Nintendo DS Lite RELEASED!

[THATinkjar]

Despite Nintendo denying just this week that they had any plans to unveil a redesign of the Nintendo DS, their Japanese website yesterday unveiled with little fanfare the following, dubbed Nintendo DS Lite. It is due for release in March, in Japan, but no word of a release as yet in other territories.

The DS Lite comes in at 133mm wide, 73.9mm high and 21.5mm deep. That trims - on average - roughly 10mm from each dimension. GamesIndustry.biz says this represents a 42% reduction in size. Not bad.


"The weight of the console has also been reduced, from 275g in the original model down to 215g in the new DS Lite, representing a drop of almost 21 per cent. Despite the smaller size of the unit, it's not thought that the screens themselves have dropped in size, although Nintendo doesn't appear to have made any official comment on this.

I wouldn't imagine that a drop in screen size - especially for the touch-screen - would be possible. Unless the stylus and screen became more accurate in the process.

There will also be an adjustable brightness option, with four possible levels of brightness, which is just awesome. In comparison to the PSP, the DS feels pretty dark. The power button has seemingly disappeared from the front of the DS (where, exactly, it has been hidden is unknown), while the microphone has moved to the hinge between the two screens.

The image below is supposedly a mock-up...

http://gamesindustry.biz/images/DSLite_Large.jpg

Here (http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=14285) is the link to the story on GamesIndustry.biz.

My impressions? Its smaller size and added brightness options (assuming one level of brightness outdoes the current brightness of the DS) will be enough to make me buy. But I hope they don't launch with silver again.

[Roi]

Hooray! More cramp in my hands!

[Ed Oscuro]

Hooray! More cramp in my hands!
Yeah really LOL

Well, I dunno, I don't see any mention of a smaller screen, which is certainly good.

[Nez]

Finally exactly what I've been waiting for. Now to wiat for it to be released.

[THATinkjar]

Hooray! More cramp in my hands!
Yeah really LOL

Well, I dunno, I don't see any mention of a smaller screen, which is certainly good.

Well, for me, the fact that it is lighter will go a long way to reduce cramp after long play sessions.

[Zubiac666]

actualy the screens are more brighter AND sharper than the old ones.

I played it this morning for the first time after hearing about it officially a few days ago - the picture really doesn't do it justice, the screens are as bright as an AGT Game Boy (eg. even brighter and sharper than a PSP) - it feels much nicer in your hand - and most of all it looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL - it looks sexier than a PSP, and it's significantly smaller than a current DS. The power switch is now a flick-switch on the side and the stylus goes in sideways rather than in the top. Seen two colours so far including the white. White is best. I love my company!!!!
source (http://www.ga-forum.com/showpost.php?p=2661901&postcount=234)

boah...I have to get one these babies. yummie
A black one would look awesome and with the sharper and brighter screens videos-watching will be great.
rockin'

[THATinkjar]

actualy the screens are more brighter AND sharper than the old ones.

I played it this morning for the first time after hearing about it officially a few days ago - the picture really doesn't do it justice, the screens are as bright as an AGT Game Boy (eg. even brighter and sharper than a PSP) - it feels much nicer in your hand - and most of all it looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL - it looks sexier than a PSP, and it's significantly smaller than a current DS. The power switch is now a flick-switch on the side and the stylus goes in sideways rather than in the top. Seen two colours so far including the white. White is best. I love my company!!!!
source (http://www.ga-forum.com/showpost.php?p=2661901&postcount=234)

Awesome! I really can't wait to buy one of these, whatever the price. We're all crazy, but I love it when Nintendo do this! Urgh, I want one now!!

[Cmtz]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

[Cmtz]

Something tells me that there won't be an GBA slot.

[THATinkjar]

Something tells me that there won't be an GBA slot.

I didn't even think about that, Cmtz! But a number of DS games are using the GBA slot, so it would be a bit odd to remove it. I don't mind either way, though.

[Hams]

wow, looks really slick.
I like the raised ds logo on the front.
Can't wait to see photos.

[Oobgarm]

Hooray! More cramp in my hands!

The current DS cramps my hands enough, I don't want to think about what this smaller version is going to do. :/

I just hope it's not that shiny plastic that's on the PSP, it makes any and all imperfections really stand out.

