Amazing system. I remember having no intention of buying the original, but just ended up randomly picking one up while out and about. Ugly little brute, but had some really interesting features.
Then they announced the DSLite, which at the time I thought was a stunning piece of hardware. One which I had no reservations in upgrading to. After the first year on the market, the software really started to pick up, which I appreciated a lot as I spent a lot of time working abroad and had little capacity for console gaming. It was my main gaming device for 4-5 years and I'm sad to see it finally put to rest.
I've only just invested in a 3DS XL and hope that this thing can go on to boast a library that is equally impressive. It's starting to look good....and I can always play my old DS games on it
I'm still quietly hopeful to see a more refined hardware revision though. Smaller size, better battery and a sleeker body design (hopefully steering clear of shiny plastic).
Either way though, for all the negativity going around relating to Nintendo right now, you can't take away the fact that they comprehensively smashed it with the DS and it is fitting that it is up there as one of the most successful pieces of gaming hardware ever. Completely and utterly deserved.