some games don't lean into this design too much, and are decent on a single screen as well. Ridge Racer DS for example. I can play that on a Pi, or a DS, or whatever lol.
Which handheld should I do a deep dive on next?
PS Vita.
3ds
Definitely the 3ds
Odin 2
PS Vita or 3ds
The DS is like the Nintendo PS2, huge library of mostly great games and tons of experimentation. Developers back then really took the risks to create original and interesting games. Not to mention all the great ports, like the call of duty games. This is something that completely died from the 3DS onwards, when development costs became more significant.
The call of duty 4 MW was surprisingly effective on DS with the stylus and bottom touch screen. Closest thing to a mouse and keyboard set up on a portable.
The DS and GBA libraries are quite good. If you don't want DS then something like a RG35XX is better since it can play PS1 games.
cod games were absolute ass on the ds lmao, thats nostalgia talking
@@skycloud4802I felt the same way about Metroid Prime: Hunters, never expected it to play as well as it did.
to someone with a playstation sure but if nintendos were the only thing you were able to get it wasnt half bad@@wspyderr
I used to enjoy writing NDS homebrew. Sadly, the XP laptop I used to code on died long ago, so now I'd have to build a retro PC just to get the dev stack back up and running. Glad to hear R4 cards are still available.
I was so surprised to see the scene is still alive and well. I didn't touch on them in this video, but the Mario Kart DS/SM64DS mod scene is even bigger.
I would just buy an old used laptop, It's a lot more convenient than building a PC if all you need is software compatibility imo
Couldn't you use an XP VM?
What @chwoder-hf8xm said. You oughta be able to get things running again on a VM.
Yea or using Linux/Mac with a compatibility layer
I bought a DS lite a couple of years ago instead of stressing about which retro emulation device to get. It just fills that retro need and it's so easy and convenient to play on.
Pro tip: If you have a (N)3DS XL you can boot a NDS game while pressing the Select button to play it in pixel-perfect mode, which will add black areas around the screens but will look about the same size as a regular DSi
On a regular 3DS it will look too small to be usable
I had no idea!! Gonna try it right now
There is also homebrew software to change the rendering for nds games to make them more sharper
pro-tip: this has extremely common knowledge since the original 3DS model was released and it's annoying as fuck to see this "fun fact" get posted on nearly every DS video released these days
Not quite the same, but the New 3DS has been my go-to handheld this year. Between the ROM injections, native DS/3DS support, and portability, it just outshines all the other handhelds I have at the moment.
3DS is peak. If it was only a little more powerful and just double the resolution (would be 480p ish), it'd literally be impossible to beat it ever again.
@@trashtrash2169n higher res. Switch power yes but there’s no personality. Couldn’t even give us folders…
@@trashtrash2169yeah the screen is the biggest L for the new 3ds. My modded new 3ds xp is the most superior handheld I’ve ever used but the screens just need to be better. More power wouldn’t hurt but that could eliminate some charm from the library
@@ShadyRapture Sure, but I think slightly higher res textures would do wonders for the graphics, and that should be based more on the ram than graphics chip, I think, so get faster and more ram, and increase the screen resolution while updating the graphics hardware enough to compensate for the new pixels. That'd be my forever handheld.
modded vita and N3ds are a w combo
Thanks for the awesome coverage on DS. We've been actively developing new exclusive games via homebrew for DS and PSP and will continue that long term for years even as we focus on modern commercial game development. Your video reminded me of all the ribbon cable I've accidentally shredded while repairing and replacing shells years ago on DS Lites.
As someone who's getting back into using and reviving these older handhelds, this is exciting to hear!!
Easily my favorite Nintendo handheld line, this lineup is TIMELESS :D
I would love an Analogue Pocket equivalent of the 3DS.
Imagine being able to play all the old DS and 3DS games on a beautiful screen, that would be amazing.
The DS light in white is so beautiful. It almost looks like something Apple would make b4 they went all metal.
For me it goes:
Retroid Pocket 3+ > PS Vita Slim > new3DS > PSP Brite > DS Lite > OGBA
All the Genuine Handheld Consoles listed can be hacked or modded in some way, or use flash carts to add more storage and games. And all of these are actually pocket friendly and comfortable. There's no device that is better than the RP3+ and still is pocketable, and if we remove that prerequisite there's too many options.
