D-pad on the Nintendo DS lite

[Technosis]

Does anyone else find that the d-pad seems considerably less robust than other Nintendo products? I often find it hard to reliably hit the diagonals on it, which is a pain in shooter games like Nanostray, etc.

Has there ever been an accessory made, or a general fix that addresses this issue. Mine doesn't have alot of play hours on it so it shouldn't be a wear problem. Thanks.

[Drifter 2000]

I've noticed that myself, and frequently curse it when I'm trying to move around in games like Bangai-O Spirits.

I blame it on the thing being so small. Sometimes you thumb isn't sliding entirely to the right place so it'll overlap onto the other directional buttons. There's not really a lot of room between the ends of the cross.

[Jackattack]

I know what you mean, and so does IGN. Ever since they got a japanese DSi, they have been talking about its d-pad and a lot of times comparing it to previous DS models. In short, they say it's easily the best, completely out classing the mushy d-pad on the DS Lite and pretty comparable to the original DS.

So if you want a better d-pad, April 5th is your date!

[Ed Oscuro]

I hate Nintendo's crosspads, period (well, I could make an exception for the GB Pocket and Color), but the Lite definitely has a reputation for having one of the worst. I've heard that some people have used various Lites, some of which have a better d-pad than others.

Sometimes it bothers me terribly, usually when I start playing a game, but after a while I mostly forget about it.

Sounds like it's time to upgrade to a DSi for me, though.

[Xexyz]

Not only the Lite, but the Wii remotes also sport less than stellar D-pads. Like the DS Lite, diagonals are hard to pull off without mashing the directions down. The Classic Controller D-pad is excellent though, and a definite must have for anyone looking to play most VC games competently.

[kupomogli]

Probably another cheap marketing tactic in order for people to buy the newer Nintendo product with a better d-pad. Or in the Wii's case, a regular controller that doesn't suck balls.

[Trumpman]

Huh, am I the only one that actually likes the DS Lite's D-pad? I can't stand the "clicky" D-Pads of the GBASP and the DS Fat, and this one just sits well with my fingers.

[Ed Oscuro]

Huh, am I the only one that actually likes the DS Lite's D-pad? I can't stand the "clicky" D-Pads of the GBASP and the DS Fat, and this one just sits well with my fingers.
The GB and GBC and every other handheld made by another company before the new millennium (so it seems) had better pads. Not "clicky" either, which sounds terrible.

So I guess I've been spoiled by using, eh, a proper handheld control setup before.

[Arcade_Ness]

I've never had a problem with the d-pad. Maybe I've just got used to it over time.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I have no problems with the crosspad on the lite. Though, I do like the NGPC's clicky stick the most out of the handhelds. Besides the clicking at positions, it's kinda mushy too.