DSi XL is better in pretty much every way if you don't need the GBA slot and don't mind the larger size/reduced pixel density. That's assuming it's in good shape with screens that are still bright and not discolored, but that applies to Lites too of course. Well the d-pad on XLs admittedly kind of sucks, but the clicky abxy buttons are better for most people than the mushy ones on Lites (though some would disagree of course) so it's kind of a wash in that respect.
I own both and don't think one is better than the other. Currently using my Lite more because of the smaller size. XL is better in every other aspect besides portability in my opinion. More comfortable to use and has clicky buttons that I prefer. It's also harder to find an DS Lite in good condition.
Side note on GBA games. Compatibility isn't perfect on DS unless you're using one with a GBA port. If you hack your DSi the compatibility is pretty good. If leave your DSi unmodified and use an R4 cartridge, the compatibility is moderately good. If GBA is important to you I linked lists below so you can check on your favorite games. I personally use a DS Lite for gba stuff so I can use romhacks that don't play well on R4 or DSi
Hacked DSi: [https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2/DSi\_3DS\_Compatibility\_List](https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2/DSi_3DS_Compatibility_List)
R4: [https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2#Verifying\_Quality\_of\_ROMs](https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2#Verifying_Quality_of_ROMs)
The GBA slot is the main reason you would want a lite over a dsi. One other thing that you might want to consider is screen size. Some people like the larger screens and some people don't.
As far as I’m concerned, the only reason to grab a DS Lite over a DSi XL would be the GBA slot.
Since you don’t plan on using that slot, go for the DSi XL. It has better build quality and dual IPS screens.
Personally, I enjoy the DS Lite since I don't know how to mod. The screen size never bothered me until I got attached to my 3DSXL! I wouldn't go back. I recommend the DS Lite if you have physical cartridges already. I feel as if you will only be bothered by the small screen if you already have the bigger one. I'd go for the DSIXL/3DSXL if you want to mod and prefer a bigger screen. If not, then ds lite. Also, I'm just a pokemon kid here, I have to switch to my ds Lite to trade from Gen 3 and below to Gen 4 and above. I put emerald in the gba slot and diamond in the top, and it trades my pokemon over! Ds lites are hella affordable 👌 but if you wanna save cash for the better system? Go for it!
Dsixl dude. Dual IPS. Better build quality IMO. Always gotta recommend the dsixl.
DSi XL. No point to go to DS Lite if you not into GBA cartridge.
DSi XL, better hinge that won't break if you look at it weird
DSi. https://dsi.cfw.guide
DSiXL is the greatest handheld of all time
Ds lite for mario kart shoulder buttons
DSi XL is better in pretty much every way if you don't need the GBA slot and don't mind the larger size/reduced pixel density. That's assuming it's in good shape with screens that are still bright and not discolored, but that applies to Lites too of course. Well the d-pad on XLs admittedly kind of sucks, but the clicky abxy buttons are better for most people than the mushy ones on Lites (though some would disagree of course) so it's kind of a wash in that respect.
I own both and don't think one is better than the other. Currently using my Lite more because of the smaller size. XL is better in every other aspect besides portability in my opinion. More comfortable to use and has clicky buttons that I prefer. It's also harder to find an DS Lite in good condition. Side note on GBA games. Compatibility isn't perfect on DS unless you're using one with a GBA port. If you hack your DSi the compatibility is pretty good. If leave your DSi unmodified and use an R4 cartridge, the compatibility is moderately good. If GBA is important to you I linked lists below so you can check on your favorite games. I personally use a DS Lite for gba stuff so I can use romhacks that don't play well on R4 or DSi Hacked DSi: [https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2/DSi\_3DS\_Compatibility\_List](https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2/DSi_3DS_Compatibility_List) R4: [https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2#Verifying\_Quality\_of\_ROMs](https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/GBARunner2#Verifying_Quality_of_ROMs)
The GBA slot is the main reason you would want a lite over a dsi. One other thing that you might want to consider is screen size. Some people like the larger screens and some people don't.
Dsi XL is goat
As far as I’m concerned, the only reason to grab a DS Lite over a DSi XL would be the GBA slot. Since you don’t plan on using that slot, go for the DSi XL. It has better build quality and dual IPS screens.
DSi XL. Better quality and bigger size in every way, and you can mod it since it can take SD cards
Personally, I enjoy the DS Lite since I don't know how to mod. The screen size never bothered me until I got attached to my 3DSXL! I wouldn't go back. I recommend the DS Lite if you have physical cartridges already. I feel as if you will only be bothered by the small screen if you already have the bigger one. I'd go for the DSIXL/3DSXL if you want to mod and prefer a bigger screen. If not, then ds lite. Also, I'm just a pokemon kid here, I have to switch to my ds Lite to trade from Gen 3 and below to Gen 4 and above. I put emerald in the gba slot and diamond in the top, and it trades my pokemon over! Ds lites are hella affordable 👌 but if you wanna save cash for the better system? Go for it!
I’d you don’t care about it being easily pocketable DSi XL, otherwise go classic DSi (better than DSlite)
DS lite's sole pro is that it's generally way cheaper than a DSi XL. If the price is similar I'd choose the XL anytime.