Well i only owned original GC and now have a DS, i think DS is just better, but also because i appreciate games more because im much older.

DS lite good size, great library and, backwards compatability with the GBA.

Lots of prizes to hand out here...

Best innovator - Game Boy (you can't deny it this, we wouldn't HAVE portable gaming as we know it today without it)
Best timing of release - Game Boy Pocket (released alongside the original Pokemon, it was like a license to print money)
Best catalyst for ports - Game Boy Color (the NES ports got their origins here with games like Crystalis, DQ1-3, and so on)
Best incremental upgrade - Game Boy Advance (it really was like going from the NES to the SNES)
Best form factor - Game Boy Advance SP (wallet-sized is perfect for on the go)
Best of all worlds - DS (really, what's not to love?)

Agreed.  As well, i feel that the GBA SP was it's biggest jump because it was the first stylish Gameboy with backlight.

DS. Taken out of the context of time/nostalgia, I don't see how you could possibly suggest any of the earlier ones were superior. Especially considering it plays GBA games.

I hope they put forward their next generation handheld soon, the DSi looks great, but I'd rather save my money for the DS's true successor. I realize it could be a while..

nintendo ds

+1

No doubt - DS.

I wouldn't have imagined that portable games could be as awesome as they are on the DS. It's powerful enough for a game to have hours of quality content, yet cheap enough that a small, creative team can make a masterpiece on it.

 If the DS could play GB and GBC games and if it was more sturdy, it would be the best imo.

The DS. It is the best handheld I've ever had. The library is amazing, and being able to play GBA games is a plus.