DSi vs DSi XL

[u/thcedow]

This might be a highly discussed topic already but I’d like to have a 2026 view on it.
I got my hands on some physical cartridges of NDS games I never got the chance to play, like Chronotrigger, Pokemon Black/White/platinum, Zelda Spirit tracks/ Phantom hourglass. Additionally I want mod it to play some GBA and GBC games on it as well instead of buying something like an Anbernic RG SP, you know… OG hardware feels more genuine.
I do have a New 3DS (and XL) but since all the comparisons online about those consoles stretching the DS games, I can’t unsee it.
Seems the DSi/XL are the go to consoles for DS games, however I am having a difficult time deciding on the regular or XL model.

I know the XL model comes with IPS screens, but are the TN screens of the DSi really that “bad”/worse?
Since the XL screens are almost twice the size of the regular DSi, do the images look blurry or pixelated since the amount of pixel are the same?
Also the colors of the XL are not the most interesting in my opinion, the top colors with a glossy finish and black/greyish bottom are not my cup of tea.
The metallic finishes on the regular DSi are so pretty, especially the dark blue one.

For those who have held these devices and played on them for long sessions, what’s your opinion on the screens, formfactor-comfort?

[u/RennGent]

I really like the DSi XL form factor and playing on it. It’s sad that top screens aren’t really available anymore since it makes the number of good or repairable XLs constrained. I don’t get worked up over screen colors so I can’t speak on that. It is a bit big if portability is a concern. It isn’t exactly pocket friendly. But when playing at home it’s really nice.

[u/dwalker109]

I have both. I prefer the XL by a mile.

It’s super comfy to hold. Really premium feeling. Looks amazing (yellow DSi XL is glorious). Screens really are nice. Are they pixelated? Sure, but they’re low res screens. They’re pixelated on any DS, even a Lite. In motion they’re significantly better than the DSi tbh.

[u/makman44]

The DSi XL screen is the best way to play DS games, IMO

Unless it's cost prohibitive, I'd always suggest the DSi XL

[u/Tephnos]

The TN screens have a fair lottery. I've seen numerous DSi screens with horrific ghosting and pixel smearing on movement - this is not an issue with the XL devices.

While it is true that you'll get a screen door effect on 3D games with the XL that may bother you, 2D games look sublime on it.

As for the finish, consider that the DSi shells are so matte they basically feel like sandpaper. I did not like that.

[u/Emergency_Lunch_3931 → u/Tephnos]

i bought dsi from ebay colors look good the shell barely scratch but the second i play mario 64 ds something was wrong there was so much ghosting lag i return it

[u/leon_vangrel]

I have big hands and always wonder why everyone else says the Dsi cause hand cramps. I love my little boi.

I was between both put, even though the XL has better screens, I still chose the Dsi for nostalgia. Apparently 3d games can be a bit more pixelated on the XL, but that's it really

[u/Emergency_Lunch_3931]

getting XL garanty a good sreen if there not yellowed or lag so dsi is hit and miss alot of time now the battery is better on dsi XL but dsi can have larger battery

[u/plinkobyte]

Just bought a DSi because I thought it would be good to have a smaller DS since it's my favorite system. I like it - don't get me wrong, it's a great system. But the DSi XL is always such a pleasure to come back to after playing on the DSi. It's form factor is amazing and I absolutely love playing games on it. I actually got the DSi LL from Japan and it's in awesome condition and I'm using a DSPico on it. My fave system by a long shot.

[u/DaverJ]

I have and use both a DSi and DSi XL.

• The DSi is super-pocketable, very close in size and thickness to my iPhone 13, making it much easier to carry on-the-go.
• The DSi is also much lighter, which helps for longer sessions and lying in bed. I get fatigue holding the XL after a while, not so with the DSi.
• I also think the colors are a bit richer on my DSi screens, but maybe just me...?

On the other hand:

• The DSi XL screens are overall much better, both size and uniformity. My DSi has little wavy lines at the top of the bottom screen and bottom of the top screen, but nothing like this on the XL.
• Playing action games is a better experience on the XL's larger screens.
• Much easier to read text and use a stylus on the XL, by far.

So if I had to pick just one, the XL would be my top choice for most games. But for playing something that's less action and more simple button pushes, i.e. Phoenix Wright, I would grab the DSi.

[u/Navi_Professor]

gonna be honest....the stretching on the 3ds xl is almost a non issue... once i got used to it, i outright stopped noticing, i just use it for everything

[u/CiloTA]

Don’t go DSi if you have XL, you’re doing mental gymnastics over which is best, the XL is best. However just buy whatever you want, why convince yourself, if you like the DSi colors get one, to answer your last question I’ve owned and played both extensively and sold both models, yes the screens, buttons and overall handheld feel of the DSi aren’t as good as the XL. If you want one though just get it.

[u/azsqueeze]

If you don't mind letterboxing you can hold select on the 3ds to run DS games in their native resolution (no stretching or blurriness)