If money was no-object, and knowing what I know now, I would want to cover as much ecosystems as possible. However some of those systems are better optimised on some form-factors than others.
So here's what I would do:
Phone: Android
Tablet: iOS
Laptop: Windows
Desktop: Linux
TV: PlayStation
....and using an expensive Wifi/5G I would stream games from my Desktop/Cloud to my tablet while indoors and to my phone when outdoors. There's no need to own an Xbox if you have a Windows Laptop or Desktop PC. Otherwise there is always xCloud Ultimate which can be subscribed to for very cheap online.
@@ekinteko Nice list but I would prob go with GB micro or GBA SP
Usually on DS consoles that have a "broken hinge" actually have a cracked shell in the hinge area. The metal hinge itself usually doesn't break under normal use.
Thats what they mean tho. Its always the shell thats cracked,not the hinge itself.....semantics.
@NintenDub I just wanted it to be clear. If someone wants to shell swap anyway, may as well get one that's broken, right?
usually the hinge isn't broken but it'll get stiffer or seize up which breaks the shell, even if the hinge still looked like it worked its better to get a new hinge bc the same problem would probably happen after a while even with a new shell
@@orangy57Ah, the ol' MSI suicide hinges. Cool!
Yo Taki, great vid. Just wanted to say that the top screen being a 'cooler' tone than the bottom was just how it always was. I always figured it was simply because one was touch screen and the other wasn't. But I DISTINCTLY remember that always being that way, where it was noticably different in the image
I've been playing on my DSi XL. There are just so many good games on it, you could realistically keep playing the DS until you die and still have tons of good games left over.
the battery is quite good on them too, hold a charge quite well
Yep, the games on the system are insanely good
Cool to hear that tidbit about the original R4 devs. I remember 2006-2008 were magical when i got my first NDS R4 carts. It laid the seed for the currnt retro emulation addiction, including being able to back up my OG save files (170hours in FFTactics A2)❤
I just got a practically new DSi XL for less than $50 and it’s been an amazing experience. I always preferred the DSi as a kid, I just liked the way the shell felt and the screens were amazing after coming from a GBAsp 001. I stopped playing handheld anything right as the 3DS came out so with Twilight menu on the DSi XL I get exactly what I need. It’s wonderful
The DSi was my favorite as a kid too.
The volume buttons were much better than the sliders and they supported adjusting the brightness on the fly. And they loaded so much faster than the 3DS.
I did the shell swap for a DS lite and managed to break the top screen, bottom screen digitizer and the power switch (same way you did). Had to order replacement parts but got it all fixed up myself. Removing the power switch is not as hard as you think, but you definitely need some soldering experience.
I really liked the DS/3DS form factor, it's very comforting to return to the dual screen/bottom touch screen, after leaving it behind for so long. It really was an underappreciated upgrade. I wish Nintendo would return to this form factor, but you know that's never going to happen.
I've grown really tired of the slate/candybar form factor that's everywhere nowadays, it's so monotonous.
lol check out the leaked nintendo patents for the next console
Why stop at the DS? Go back to the original GameBoy and enjoy your wrists being cramped in together. Squint at the screen in the best of light and try not to run too fast. Nevermind, batteries are dead.
@@mutoneon The original Game Boy had 15 hours of battery life, clown.
bro, did a gameboy kill your family???@@mutoneon
I hope so too, at least judging by patents nintendo is considering the possibility. In my opinion the thickness of the clamshell could give a more powerful experience than the switch while also being able to fit in your pocket. The dual screen is surprisingly useful as well. We may see it in the future.
I really liked the Nintendo DS Lite, had mine for years. Recently, I noticed the bottom screen was getting messed up. Where the black text warning was when you boot up, it was becoming black with yellow edges. The blue URL was half blue and half black. I tried adjusting the adjustment screw and sometimes it would help, but then revert back. I adjusted that screw so many times I think I stripped it. Couldn't really tell if I did or not so I opened it up. I didn't. I closed it back up and the shoulder buttons were a pain trying to align the spring correctly. Finally got it closed but power switch wasn't springy anymore. Turns out I snapped the onboard nub on the power switch off while closing it. RIP DS Lite. You were a good friend to me.
Thank you for this video, the timing could not be better. I just found my DSi and started homebrewing it a few days ago. It feels good to play on it again :)
Really appreciate you hooking up to the headphone output for stereo sound on the game tests.
