How Much Is A Nintendo DS Worth In 2023?

Woman with money, rich woman, money, cash

Whether you come across an old Nintendo DS you might want to sell or looking to get into the DS’ amazing library of games today, you’ll need to know much the handheld console is actually worth.

And with several different (yet functionally similar) models – namely, the DS, DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL – it can actually be somewhat difficult to get an idea of what the Nintendo DS is actually selling for.

How much is a Nintendo DS worth today? The original Nintendo DS sells for $40 on average, based on recently sold eBay listings. The redesigned DS Lite, however, goes for $50 on average, while the DSi and DSi XL – the DS line's final revisions – sell for $45 and $75 respectively.

Model Loose
(average price sold)
Complete-In-Box
(average price sold)
Amazon
(starting price)
Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS transparent background
$40 $200 $61+
Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo DS Lite transparent background
$50 $170 $58+
Nintendo DSi
Nintendo DSi transparent background
$45 $88 $52+
Nintendo DSi XL
Nintendo DSi XL transparent background
$75 $233 $64+
Used Nintendo DS Price Chart

DS prices can vary pretty significantly, and this is largely based on a few key factors – the model, the condition the unit is in, whether or not the console ships in its original packaging, and even the retailer used to buy or sell.

There are a few brand-new DS consoles on sale at retailers like eBay, but because they are so rare, there isn’t truly a “going rate” for these systems. If you’re truly determined to buy a new, complete-in-box DS (or lucky enough to come across one), however, expect it to sell for hundreds of dollars.

(Please note: Prices and information below are accurate as of May 19, 2023. This article has been and will continue to be updated to reflect current rates, but prices can fluctuate. Additionally, the information provided is based on the models released in the United States. Models released in other regions may differ from the prices shown below.)

How Much is a Nintendo DS worth?

Nintendo DS console
Image Credit: Nintendo & Wealth of Geeks.

Pricing Overview:

  • Console Only: $31-$54
  • Complete-In-Box: $200
  • Refurbished: $160
  • New: N/A

The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).

How Much is a Nintendo DS Lite worth?

Nintendo DS Lite console
Image Credit: Nintendo & Wealth of Geeks.

Pricing Overview:

  • Console Only: $40-$72
  • Complete-In-Box: $137-$200
  • Refurbished: $150
  • New: ~$500+

The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).

How Much is a Nintendo DSi worth?

Nintendo DSi console
Image Credit: Nintendo & Wealth of Geeks.

Pricing Overview:

  • Console Only: $30-$55
  • Complete-In-Box: $88
  • Refurbished: $124
  • New: ~$300+

The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).

How Much is a Nintendo DSi XL worth?

Nintendo DSi XL console
Image Credit: Nintendo & Wealth of Geeks.

Pricing Overview:

  • Console Only: $45-$125
  • Complete-In-Box: $200-$300
  • Refurbished: $187
  • New: ~$400+

The eBay prices above are calculated using the retailer’s data of units sold within three months previous to when this article was last updated (May 19, 2023).

What are the differences between the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi, and the DSi XL?

DS Specs pdf

Not only do all of the Nintendo DS consoles look different from one another, but they also have important functional differences that are important to note for prospective buyers.

Nintendo DS:

  • The Nintendo DS is the original model in the DS line of consoles.
  • The console plays DS and Game Boy Advance games.
  • It lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Nintendo DS Lite:

  • The DS Lite is the first revision to the original DS with a much sleeker and slimmer design.
  • The console plays DS and Game Boy Advance games.
  • It lasts up to 19 hours on a single charge (on the lowest brightness settings).
  • The Lite has adjustable brightness settings.

Nintendo DSi:

  • The DSi is the second revision to the original DS.
  • The console plays DS games but NOT Game Boy Advance games.
  • It is compatible with DSiWare games and comes with DSi Web Browser.
  • The display size bumps up to a 3.25-inch screen compared to the 3.0-inch display on the original DS and DS Lite.
  • The DSi lasts up to 14 hours on a single charge (on the lowest brightness settings).

Nintendo DSi XL:

  • The DSi XL is virtually the same as the DSi but in a larger form factor.
  • The console plays DS games but NOT Game Boy Advance games.
  • It is compatible with DSiWare games and comes with DSi Web Browser.
  • The display on the DSi XL is 4.2 inches.
  • It can last up to 17 hours on a single charge.

To read more about the differences between the DS family of consoles, make sure to check out our complete comparison: Nintendo DS vs DS Lite vs DSi.

What about limited editions and color variants?

Nintendo DS Lite Dialga & Palkia
Image Credit: Nintendo & Wealth of Geeks.

The DS line of handheld systems is Nintendo’s most successful run of consoles ever. So yes, they definitely had their share of limited editions and color variants over the years.

That being said, most limited editions and color variants have little effect on the pricing of the unit. However, there are a small handful of exceptions (links below lead to eBay).

Related Questions

Does GameStop buy Nintendo DS consoles?

No, unfortunately, GameStop no longer buys Nintendo DS consoles.

Where else can I buy and sell Nintendo DS consoles and games?

Make sure to check your local game stores, flea markets, and pawnshops. All of these are great options for buying and selling used games, consoles, and accessories. For buyers, garage sales and Goodwill can also be great places to snag some really great deals.

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