[Zubiac666]

Something tells me that there won't be an GBA slot.

what?
there is a gba slot.
why shouldn't?

[Leroy]

SON OF A BITCH!!

My girlfriend just got me an import black DS for my birthday.

[stuffedmonkey]

Babelfish translation of the Nintendo press release:


Reporting data
2006 January 26th
The Nintendo Co. corporation

In ニンテンドー DS superior model appearance
ニンテンドーDS(D s) Lite(Light/write)
March 2nd sale


The Nintendo Co. corporation (the Kyoto Itiminami Ku: Satoru Iwata president) on March 2nd this year, it hits against, the superior model of portable type video game machine "ニンテンドー DS" "ニ ン ten ド - DS Lite" manufacturer desired retail price 16 and 800 Yen (including tax: Private AC adapter attachment) with we sell.

We started domestic sale on 2004 December 2nd "ニンテンドー DS" (including tax desired retail price 15, The result and the domestic sum total cell through quantity as for everyone who 000 Yen), the doubles cleanliness and the touch screen, microphone input and wireless communication (local communication and Wi - Fi communication) etc. fully loads unique function, is enjoyed the video game from the past of course, until now also one time has not been done the game and receive support even in the customer of many women and senior layer (from the retail store the actual sale quantity to the customer) after the selling within 13 months 5000000 units breaking (most speed in all the video game machines which were sold so far in the country; The MediaCreate corporation) it does to inspect, for the country of 2005 end of year point in time the sale quantity has reached to 5700000.

This corporation sells this time new as for "ニンテンドー DS Lite", "ニンテンドー DS" being unique, as for colorful function by the fact that that way, the substance thin shape is lightened more to raise portable characteristic, it is the superior type which loads the brightness control function of 4 stages whose it is possible furthermore to make the picture bright. ("It is light", "it is bright", we have named "Lite" from meaning.)

As for Nintendo Co., it designates the existence in the portable type game machine market furthermore it is complete & expands the attractive corresponding software which you can enjoy to the your wide customer regardless of the presence of age sex game experience, not only, with throwing the superior model, this "ニンテンドー DS Lite", as more firm ones, starts actualizing preponderant spread.


Trade name : ニンテンドーDS(D s) Lite(Light/write)
Sale day : 2006 March 2nd
Manufacturer desired retail price : 16 and 800 Yen (including tax)
Size : (Side) 133.0 × (length) 73.9 × (thickness) 21 5mm (you fold, the time)
[ Reference ] until recently the model (side) 148.7 × (length) 84.7 × (thickness) 28. 9mm
Weight : 218g
[ Reference ] until recently model 275g

[THATinkjar]

Babelfish translation of the Nintendo press release:

I'm going to need a translation of THAT translation, if you wouldn't mind...

[stuffedmonkey]

Babelfish translation of the Nintendo press release:

I'm going to need a translation of THAT translation, if you wouldn't mind...

Yeah - Japanese to English is always pretty rough. It will at least give you the general idea and some specs though.

[THATinkjar]

Yeah - Japanese to English is always pretty rough. It will at least give you the general idea and some specs though.

I like the line.... " 'It is light', 'It is bright', 'we have named [it] Lite' ".

Honestly, a brighter screen is all I wanted. That and two DS slots.

[GrandAmChandler]

There had better be a GBA slot on that bad boy. If there is, I will be getting one ASAP.

[Lady Jaye]

There oughta be one. For instance, the Daigasso Band Brothers expansion is a GBA cart that requires the original game (DS format) to be played.

[THATinkjar]

I just realised, this redesign might explain the stock shortages. Some people thought it was because a new version of the DS was about to be landing in stores, but obviously they're tinkering with their production line and that has had a knock on effect on production.

How soon do Nintendo usually spread redesigns of existing handhelds to other territories? If they launch in March, is there any hint of when we can expect it in Europe? The Micro launch was quite close to the American launch.

[petewhitley]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.

[Tan]

i wonder if they made any other bonus improvements like battery life, and will all the current peripherals become obsolete?

[s1lence]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.

Yea sure and the redesigned PS2 has had problems selling :hmm: Kids will want the latest version of the system and alot of parents will buy them as well as gamers that what the newest style of DS.

[www.consolegames.org]

according to 1ups article http://ds.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3147494

They confirmed that it will have the gba slot.

