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[First impressions after a week with the DS Lite.]

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TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Nintendo DS Lite

« on: March 12, 2006, 12:02:39 AM »

First impressions after a week with the DS Lite.

The DS Lite is the smaller, sleeker, brighter, and simply better version of the Nintendo DS.  The Crystal White hardware sold out in Japan before retailers even opened their doors to the public.  The story played out again on March 11th, when two more colors hit stores in Japan, where Nintendo DS hardware has been in high-demand since the turn of the New Year.    

The Nintendo DS Lite is better than its older brother in every way.  First and foremost, the screen blows the original DS away with the addition of four brightness levels, easily adjusted by the tap of your stylus in the setup menu.  Even with the brightness control added to this small marvel, a very important question has to be addressed.  What effect does it have on the battery?  From the back of the instruction booklet, the four classifications of brightness are displayed along with the amount of playing time.  Just as an example, if you were to play your DS Lite with the brightness at full tilt, the single charge would last you anywhere from five to eight hours.  This increases to the maximum of about fifteen to nineteen hours at the lowest setting which is still a little brighter than the original DS.    

 
Two brightness levels above this!    

The casing of the entire DS Lite resembles a page taken from Apple's iPod.  The clear plastic coat over the colored shell is a wonderful and welcome touch.  The DS Lite's lid is much improved over the original DS.  It resembles the GBA SP in that it snaps shut firm and tight.  The stylus is larger, and moved to the right side of the system.  An easy pull with your finger on the back of the system releases it.    

The new and improved D-pad is a little more elevated than that of the original DS.  It is very responsive to the slightest touch.  It must be noted that it also resembles the planned D-pad of the forthcoming Revolution.  The buttons are still small, although very responsive.  The movement of the Select and Start buttons is a welcome change, although they feel very stiff.    

Ergonomically, the DS Lite is very comfortable to hold and play, but large-handed gamers may start to cramp-up after lengthy play sessions.  Compared to the GBA SP, the size of the DS Lite is about the same, but with a little bit more space behind the system (behind the touch screen) so your fingers are less likely to overlap.  For games that primarily use the touch pad, you can easily hold the DS Lite with one hand, using your thumb and ring finger.  It is surprisingly, very comfortable.    

In the week that I have enjoyed my DS Lite, there are really no defects or drawbacks.  The only small problem that Nintendo may be facing is that the DS Lite might look a little too nice for parents to buy for their kids.  It is almost too perfect.  The older DS still has a toy-like appearance, while the DS Lite flaunts 100% quality.

[This Valentine's Day, feel the LOVE! At least, feel the Nintendo DS love.]

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TalkBack / DS Conference 2006 Summary

« on: February 15, 2006, 04:16:38 AM »

This Valentine's Day, feel the LOVE!  At least, feel the Nintendo DS love.

One day after Valentine’s Day here in Japan, Nintendo held the Nintendo DS Conference 2006 in Tokyo.  The conference started with Nintendo reiterating their focus, “Expand the game population", regardless of age, sex, or the type of game experience you would like to enjoy.    

For the last 20 years, the game interface that Nintendo created, using two hands, is still the standard.  They mentioned again that they must change this thinking to add to the gaming populace.  They want to start everyone from the same starting line.  The challenge is great; although Nintendo is on its way to change the way we play games.    

The DS has sold very well in Japan since its introduction.  As of February 5th, the DS has topped the 6 million units mark.  That is just 14 months of being on sale, including times of major shortages.  The Game Boy Advance took 20 months to sell that same number.  Also since November, game software sales have doubled.  Below are some examples of the strong sellers.    

Nintendogs – Over 5 million worldwide
 Doubutsu no Mori (Animal Crossing) – 2.38 million
 Brain Training – 1.8 million in 7 months
 They also presented sales stats from other various games.    

To date, over 22 million connections have been made using Nintendo’s Wi-Fi connection.  Over 1000 Wi-Fi stations added in Japan.  Nintendo went on to the introduction of the DS Lite, which is due out on March 2nd in Japan.    

They continued with the introduction of “point and speak" phrasebooks.  They are quick ways to begin learning a new language.  Available languages right now are: Thai, Korean, Chinese, German, and American (English) to be released in Japan in March for about $25 each.      

Within the next three months, 16 new titles will be available.  Nintendo also announced some games due by October of this year.    

They introduced the Opera web browser, which will be available by June in Japan.    

ONE SEG digital TV broadcast will be starting in April.  Receive broadcasts directly to your DS with the new digital TV tuner.    

The 10 million mark is in reach in Japan by the end of 2006.  The Gameboy Advance did it in 30 months, PS2 in 32 months.