DS Lite

[Siazair]

Anyone else going to upgrade to the Lite? I've been thinking about it (because I do like the new look and if I upgrade, I can sell my system to a friend so we have more people to play) But I'd rather have the Dark Blue they released in Japan so I was wondering what everyone used to import stuff from over the ocean?

[Silver Phoenix]

I'm thinking of buying a DS Lite, although it's more likely an impulse purchase for me than a logical one. I don't know anyone who would buy my DS (well, maybe one person) but part of me wouldn't want to sell it. I doubt I'd get much for it by trading it in at a store too.

[Erroneous]

although it's more likely an impulse purchase for me than a logical one.

To those who already own a DS, perhaps. But I never owned a DS before and I plan on starting next week when it launches in stores.

Good thing comes to those who wait

I'm sure the 360 will improve later on, moreover drop in price. Which is why I plan on getting a 360 later, plus the game library will be more expansive by then.

[Alunissage]

I've had my import Lite for a couple months and have really liked it. I gave my original DS to my fiancé. I got mine from Play-Asia.com but you can also import through NCS (ncsx.com), if you're desperate for the Enamel Navy one. Europe's getting it in black, also, though I'm thoroughly burned out on black systems so I don't really see the appeal.

[Siazair]

I dunno if I'm desparate enough to pay 200 for something I can get for 130 here..

[Silver Phoenix]

Insydius, by all means get one if you have yet to purchase one. Obviously for those of us that already own a DS it's going to be a decision on whether or not to spend the money on the same system with size and weight alterations.

Alun, are there any noticeable differences in the system aside from the size and weight? I know the screen is supposed to be better, but is it basically just brighter or sharper resolution as well? I wish the screens were a bit larger as I'd rather see a full screen instead of a black border which the top screen of the original DS has.

[Kizyr]

You can change the brightness. That's the one thing I like the most.

Still won't be getting one, though. I already have a DS and it's not worth $120 for another one. KF

[Silver Phoenix]

Is brightness really that much of a factor? They should have cleaned up the video blur or sharpened the resolution. I did hear that the battery life is supposed to last longer, but that could be misinformation. With a full charge my DS lasts about four hours.

[YoshiMars]

I'll agree with Kizyr here... I too already own a DS and being a poor college student, it does not seem like a wise idea to spend all of $130 to get a second one. Especially since I just got back from a convention and am broke as all sin.

Though I am curious about it. I might have a look at one at the store when it comes out, just to see what it's all about.

[Werefrog]

This topic makes me want to play Kirby Canvas Curse again. It should prove to everyone that 2d can still look beautiful.

[Agawa]

Eh, I doubt I'll be looking into it. One of the main reasons I passed on the DS the first time around was due to how uncomfortable it was. While playing Lunar DS on my friend's, I found that I couldn't really hold it without it digging into my hands.

[Silver Phoenix]

My hands were getting numb while playing Dragon Song for long periods, so I agree that the system is not as ergonomic at it could have been. The DS Lite is completely rectangular so that is even worse. The only difference is the weight which will help straining.

[Atticus]

Am with Kizyr as well
Maybe if something happens to my DS and I need new one but I take care of it and still good as new
I got save up for Wii and such anyway

[Alunissage]

The adjustable brightness is very nice if you're playing outside during the day or in near-complete darkness. With the full brightness I can manage in daylight, without having to hurt my eyes with brightness in lower-light conditions. I usually keep it on the second dimmest, which is a bit brighter than the original DS. It did seem sharper and colors perhaps a bit yellower (was noticing mainly when playing Nintendogs, and one is a golden retriever) but I'm really not a very good judge of things like that. It also has the GBA-sized d-pad, which to my surprise I prefer; I had really looked forward to the original DS's larger one because I was having trouble on the GBA but it turned out to be not very precise for me, while for the most part I'm doing okay with the Lite's.

All in all, I love mine, and don't even regret paying $40 more to get it early. Kind of wish I'd gotten navy now just to stand out (and get it sooner) but the white's pretty.

[Spirit Icana]

Screen is just as big, brighter, and the colors stand out. Battery life is improved immensely, and the system is lighter, smaller, and very sleek. I dig it.

I bought Lunar Legends, Metroid Zero Mission, and Trace Memory to kick it off. Good stuff.

[Silver Phoenix]

I saw a DS Lite on display at Target, and I was kind of disappointed with the hardware design. It seemed very cheap and breakable as far as the shoulder triggers, and the volume and power control switches. The screen does appear to be sharper and brighter (obviously) but I don't like the d-pad and buttons as much as the original DS model. The speakers don't seem as good because the volume wasn't as high, but it could have been the white noise in the store that was killing it's audible quality.

I don't know what to think, but the Lite design is very cheap compared to the original DS' solid structure. Of course, the design also leads to the heavier weight. The only noticeable difference I can say the Lite exceeds in is the better screen quality. Here I was hoping for a design that was classy and well made, but I have to say the product design leaves a lot to be desired, for me anyway. I'm glad it suits your needs Alun, but I don't know if it is really an enticing purchase for me anymore. Perhaps in the future when the price drops I'll reconsider.

[GhaleonOne]

I'm with Kiz and others. It looks nice, but I think SP is right, it'd be an impulse buy, at least in my case. My normal DS works fine, so no need to replace it, but for someone like Insydius, it's a good deal. As for the DS being non-ergonomic, I think that was more Lunar DS's fault than the DS. That's the only game I had that problem, and it's because of having to hold L and R down during battles.

[Kizyr]

Mariokart DS also gave you a bit of "the claw" when playing it for long, since L and R are used for drift turns (like the classic SNES controls).

I wouldn't be quick to judge the durability of the DS Lite, however. Nintendo tends to make very durable systems, even if they feel lightweight and 'cheap'. I'm sure the DS Lite can take a decent amount of stress and still stand up fine. KF

[Silver Phoenix]

I'm not saying the DS Lite is absolute crap, but I find the design of the original to be far superior. The advantages the Lite model has over the original are weight and screen quality. Some may like the d-pad and buttons better on the Lite, but I prefer the buttons and crosspad of the original.

You know, I had no idea about using the left and right triggers to speed up battles in Lunar: Dragon Song. The slow-ass enemy animations annoyed me to no end and I could have saved myself half the time of sitting through them. My hand would get numb after playing for a long time, but I think the weight of the system attributed to the strain.

I saw the DS Lite at Wal*Mart to buy and it was $129.98. The original is only ten dollars cheaper which is a crock of sh*t.

[localflick]

I wasn't planning on getting a NDSL but I didn't plan on getting a GBA micro either. With a smaller, brighter screen the micro makes games look MUCH better than on the SP which is hard to return to now. Are the screens smaller than the regular DS, or are they the same and everything is moved in closer to the center? If the games look better I'll probably consider getting it eventually, otherwise I'm good with my clunky DS.

Mariokart DS also gave you a bit of "the claw" when playing it for long

Heck yeah it does. After playing games where you use the shoulder buttons a lot I feel like I was holding a strange new guitar chord or something.