The origional DS was larger and the DS lite is a little smaller and brighter screen. They both play the same, and use the same games. My daughter has the DS from 3 years ago with no problems still, including the origional battery. I have not seen the larger DS sold, except for the refirb ones for a long time now (probably 1-1/2 years.) But both were the same price when sold. And most of the assecories sold now are for the DS lite.