I’m playing the 💩 out of my DSi and New 3DS at the moment. The DS is a gem, very interesting, very entertaining and a lot of fun!
I like the single cart multiplayer. Because of the backwards compatibilty with DS, I can use both my DS and 3DS to play Mario Party and Mario Kart wireless local multiplayer with a friend or family member easily. No online subscription required.
@@skycloud4802 Yes! And with Pretendo rolling out, the free online multiplayer that we love the 3DS for will continue.
@@leeharris5135I'm playing the 💩 out my ps vita
@@Gloryboyquanhave fun with your 6 good games
@@gardenfootcreature2925 ngga it has more than 6 good games bro . modded vita better than modded 3ds
thanks for this taki, I've got two broken DSs on my shelf and this is giving me the kick to fix them, and to buy a new one too lol
I have been interested in getting a DS from time to time, and I learned a lot. Thanks for the video.
Great video! I have never had a DS and been on the lookout for one. Thank you for the great content!
I watch every emulator handheld review you do and I haven’t bought one because I’m still satisfied with my DS and 3DS.
It's a good duo to have. I love my 3DS.
A+ video!
Thank you so much for going through all of those parts, mods, and explanation of its strengths and weaknesses...that is very helpful!
Much love Taki. Great to see this device getting some love. I still have my original DSi. Sadly, I went through many versions of the DS/Lite since I carried that thing around everywhere in university/work. 20 years.... "F" in chat for me.
One thing to note: When Nintendo made the DS, the BOTTOM screen was the default screen to play GBA games since it was "closer" to the AGS-101 screen. If I am not mistaken, some original Japanese models were even using the same screen since they were being manufactured at the same plant. There is an old Game Informer (showing my age) magazine article that had an interview with one of the developers of the DS explaining the reasoning behind it. This is why people like making those Gameboy Macro's from broken DS's.
16:00
Awesome! I love the gameplay of all these games. So many gems that look amazing
For DS games I like the DSi XL the most, it fits nicely in my hands and the big screen is nice, although that comes at the cost of portability. Not a big deal for me as I always wear a backpack or a satchel. It can do emulation decently, but for that I use a NN2DS XL (what a lovely name), the games run very well thanks to Virtual Console and emulators like mGBA and Snes9x. TWiLight Menu++ runs great too; DSiWare can be installed on the system without it. There're also ports of the engines of Diablo, Doom, and Quake II. Of course, for pure pocketability and playing GBA games natively, the DS lite reigns supreme.
I have a new 3ds xl with homebrew, am I missing out on anything not putting hbrew on my dsi?
@@idunno421i have both a modded New 3Ds XL and a modded DSi and from my experience your not missing out on anything. on the 3Ds u can do what the dsi can and more
@@idunno421 If it is a DSi XL/LL you can get better picture quality for GBA/DS games on it compared to the 3DS XL.
I cleaned up and restored my white DSL a few months ago, the thing about the DS is that the hardware is so unique that emulators don't do these games justice, some game benefit a lot from two screens and the stylus obviously is critical for many games. The screen also aged pretty well, the 3ds screen for example has always bugged me, it looks washed out and kinda cloudy compared to other handhelds. Finally the games have aged pretty well, especially the pixel sprite based games, the look crisp and the way the pixels fit the screen 1:1 makes it look so clean. Even some polygon based games look decent, like Mario Kart or Golden sun.
Exactly! I'm super pro-emulation, but until literally every DS I own breaks down, I don't think I'll ever want to emulate DS games. Original hardware or nothing for me
You can't play pokemon ranger on PC :(
2DS
@@cheetah672 I agree with you. DS emulation is a joke compared to the real thing, the real true experience.
@@Cyko..it does work fine on a touchscreen phone vertically though, I’ve never felt any huge difference between that and my old DSi
Man I be reminiscing these DS games and thinking about this same thing, coincidentally u made the video while I was thinking abt it, good work Taki ❤
I remember setting up my R4 with YSMenu back when i was like 14, i always had a blast with my NDS and its still here with me, i played on it daily for like 7 or 8 years, great little console, not even the 3ds or the vita got so many playtime out of me.
Also i'm really happy they still develop homebrew for it, that genesis emulator really used to struggle with even the simplest of games lol, but was really nostalgic to see the interface of all those emulators and software that i used to play so much.
