Is it just me or does a new video game console come out just about every year? It can be hard to keep with the Jones’ when there are so many releases to keep track of. Shortly after Nintendo released its Nintendo DS hand-held video game unit they came out with the Nintendo DS Lite which is more or less a smaller version of the previous model.

If you’re not a gamer it can be pretty difficult trying to keep up with the latest gadgets. What makes things even more confusing is that many people use the term “Nintendo DS” interchangeably for all the units instead of being specific. So, if you want to purchase a Nintendo DSi or a Nintendo DS Lite console online, make sure the listing is very specific so you don’t end up buying the wrong thing.

There are many subtle differences between the DS consoles and if you don’t know a lot about video games you probably wouldn’t even notice. However, the original Nintendo DS would probably appear slightly bulky when compared to the DS Lite which was released in 2006 and the DSi which came out in early 2009. The transition from the original DS to the DS Lite was quite noticeable in terms of improvements and functionality but some people say the DSi is not much of an upgrade if you already own a Nintendo DS Lite.

Most people who own both video game consoles say that the screen is noticeably brighter on the DSi. The brightness can also be adjusted which can come in handy if you play in different environments. The screen on the newer DS consoles also seems to be a bit more resistant to scratches. Owners of the original Nintendo DS claim that after a lot of play time on their unit scratches could be seen. The newer DS units also feature a stylus that’s a little different than the original so that also could be a reason why less scratches are noticed.

The DSi has less battery life than the DS Lite but for some the larger screen and brighter settings are worth it. You no longer have the ability to play Gameboy Advance games on the DSi which is a disappointment to some. However, once more games become available for download this problem could be addressed with the addition of classic Game Boy games. You can also take pictures with the DSi and manipulate them with included applications but don’t expect high resolution results. The quality of the photos taken with the camera are similar to those of cell phones.

If you’re new to the world of Nintendo DS there are still plenty of inexpensive DS Lites waiting to be sold. You can certainly find some good deals especially since the new DSi came out. However, you may want to save your money for a new DSi which could eventually surpass the DS Lite in terms of functionality and popularity.