Does the DS Lite play 3DS games?

No. It plays Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance cartridges only. 3DS and 2DS games need a 3DS-family console.

Is the DS Lite better than the original DS?

Yes for most people. It is smaller, lighter, has brighter backlit screens and better battery life, and keeps the same DS and GBA cartridge support.

Does it come with a charger?

The DS Lite uses its own AC adapter, which is not the same as the DSi or 3DS charger. Many used units are sold without one, so check what is included.

Can it connect to modern Wi-Fi?

The DS only supports older WEP security, which most current routers do not offer. Local wireless play between nearby consoles still works.

How long does the battery last?

Nintendo rated it for roughly 5 to 19 hours depending on screen brightness and settings. Expect less on a console with an aged original battery.

Where is the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console cheapest?

At Walmart, for $109.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 579 ratings.

Where can I buy the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Amazon.

Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console

Best price now

$109.95at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console

Best price now

$109.95at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $109.95 at Walmart on Nov 12.
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console

The DS Lite is Nintendo's slimmer, brighter revision of the original DS, a dual-screen handheld with a resistive touchscreen on the bottom and a 256 x 192 LCD on top. It plays the full DS library and, through its Game Boy Advance slot, GBA cartridges too. Its clamshell design, backlit screens and long battery life made it the model most people remember, and it remains a cheap way into DS games compared with a 3DS. Owners praise the screen brightness and battery; the main complaints are the fragile hinge and the glossy shell that shows fingerprints.

Best forPlaying original DS and GBA cartridgesRetro handheld collectorsTravel and commute gamingBuyers who want a simple, cheap secondhand handheld

Pros

Two backlit screens, much brighter than the original DS
Plays DS and Game Boy Advance cartridges
Clamshell design protects the screens in a bag
Long battery life on a charge
Light and pocketable at around 218 g

Cons

Hinge and shell cracks are a common failure on used units
Glossy finish picks up fingerprints and scratches
No Wi-Fi beyond the old WEP-era Nintendo connection
Touchscreen is resistive and needs a stylus for accuracy
No charger in most used sales, and the GBA slot sticks out

Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Console ReplayReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$109.95Free shippingChecked Nov 12
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AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$99.49Free shippingChecked Nov 12
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What reviewers say

4.5 / 5579 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a durable, bright handheld with a strong game library. The recurring complaints are cracked hinges and worn shells on secondhand units.

What people mention

Screen brightnessPraisedOwners say the backlit screens are a big step up from the original DS and easy to read outdoors.
Battery lifePraisedReviewers report many hours of play per charge, even on older units with original batteries.
HingeCriticisedCracked hinges are the most common hardware failure reported on used consoles.
BuildMixedThe clamshell feels solid, but the glossy plastic scratches and shows fingerprints.
Game libraryPraisedOwners value playing both DS and GBA cartridges on one device.

About the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console

Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console - 1 x ARM9, 1 x ARM7 - 3" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD - 256 x 192 Resolution - Crimson

Specifications

actual_color: CrimsonSource
color: RedSource
size: One SizeSource

Questions and answers

Does the DS Lite play 3DS games?: No. It plays Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance cartridges only. 3DS and 2DS games need a 3DS-family console.
Is the DS Lite better than the original DS?: Yes for most people. It is smaller, lighter, has brighter backlit screens and better battery life, and keeps the same DS and GBA cartridge support.
Does it come with a charger?: The DS Lite uses its own AC adapter, which is not the same as the DSi or 3DS charger. Many used units are sold without one, so check what is included.
Can it connect to modern Wi-Fi?: The DS only supports older WEP security, which most current routers do not offer. Local wireless play between nearby consoles still works.
How long does the battery last?: Nintendo rated it for roughly 5 to 19 hours depending on screen brightness and settings. Expect less on a console with an aged original battery.
Where is the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console cheapest?: At Walmart, for $109.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console?: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 579 ratings.
Where can I buy the Nintendo DS Lite Portable Gaming Console?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Amazon.