 | | Nintendo DS Lite - Crimson & Black reviews
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| Redesigned For Play There is so much going on within the handheld wars of video gaming between Nintendo & Sony right now. Sony has tried to deliver with their Playstation handheld, PSP for all gamers who would want to enjoy the cusdtoms of PS2 on the go. While that might be a bottleneck with how much you'd spend money for memory cards, and video games itself which are as high as PS2 games, there just could be more. Nintendo however has showcased a big success with the dominant status of the Game Boy Advance SP which has been the most successful handheld video game system of all time, and the stride of the Nintendo DS which was released a few years ago. Now Nintendo has reenergized the Nintendo DS for all gamers, better than ever. The Nintendo DS Lite, is a sleeker, redesigned Nintendo DS that delivers better than the original edition. It is thinner than the earlier DS, but it still delivers what the original DS had before. You still can play your Game Boy Advance games here like before, you still can use the WI-FI adapter, and other accessories from before. The screen and display on your DS games is also much brighter and can be easily adjusted to meet the best of your gaming needs. The mic is also repositioned for a better use of gaming for games like the recent hit Brain Age, or for the Pictochat enhancement already in the DS. As for the controls, they are easier to use than before, so it won't be a discomfort, and the stylus is also restyled for comfort and easier control on you and your games. Arguably, I purchased the original Nintendo DS a few months back, and I still am enjoying it a lot. But, I definitely love the new Nintendo DS Lite. It is a great reintroduction to handheld gamers of all ages, and for those who want a video game for its convience and fun. I absolutely recommend this a whole lot. Graphics: A Sound: A Control: A 1/2 Fun & Enjoyment: A 1/2 Convience: A Price: A Overall: A |
| Lighter is Better People will no doubt find the Nintendo DS Lite to be a way for Nintendo to sucker people out of their money. It can be that way, if you think of yourself as a sucker, but for me the DS lite is a little better. Simply put, if you're content with your original DS, then don't even waste time to buy this one. If you don't have a DS period, the DS Lite is a much better investment than the original bulky one. With the DS Lite, gameplay is made a little simplar. The button placement and brighter screen make the gameplay a little better. For one, the start and select buttons have been moved to resemble where they were on the original Gameboy Advance. This makes handling some of the functions (especially for GBA games) a lot easier. The buttons, sadly, are a still a little small for guys with big hands like myself. The DS Lite also comes with a phony GBA cartridge (called a cap ). If you don't have a GBA game plugged into the system, you can put in the phony cartridge to keep it from collecting dust in there. However, when you do stick in a GBA game, it sticks out by about a centimeter. It just looks weird. The cap does, at least, keep the system looking good. Perhaps the most welcome change to the DS Lite is the screen. The original DS screen was not exactly bright. In fact, it was, in comparison the DS Lite, rather dark. Games like Metroid Prime Hunters were darker than they had to be. On this new screen, the difference in how bright the games appear really shows. Not only that but, you can adjust the brightness if need be. It doesn't really affect the battery life, either. You can play the DS Lite for as long as you played the original. And also like the original, it charges while you play. Another welcome difference is the touch screen itself. These screens last a lot longer than the original DS. Those who have an original DS no doubt experienced a lot of scratches on their screen from their stylus. To the point where it was noticeable. You could still see the screen, but it was apparent that the stylus was doing a number on it. The screen is more protected here. The stylus doesn't scratch the screen quite as easily. In other words, the touch screen lasts a lot longer. The DS Lite also looks better, and fits in your pocket better. It also performs all the tasks of a regular DS. For example, if you're playing a game and you suddenly have to go, just flip it closed and it sleeps. There's also a place to store the stylus, and the stylus is better too. It's a little bigger and thicker, so it's not quite as easy to lose. Some problems with the original DS still plague the DS Lite however. You still can't play Gameboy Color or regular Gameboy games on the DS Lite. Also, you still can't configure the controls to play a GBA game much easier. In other words you can't configure X and Y when you play a GBA game. This probably won't bother you in the long run, however. Also, the touch screen still has its sensitivity. Touching the touch screen with your bare hands is more dangerous than the stylus scratching the screen. The oils from your fingers might damage the screen and therefore, it won't respond to the touch of even your stylus. When the original DS launched, owners will note that there were not very many good games availible. About the only good game during its launch in 2004 was Super Mario 64 DS. Now there are plenty of games out there (and not all of them are ports), so if you do want a DS, this is a great time to get one, and the DS Lite is a better investment than the original one by far. The DS may not play movies, or MP3 players, but to be honest, that almost defeats the purpose of a gaming system. Am I looking to buy a portable entertainment center? Of course not, I'm looking to find a system to play some of my games on, and the Nintendo DS delivers. Real gamers know it's about the games, not about the bells and whistles of a system. For the casual gamer, the Nintendo DS delivers, and the DS Lite is a fine improvement. The Good Vastly superior to the original DS It fits in your pocket easier The Screen is much brighter Touch screen is more durable The placement of the Start and Select buttons is easier A better stylus The battery life is unchanged The Bad -Those with an original DS, who want a DS Lite will have to spend more money for yet another DS -Some of the cons of the original DS are still here |
