You can touch this and not go to jail. (Nintendo DS Lite)

Member Name: StarSoldier1

Product:	Nintendo DS Lite
Date:	16/01/07 (270 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Even smaller, brighter and lighter now.

Disadvantages: The games are not visually impressive as those on the PSP

The Dual Screen (or DS) Lite is the second version of Nintendo's portable console originally introduced in 2004. The system is not only smaller and more sleek then the older model now but it even comes with a brighter screen with multiple settings as well fans should love. See why if you haven't got a DS yet this is definitely a good time to start.

The package comes with the DS Lite itself, 2 stylist pens (these are slightly larger and heavier then the older DS ones), a battery charger so you can power up the unit on the go, and sadly no games. There is no thumb strap thing this time around but I never used that goofy looking anyway so I don't care. The system only comes in the same colour as a glass of milk or your lover's special juices (shiny white) but you can expect more colours in the future. It's no big deal but I thought I would tell you anyway.

The good thing about working at a gamestore (shameless plug: visit me at the KnK Buy and Sell here in Orillia Ontario!) is that I can compare the two systems side by side. The big difference between this version over the bulky older DS is definitely the weight. I loved my old DS but it was annoying how when I put it my back pocket it made my butt look big (yeah girls we care about that stuff too ya know) plus I bet if I threw the thing at someone's head I could knock them out (I don't recommend doing that by the way, it's still over hundred bucks, eh?). It was that heavy! The DS Lite however is not only a few inches shorter and twice as thin compared to the first edition, but it also feels as about a light as a standard DVD or something. If you decide to throw this little thing at anybody I think you're just going to upset them.

That brings me to the unusual double screens here. Although it sounds like a pretty weird gimmick, the bottom screen isn't just for there for show. Nintendo utilized the bottom screen to have interactive options so players can either touch, draw, talk into, or even blow on it to play certain titles. Games like Yoshi's Touch & Go and Feel the Magic are excellent examples of how you can use the bottom screen to play various odd but unique mini games. You certainly couldn't do that on the old Gameboy's, eh? The second screen can also be used to show stuff like stats or maps as well so playing could avoid surfing through menus all the time. This isn't the first time Nintendo has done this sort of thing, the original and very innovative Punch Out arcade game had two monitors for example.

Can't find the right DS game yet? The system will also let you play all those 32-bit Gameboy Advance cartridges too. Although these games are not as powerful as the DS games of course, there are still several great can't miss games like Phantasy Star Collection, Advance War 1 and 2, Activision Anthology, Castlevania Aria of Sorrow, and Super Mario Bros. 3 just to name a few. To break it down you can find at least 300 GBA games alone to go with the DS library. Sadly, for some odd reason the DS doesn't recognize those hundreds of 8-bit Black and White or Color Gameboy games even though the Gameboy SP could.

Perhaps the coolest thing is actually built right in the unit. The Pico Chat option lets you commentate wirelessly with other DS owners if they are near by. Using the special DS pen (which is so small that it fits easily into the back of the system) you can use the touch screen to write or hit a message on the screen keyboard and type in something to anyone in the area. It certainly takes some gets some getting but it's definitely not a bad feature, eh?

It sounds like a really great unit so far but unfortunately the DS has its share of downsides. One of the biggest problems I encountered would be the system's very awkward controls. Since the DS is about as powerful as a Nintendo 64, you can be sure most of the games will be 3D. This sounds like great news but updated games like Super Mario 64 DS just don't play too well since the ultra flat Dpad doesn't work too good for 3D games like those ones. You can also use the Touch Screen to move your character but it feels even worse then the Dpad especially when you not are not getting the right resistance. It still works well for a lot of other games like Brain Age though.

If there is any downsides to the Lite DS is that the smaller speakers don't seem as effective. You can still use standard issue headphones no problem but if you don't have any handy and you want to pump up the tunes (hey, some of these DS actually sound pretty good) you may be disappointed with the lack of quality. Another problem I saw was that the DS Lite also won't let you play the older 8-bit Black and White or Colour Gameboy games just like the original one. It may sound like nit-picking but that another library I can't play on this machine.

One of the best thing I liked about being a DS owner is all the different games available. DS games like Brain Age and Brain Academy are not only educational but they are even fun to play for both kids or adults plus who can forget about all the other popular franchises like Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania also on the system. Some of these DS games (Like Mario Kart and Tetris DS) even support online play if you have a WiFi hotspot around. Although I still don't like using that wimpy crosspad for 3D games like Metroid Prime Hunters or Burnout Legends, the system's unique touch screen really opens up a new way to interact with your video games. The DS Lite is a great improvement and a already great system on the go!

Overall NINTENDO DS rating: 90/100

This review can also be found on:
epinions.com
videogames101.com

-StarSoldier1
Ryan Genno (2007)

Summary: Great to have around for long line ups.