Review: Nintendo DS Lite
Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:50AM EDT
See Comments (16)
I alerted you to the release of the Nintendo DS Lite a few weeks ago, and although I bought one the same day it was released (June 11), I had to test drive it before writing a quick review.
Although it was a bit pricey at $130, I just had to get one of these sexy gaming portables simply because I enjoy Nintendo games, and it costs a lot less than Sony's PSP.
Nintendo released the new Nintedo DS Lite in a glossy white that looks a lot like an iPod. Comparing both devices side-by-side, I was surprised to see that they are very close in size. Of course, the DS Lite is bigger than an iPod, but not by much. When I hold it closed in my hand, it feels like I'm clutching an very small evening purse (the ladies can relate to that).
The improved handheld gaming device is a slimmed down version of the original Nintedo DS, and has an LCD screen on each side —both brighter than the original. The bottom LCD screen is also a touchscreen. Comparing the original DS to the DS Lite, I can tell you that the original version is a lot bulkier and your won't be happy with a dimmer screen. Battery on the Nintendo DS Lite is amazing. I played for a week before having to recharge it. I kept waiting for the battery to die out, and it just wouldn't give out.
Nintedo DS has a sweet collection of brain-challenging games like Brain Age, Big Brain Academy, Soduku Gridmaster, and Tetris, which are great for puzzle lovers. I can easily lose track of time when playing games, so I prefer shorter games that I can play during brakes.Â
Playing Super Mario Brothers mini-games, Big Brain Academy and Brain Age require you to use the touch-sensitive lower screen to input your answers, while others like Brain Age require you to use the voice recognition technology on certain challenges.
I would've preferred a black version to match all my black gadgets, but that's just me. Now I know I should've waited, because I hear the black version will be available soon.Â
If you like playing games during your down time, you'll love the improved and slimmed down DS Lite that easily fits in your backpack. It's also a lot more affordable than the PSP, and more games are available for it. Â
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2 Posted by ytech_ginahughes on Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:08AM EDT Report Abuse
I agree with you *justajesusfreak. The PSP has all the capabilities that you mentioned (Wi-Fi, stores pictures and music, but not everyone can afford to spend $300 on a gaming device that has extra features you don't need. Hands down the PSP is way better, but it doesn't have all the games the DS has either. I guess it all comes down to personal choice. What you want in a portable gaming device? Lots of games, better battery life or the ability to store music, photos and play movies? I have both, and am very happy with both.
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3 Posted by justajesusfreak@sbcglobal.net on Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:04AM EDT Report Abuse
For me it's the playing online that I love. No other portable gameing system has that capability. If nintendo would bring something like that out and have the network included they would score huge. Because with the PSP you have to by the network seperatly wich means it generaly costs more.
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4 Posted by oscar_bhn on Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse
Actually, everyone is kinda off. The DS has wifi capabilities right out of the box. The 100feet feature that someone mentions is just for instant IM or local matchups. You can play over the Net with the Nintendo Wifi service for free, all you need is a wireless router or be within the range of a hotspot(Mcdonalds has them). The Nintendo Wifi service is free, some games that are wifi enabled are Animal Crossing, Mario Kart DS, Metroid Prime Hunters (voice over IP included), Tetris DS..., Tony Hawk and a lot more are due this year. You'll also be able to surf with the DS with the Opera released browser later this year in the US, next month in Japan. Imagine that, you'll be able to surf the web with your DS just like you do with a palm or pocket pc. Which makes it more practical since the PSP has no touch screen. You can also store files or watch movies in your DS, you would need to hack it or buy a MAX DS 4GB hard drive from any major retailer. The DS has the better games and the innovation anyway, so I wouldn't hesitate in purchasing any of those babies, Lite or No-Lite.
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5 Posted by dewdude92003 on Mon Jun 26, 2006 5:35PM EDT Report Abuse
I agree with oscar the ds has free wifi, you can buy a Hard drive for it, and shortly they will release a web browser for the ds. The price is very low and you can talk to people across the web but they need to be on your friends list. the ds is much sleeker and is a better system with original, innovative games. not just cheap ports of console games which you get with the psp.
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1 Posted by justajesusfreak@sbcglobal.net on Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:50AM EDT Report Abuse
If you compare a DS Lite to a PSP there's no contest. I mean look at the PSP it's $300. Pricey? Yes. But look at what it can do. It can serf the internet and play any PSP game online. You can store pictures and music and more. Now look at the DS lite it's realy a duplicate of the DS. Except it's thiner and the LCD screens are brighter. You can talk with people on it but they have to be with in a 100 feet. So I wouldn't even waist my money on a re-make of a DS.