"some users have already expressed concern that the GBA slot might have been removed from the new design in order to save money, but we can confirm that this is not the case."

And another interesting tidbit from igns article http://ds.ign.com/articles/683/683684p1.html

"The system is brighter overall, and will give the user the ability to select from four different levels of brightness for viewing and/or battery consumption."

[petewhitley]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.

Yea sure and the redesigned PS2 has had problems selling :hmm:

It had no problems selling, but it wasn't primarily to people who already had a one-year-old functioning system. :hmm:

[Ed Oscuro]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.
Are we forgetting about all the people who would've bought a DS but couldn't as stock was too low?

[studvicious]

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.

Yeah because no one cared or bought a new PStwo :roll: please.... It's smaller, and pretty much better in every way. People will want to replace their DS's with this. Just like everyone wanted a new PS2. If this had launched sometime around last December it would've been harded to find than a 360.

[THATinkjar]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.

Yea sure and the redesigned PS2 has had problems selling :hmm:

That is completely different, my friend. The redesigned PS2 came out a long while after the initial launch. The size reduction was INCREDIBLE. Many people with older models of the PS2 (like myself) find newer games (like God of War) don't run properly (a known problem) and have to buy a PStwo (like I will be doing in due course). And the market for the PS2 is far, far greater than that of the DS.

So really, the PS2 should not be brought into the equation. I agree with Pete, this redesign won't sell impressive numbers, but since they brought it in at such an early stage in the DS life cycle (in my opinion), and with the game line-up continuing to impress for the next twelve months, it is going to sell a heck of a lot. This isn't a hardware revision to get a little more money out of the same hardware, this is to spearhead the DS for the next eighteen months as it hits its prime. Its just totally different.

[petewhitley]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.
Are we forgetting about all the people who would've bought a DS but couldn't as stock was too low?

No, because those aren't 2nd system buys. I'm talking about the absurd comment that "anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one". That sort of thing simply doesn't happen with non-collectors.

[s1lence]

Nintendo is about to sell 13 million more. I'm pretty sure anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one, unless they're poor. I'll have one the first day of launch in the U.S.

You're high. 2nd system buys will be relatively insignificant, as they always are with a redesign.
Are we forgetting about all the people who would've bought a DS but couldn't as stock was too low?

No, because those aren't 2nd system buys. I'm talking about the absurd comment that "anyone who has one will go out and buy the new one". That sort of thing simply doesn't happen with non-collectors.

Point well taken, I wasn't sure of the demographic that you were suggesting.

[Ed Oscuro]

I knew there was something wrong...right, I'm skimming too much :(

I agree - for anybody who hasn't gone out and bought a DS or were unable to due to the shortage, this will be great, but for those who already have it - the screen seems to be the same size, but with four brightness levels...seems pretty insignificant as an improvement, really.

[poloplayr]

Oh my God. That thing is so sexy. I want to make love to it.

*puts on some Barry White in the background and lights some candles*

Well, hello DS Lite...I've been expecting you, let me pour you a glass of your favourite wine; Cabernet Sauvignon. Why? Because I know you so well...

"Let's get it oooon"

[Zubiac666]

Oh my God. That thing is so sexy. I want to make love to it.

*puts on some Barry White in the background and lights some candles*

Well, hello DS Lite...I've been expecting you, let me pour you a glass of your favourite wine; Cabernet Sauvignon. Why? Because I know you so well...

"Let's get it oooon"

:hmm:

oh,c'mon.....the DS lite would never drink red whine.
rather a li(gh)te white-wine from the south of France.

[Ed Oscuro]

White is the perfect backdrop for showing off reds...don't you agree?

Not that I recommend dousing your DS Lite in liquids ;)

[poloplayr]

Au contraire. The DS is more complex and richer in substance. A red would suit it. The PSP is a budweiser for dumb people and the DS is for the thinking man. Substance over Surface. Complexity over Easy flash.

[THATinkjar]

Au contraire. The DS is more complex and richer in substance. A red would suit it. The PSP is a budweiser for dumb people and the DS is for the thinking man. Substance over Surface. Complexity over Easy flash.

Where does James Pond Codename: Robocod fit in to the above, young man?

The DS is crackers and cheese, while the PSP is a rare steak.

[rbudrick]

Well, I guess I'll eat my words from the previous thread...I really didn't think they would do this any time soon. I guess I was wrong!

