The original DS is a great solid system. (Nintendo DS)

Member Name: randomreviews

Product:	Nintendo DS
Date:	26/08/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: interactive, gba compatible

Disadvantages: bulky

The original Nintendo DS is a portable system built like a tank and perfect for kids even today because its significantly cheaper, functions just as well as the new versions, and is can withstand a lot more wear and tear.

DS stands for dual screen. Both screens are bright LCDs but the lower one is the touch screen. Using the stylus you gain an unpredecented amount of interactivity never before seen in portable gaming which really enhances the appeal of the game. If the game is about cooking for instance, the stylus can be used as a spoon to mix ingredients. If the game is about solving puzzles or math problems, you can write your answer in.. or doodle images.

The DS is also compatible with Gameboy Advanced games. Sadly it does not play Gameboy or Gameboy Color titles. Other functions of the DS system include an alarm system so the DS can be used as a clock. Its got a built in calendar too. It even has a special wireless chatroom where you can connect with players nearby. I think I heard a news report saying people up to 300 feet away can enter these DS chatrooms. You can chat or draw with friends or siblings in them. You have the option to have GBA games either play on the top or bottom screen also.

There's a download and play feature which also works wirelessly. It can be used to in some DS games to allow other people to play multiplayer modes with someone without all of them owning the game. 1 game can download onto other systems. If you have a Wii hooked up to the internet, you can even play demos of DS games with download and play right on your DS!

The games available are of a wide diversity and are almost all family friendly. There is also a growing number of educational games out for the DS and from what I understand, its a system that is really appealing to females and beginning to really usher in more female gamers with its games that can satisfy the tastes of people of all ages.

One negative thing I can say is that the games offer WiFi compatibility for some games which allows you to go online to play against friends or random players around the world for free, however a lot of times you'll experience lag that really interferes with playing.

Summary: The DS is a great system that will appeal to a huge audience of gamers.