When people talk about portable gaming today, the Nintendo Switch often feels like it has dominated both the handheld market and home console markets. As a long-time Nintendo fan, I’ve watched the industry shift, yet the classic DS line still holds a special place.
Back in its heyday, devices like the DS Phat introduced bold ideas such as dual screens and the iconic Dual Screen format. These early Nintendo DS models showed the finest craftsmanship, even if not all the various models were created equally in terms of size, brightness, and button quality.
The company behind it all, Nintendo, built some of the most memorable consoles in gaming. The DS and the 3DS, often called both handhelds, gave players and fans incredible portable hardware and amazing portable hardware experiences.
I remember when Sony decided to back out of the handheld market, leaving Nintendo as the best player in that market. During that time, many players rushed to get their hands on these successful offerings.
Interestingly, the latter system, the 3DS, single-handedly kept Nintendo afloat after the colossal failure of the Wii U. That moment showed how strong the DS line and its handhelds were for the company.
Gaming writers like Ritwik Mitra often point out how these Nintendo DS models truly embodied smart design choices. Even the worst models still delivered solid brightness, reliable controls, and thoughtful size improvements.
Now in 2026, it may seem the DS era is over and done, especially since the Nintendo Switch leads modern portable gaming. Still, there’s a bit of pity knowing Nintendo might not return to the dual-screen format anytime soon.
Yet for collectors and retro fans, the DS line remains one of the most memorable eras of portable gaming. Many of these handheld consoles are still worth exploring today.
Top 10 Nintendo Ds Consoles:
DS Phat
The DS Phat, the original model of the DS, still carries an undeniable charm for many retro gamers. Even though it looks clunky and chunky, this handheld surprisingly fits comfortably in the hands, something longtime fans often remember.
At first glance, the screen feels small, and the device can seem a bit unwieldy compared to other handhelds on this list. Still, the system looks nice, especially with the appealing color schemes that Nintendo released for the console.
The stylus that the system comes with works well with the touch screen, though it has a nasty habit of scratching over time. That issue can feel worse for players who want to keep their device in perfect shape.
Another thing to know is that the system features fairly weak shoulder triggers, which many consider a drawback. The Phat, unfortunately, shares this problem with the GBA SP, something older players quickly notice.
Performance-wise, the DS Phat also has the worst brightness among the handhelds on this list, which can make it hard to return to after using newer versions. The dim screen becomes more noticeable during longer play sessions.
Still, the system remains innovative, especially for titles that made the most of the dual screens. That design helped shape how many games on the DS were played.
For many fans, the DS Phat holds a deep nostalgic connection. Despite its flaws, this early Nintendo console is still remembered for how it introduced a bold way to play on dual screens.
2DS
When Nintendo banked on the 3DS 3D as a big selling point, things didn’t fully go as planned. The feature of stereoscopic 3D was incredibly well implemented, especially in first-party titles like Ocarina of Time 3D, which looked stunning with 3D turned on.
Still, the feature was grossly underused, even by people who actually liked it. As a result, Nintendo produced the 2DS, a simpler console that focused more on gameplay than flashy tech.
The 2DS is just fine as a handheld, and it actually looks nice in person. The buttons feel plenty durable, which is something I noticed after long gaming sessions.
However, it’s sometimes hard to feel completely impressed by its design. The shape can seem a little bizarre, almost like a bootleg version of the 3DS, even though it’s an official system.
The base design can also feel oddly cheap, but the system was priced accordingly, which made it easier for many players to try. For younger fans, this made the device far more accessible.
What many fans really appreciated was that it removed the clunky 3D gimmick entirely. This kept the attention on the quality of the games, which is what truly matters on a handheld.
3DS
The 3DS eventually became a successful handheld, but its early goings were not very pleasant. At launch, Nintendo decided to overprice the system in Western markets, which quickly became a major point of criticism.
Because of this backlash, Nintendo of America stepped in with damage control through the Ambassador Program. This move helped rebuild trust and extended the system’s lifespan in the gaming community.
From a hardware perspective, the original 3DS had a few issues. The analog stick could struggle to withstand long-term wear, something I personally noticed after months of heavy use.
Not helping matters, the device also had a fairly poor hinge that was prone to snapping if handled uncarefully. That meant only a careful gamer could keep the device in good condition for years.
Despite these flaws, the original 3DS still felt great in the hands. Its design was a sleek handheld, and the nice color options made it stand out among other systems.
