Nintendo DS Lite Handheld Console (White)

I've only had this a few weeks and I've only got one game, but I'm in love with it already. I'm in my 50s and this is my first games console - yes, this is the one I was waiting for! Its main attractions are the size - light and truly pocket-sized - easy-to-use controls, bright screen and range of games. The battery life is good too, and the unit's case seems fairly robust. A real winner.

I imported my DS Lite from japan, yes... it's here. right next to me as i type this is the Nintendo DS lite sits snugly in it's case. i think it's appropriate to adress the differences between this and the old DS so i'll cut the ramalamadingdong and get right to the good stuff.

The look

As soon as i opened the box from lik-sang containing a DS lite (enamel navy), a case and some screen protectors. i knew that the DSL would trounce the larger DS, and how right i was. the lite has a shiny finish (quite prone to fingerprints, i have to say) on the outside with a smooth matte interior. the buttons seem to be placed much more comfortably and are a mix between the GB micro's "push spring" button and the old DS's clicky buttons, the D pad is the same in that respect, but smaller than the old DS's: this makes it easier to play as the motions seem much more fluid.

The Stylus

I'm sure you've heard this all before, but the stylus for the DS lite is larger, both in girth and length. it's one of those things that you can't truly understand untill you hold it. it feels amazing. much more comfortable than the 'toothpick' supplied with the original DS, this makes playing games like 'Trauma center' and 'Metroid Prime: Hunters' all the more enjoyable.

The Screens

The screens of the DS lite are what realy sold me to getting one in the first place and i was not dissapointed. top screen is a completely different type of screen compared to the original DS. This was due to nintendo actually custom making a LCD screen to fit their needs exactly. and both screens simply scream when you turn the DSL on. the colours are incredible, any pictures you have seen on the internet cannot describe how clear the two screens are. when you play a game on the DS lite. you KNOW it's the DS lite because the colours literally jump out at you.

The touch screen is has a completely different feel to it, the stylus glides much smoother on the bottom screen than it did with the old DS. why? because, to my knowlege, the plexiglass from the original has been removed, replaced by something better/clearer, it makes MPH games that more enjoyable when you get to that point where you can headshot kill someone with the imperialist from one end of the arena to the other without using the zoom, yes. it's that good (btw, happened once, total fluke. lol)

the feel

When you hold the DS lite it feels a little odd at first because, if you're like me, you'll be used to holding a heavy piece of equpiment. yes, the DS lite is lighter, but it still feels solid. the edges of the DS lite ARE a bit on the hard side (quite sqaure-ish) but one you get used to it, there's no stopping the DS lite's WOW factor.

they've obvously been busy over at Ninendo HQ figuring how to cram all the DS's hardware into a smaller package.

This brings me nicely over to the GBA slot. now, we all know by now that GBA games protrude about 1cm when they're in the DS lite. but that in no way affects the gameplay. but, to keep the ultra sleek design, nintendo have supplied a small 'filler cartridge' (how long before THIS gets lodged behind the sofa?)

Overall

The DS lite, finally, is something comparable to the PSP. when the original DS came out, one of the driving factors for many people not to buy it was that it was simply not good looking (trust me, i know this, i work in a shop that sells such things) but now the DS lite is on the horizon for the USA and finally Europe. This piece of gear pathes the way for the Wii, with the same basic design and innovation. I have to praise nintendo for what they have done with the gaming industry, i realy do. because they have revolutionised the way that people look at the gaming industry.

nothing can compare to the feeling of finding your first coconut washed up on your beach in animal crossing. Or powersliding around a corner in mario kart to take the lead. Or even owning someone on Metroid Prime Hunters over Wifi.

In my opinion, Nintendo have done it again, just as they did it with the GB micro before... and the GBA SP before that. Hell! they've been remodelling handhelds ever since the release of the gameboy pocket!

Ihope you 've enjoyed reading this as much as i enjoyed writing it, but now... mario kart awaits.

thanks for reading.

Firstly this machine feels like it should cost twice as much as it does - Nintendo have really pushed the boat out with two gorgeous backlight screens and stereo speakers that give the games justice. Playing any DS game on it is a pleasure and since it's so light only the daintiest will have problems playing games such as Metroid Hunters which need one hand free for the stylus.

Secondly the DS enjoys some of the most innovative titles out there. I say titles as not all can be called games - I'm talking about Brain Training (proven to improve memory and logic), Electroplankton (a unique 'musical instrument') and Animal Crossing (community based trading) which have bags of replayability and charm!

My only niggle is that if you plan to play GBA games you will find that the cart will stick out of the bottom rather awkwardly which ruins the sleek lines of the unit - luckily the DS has so many good games it's unlikely you'll want to play old GBA games anyway!

To sum up: If you want a classy handheld console with oodles of great games for a small price then buy a DS Lite today - You'll thank yourself for it!