Topic: DSlite vs DSi for kids?

I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but I don't know if it's been covered from the kid angle. My kids are turning 5 and 6 in August and I have been looking to upgrade them to a DS. I read all about the differences between the two, DSi and DSlite, and the only thing that really stood out to me about the DSi is the DSiware. I love the concept, and get games from the wiiware store often.

My youngest daughter is very technologically advanced for her age, and my older one is definitely capable of playing games. They both play on my iphone often.

Anyway, my main question is, are the DSiware games that are being put out worth the extra 40 bucks on the console, if that is the only reason you are getting the DSi over the lite?

Thanks so much for your time!

Rachel

well there's a bunch of things you can do with the DSi
and i'm sure you've read it all!
but DSi ware is a bit of a Sucker right now but it is improving because of the Art-Styles and a buch of other games!
i think you should wait if there are games for the Dsi that really catches your kid's eyes!
bottomline is It's an awesome system but you should wait.
but if your kids really want this thing then go ahead!

Well the DSiWare is updated every week and there are some good games on there like the Art Style games, and if you're in America there's Mighty Flip Champs and Mario vs. Donkey Kong too(both good puzzle/platformers), and some good upcoming games like Flipnote Studio (free animation app).

These are the games out in Europe at the moment:
http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/nintendo_dsiware_11...
and America:
http://www.nintendo.com/games/guide#qplay=dsiware&panel=q...
The DS lite can pretty much only play games and do pictochat, with the DSi there's much more freedom with all the apps and games.

Ya flipnote studio will come out free soon
I <3 My DSi! i like it sooo much better than my lite. lot more stuff to do and i like the main menu with the boxes. but depends on what ur kids want ask them lol

Well, I was going to surprise them with it... so I don't want to get too asky!

I'll just get the DSi... cause I'll probably play with it too! Thanks!

Great choice. I think the exclusive DSiWare games and the camera are all worth the extra $40.

Same.
@Rachel Do your kids have a Gameboy Advance and/or any GBA games? Also, assuming you live in the U.S., there are a few really great DSiWare games on the service already. But they will require you and your children to think. (I'm saying this because the majority of the good games on the service have some key puzzle element to them.)

Definately dsi. My 4 year old cousin plays mine a lot and already got the hand of recording his voice and taking/viewing pictures. That and he fiddles around with dsiware and the always present pictochat. Plus it keeps him from being a pain in the butt wanting me to stop everything to hand him a new cartridge.

I agree. The only reason I would say get a DS Lite for the children instead of a DSi would be if they tend to break things easily. It's a lot of money for a 'toy'. Or if they do tend to break things easily you could probably picked up a used DS Lite for a lot cheaper.
On the other hand, if you're kids are pretty careful with their toys, go for the DSi. The kids would love the cameras, and all the cool things they can do. Better to let them play with their own cameras than your good quality one.

As for the DSiWare it's great because the games are pretty cheap, and you don't have to mess with a cartridge. So there would always be something on hand to play. And you can get the Mario and Animal Crossing clocks and calculators which would be great for kids.

Thanks so much for all the great info! My kids are pretty good with their toys... they play with my iphone all the time... and I was the one that cracked the screen!

I think they will really like it. I love the idea of getting new games without leaving the house, or spending big money... for instance, with the wii, I can entertain myself for a night or more with a 10 dollar wiiware purchase, as opposed to having to go spend 50 bucks on a game if I am bored with what I have.

They do love cameras.. and most of my iphoto is full of pics of the inside of one of my kids mouth. I would much prefer they take their... um, creative photos with their own cameras!

I'm so excited! I may have to make these early birthday presents, as we are going on vacation in a few days, and I bet the DS will speed the drive along!

One question though, with the DSiware, is it one ware game per device or can a purchased game be on both devices?

I'm guessing only one DSi per purchase.. but I sure love downloading an iphone app, and my husband getting it for free on his phone too!

each DSi has its own Shop account and must make its own DSiWare purchases.

Just download one game to one DSi and another to the other and i am sure they won't mind swapping every so often to play the different games on each others DSi, just depends if they are good at sharing or not.

Thanks, yep, they are good at sharing. This is a dumb question... but what colors do the DSi come in? I know that the lite comes in about 5 colors, but I haven't seen real info on the DSi (I'm sure I am just looking in the wrong places!)

it depends on where you're located. If you're in Europe, it's white or black, but if you're in North America it's black or a teal-ish light blue color.

Oh ok.. that's why I wasn't sure. I think the girls will like the bluish one. I'm kind of glad I won't have to buy pink

Oooh! Now I'm excited for your kids!! They're going to be thrilled. (Loved the story that you cracked the iPhone screen, not them.)

One thing I was thinking about you getting them some games, you ought to look at getting some used ones. The kids wouldn't know the difference and you could probably get them 2 used for the price of one new.

great choice!

Thanks! I will definitely look at used games! You know, the gamestop stores here sell both used and new games. If you buy a used game and dislike it, you have a week to trade it in for something else with no repercussions. You can't do that with new games, so I try to buy used whenever I can! It's like an extra backup in case you get a game that just isn't what you thought it would be!

I am thinking I may need to pick up a DSi for me too. I'm such a kid!

I wouldnt buy my kids a DSi at all. DS Lite all the way. If a 5-6 yr old was to have some sort of Accident and break the DSi they would loose all downloads and you can get the DS Lite for like $99 a piece and the backlog of games can be picked up for what 5-10 bucks. DS Lite for kids, DSi for yourself.