Nintendo DS2 or DSi, What is better for a 5 year old?

A Nintendo 2DS would be best for a young child I should think. No risk of 3D to ruin eyesight, and your child could still play all of the new (and old games).

I am assuming that by DS2 you mean a nintendo 3ds

If need be there are parental controls that stop the use of 3d (you need a pin to turn on the 3d) or your other option is to buy the cheaper model aimed at younger children which lacks a 3d screen at all. I would definitely recommend getting something from the 3ds range over the original ds range anyway. The games from a original ds still work on a 3ds so you get a much larger selection of games and not only this but there is only going to be more and more 3ds games in the future anyway, whereas the original ds is finished, all the new games will be released on 3ds only. The standard of 3ds games are of a much higher quality due to the 3ds being more powerful and a generally nicer machine. It is true that the 3d is not good for children under 7 however like I said there are models that remove this option all together or you can restrict its use anyway. The 2ds is the option that will take away the 3d screen, it also has a more child friendly design. Although the 2ds does not have a 3d screen it will still play all 3ds and ds games. In short DO NOT BUY A DS, OR DSI, THEY ARE A RIP OFF AS THEY ARE NOW OUT OF DATE, you are much better off with a 3ds or 2ds.

For more info:

http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-3DS/Nintendo-3D...