Of course, the system was somewhat flawed in its final presentation and execution. But every console needs a first step, and that step is always important.
The 3DS acted as a template that allowed the system line to become better over time. Thanks to successive models, the platform improved and strengthened its place in gaming history.
DS Lite
The DS Lite felt like the antithesis of the DS Phat, and even the marketing clearly reflected that fact. While the Phat looked chunky, the Lite appeared sleek, bright, and far less big in design.
Compared to the older model that felt a bit dark and bulky, the DS Lite quickly became known for its perfect size as a handheld. For many players, this balance made the console far more comfortable to carry.
The added brightness really works wonders on the screens, making games easier to see in different lighting. However, the touchscreen can still get scratches, though not as easily as the older device.
Another thing to keep in mind is the shoulder buttons, which don’t always fare much better than the earlier system. The L and R buttons can wear out over time, sometimes even more easily than expected.
Even with these small issues, the DS Lite was still a clear improvement over the original design. Like any device, it came with some inherent flaws, but the experience still felt refined.
One thing I always appreciated was the reduced weight, which made lengthy play sessions much easier on the hands. That small change alone made it a worthy upgrade back in the day.
DSi
The DSi marked a huge step forward for the DS line and Nintendo itself. Around that time, Sony and Microsoft were pushing the advent of online gaming, with the former even releasing the PSP featuring online capabilities.
Before this shift, Nintendo was stuck in an online stone age, but that finally changed with the launch of the DSi. This handheld introduced the ability to connect to the internet, something fans had been waiting for.
In many ways, the DSi became the foundation for the 3DS that followed. Looking back now, it’s often noted how much nicer the system felt on a surface level compared to earlier devices.
The console didn’t wear down half as badly as its predecessors, which made it more reliable over time. The body design also felt nice and smooth, even arguably nicer than 3DS in some players’ opinions.
Because of the many much-needed changes it introduced, the DSi helped reshape the handheld gaming landscape. For that reason alone, the system truly deserves a ton of credit.
DSi XL
The DSi XL was the first system in the XL line, and it boldly rejected the notion that handhelds must always stay compact. Instead, Nintendo weaponized size to its advantage, giving players a much larger system to enjoy.
With a bigger screen, higher resolution, and a larger frame, the console attempted to blur the line between home console gaming and handheld gaming. This design placed a strong emphasis on greater presentation.
At first, the idea of a handheld XL seemed antithetical to the classic idea of handhelds. Still, the device proved to be a step in the right direction for the DS line presentation.
It’s no surprise that every single XL model later ranked in the top 5 of many buyer guides and comparison list articles. The DSi XL built a strong foundation that helped later devices improve.
The bigger display made it easier for players to optimally enjoy their favorite video games. In my experience, text-heavy titles and RPGs felt far better on this screen.
At the time, bigger screens were already becoming normal because of larger phones and tablets becoming the norm. Because of that trend, this screen upgrade felt like a long time in the making.
In the end, the bigger display clearly pleased many fans, especially those who preferred comfort over portability. The DSi XL proved that size could truly improve the gaming experience.
3DS XL
The 3DS XL came as a major upgrade that fixes many of the regular 3DS problems. But it also introduced a new flaw, the system’s slow speed, especially when starting it up.
Sometimes it takes a long time to turn on, and players might be forgiven for thinking their 3DS broke. It also takes a while to open games, open the menu, or even turn thesystem off.
Despite this delay, the hardware changes are noticeable. The buttons feel much nicer, and the analog stick is a huge improvement over earlier designs.
The visual experience is where the device really shines. 3DS games look fantastic on the larger XL screen, making the system feel more comfortable for long play sessions.
While it may not be the best 3DS XL model by a long shot, Nintendo continued to improve upon it considerably through later revisions.
Even with its issues, the device overcomes flaws in many ways. That’s why it remains a favorite among fans who enjoyed playing their favorite games on this superior handheld.
New 3DS
One of the recent quirks of Nintendo is rejecting the traditional console race. While Sony and Microsoft actively compete, Nintendo has positioned itself as an alternative that can coexist with its competitors.
Because of this strategy, the company often releases upgrades to its hardware during the mid-gen cycle. The New 3DS was exactly that kind of attempt.
The goal was to keep 3DS intact while also upgrading system features to better match modern advancements in technology. This balance helped the device feel familiar yet more powerful.
