Video Games : Nintendo DS Lite Handheld Console (White)

Rating: - Nintendo DS Lite review
This is a review of a Japanese DS Lite import (Navy) but the UK version is identical. I've owned it for more than two months so I feel confident enough to write a review. Hopefully Amazon customers will appreciate it. :)

Size

While you may find yourself embarrassed to whip out an old DS when traveling on the Tube, with the DS Lite you won't have that excuse anymore. I have no problems with the size although people with big palms may. It also happened to be smaller than the DS Lite's main rival - Sony's PSP (although the PSP has a larger screen).

Weight

While the DS Lite is lighter than the old DS, it somehow feels heavier in my hands. This is probably due to the weight distribution and the fact that it seems more 'solid'.

Buttons

The buttons are based on the Gameboy micro's buttons. They are more 'spongy' than the those on the original DS. The d-pad is also slightly smaller. The shoulder buttons while slightly smaller, is thankfully larger than those on the Gameboy SP.

Finish

The glossy two layer finish, like the PSP, is a fingerprint magnet. If seeing fingerprints is annoying then get the white version instead.

Screens

Probably the single biggest reason to upgrade are the new and improved screens. Both the backlit screens have four level brightness setting with the lowest similar to that of the old DS. Colours are now vibrant whereas on the old DS colours were washed out.

Battery Life

Nintendo quoted 5-9 hours of battery life at the brightest setting. While I have no way of proving their quote, I find myself only needing to charge the Lite once every 2-3 days. That is pretty good. At the lowest brightness setting the battery seems to last much longer than the batteries on the old DS.

GBA slot

While the GBA slot retains full compatibility with all Gameboy Advance cartridge and accessories, it is now about half the size. About 1cm of a normal GBA cart will protrude out. With an old DS you can slot in an old GBA cart to keep the dust out but doing so on the Lite will ruin the streamlined look. Nintendo thoughtfully supplied a GBA slot filter cart.

Positive
Better spongy face buttons
Beautiful and brighter screen
New slimmer and lighter design
Battery life improvement
Better stylus

Negative
Glossy look (fingerprint magnet)
GBA carts stick out about 1cm

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Rating: - new version
From the description all i can see is that its smaller. Didnt they do that with all other nintendo consoled!! Maybe they should put some effort into making the consoles better not smaller.im also not so sure that the brightness will make people run to the hills wearing sunglasses.

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Rating: - I feel the same but...
Nowhere does it mention the fact the GameBoy cartridge actually sticks out of the bottom when inserted. I didn't know this, because I wasn't told and it makes the system look quite stupid. Top marks to Nintendo, I'll just be taking my GBA SP out with me to play GameBoy games, thanks.

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Rating: - Best handheld ever!
My sister brought me a system from the far east and I just have to say its the best handheld ever! Its better than the PSP by a long way as you do not have to muck around with having to update it with firmware builds so that you can play games. I always thought Nintendo to be a bit too kiddie but now I know its great to keep things simple, all that matters is playability and boy do this system spawn games that do. If you were to choose between a DS and a PSP i would go for the DS, why well because the battery lasts ages, the screens on the Lite are crisp and clear and its a lot easier to hold in your hand than a PSP. Okay not so many hardcore games as a PSP adn I appreciate that but you dont get as many dud games as the PSP churns out. I promise you when you recieve this system you will not put it down especially if it has Mario Kart in it.....

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Rating: - Perfect Handheld - Great Games
I imported a dark blue one few weeks ago and I am very very happy with it.

I had the original since launch day, and despite my huge collection of consoles the DS has all but taken over.

Although this version is great, the size and screens make it just perfect (plus on the lower brightness settings you can get up to 19hrs out of the battery - and that's still much better viewing than on the original), it's the games that really make this the handheld king.

I regularly meet up in the local pub and play with my friends, and with the free on-line service, anyone that cannot make it, still get to join in.

The games, well there is just about anything you could want. From classic re-makes such as New Super Mario Bros, to full on FPS on-line Quake style fragg fest Metriod. Puzzle fans will love this system, with Tetris, Meteos, Magnetica (AKA Zuma) Brain Training and Zoo Keeper to name a few.

Racing fans will love Mario Kart, plus there is a good version of the ever popular Need for Speed.

Nintendo fans will love the stuff revealed at E3. Star Fox DS, New Zelda DS, Diddy Kong Racing, Chibi Robo DS, Children of Mana, Elite Beat Agents (a western version of the potty, but perfect, Ouendan) Hotel Dusk and Yoshi's Island 2.

What the DS also offers is something completely different. Games such as Animal Crossing, Truma Centre, Rub Rabbits, Wario Ware Touched, Phoenix Wright and the cute but compelling Nintendogs all provide a diverse and high quality choice of gaming.

While the console is great, and the Lite just builds on this, it is the games that have made this system the success it is. I hope the re-design will encourage those who thought the old system was ugly, too big, or just for kids will try it, you really will not be disappointed.