You know what? screw it, you inspired me to restore my trusty NDS to her glory days.
Very nice video. Got a couple still laying around from childhood and siblings, some broken parts in them all really but I might be able to combine them into atleast one functional ds. Would probably clearshell mod too, it looks really great in the video anyways. Well made definietly inspiring
Thank you for covering such a great topic.
Great video! The NDS is definitely underrated. It can run many systems through emulation, along with a ton of native games. Best low-cost gaming system IMHO.
you should also change the title to screen comparison. i just got into the hobby after 15 or so years of missing my gba stuff lol. having this knowledge for beginners is helpful.
love the DS lite its my most played handheld, i still have a working one and its amazing i havent charged it in years but it still works lol. i got a few broken ones that i was going to do some parts swapping and get a new shell but never got around to it.
I’m glad you showcased some obscure games in the beginning time to look for them
Recently i bought Nintendo 3DS xl and i am still amazed how good is the 3d effect working there. Such 3d gaming without any glasses is so good still up today.
I am on the lookout for a DSi XL. I already have a DS Lite with perfect screens, but I want bigger screens (I am not getting any younger). I swapped the my DS Lite shell with a transparent shell and boy, does it look good!
The games library for the DS is incredible and a reason to still buy one in 2023.
I've still got my DS lite. It was the first handheld where I thought it was so light weight and comfortable. Feel that way about the Switch Lite as well. And while I do enjoy playing on emulator handhelds I still love having official handhelds and physical games.
I owned a DS IXL when I was pretty young, pretty nostalgic for this thing
hello fellow trans person :>
Great vídeo, Ive got myself a Nintendo DSI XL, I did the jailbreak and since them had a lot of fun playing many DS but also GBA games. ✌🏼😁🎮
My one issue with the DS Lite is that the screens are starting to yellow due to age and replacement screens are often pricier than they're worth 😭
It doesn't help that they're a pain in the butt/very fiddly to open
I just got an OG Red DS shipped straight from Japan, it works, and its in good condition. It still amazed me how the screen was different from the DS Lite
I got a M3i zero flesh card, brand new! Working perfectly with my black DSi🎉
Download play is the single best feature of this console.
I wish there was a modern equivalent of this. I'm considering getting more DS's just to get hassle free 8 player mario kart when we're enough people locally.
After The Blue PSP-1000 with IPS Screen, now you come with this "Badboy" too, Awesome!
I love the Legacy of Goku 2 cinematic when showing off the GBA emulation! Such a good game
That ghosting comparison was super interesting!
flash card tip, i got this 208&482 card on amazon. really good card with good emulaion support including gba snes pc engine
and neo geo (in some .neo format). came with roms that i just got rid of since i use my own ripped roms and uses wood themes in the main ds section
Currently getting myself New Nintendo 3DS XL, can't wait to play all the games I missed
I love you content Taki it’s 3am and I’m watching you video lol Your the reason why I love retro gaming and why I got my psp and modded it. I really want to see you make a video about the Ps vita as that’s my dream handheld I never got
Been hunting for the one that I am missing. I want to make sure I own all of the versions of something when I do these deep dives.
no way you reply@@TakiUdon
DS Lite is so iconic. Almost everyone I know had one.
I bought a New 2DS XL last year and what can I say? homebrew for the win!
I have a white DS Lite in mint condition and with the complete box and manuals... battery is still good! i had it from a friend who used it for a max of 1-2 hours which is why it is like brand new. So happy to have it.
2 HOURS?!
Didn't realize that you can run gba off of an r4. Def gonna be checking that out. I have a launch ds that I always kept in a case, its so minty. Never liked the mushy d pad on the lite. Hitting diagonals seemed tough. Thanks for the video!
You can but it's far better to play legit games or get a gba flash cart.
Or just play them on 3ds. It's easier.
@@54356776There are some flashcard with internal chips that allow for very nice compatibility with GBA games
I live in Brazil and this day I bought a DSi XL in perfect condition, in the box with all the accessories and papers, manuals, etc. for R$350 (USD $70). I installed Twilight Menu on the SD card and left it to configure to start at boot, using Unlaunch. Wonderful console to accompany me around when I can't take my Nintendo Switch with me.
I bought my girlfriend (now wife) a pink DS Lite when we were in high school and a second pink one when it broke. That one also broke and I've kept them in my closet for years telling myself I'll fix them one day. Now I feel inspired to finally tackle them. My 7 year old girl would love the DS.
