Gaming Any reason I shouldn't upgrade from phat to lite?

[Lemmy Koopa]

Hi. I've had my fat DS since, 2004 or 2005 I guess. It's been handy to me, but obviously it's time to retire the one I have, as the top screen doesn't work, and the touch screen is messed up.

I was thinking of getting a DS lite in favor of it's smaller size, as the original DS can be quiet bulky. I never owned or played aLite before though. Is it basically the same with just better brightness settings? How do the speakers and volume sound compared to the original?
I liked the DS' clicking buttons, but I could probably find the Lite's controls fine.

Is there any particular differences you spotted besides case size? How is the brightness setting anyways?

 

[Foxi4]

It's smaller, lighter, it has improved battery life, it's screens are slightly larger, it has 4 backlight settings and it's compatible with all GBA and DS software - you pretty much have all the reasons to upgrade to a DS Lite and no reasons whatsoever not to.

http://en.wikipedia....odel_comparison

Some people complain due to fickle hinges (mine are cracked, but they didn't break) so I guess it's not as "durable", but on the other hand, the screens are less likely to break (from what I've heard, it was an issue with the DS Classic).

Take good care of it and you're fine.

 

[pasc]

I give you a reason: the hinge breaks even easier

another one: gba cards stick out...

Well all jokes aside, just go ahead and upgrade also please excuse me while I keep using my DS Phat

 

[Whipple]

Aside from the obvious that it is difficult to find an old used Phat in decent condition nowadays, and the fact that it is also difficult to find a new Lite available anywhere anymore, there is absolutely no reason not to upgrade from your old broken Phat to a Lite.
Brighter is better, period.

I am curious as to why you are considering upgrading to a Lite when there are used DSi units available that are very reasonable. The Lite is definately better than the Phat but the DSi has additional features of two cameras, lighter weight, and an SD card slot for AAC music.
It is a personal choice that depends on your circumstances, however, being a student, the fact that I can convert my lectures to AAC and play them faster with audio equilazation (to reduce the mickey mouse effect) was a biggie for me.

Aside from that, the Lite is one of the greatest hand helds that Nintendo has released. I was saddened to see it leave production.

 

[slingblade1170]

Well if you got the cash and don't play GBA then I say upgrade to a DSi or 3DS so you get the advantages of the cameras & the eshop.

 

[Hadrian]

I "upgraded" to a Lite and went back to my Phat only a month later, later on I sold my Lite.

The overall build feels cheaper, I missed the feel of the buttons (a big factor for me) and the phatty has more character too (sadly Nintendo's systems look so bland and generic now). I know people with both and the Lites don't work as well and my Phat is still working as it should. My phatty has been dropped, bashed, played by kids who shouldn't play videogames and still it works very well. Only trouble was getting bits of whatever stuck under the touchscreen but that wasn't that often and easily solved by taking it apart and blowing the bits away. Also the brightness was better on a Lite but to be honest the Phat wasn't exactly that dark and I was fine playing it in sunlight...I guess people here are blind if they say they can't. Battery time, well several hours was more than enough.

Probably the last solid system Nintendo has done.

To be honest I wouldn't bother with a Lite, yeah they're cheaper but it's much better to get a DSi (build quality feels better, some great DSiWare) or even wait and invest in a 3DS just so that you'll keep on getting games for a few more years. Sure neither can play GBA cartridges but they feel much better to plau on a actual GBA anyway which are very cheap to buy.

 

[gamefan5]

Srsly, the DS lite is literaly an improvement of the DS phat in every possible way.

 

[Deleted_171835]

Lite > DS Phat. In every way.

The White DS Lite is the sexiest system Nintendo has made.

 

[Foxi4]

Lite > DS. In every way.

The White DS Lite is the sexiest system Nintendo has made.

The black one isn't so bad either.

The only problem I have with the black coat is that it's a fingerprint magnet, like most black systems. Whenever I get mine all cleaned up, it looks "dirty" again in minutes.

As far as I know, the built quality greatly differs between the systems in general - I've seen very fickle and very sturdy DS'es throughout the years, and to be honest, I don't know what caused it. Perhaps they're built in different factories, I don't know.

 

[emigre]

Black>>>>>>white.

 

[DragorianSword]

Thinking about doing the same.
The screens still work perfectly on mine, but the touch screen is seriously worn.
I'm afraid that in the next few months the touch screen won't register all 'touches' anymore. It already has a patch right in the middle that doesn't always register as it should.
Also since I got my 3DS and bought a K1 GBA SP I really notice the difference in brightness.

Now if I only had money...

 

[FireGrey]

It's not good enough to justify an upgrade but since you are getting a new DS the DSLite is the best choice.

 

[gamefan5]

Lite > DS Phat. In every way.

The White DS Lite is the sexiest system Nintendo has made.

I second that.
And I can't believe it's the most neglected color in the americas.
I also love the silver one. XD

 

[Lemmy Koopa]

I am curious as to why you are considering upgrading to a Lite when there are used DSi units available that are very reasonable. The Lite is definately better than the Phat but the DSi has additional features of two cameras, lighter weight, and an SD card slot for AAC music.
It is a personal choice that depends on your circumstances, however, being a student, the fact that I can convert my lectures to AAC and play them faster with audio equilazation (to reduce the mickey mouse effect) was a biggie for me.

Aside from that, the Lite is one of the greatest hand helds that Nintendo has released. I was saddened to see it leave production.

Easy my friend. Slot 2 M3. I want to still use GBA mode. I'd skip the DSi and go for a 3DS if I was heading for that territory, but all I really want is a new regular-esque DS. A lot of stuff is unusable with my top screen broke and bottom screen whacky. SnemulDS 0.6 doesn't even register touches on the touch screen. That's how bad my current DS' shape is.

another one: gba cards stick out...

My M3 slim SD already sticks out in all systems. I don't mind that as long as the card isn't going to crash from sticking out and being moved in the slot.

 

[BORTZ]

Black>>>>>>white.

Why everyone thinks you are black.

 

[Lastly]

Lite is indeed better in every way. I still have my Phat lying around in perfect condition. I wonder how much does it worth on the market?

 

[Fear Zoa]

The dslite has problems with the L and R buttons becoming unresponsive over time.
(also why does everyone say the dslite's hinge is so weak compared to the dsphats, my phats hinge broke after a year or so yet I haven't had any hinge problems with my lite)

 

[Chary]

Red/Black Blue/Black lites have a habit of having bad hinges. Mine broke after 5 years of use though. It still works fine if you super glue the hinge back.

 

[Ethevion]

I never owned a phat but I got my Lite a few months after release. I still play it, the hinges are fine, the buttons work fine, the battery is still long lasting (for me anyway), the screens still work. I think it's one of the best gaming purchases I ever made.

 

[shoyrumaster11]

Well. In my opinion, you can upgrade from phat to lite if you want. But do take a lot of caution because there is lot's that's bound to go wrong with a lite.

• Hinges breaking
• Buttons becoming useless
• L+R keys refusing to work
• the usual!

So, you can upgrade if you want but, please do try to take care of your new DS system!