Over half a decade ago, Nintendo jump started the portable gaming market by producing the DS. Hailed as a vastly popular machine, the DS boasted a cutting edge design, great games and is responsible for introducing gaming to a wider market. Since that point, Nintendo have released many updates and new models, but which of these different Nintendo DS models is good for gamers?

Regardless of being the oldest and most outdated model, the first DS is still popular. New models are not sold in shops, but many are sold for small costs online, which adds to their fame. The first model is also fitted to play the earliest incarnations of gaming titles which are not available to the later models. If gamers can get past the size and weight, this device is superb for those on a budget, the most cost effective of the different Nintendo DS models.

Up next, the DS Lite didn't offer a massive deviation from the features of the first, but as the moniker implies it reduced the size and weight considerably. Apparently the DS Lite also has the best battery time of all the different Nintendo DS models, even compared to the more modern ones. The DS Lite is still widely popular with people that like less expensive consoles and aren't bothered about the additional features of the DSi.

The Nintendo DSi represented the most prominent change to the formula. Throwing in heaps of awesome new multimedia capabilities,including game downloads and twin cameras. Again, all the features of the original DS were built upon, with the display and audio being expanded. The DSi is the most technically competent of the different Nintendo DS models, and now the hottest.

With the DSi XL arriving soon, there's lots of choice when making a purchase. The earlier devices offer less features and sheen, but are cheap and still offer brilliant gaming. But if you are after multimedia capacities and more bang for your buck, the newer incarnations are a smart investment. One thing is certain though, all the different Nintendo DS models supply a brilliant gaming experience!