Since its debut in June 2006, Nintendo DS Lite have been dominating handheld gaming consoles and being best seller in major gaming stores. Nintendo dramatically changed Nintendo DS overall design in the form of the DS Lite and also vastly improved screen performance. Compared to its predecessor – the origninal DS of Nintendo DS Consoles family, the newer model (the DS Lite) is slimmer body, that is less than two thirds. And the DS Lite is over 20% lighter than DS, but has a lot heavier on features. The second iteration of Nintendo DS Consoles arrives just in time for hungry gamers.
The letters “DS” in the Nintendo DS Lite are meant to stand for both Dual Screen and Developers’ System. The latter of which refers to the features of the console designed to encourage innovative gameplay ideas among developers.
The Nintendo DS Lite revolutionizes the way games are played with ultra-bright dual screens and touch-screen technology. With impressive 3D graphics, Nintendo DS Lite delivers cutting-edge portable games consoles for fans. With Nintendo DS Headset, you can talk and chat over Nintendo WiFi Connection or play voice command games. With Nintendo WiFi connection, you can also play game against players across the room or even across the globe.
The Main Features
Here are the main features of the DS Lite – the second generation of Nintendo DS Consoles family.
- Not only Nintendo DS Lite games you can play, Game Boy Advance Game Paks can also be played on the DS Lite.
- Long life battery, you can play for 19 hours on one charge.
- With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while playing and competing with Nintendo DS owners across the world. You just need a Nintendo DS and a WiFi ready game.
- With a microphone, you can play voice command games.
- Powerful dual processor bring 3D graphics to life.
- New PictoChat feature allows DS users to write messages with an on-screen keyboard and send them wirelessly.
The Strengths
In this Nintendo DS Lite Reviews you’ll find a lot of stronger features of the Nintendo DS Lite compared to the other portable game consoles. Here are the features of the best buy of Nintendo DS Consoles family – the DS Lite.
Sleeker Design
Nintendo DS Lite is now smaller dan lighter with sleeker design, compare to the original Nintendo DS. While using the same horizontal clamshell design, its weight nearly 60 gram less than the orginal DS or more than 20 percent lighter, it is just two thirds of the original size. Its stylus now is larger and more comfortable, it is 1 centimeter longer and 1 milimeter thicker than the stylus of the original DS and slides into a side storage slot. The new stylus does make it easier to hold and consequently easier to control your games. The LED lights are clearly visible whether the unit is open or closed. With its new design and unique features, Nintendo DS Lite is perfect for everyone regardless of age and gaming skills.
Buttons and controls on the DS Lite have all undergone an overhaul. The D-pad now smaller, and it is far more tactile and offers far better control. Start and Select buttons have been moved from above X, Y, A and B buttons, to below them, Nintendo said, it is for easier access. The X, Y, A and B buttons are all slightly larger than on the original DS, the buttons feel more like a full size console controller. The power button has also been moved, from above the D-pad to the right hand edge as a sliding switch.
Dual Screens
The screens far brighter, they look subjectively sharper, and viewing angle is improved. Each 3-inch screen can reproduce a true 3D view, with impressive 3D rendering that can surpass images diplayed on the Nintendo 64. Nintendo DS Lite now features adjustable screen brightness with four settings to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power. Level one of the screen settings is roughly equivalent to the original DS. With the screen settings set to maximum, you still can have at around eight hours of play time. That’s more than double what you could expect from a PSP. The lower screen offers new experiences in playing games. With touch-screen capabilities, you no longer have to rely on just buttons to play games. You can use the touch screen as an inventory reference for role-playing games, to view maps for your favorite strategy games, or see racing action from two perspective at once. Also, navigating menus or accessing inventory items simply by touching the screen with a stylus or fingertip. The touch screen features a tougher film cover for durability.
3D Graphics
Nintendo DS Lite has powerful dual processor that bring impressive 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering.
Dual Slots Compatibility
Nintendo DS Lite doesn’t just play DS games. It also features additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks. The DS cartridge slot at the rear is identical to the older model – pressing the cartridge in will lock it in place, while pressing it again will eject it. Nintendo provide a blanker on Game Boy Advance slot in order to stop dust.
Microphone
The Nintendo DS Lite built-in microphone gives you even more ways to play your favorite games. For ease of use, the microphone is repositioned from the front of the casing and now sits in the center of the unit (at the center of the hinging mechanism between the two screens). With the microphone, you only need to tell your games what to do.
Stereo Sound
Nintendo DS Lite stereo sound present a richer, more immersive game experiences. The sound allow for greatly expanded use of voices and music. Stereo speakers allow for virtual surround sound, that also can be transmitted to headphones.
WiFi Connection
You can connect wirelessly with WiFi Connection (IEEE 802.11 standard). The DS Lite capable of receiving WiFi signals from other DS Lite systems, original Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, and WiFi access point. Chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS Lite’s owners in the world. All you need to play is Nintendo DS and a WiFi ready game.
Wireless Network
You can connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. Also, PictoChat feature allows DS users to write messages with an on-screen keyboard and send them wirelessly. The wireless range can be an incredible 30 to 100 feet, depending on conditions.
Battery Life
Up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge. And you can be up and running fully recharged again in less than 3 hours.
Stylish Colors
Each model of Nintendo DS Consoles delivers various stylish colors. The Nintendo DS Lite are available in some colors. Choose your favorite one that matches your personality: Onyx Black, Cobalt/Black, Crimson/Black, Metallic Silver, Coral Pink, Metallic Rose, and Polar White.
At launch of the DS lite in North America, only Polar White was available. Then the following colors were released:
- Onyx Black and Coral Pink on September 21, 2006
- Crimson/Black on August 21, 2007
- Cobalt/Black on February 10, 2008
- Metallic Rose on June 2008
- Metallic Silver on September 7, 2008
Special Edition
There are also Nintendo DS Lite special colors/editons such as:
- Red Mario – bundled with New Super Mario Bros
- Ice Blue with Brain Age and Case
- Green – Spring Bundle with Personal Trainer: Cooking
- Onyx with Silkscreen of Dialgo & Palkia from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl