We look at the new version of Nintendo's handheld, the Nintendo DS Lite, to see how it compares to the original.
As of June 11, the Nintendo DS Lite is available just about everywhere in the United States. Having a few Reward Zone bucks built up and an insatiable hardware addiction I decided to try one out even though my DS is working fine.
Pricing is exactly the same for the two models at $129.00. If you look you should be able to get the original DS bundled with a game but with the DS Lite you’ll need to purchase a game separately if you want to play.
The DS Lite is very sleek, almost 'Ipodish' looking and like new generations of Ipods, the DS is smaller in all dimensions. This size difference does not seem to affect the heft as the weight seems the same. The Power Button has been moved from the just above the D-Pad to the side. This is a great move as it prevents accidentally powering off of the unit while playing. The Start and Select buttons have been moved from above the A B X Y buttons to below them. The directional pad is smaller and has a slightly different feel to it which poses no problem after playing with it for awhile. The triggers on the back are even with the case were on the original DS they extend out a bit. This makes for less accidental trigger pushing. Screen sizes are the same. The original DS strap has the plastic piece you can use to drag around the touch screen where the Lite has no plastic piece. I never use it on my DS so I can’t tell you if that is a problem or not. The Stylus is slightly fatter which Nintendo claims in more ergonomic. When you have big hands like mine it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Nintendo is also claiming longer battery life which I thought was great on the Original DS. I haven’t owned the unit long enough to confirm this. As with any wireless unit, battery life is greatly reduced when using WiFi features.
The Screens look great! I frequently get out of the office at lunch time and grab a burger and play with my DS or my PSP. My problem with the DS is if the sun is shining and I’m playing a darker game like Metroid Prime Hunters, it is extremely hard to see anything. The new, brighter screen solves this problem. The DS Lite has 4 settings for its back light where the DS has 2 (on and off). At the lowest setting, the DS Lite is almost as bright as the DS with its backlight on. At the brightest setting the screen is dazzling - even brighter then the PSP at its top setting. Screen size and resolution on both the DS and the DS Lite are the same.
If you have never bought a DS then now is the time to buy a DS Lite. Nintendo has done a good job redesigning the unit to address the original inadequacies. The smaller, brighter screen is a huge improvement and Nintendo’s new lineup of games are focusing on using the unique stylus interface for a different, fun gaming experience. If you are thinking about upgrading, ask yourself these questions; “Am I happy with the screen brightness”? “Is it worth another $129 to easily see my games?” If the answer is yes, then head out new and pick one up.
Derf
As of June 11, the Nintendo DS Lite is available just about everywhere in the United States. Having a few Reward Zone bucks built up and an insatiable hardware addiction I decided to try one out even though my DS is working fine.
Pricing is exactly the same for the two models at $129.00. If you look you should be able to get the original DS bundled with a game but with the DS Lite you’ll need to purchase a game separately if you want to play.
The DS Lite is very sleek, almost 'Ipodish' looking and like new generations of Ipods, the DS is smaller in all dimensions. This size difference does not seem to affect the heft as the weight seems the same. The Power Button has been moved from the just above the D-Pad to the side. This is a great move as it prevents accidentally powering off of the unit while playing. The Start and Select buttons have been moved from above the A B X Y buttons to below them. The directional pad is smaller and has a slightly different feel to it which poses no problem after playing with it for awhile. The triggers on the back are even with the case were on the original DS they extend out a bit. This makes for less accidental trigger pushing. Screen sizes are the same. The original DS strap has the plastic piece you can use to drag around the touch screen where the Lite has no plastic piece. I never use it on my DS so I can’t tell you if that is a problem or not. The Stylus is slightly fatter which Nintendo claims in more ergonomic. When you have big hands like mine it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Nintendo is also claiming longer battery life which I thought was great on the Original DS. I haven’t owned the unit long enough to confirm this. As with any wireless unit, battery life is greatly reduced when using WiFi features.
The Screens look great! I frequently get out of the office at lunch time and grab a burger and play with my DS or my PSP. My problem with the DS is if the sun is shining and I’m playing a darker game like Metroid Prime Hunters, it is extremely hard to see anything. The new, brighter screen solves this problem. The DS Lite has 4 settings for its back light where the DS has 2 (on and off). At the lowest setting, the DS Lite is almost as bright as the DS with its backlight on. At the brightest setting the screen is dazzling - even brighter then the PSP at its top setting. Screen size and resolution on both the DS and the DS Lite are the same.
If you have never bought a DS then now is the time to buy a DS Lite. Nintendo has done a good job redesigning the unit to address the original inadequacies. The smaller, brighter screen is a huge improvement and Nintendo’s new lineup of games are focusing on using the unique stylus interface for a different, fun gaming experience. If you are thinking about upgrading, ask yourself these questions; “Am I happy with the screen brightness”? “Is it worth another $129 to easily see my games?” If the answer is yes, then head out new and pick one up.
Derf
