Which DS model has the best screen?

[NuclearCake]

I gave away my older original DS and lite to my family members, but now i'm having that itch to play some DS games again to revisit those gems. I don't want to play DS games on the 3DS, the screen is just not that good especially since i have a TN panel and it makes DS games look horrible, even with the original DS resolution.

I'm seeing conflicting info about which DS has the best screen and i would like some info from those who know what's up. I heard that the DSi XL has the best screen but it also has a screen lottery, so it's never a safe bet as to what you are going to get.

Any advice? Is the DS lite good enough or close to the DSi XL assuming that one is the best? I can't even recall perfectly what DS games looked on on the original and Lite models as i haven't seen them in action for a long time.

 

[FiXalaS]

DSi iirc

 

[Decarbia]

DSi XL, the only model with IPS panels.

BUT I would go Lite for the gba port

 

[Fat4all]

i need to get me a gba micro

 

[NuclearCake]

DSi XL, the only model with IPS panels.

BUT I would go Lite for the gba port

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Are all DSi XL models IPS? I have plenty of GBA devices so the lack of a GBA port is no deal breaker.

 

[Decarbia]

All DSi XL are dual IPS iirc

 

[NuclearCake]

All DSi XL are dual IPS iirc

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Good to know. I was worried that it was like the 3DS situation

 

[Leo-Tyrant]

DSi XL, the only model with IPS panels.

BUT I would go Lite for the gba port

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Wouldnt the smaller size of the regular DSi screen look better due to higher ppi though?I know that I compared both in the day and the XL looked way more pixelated in comparison.

 

[Antony]

DS Lite - 3" display at 106.67 PPI
DSi - 3.25" display at 98.46 PPI
DSi XL - 4.2" display at 76.19 PPI

XL looks terrible imo, mileage may vary and all that though...

 

[PlayBee]

Wouldnt the smaller size of the regular DSi screen look better due to higher ppi though?I know that I compared both in the day and the XL looked way more pixelated in comparison.

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Not if you value color accuracy and viewing angle over pixel density (You might not expect viewing angle to matter with something like this, but with a crappy TN even slightly off angle viewing can be noticeably worse and you won't be looking at both screens straight-on)

 

[Bomblord]

Wouldnt the smaller size of the regular DSi screen look better due to higher ppi though?I know that I compared both in the day and the XL looked way more pixelated in comparison.

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Assuming the IPS claims are true then you're trading off black levels and color accuracy for a slightly higher PPI.

 

[Suburban Thug]

Has to be the DSi XL but just get another DS Lite my man, it's the greatest handheld ever

 

[Leo-Tyrant]

Not if you value color accuracy and viewing angle over pixel density (You might not expect viewing angle to matter with something like this, but with a crappy TN even slightly off angle viewing can be noticeably worse and you won't be looking at both screens straight-on)

Click to shrink...

Assuming the IPS claims are true then you're trading off black levels and color accuracy for a slightly higher PPI.

Click to shrink...

Considering they are handheld devices with very small screens, I do value the higher pixel density over the other benefits. I did compare them side by side back in the day, and the XL was more rough, IQ wise.

 

[maneauleau]

if you are fan of big chunky pixels then DSi XL for the win otherwise regular DSi. Very happy with the DSi XL but I still have a lite for convenience when I don't want to bring my GBA and my DSi XL. Got to get them all!