Would be genuinely interested to see a small tour of your collection of machines, Taki
Love the ending
I wish PSP-2000 had aftermarket IPS screens available. I've spent $40 so far ordering replacement screens that arrived in even worse condition than the original one I wanted to replace.
I got a DS Lite in 2007, and an early R4 clone, and it still works and looks great. I'd kinda like a 3DS too, but there was only one 3DS game I _really_ wanted to play, and it's pretty expensive for just one game. Mostly though, I just play stuff on my homebrew Switch so I can use a big screen and controller.
woah that transparent blue looks so sick!
Realy like the blue shell swap it looks great !
Right up my alley Taki! Nice!!!The DS fats are difficult to fix but I can fix ds lite pretty well. If I can't fix ds, I'll make it into a neon and be a deticated as a gba games (not a ds) keep the shells yessss
I'm a collector and this was pretty much when live punched me in the groin and took all my money, still working on finishing the collection, have an OG Gameboy to put back together.
...
So, this is gonna be a fun thing to collect it seems, damn! :D
Nobody ever seems to talk about the difference in how the buttons feel between the models. I think the original fat model had the best button feel, with a soft digital press that was clear on when you were or weren't pressing the button. I love the DS Lite but the buttons all have a mushy, almost analog feeling and are much more prone to wearing out. DSi has a hard digital feel that feels better than Lite to me, but isn't as comfortable to use for platforming and action games as the OG DS. Good vid, thanks!
Has a black DS lite in great condition ( lives in a Gameboy case)using a newer R4 card with date of 2021 and no problems. Also has a 2DS (wedge) also in great condition ( lives in it's official case) Modded 128gb SD card runs great.
Really interested in the Super Mario Galaxy DS will have to check that out.
I literally just ordered a white DS lite a few day's ago to do the exact same thing. I plan on doing the same thing for my siblings and mother so we can play multi-player like we used to years ago. That's the only reason i bought the damn thing because if I wanted to play alone i can easily get an emulator on my phone and use a controller.
Nintendo DS was my favourite… Such a great collection of games! Later I upgraded to 3DS but the feeling was never the same…
YOU CAN FAST FORWARD IN GAMES?? after so long how did I never hear about this. Countless hours could have been saved as a child holy moly
In emulators yep can FF
If you're into Pokemon it's a game changer.
You can’t just fast forward in any game
@@the.littlest.toasterYeah, I can't play any of them without ff. So much time wasting fluff.
I sing the praises of download play at every opportunity, what an amazing feature that made so many great memories!
Your favorite DS is my favorite DS. I made sure to get one that was lightly used by an old lady off FB marketplace. Both the screens have a nice slightly warm color temp.
If you can hunt a Supercard DSTWO or DSTWOPLUS, those are the only 2 flash carts that I know of that ran Super Nintendo at full speed on the DS, but there's 2 major issues with acquiring one.
1)they don't manufacture the cart anymore and the Supercard company never blew up like R4, so good luck finding one.
2) if you do happen to find one, nobody hosts the firmware anymore so even if you get the card it's a gamble if it'll work
That's why I decided to just ignore them. Wish someone cloned them, but I doubt that will ever happen.
Whoa! I want one of those NDSML shells since I have a donor console ready.
Quake DS is outstanding. I played it more than most official titles for the console. And I also have to agree with you about multiplayer. Since every other friend I had had a DS it was so easy to set up and play some Mario Kart.
One thing I really like about the OG DS is that it's only 1.6 watts as opposed to 2.3w on the lite.
My OG GBA is only .6w. Efficient for off-grid gaming.
PSP and Vita are 6w for sake of comparison.
When I was younger (like in 2010 haha) I made the exact same shell change to my DS lite (Even to that color!), and i messed the power button as well. It makes my younger self a bit more calm knowing I'm not the only one who had that happen to them haha :)
When you replace the digitizer and screen lenses, do them in glass the ribbon cables are a lot stronger
Please, please, please making a breakdown on the New 3DS would be amazing. Mostly b/c I just got one 3 weeks ago lol. I would love to see if you could get a Street Pass in 2023 as a side project too.
How much did you get it for?
