Nintendo DS Lite Metallic Rose Review

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1. S. Rhodes says:

   August 7, 2011 at 4:15 pm

   942 of 977 people found the following review helpful:

   
   Lighter is Better, August 31, 2006

   By 

   S. Rhodes –
   
     
   
     

   Fun: 

   This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Coral Pink (Accessory)

   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

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2. Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" says:

   August 7, 2011 at 5:05 pm

   190 of 200 people found the following review helpful:

   
   Nintendo DS Lite Gets a New Cobalt Blue Color and Adds Improvements!!! Get It!!!!!, February 17, 2008

   By 

   Mark “Technology, Music and Movies” (East Coast) –
   
     
   
     
   
     

   Fun: 

   This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black (Console)

   Nintendo’s newest DS Lite adds a cool new color scheme and some subtle improvements.

   Pros
   + Awesome cobalt-blue and black color scheme – looks almost royal blue or purple!
   + Black base is a more grip-able matte finish that doesn’t smudge and holds well in your hand
   + Nice design – thin DS Lite form factor you know and love
   + Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation
   + Less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and 20 percent lighter
   + Well placed microphone in the center of the unit
   + Well placed LED lights visible when the unit is open or closed, indicating power on and low battery
   + Wi-fi connectivity allows for DS Download Play and Muli-card play
   + Works with original DS games and GameBoy Advance games
   + Lower price point than competing portables like the PSP ($130 versus $170)
   + Great selection of low priced games to add to your collection!
   + Great game selection for adults, particularly learning and puzzle games
   + Multi-player wireless game play for games like MarioParty and New Super Mario offers great fun!!
   + Convenient stylus storage slot on the right underside of the unit
   + Awesome battery life that only requires recharging after many days of use!!!
   + Cool (though seldom used) novelty app called PictoChat for DS to DS chatting
   + Availability of add-on programs for wireless web surfing and other apps
   + Great accessories market, but beware low quality providers such as Switch&Carry (BD&A)

   Cons
   - GameBoy Advance game slot leaves cartridges sticking out and not flush
   - Shiny cobalt top still attracts smudges – no biggie
   - Reports of common issues with hinge cracking from regular use; time will tell if it’s been fixed
   - Somewhat slow start-up with DS Download play
   - Some cheapo accessories are Nintendo certified: AVOID Switch&Carry (BD&A), stick with Pelican!!!!
   - Limited built-in configuration settings (only military time format????)
   - Need to exit games to access key configuration settings like brightness, etc.
   - Colors produced in limited quantities and sell out too quickly!!!!

   Looks and Form Factor

   I’ve owned several DS lites, including the Onyx Black model. I chose the DS over the PSP for the games. PSP 2000 Console – Piano Black

   This is by far the best looking DS Lite!! The cobalt blue on black color scheme shines a hue that’s closer to royal blue or deep purple! The top is still a shiny smudge magnet, but it looks so cool anyway! Just wipe it down.

   The decision to make the base a matte black is both great for looks and function. The unit is easier to hold, doesn’t smudge on the matte black part, and won’t slip out of your hand as much as previous models. This feature started in the new BrainAge2 bundle with the red top. You can kind of see this from the pictures but it’s not really highlighted in the descriptions. Considering this is the 1 biggest improvement, that surprised me.

   I’ve also heard that the hinge was improved for durability, but I can’t visually see a difference and I’m not going to dismantle it to find out. It’s a common known problem that hinge cracking has been the only common defect, so just handle with care. I personally haven’t had a single DS falter on me in any way.

   Other than that, same DS Lite form factor that you know and love. The only real gripe is that every version of the DS Lite is produced in very limited numbers and sells out in a few months. So if you like a color, you have to act fast before they disappear from retail!

   Game Play and Functions

   This handheld is very well designed for game play. The speakers and microphone built in to the unit are more than adequate, and you can attach peripherals or headphones to the included port.

   Nintendo has done a great job of very targeted well designed games. Kids games like MarioParty Mario Party DS and the New Super Mario Brothers New Super Mario Bros. are fun and engaging! Get a group of friends together and play each other with only 1 game cartridge using DS Download play and versus modes!

   Similarly, plenty of games for adults including the cult favorite BrainAge …

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