The New 3DS is a better-made system on an architectural level, which becomes clear during long gaming sessions. The controls include a better analog and an added c-stick, giving players more precision.
What truly stands out is the handheld ability to improve in-game performance. This technical improvement helped push the 3DS line forward without fully replacing it.
New 2DS XL
When Nintendo released the 2DS and followed up with the New 3DS not long after, it created some confusion. Many uninformed consumers ended up purchasing a system only to realize they couldn’t play the few New 3DS games available.
Interestingly, Nintendo notably did not release a New 2DS model at the time. This gap in the lineup felt strange to some players who were watching the hardware evolve.
However, things worked out ultimately for the best when the company ended up releasing the New 2DS XL. This device was a huge improvement over the base 2DS in both design and build quality.
The system carries a professional quality that truly speaks to Nintendo’s reputation, unlike the earlier device’s cheap hardware. You can immediately feel the difference when holding it.
Another highlight is the stylish and unique design, which makes the console pleasing to look at and comfortable to play. The system feels far more polished than its predecessor.
Because of these changes, many players consider it among the best handheld consoles. It gives players a great way to enjoy incredible video games even years after their release.
New 3DS XL
The New 3DS XL is often called the best handheld in the DS line, and for many fans, it’s even Nintendo’s best handheld ever made. Its architecture, improved buttons, and smoother analogs make the system feel far more refined.
The device also features a nicer screen and fast loading, which makes it the definitive way to play 3DS games today. Among the many models to choose from, the system stands out because both screens display wonderfully.
Another strength is how the console improves the system’s handheld stereoscopic 3D capabilities considerably. While it’s a feature many use less often, it’s still important to note how much effort went into refining it.
This shows that Nintendo remembered what originally drove the 3DS inception. Because of this, the main 3DS evolved into a more comprehensive system during the process of later upgrades.
For many players, this version of the console is the best way to enjoy version upgrades and improved performance. If you want the system with the best 3D capabilities, the New 3DS XL is clearly the way to go.
Some collectors even keep it alongside newer systems like those running Nintendo Switch Games, simply because the experience still feels unique.
Overview table:
| Release Date | Launch Price | Best Feature |
| Nov 21, 2004 (DS Phat) | $149.99 | First dual-screen handheld with touchscreen |
| Oct 12, 2013 (2DS) | $129.99 | Plays 3DS games without 3D at a lower cost |
| Mar 27, 2011 (3DS) | $249.99 | Glasses-free stereoscopic 3D display |
| Jun 11, 2006 (DS Lite) | $129.99 | Slim design with brighter screens |
| Nov 1, 2008 (DSi) | $169.99 | Built-in cameras and a digital game store |
| Nov 21, 2009 (DSi XL) | $189.99 | Much larger screens for comfortable play |
| Aug 19, 2012 (3DS XL) | $199.99 | 90% larger screens and better battery life |
| Sep 25, 2015 (New 3DS) | $149.99 | Faster processor and improved 3D tracking |
| Jul 28, 2017 (New 2DS XL) | $149.99 | New 3DS performance without 3D |
| Feb 13, 2015 (New 3DS XL) | $199.99 | Best performance in the 3DS line with larger screens |
FAQ’s
Q. Which Nintendo DS console is best to buy in 2026?
Ans: The New 3DS XL is generally the best option due to its strong performance, large screens, and refined design.
Q. Can Nintendo DS consoles still be used in 2026?
Ans: Yes, they still work well and can play DS and 3DS games without issues.
Q. What is the difference between the DS and the 3DS?
Ans: The 3DS is more powerful and supports 3D graphics, while the DS only plays DS games.
Q. Is the DS Lite worth buying today?
Ans: Yes, it’s still a great handheld thanks to its slim design and bright screens.
Q. Does the Nintendo 2DS play 3DS games?
Ans: Yes, it plays 3DS games, but without the 3D effect.
Q. Which DS console has the biggest screen?
Ans: The DSi XL and 3DS XL models have the largest screens.
Q. Can a 3DS play Nintendo DS games?
Ans: Yes, most 3DS systems are backward compatible with DS games.
Q. Why did Nintendo stop making DS consoles?
Ans: Nintendo shifted its focus to the Nintendo Switch.
Q. Is the New 2DS XL a good choice?
Ans: Yes, it offers strong performance without the 3D feature.
Q. Are Nintendo DS consoles good for collectors?
Ans: Yes, many DS models are popular among retro gaming collectors.