I still have my DS's from release, with the exception of the original DS which I traded in when DS Lite came out though I wish I hadn't. I still use my 3DS a lot but not so much the DS Lite or DSi's. I'm actually playing some Pokemon ROM hacks on my 2DS XL right now although my 3DS does have better screens..the 3DS is not hacked but the 2DS is. I do use Twilight ++ all the time. All of them I have are original equipment and in good condition.
just purchase an nds lite yesterday, waiting for it to come to my place 😊
thanks for video. it's fantastic to explain. I love to have new shell for DSi or DSi XL but 3rd party shell is usually low quality.
I have a black DS lite and I have a cartridge with an SD slot in it with ace3ds and a bunch of roms, it's a ton of fun
Very interesting stuff:) Mario Galaxy DS looks amazing.
yes PS Vita PLEASE SIR
I don't know about the DS but Homebrew on the 3DS (or Luma) lets you change the color temperature on each screen. I matched my screens and made them both a bit warmer than the stock temp which I found too sterile.
Dude at 0:24 I actually thought that you were playing WW for a sec there lol
Dude it is SO COOL that you live in Shenzhen! Would love to see some videos about electronics in China.
I was gifted the r4 along with a 2gb microsd back in 08 and man… the rest is history
I actually bought a new r4 card recently, oh the good old days, still have my og ds lite. Ive been messing with those and my 3ds alot lately.
download play is so insane, never forget when i found out abt it as a kid
Bought myself a maroon DSi XL this year. It was discounted coz it was missing its original stylus and was a little bit scratched up and dirty but it came with the big chunky stylus and once its on you can barely tell that the screen is scratched. I already own two 3DSs, one of which I bought to mod in case I messed it up, and the other which is my main 3DS, but I’ve been playing a lot of DS games this year and wanted to play them in the original resolution coz the DS has a couple of tricks to make the games look slightly better on the less powerful console. Overall, I love the DS and 3DS lines and still go back to play them even though I own a switch and some of the more current consoles.
The XL version was something that I purchased to get back into gaming in the hand. I detested it from day 1 and sold it within a month as it just didn't run as the hype implied at the time.
The turbo grafx emulator inside Twilight menu works pretty good and you can play CD games too if you use the bios and it will save until you turn the power for the game system off then everything's erased I mean the only way to play through a RPG like Dungeon Explorer 2 is to leave the power on and just plug it in and never shut the power off
amazing video. glad i watched i was going to replace my lower ds lite screen with an ebay screen, iv decided against it. The screen covers are impossible to find. (the black framed screen cover)
A New 3DS XL is probably the better choice. It can be hacked without the need of flash cards, has a faster hardware and can is backwards compatible.
That's unironicaly the best handheld that Nintendo ever released.
you didn't watch the video. sd card can be used on dsi models. 3ds screen imo is terrible. Clunkier GBA implementation.
@@skatcat743The screen on the 3DS is factually better wdym?
I have been thinking about getting a New 3ds xl for a while now, but haven't pulled the trigger. It really does seem like the best as long as you dont want to play your physical gba games.
I still use my dsi ll as a dr.mario machine. Even tho it's a bit too heavy for my tiny hands but love the big screen.
I just started playing Pokemon HearGold again on my black DS Lite and am having a blast. Best Pokemon game ever made.
I missed my DS and 3DS. I can still emulate the games but it just hits different having one
I started on the DS Lite, and while I gave it to my elder brother, I still have my DS original. It is a strange shape, but from what I understood, it was exactly the same as the Lite variant, just a finer form factor.
Hey, Taki. Curious as to why you still haven't got your Odin 2. I want to see if the teardown is as easy as the previous Odin for shell swap or joystick swaps.
I love my DSi XL with R4 card. I don't know why but it gives so much more fun to play DS games on real device, rather than ie. some Odin Lite or Steam Deck etc.
No screen swapping antics. And the screens are aligned as designed. I remember playing Hotel Dusk Room215 with the DS held vertically (side ways) so that's it's like a book. Wouldn't want to hold a steam deck in Taté mode 😅 🗼
Yeah, it's because the DS is such a unique device, that emulating it is usually a worse experience. With the way you have two screens at once, can easily touch the screen or reach the buttons, one screen is above the other, just kinda all comes together. Though some games don't lean into this design too much, and are decent on a single screen as well. Ridge Racer DS for example. I can play that on a Pi, or a DS, or whatever lol.
@DragonDreamVNY seems you've got good tastes in games, my friend.