Review: Nintendo DS Lite

Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:50AM EDT

See Comments (15)

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. 

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. 

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.  

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Comments on Review: Nintendo DS Lite

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  • 6 Posted by rob_eltoro on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    yeah, agree with you both, just purchased two DS for my kids and they love it....

  • 8 Posted by libertypatriot56 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    i agree with you guys and girls but hearing from one of my sorces that the DS lite flip up thing is a cheap piece of crap and that nintendo with not pay for it so if you break it you either have to pay for another one or live with it so if some one could give me more resons to buy one that would be great or should i pay for a psp.

  • 9 Posted by karatekidgp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    I happen to own a DS and saw an add for a trade in for DS lite $70 to pay for the DS lite with a trade in of my DS and its a go. The lite has power button on the side so you wont accidentally turn it off and it has a number of light settings, plus, its now-a-days hard to find a stylus or car charger for DS, but not for DS lite, And they are just about the same price as a origanal DS, $120-$130.

  • 10 Posted by insuregal2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:24PM EDT Report Abuse

    I love my DS Lite. I work downtown and it is cheaper and more convenient to take the train. The train trips are very boring and I am usually standing because there are so many commuters. I like the DS Lite because I can hold it in front of me easily the entire train trip (it isn't heavy and my arms don't get tired)and the trip is over before I know it. I've come close to missing my stop a couple of times. I enjoy the New Super Mario Bros. and all of the individual mini-games that come with it. In fact, I enjoy my DS Lite so much I have to loan it to a friend on a regular basis. We joke around that we have joint custody. I can get so engrossed that I don't want to use it just for my commute times. I'll forget to answer the phone, the door, watch tv, eat, sleep or exercise. I've got to grab that vine and swing to the next one!

  • 11 Posted by sweetvanilla2228 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    im 25 years old and i just got it from a friend...at first i like the PSP but it is so expensive... Im a gadget girl.. i love little gadget things but knowing that PSP is way better that DS.. coz it has a lot to offer... the music, photo and video storage. thats good, but i have ssoooooo many photos from my digicam, and a lot of personal viedoe of funny , silly things... so howcome i arrive to a cool descision?, listen guys: if its with the games DS is much better and has a lot of choices. PSP's gaming collection is limited and sometimems its just the same game like we have in PSP2. 2nd, DS is cheaper and can accomodate GBA games as well.. the wi-fi, they said will be better but i dont know if I can use it here in my country just like your contry when u go to McDonalds. 3RD, if u are into PHOTOS, P3's, home-made video's, party videos.... i dont think that 2 GB of sony PSP's offer will be enough, plus the games..tsk, tsk!!! then GO FOR THE IPOD 80GB. that one solve my problem abt the competition of PSP and DS LITE, anyways... ipods 90GB is so amazing...and it is unbeatable...so why spend for almost 300 dollards for PSP when u can have the better games.... i go for DS LITE

  • 12 Posted by tabertot101 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    So, PSP is good but it's like a major investment, nintendo DS is more of a bargain considering that you can just add to the fun one game at a time. PSP is pretty much the same, only like I said it's an investment. You aren't going to get it with your birthday money. And seriously guys! The DS is smaller than the PSP, it won't live up to it's standards, but it's a $170 different price range to, do you really expect it to?

  • 13 Posted by sakura_choocho on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    hi i just want to know if the ds can store pictures. i just got the ds for my birthday and i originally planned on using it for school things...like storing pictures for review. if it does store pictures, how do you save the pics in it then? thanks

  • 14 Posted by nicklogical on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:37PM EDT Report Abuse

    The DS Lite is extremely cool!!.If you want to use all it's features in one game you should by Pokemon Diamond, Pearl or Platinum Version.

  • 15 Posted by nicklogical on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:37PM EDT Report Abuse

    It does not store pictures nor the Lite, but the DSi does.The DSi does not have the gba cartrige slot, tho.

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