Thanks to the incredibly awesome awesome-ness of Noby, friend/Panic's man in Japan, today I was extremely lucky to receive in the mail a brand new Nintendo DS Lite, fresh from Japan. Wow. (Thanks, Noby. Thoby.)
Released on March 2nd in Japan to surprising 'round-the-block lines, the Nintendo DS Lite is Nintendo's fresh revision of its quirky but extremely loveable little-handheld-that-couldn't-but-somehow-did — the touch-screen "third pillar" of innovation that's really quickly becoming more of a foundation than a support for Nintendo.
I'll quit with the words. Here are some first look technoporn/macrotastic pictures of this new system:
Also, as a bit of a test, here's a special Quicktime video first-look at the system! It mostly features my hands, and me trying to sound professional while going on about "clean lines", but it's at least a good comparison of the current Nintendo DS to the new system. Wait until you see this screen!
If you have any questions about the new system, have any feedback about this video review idea, or if you'd like to see any additional videos or photos showing whatever else, drop your thoughts in the comments! Your wish is my command!
And enjoy!
[New here? Don't miss part two and part three!]
posted at 8:18 PM
299 Comments:
Read more commentsI think this is one of the only upgrades to one of Nintendo's products that I'm actually going to want to buy.
Man, does that DS Lite look smooth. I can't believe the brightness! I better get down to babbages and reserve one.
Oh yeah, great video. Let's see some more!
Very nice movie!! I can not get the Nitendo DS Lite in Japan now. Because, it is sold-out >_<
Congratulations from Japan :-D.
but what impressed most: your cheesy image display effect.
respect [tm].
You're very lucky to have one of these so don't forget it!
Does it scratched very easily?
How are the speakers compared to the old ds? No difference? They look smaller...
Anyway the greatest ds lite video (and pictures) yet. Outstanding comparison and shows the lite from all angles. Thanks a bundle!
The part I liked the most was when you think "Those screens are so bright and wonderful" and it turns out there are two more brightness steps...
--Chris
Typically I would be somewhere else.. don't take it as offense, but I just generally expect sources like forums to come up with the goods.
'Kay the review was great.. even funny dare I say.
You did as good of a job as anyone else and I thank you, It would be nice to check the battery specs at some point.. Enjoy your DS lite dude, looks real nice.
Good choice for going for QuickTime over WMV/real, you sure this isn't your other job or something..
1)Battery Life: with max brightness setting you are looking at about 7 hours gametime max. On the minimum brightness setting (which is the same as the regular DS) it can be max 15+ hours! This is because the upgraded the battery. So already at minimum it can last much longer then the regular DS.
2) From what I can tell from someone who took apart the DS Lite, the speakers are the same.
3) IGN said that the outter coating is much stronger then the GBA or DS paintjob. They just said you can see thumbprints sometimes, but thats not as big a problem as with the PSP, because the inside of the DS is a matte finish, and the DS is clamshell design.
4) The GBA cart DOES stick out the bottom of the machine a little. Not a huge ordeal, but not completely convenient. They make up for it a bit by providing that plug that streamlines the DS like in the video eh.
5) IGN and a few others have said it has much better weight distribution, and it is lighter of course. This was a major factor in causing wrist and hand cramps while playing Mario Kart DS or other such titles.
6) Buttons are not as spongy, more clicky. They are the same as the micro, same with the D-Pad.
Hope this helps eh!?
Yes I'm a Canadian!
Love,
Groovy Guy
I'll try to do a follow-up video review answering some of them video-style. Failing that I'll just do a new post. Possibly tomorrow, or next week, depending. :)
Stay tuned!
That was nice and simple yet highly informative vid. Thanks a ton for the 411, and hope to see more things like this in the future.
My only question is, does the maximum brightness make the colors become a little washed out? It's probably just the video, but I'd like to be sure.
Thanks again.
-Naz
About the top brightness being too bright, I remember EGM saying the same thing about the original frontlit SP - is this even stronger? Secondly, would it be fair to compare the top brightness level to turning your MP3 player up all the way: possible, but unnecessary and possibly painful in the quiet (or in this case, dark)?
Uncanny!
Thanks for the inside looks tho.
R2K
the first generation has a battery life of around 8 hours. way better than the psp, but then again, i dont know what you expect out of it.
That reference made my day, Cabel. Blants.
Thanks for posting this.
When the PSP gets some games, give me a call, but until then ..... ! Also, Apple doesn't OWN the color white!
It was hilarious "At which point, using the DS Lite might kill you." and really well made.
I particularly liked your "Welcome to the world of tomorrow!" voice. You should do the whole review that way.
R2K
I'm gonna steal your catch phrase, k thx bai~:D:D:D!
Of course, I can't say anything about that. It's your opinion. I can however say the the DS' design is way smarter. The clamshell design protects it, the matte inner finish keeps fingerprints away and it folds to become smaller when not in use. (same as #1 but for the sake of size).
Only two companies get away with it - Apple and Nintendo. Fairplay to them. I'm not sure why they do... it's not marketing, if it was, Sony would be able to do it. I guess it's the loyal fanbase, built through quality products.
So well done Nintendo.
Serious questions this time: In your next review/post, could you please address:
- How does the new stylus feel? I bought a 3rd party retractable one for the DSFat. My man hands still cramp after dropping some bon mots on the peeps in Animal Crossing, or operating in Trauma Center though. I'm guessing I'll have to find a retractable stylus for the lite too.
