More than half a decade ago, Nintendo revolutionized the portable gaming arena by producing the DS. Celebrated as a vastly popular device, the DS offered a cutting edge design, great titles and is accountable for opening up gaming to abroader market. Since then, Nintendo have released many updates and new models, but which of the different Nintendo DS models is good for you?

In spite of being the longest lived and most outmoded console, the original DS is still popular. New models are no longer sold in stores, but lots are sold for small costs online, and this adds to their fame. The original model is also fitted to recognise the earliest incarnations of games which are not accessible to the successor models. If you can see past the size and weight, this model is great for those on a budget, the most cost effective of the different Nintendo DS models.

Next up, the DS Lite didn't offer a massive deviation from the functions of the original, but as the moniker implies it reduced the size and weight considerably. Curiously, the DS Lite also offers the best battery life of all the different Nintendo DS models, evenwhen compared to the more recent ones. The DS Lite is still widely well-liked with those that like cheaper consoles and aren't bothered about the extra media of the DSi.

The Nintendo DSi represented the most notable change to the formula. Throwing in heaps of cool new multimedia capabilities,including game downloads and twin cameras. Also, all the functions of the first DS were built upon, with the display and sound being augmented. The DSi remains the most technically competent of the different Nintendo DS models, and currently the hottest.

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

Ever since its creation, the Nintendo DSi has enjoyed a great increase in renown over the first DS. Nintendo augmented the original model in pretty much every way imaginable; thinning it down and throwing in excellent features such as the dual cameras. However it has taken some time for the unique features of the DSi to be completely realised, butthankfully this is being pushed forward thanks to the growing number of Nintendo DSiWare games and utilities being released.

Nintendo DSiWare is the title attributed to an increasing offering of features released exclusively for the DSi, most of which utilize the DSi's features and so aren't compatible with the previous DS. They can be accessed quickly and easily via the DSi shop, and gamers spendtheir Nintendo points in order to download these applications.

The distributors have offered up the production of DSiWare features to many third party publishers, and so gamers can anticipate a wide variety of goodies. A vast back catalogue of classic and well-loved titles are being released on a weekly basis, and so DSi gamers can enjoy a plethora of great titles. A number of examples include Phantasy Star, Brain challenge and the Art Style franchise of titles.

Even more promising are the host of Nintendo DSiWare applications; a range of add-ons that are produced particular to the DSi's improved technology and features. These include art and flipbook studios for more in-depth creativity, augmented browser and camera functions and even interactive compendiums with camera synching.

As said, the range of Nintendo DSiWare features is increasing by the minute, and they're helping to recognise the actual potential of this device. Any DSi owner should check into the gigantic range of applications and games available- they are fun, intuitive and are very easy to download. With that said, try out the massive list of Nintendo DSiWare features without delay!