The Nintendo DS is Still Amazing in 2023. Here’s Why. 

Which handheld should I do a deep dive on next?

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

Really appreciate you hooking up to the headphone output for stereo sound on the game tests.

Easily my favorite Nintendo handheld line, this lineup is TIMELESS :D

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.

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 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

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 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 have been interested in getting a DS from time to time, and I learned a lot. Thanks for the video.

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.

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!

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.

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

Great video! I have never had a DS and been on the lookout for one. Thank you for the great content!

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.

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.

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.

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 ❤

16:00 Awesome! I love the gameplay of all these games. So many gems that look amazing

Thank you for covering such a great topic.

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.

I’m glad you showcased some obscure games in the beginning time to look for them

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 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.

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 watch every emulator handheld review you do and I haven’t bought one because I’m still satisfied with my DS and 3DS.

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.

ds on my phone is lit

That ghosting comparison was super interesting!

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. ✌🏼😁🎮

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

Realy like the blue shell swap it looks great !

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love the ending

woah that transparent blue looks so sick!

I love the Legacy of Goku 2 cinematic when showing off the GBA emulation! Such a good game

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.

I owned a DS IXL when I was pretty young, pretty nostalgic for this thing

Currently getting myself New Nintendo 3DS XL, can't wait to play all the games I missed

Very interesting stuff:) Mario Galaxy DS looks amazing.

After The Blue PSP-1000 with IPS Screen, now you come with this "Badboy" too, Awesome!

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

Nintendo DS was my favourite… Such a great collection of games! Later I upgraded to 3DS but the feeling was never the same…

Would be genuinely interested to see a small tour of your collection of machines, Taki

I got a M3i zero flesh card, brand new! Working perfectly with my black DSi🎉

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'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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

Dude it is SO COOL that you live in Shenzhen! Would love to see some videos about electronics in China.

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 sing the praises of download play at every opportunity, what an amazing feature that made so many great memories!

I just started playing Pokemon HearGold again on my black DS Lite and am having a blast. Best Pokemon game ever made.

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.

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.

When you replace the digitizer and screen lenses, do them in glass the ribbon cables are a lot stronger

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

Simply put, my favorite handheld ever.

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.

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 :)

Whoa! I want one of those NDSML shells since I have a donor console ready.

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

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.

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.

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

download play is so insane, never forget when i found out abt it as a kid

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.

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.

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

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 just got into modding handhelds recently because of the switch i've watched a few of your videos and decided to check this one out today, I have never used any ds models before, I'm 41 I looked up on my local facebook marketplace two minutes into this video to find a new in box with everything black ds lite for 100 CAD lol just wanted to share my awesome random find with you :)

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 missed my DS and 3DS. I can still emulate the games but it just hits different having one

I was gifted the r4 along with a 2gb microsd back in 08 and man… the rest is history

I just bought a DSi because it's still an amazing console in 2023! :D

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.

Nothing makes me feel good like playing newer games on old consoles and old games on new consoles

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.

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.

Dude at 0:24 I actually thought that you were playing WW for a sec there lol

WOW! That white one after cleaning!!! What a difference some TLC makes.

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.

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

Quick note for kicks - the AGS-101 came out after the original DS. Refresh the old system to get a few more sales and then do the same to the flagship.

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.