Nintendo DSi Pink (Renewed) Review – Nostalgic Yet Flawed Buy
The Nintendo DSi Pink (Renewed) still commands attention years after its discontinuation, pulling in a nostalgia score of 8.7/10 among community reviewers. The pastel pink finish has been called "so gosh darned cute" by Reddit user u/***, with collectors lamenting that certain regional variants "never got that one over here." While its design and portability consistently win praise, user experiences reveal a split between the charm of vintage hardware and the headaches of age-related wear.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, lightweight, portable design | Shorter battery life than DS Lite |
| Larger screens vs older models | No Game Boy Advance slot |
| Fun photo-distortion and audio editing features | Cameras are low resolution (0.3MP) |
| Strong nostalgia appeal | Yellowing screens over time |
| Durable with proper care | Hinges prone to breaking if dropped |
| Easy to carry and store | Region lock for certain titles |
| Wide library of DS games | WPA Wi-Fi support not universal for games |
Claims vs Reality
Nintendo's original pitch framed the Nintendo DSi Pink as an evolution with dual cameras, bigger screens, and richer sound. Marketing claimed “improved speakers” and “enhanced portable entertainment.” Digging deeper into user reports, these claims hold partially true.
On screen quality, a verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The screen quality on this device is actually more than I expected… even with the screens being small, you can still see everything clearly.” However, Reddit discussions emphasize that aging panels can show yellowing, with one buyer warning, “most of the screens were yellowing… it’s basically unavoidable at this point.” This means new buyers may get clarity but not necessarily perfect whites.
The built-in cameras were pitched as a creative tool, yet Trustpilot user Gerard H. slammed the functionality: “The main button gets stuck… came dirty… should be ashamed,” while others called them “totally worthless” for quality photography. Their real value lies in quirky in-game uses or for distortion effects, as noted by Amazon users who still find the photo mode “entertaining” for kids.
Battery claims tout up to 14 hours of use on lowest brightness. While technically accurate, multiple users—including those on Amazon—noticed that wireless use “shortens life even further,” urging players to turn off Wi-Fi unless needed to conserve power.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
From Reddit’s nostalgia crowd to Trustpilot’s parent reviewers, portability is king. Gabriel A. on Influenster captured the consensus: “With the device being very small and compact, you can carry it anywhere at any time.” This makes it a favorite for travel, car rides, or brief bursts of play in waiting rooms. Users with older DS models note the DSi’s matte finish makes it “much easier to grip,” avoiding the smudgy feel of glossy predecessors.
Durability is another highlight for careful owners. One Reddit user shared: “I had [my] phat DS for years… never broke a hinge. Just don’t drop it or close it with force and you will be good.” Parents echo that it “still goes strong after four years… dropped dozens of times.” This resilience helps justify higher prices for pristine pre-owned units.
Common Complaints
Battery life compared to the DS Lite remains a sticking point. Amazon reviewers frequently estimate real-world gaming at fewer hours, especially with Wi-Fi engaged. The removal of the GBA slot is another sore spot for retro players—one noted, “If you already have a DS Lite, don’t bother upgrading… you lose your ability to play Game Boy Advance games.”
A recurring complaint across all platforms is aging screen discoloration. eBay buyers caution that “yellowing… is extremely common” even in unused stock. Trustpilot feedback adds mechanical failures to the list, with hinge breaks or faulty buttons showing up in lower-rated reviews.
Divisive Features
The cameras split opinion sharply. Kids and casual users enjoy in-device photo editing, distortion filters, and merging faces—Trustpilot’s Scott R. praised them for keeping “my grandson busy… lens effects are easy for him to use.” But photography-inclined collectors dismiss the 0.3MP resolution entirely.
Audio manipulation falls in a similar category. For educators or language learners, slowing playback aids comprehension—Appleby Games even marketed it to those “learning a foreign language.” However, tech-savvy reviewers find the AAC-only file support and need to convert MP3s “dumb” and restrictive.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot complaints reveal hazards in the second-hand market: dirty units, malfunctioning buttons, and even consoles shutting off when placed on a flat surface. Gerard H.’s frustration—“came dirty… button barely works… embarrassing to give to my child”—highlights the importance of sourcing from reputable sellers.
Long-term durability, however, is affirmed by many. Ralph B. recounted replacing his niece’s original 2009 unit in 2016 with another used DSi, noting “longevity… still works great and has entertaining tech.” Reddit members caution about hinge fragility but generally agree careful handling preserves functionality for years.
Alternatives
Though no direct modern pink console matches the same form factor, collectors often compare it to the DS Lite and DSi XL. The Lite offers longer battery life and GBA compatibility at the cost of smaller screens. The XL’s larger dimensions improve ergonomics but reduce pocket portability, a trade-off Reddit users warn about: “The XL… less portable.”
Price & Value
Renewed units on Amazon sit around $139.99 plus shipping, with eBay auctions ranging widely depending on condition—from ~$35 for heavy wear to $170+ for boxed mint editions. Community tips stress paying extra for complete-in-box if you value collectibles, or modding/repairing yellowed screens to resell at higher margins. Japanese imports tend to retain value longer, especially with original packaging.
FAQ
Q: Does the Nintendo DSi Pink play Game Boy Advance games?
A: No, the DSi removed the GBA cartridge slot, as many users lament. You’ll need an older DS model if backward compatibility is essential.
Q: How bad is screen yellowing?
A: It’s common with age and noticeable mostly on menu screens. Multiple eBay sellers confirm it’s “basically unavoidable,” though it rarely affects in-game visuals.
Q: Can I use modern Wi-Fi with the DSi?
A: WPA is supported for system features, but most games only work on WEP—Amazon reviewers note it’s “completely useless” for 90% of titles with WPA routers.
Q: Are the cameras worth using?
A: They’re low resolution but popular for fun effects, especially with children. Utility for serious photography is minimal.
Q: How does battery life compare to the DS Lite?
A: Expect noticeably shorter runtimes—14 hours max on lowest brightness, less with wireless on. DS Lite can reach 19 hours in similar conditions.
Final Verdict: Buy if portability, nostalgia, and DS game access matter more than high-res multimedia or backward compatibility. Avoid if your primary goal is GBA gaming or modern network play. Pro tip from community: Purchase from trusted refurbishers and inspect for hinge integrity and screen color before paying a premium.