| Get it while you can! First and foremost, if you are considering buying this DS bundle... DO IT! This bundle is very limited. The older DS, better known as the DS Phat was once sold in a Mario Kart bundle, and every since it sold out, none have been produced. This bundle is the same case: once it's gone, eBay will be the only place you can find them -- for 3 times the price. Anyways, the bundle as it is, is very good, both in terms of value and appeal. The Crimson/Black color scheme is very original. The only Crimson part of the DS is the top shell that you see in the picture: the rest is the a matte black. The DS you get functions like any other DS lite, so there's no need to worry about compatibility. The case that comes with the DS is very nice. The DS lite, unlike the PSP, is a system that will withstand a LOT of abuse. For instance, I have dropped my Onyx DS from a height of 5ft MULTIPLE times, and the screen and body still is intact (AND it still works). Anyways, the case's outside is black, with red stitching. The inside is red, and has the DS logo (the two squares representing the screens) printed repeatedly in a diagonal pattern. To keep the DS in the case, there are three elastic bands, that are very well placed. One annoyance that I have is that there's a pretty big Nintendo tag hanging from the side of the case (like you would find on a t-shirt), but with a small pair of scissors, you can easily remove it. The top panel of the case has a slot for 3 game carts; these holders are black. I think the case gives a little more protection in case one should drop it, but it's more scratch protection and appeal. Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day! is a great game. If you have played the first, you will greatly enjoy the second. Not only are there more mini games for you to play, but some of the features from the previous game have been implemented: the drawing competitions and Sudoku puzzles. I'm pretty sure that you are able to save up to an years worth of records, so after the save file reaches a year, you won't be able to do more than view the calender and your progress. The game list is as follows: * Missing Symbols * Masterpiece Recital * Word Scramble * Correct Change * Word Blend * Memory Addition * Days and Dates * Finishing Position * Determine the Time * Calculate the Height * Rock, Paper, Scissors * Continuous Countdown * Speedy Symbols * Memory Addition * Memorize 5x5 * Highest Number In terms of value, this bundle is perfect. Here's a summary of what you get: * Limited Edition DS Lite ($129.99 retail; expect prices to skyrocket when the bundle is discontinued) * Brain Age 2 ($19.99) * DS Lite Case (~$9.99) TOTAL = $159.97 $159.97 x 7.75% tax = $172.38 $172.38 $10.00 shipping elsewhere = $182.38 You currently save $32.39; if you wait, the money you save will only rise, since the limited edition DS becomes more valuable. You get this all for $149.99: no tax; no shipping. Whether you get this for the fun, or to scalp the system for more money on eBay or somewhere else, this is worth buying. Thanks for reading my review. |
| Back In Black Nintendo has been very successful with their video games for several years. Although their time with their home console system the Gamecube, seems to be winding down, amny people are still enjoying the success of Nintendo's handheld, the DS system. Earlier this year, the company redesigned the DS to a smaller compact editon, the DS Lite, which is just as delightful, and easy to play as the original DS. Unfortunately, the design only came into one particular color, a simple white. Well, now they are going to make the world of black come around the DS Lite. The Nintendo DS Lite in a dark Onyz Black, is a sleek and stylish way of bringing your gaming on the go. Like the original DS system, you have the portability of original DS games, as well as the compatability of Game Boy Advance games too like Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Brothers 3, and Dr. Sudoku. There are also so many great DS games that are highlighted even better than ever on this system from the fast & the furious racing action of Mario Kart DS, to puzzling brain teasers including the popular Brain Age and Big Brain Academy. The system also comes with a stylus which is a bit bigger than the original ones for the original Nintendo DS, but works like a glove, and has a recharageble battery that lasts as long as before. The system handles comfortably and it is easier to play games from before, with the repositioned controls, and sound. All in all, if you're a fan of video games, you have many different choices from the PSP, to the upcoming Nintendo Wii. But, the Nintendo DS is a very challenging and exciting video game system that is not only worth the price you pay for it, it delivers so much fun. I absolutely recommend this for anyone who wants to be in the zone. Price: A Graphics: A Sound: A Control: A- Game Boy Advance Compatability: A Fun & Enjoyment: A Overall: A 1/2 |
| Perfect starter set for newbies or anyone Okay, I'm not a gamer. I don't have kids. I've never owned a Nintendo or any other game system aside from the Atari 5600 (which tells you how old *I* am!) although I played other game systems here and there. However, deep down I kind of wanted a DS because it looked like a fun way to pass time at the airport, while commuting, on lunch breaks, etc., but the other versions didn't appeal to me. They looked too kiddy-like and plastic (aka cheap). I also didn't know there were any adult games out there. And then.... Nintendo came out with this package. A new color scheme, packaged with Brain Age 2, a stylish case and the system suddenly appeals to ALL those people who may have felt foolish buying the other ones. I admit it, I was sold. Love at first sight. A GENIUS move on Nintendo's part. (To even further prove their point, I also purchased two games along with this set so I'd have plenty to do- Sega Casino and Mario Kart.) I have to say, I'm loving this thing. It's loads of fun, easy to use, very portable, no complicated learning curve, no difficult setup or anything. Just pop in a game and go. Brain Age 2 is great (I want to get the first one now); I discovered there's a lot I don't know! Sega Casino is entertaining and Mario Kart is just plain fun :) I plan on trying out many more games and enjoying this for a long time... at least until they come out with another Limited Edition version that I have to have, LOL Definitely a good way to get into the DS if you've been on the fence about it, as I was. Or even if you just want one, it's a great package. It would also make a great gift for just about anyone, young or old. Heck, I'm thinking of getting my parents one for Christmas! |
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