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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.
Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo DS Lite