- I see that IGN's description of the weight has been referred to in the comments already. The DSFat cramps my girlie wrists like crazy when I play in bed, or even sitting up, actually, if I'm stylus-ing a lot. Does the lite have this problem?
- Ditto on the dimensions. Especially with Mario Kart, the fatty feels awkward whenever i play (esp. in bed). Does the smaller form factor exacerbate this or is it actually more comfortable?
- Mic placement: weird or not? Spittle on the screen?
Thanks
plus with the 2-screen VNC client homebrew, it's useful!
Tot ziens!
(it meens see you)
Do I have to be the guy to say that white isn't really a color?
___bosko___
1. Now that you've had the DS Lite for a while, does the shiny surface scratch like that of the iPods of lore and the PSP?
2. What is the difference in terms of battery life of the DS Lite and the DS?
3. Is there a big variation in battery life between the DS Lite at Full brightness and DS Lite at a Medium more normal brightness?
Thanks for putting all this work into your review it has done much to satiate my curiousity.
Thanks for the cool reviews!
what he said.
Nice comparison! Still waiting for my package sendt from Japan with my Enamel Navy DS :D
Thanks and once again really awesome review.
Thanks a bunch!
the review was great but you missed many things...like the WIEGHT,when i play mario kart with my old DS my hands nearly get broken from its heavy weight.
and 1 more thing,about the inner buttons re-organizing(shape),,do u think its better-shaped than the old one?
i think it will be very suitable for RPG games such as pokemon "diamond and pearl" 24 for hours playing...thanks.
does anyone know who has this baby in stock now?
d
Nekkidcabel pix plz. This blog needs more Cabel pr0n. Kthxl8r.
Oh, responding to rg above, Google for the K-lite codec pack and install it. It contains the most popular video and audio codecs, and pretty much guarantees you'll be able to view any video you wish, with correct audio. Uninstall any other codec packs you might already have installed first.
is this true?
it would be pretty sweet.
It would be really awesome!
Signed,
Yort
You sir are a genious.
I just had a few questions about the release of the Lite.
1> When will the Lite be available on US soil?
2> How much will it be when it is released?
3> How much does an imported DS Lite cost?
Thanks
But you can get in imported, only a couple places has it in stock (even liksang is out), you can get it from www.renchi.com , price a bit steep at $279 or something like that, but for the must have now people, that's the way to go. Hopefully the price will drop a bit when they have more stock on the street....
r
Just wanted to say you did a terrific job with your review. My 9 year old Son is still "LOL" after your Death screen comment. He hasn't put down his DS since he bought Animal Crossing Wild World two weeks ago. I've played it a bit and its fun to sneek on his file and leave him stuff I find/trade/ etc. I think I'll get one of these Lite's when they hit the US.
Or is the Lite somewhat smaller? (In which case, by how much?}
I really want to get a nintento ds lite. i have recently been thinking of buying just a nintendo ds but then i saw a new one coming out that is way more sexier. But if the price of the lite is too expensive i might just stick to the 1st Ds.
So if anyone knows the price of the lite and when it will be relesing in australia please tell me, becasue iam desperate for one of these! oh and when it is being released in london. thanx for everything..love the review ;)
Jess
P.S.
The QUICKTIME video is corruped..? I think so anways..!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OKXnvIk2H4
The DS lite is what the original DS should have been. Part of what kept me away from the DS to begin with was the clunky design. I found this page looking for some kind of comparison between the DS and DS Lite, and I found the info I was looking for. The DS Lite is really not much smaller, just a much cleaner design. Not sure I really like the change from the power button to the slider switch, though. I think exposing that on the outside of the clamshell was probably a bad idea.
you can get the white DS Lite at www.renchi.com for $239, which is $40 cheaper than few weeks ago... the blue ones are for $229 as well I think. The thing is no one else has th white one now but them
they come in white ice blue and enamel navy
nice video
(DS LITE coming May 9th)
IT WAS THE ON THAT READ SOMTHIN LIKE "STOP ASKING THE SAME QUESTIONS" ....
THATS WEIRD IF YOU TOOK IT OFF .. IM TIRED..
### WHEN IS IT COMING TO US? ###
### HOW MUCH IN US? ###
one thing though,does it scratch easily and does it break easily?
awesome video
seth
I got one:D:D
The enamel navy coclored one!
Love it!
Then I can give a unbiased comparison between it and psp
i'll get it in a few days because i'm shipping with UPS and then i can give my impartial opinion.
i can hardly wait!
*Running to store to get one*
That Really Kicks A$$ :D
I declare the DS Lite the winner!
Well it wasn't 5 year ago I just went in time.
thanks
release date of ds lite for usa
The screens asome, it looks way betre, and it's liter.
i want it so bad how much is it whaterver the cost i'm getten it
And there will be Lite
:P
awesome video
-j3wb0i
the DS Lite looks totally sweet. i'm debating between this baby and a PSP.
thanks, Cabel. :)
To bad I just got my Blue DS a week ago.
Oh well.
Great videos!
Because of your great reviews, I'm out $130 dollars. Thanks a lot! lol
I was thinking of buying the DS lite and the card reader (25US at linksang.com) to make it into a mp3 player (as mine just died... but I wanted to know I the DS lite stayed on after you shut the lid?... would I be able to play the MP3s with it in my pocket or does it go to sleep/off?
thanks
Oh yeah loved the video review...THX for your time.
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