-Rob

[SkiDragon]

I still think its too early to do this, and I never thought that the screen was dim in the slightest.

Other than that its pretty slick.

[poloplayr]

James Pond is a classic platformer. Pond rocked the Amiga.

[MegaDrive20XX]

I want one....I waited and here's my chance now..I like where they placed the Start and Select button now..

[Kamino]

and yet they have not corrected their largest fuckup of no gb/gbc support.
:fist:

[Leo_A]

He didn't say the redesigned one wouldn't sell well people. He said that the sales to existing owners would be relatively minor.

That's correct (And darn, I see people have already explained that to the ones that were changing the guy's post to something different, should've finished reading the thread first)

[Julio III]

So one year in and already Nintendo have a redesign, argh! To add to that it doesn't look that significant a redesign, just a reduction in size and a really good aesthetic makeover, that top looks sweet, nice colour also. My question is, are they going to discontinue the current DS and just have the lite version now

[hezeuschrist]

and yet they have not corrected their largest fuckup of no gb/gbc support.
:fist:

Thats why you have a GBA SP.

[Dur Butter]

I hope Nintendo will add the feature that shoves it up my ass for me!

My hands have started to cramp from doing it myself. :(

[McBacon]

I'm undecided at the mo, the square shape seems really ugly and basic, where the DS has much more shape and substance.

Also, the duo-colour of the DS is awesome and the whole thing fits nicely in my hands.

I'm gonna need to play this Lite system before purchasing.

[neuropolitique]

I'm really looking forward to this. I can hardly wait to replay the games I have with the new screens. It doesn't appear that you can control the brightness of each screen individually, but I can live with that I guess. The redesign is jsut icing on the cake.

[lol monster]

i guess i should sell mine now then

[Tan]

and yet they have not corrected their largest fuckup of no gb/gbc support.
:fist:

Thats why you have a GBA SP.

it's not very portable when you have to take 2 handhelds along just so you can play tetris, and no tetris DS or gba wouldn't count, it may be good but it's no substitute.

[Zubiac666]

and yet they have not corrected their largest fuckup of no gb/gbc support.
:fist:

Thats why you have a GBA SP.

it's not very portable when you have to take 2 handhelds along just so you can play tetris, and no tetris DS or gba wouldn't count, it may be good but it's no substitute.

WifiMe enabled Tetris(release in europe around april) made by Nintendo themselves will own every other version.
I really can't wait.

[poopnes]

and yet they have not corrected their largest fuckup of no gb/gbc support.
:fist:

Thats why you have a GBA SP.

it's not very portable when you have to take 2 handhelds along just so you can play tetris, and no tetris DS or gba wouldn't count, it may be good but it's no substitute.

WifiMe enabled Tetris(release in europe around april) made by Nintendo themselves will own every other version.
I really can't wait.

Tetris DS comes out March 20 in the states. I can't wait.

That being said.... AAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

My DS is just 5 days old. I was going to hold off because Nintendo said the rumors weren't true. I thought it was too soon for a redesign anyways. So I took the plunge. And I find out 5 days later that my two biggest (and they are BIG) complaints against the DS are to be fixed soon: I find the DS to be too big and too heavy. O well. I told my girlfriend that its her DS now, I will be buying this sexy thang when it hits the US.

[norkusa]

I'll pass on this. I'm going to wait 'till 2007 when re-design #3 comes out with an analog stick.

Seems like a waste to re-design a system only a year after launch and not included one. The lack of an analog stick is the the weakest point on the DS, imo.

[16-bit]

My DS is just 5 days old. I was going to hold off because Nintendo said the rumors weren't true. I thought it was too soon for a redesign anyways. So I took the plunge. And I find out 5 days later that my two biggest (and they are BIG) complaints against the DS are to be fixed soon: I find the DS to be too big and too heavy. O well. I told my girlfriend that its her DS now, I will be buying this sexy thang when it hits the US.

Heh. You weren't the only one. Still, I absolutely love my DS.

[max 330 mega]

while i think the redesign looks totally amazing, i can say i wont be picking one up, due to the fact that the smaller the system = the more my ever worsening carpal tunnel acts up. ill stick with my pokepark DS, i think the original DS design looks totally amazing as it is.

[Joker T]

That looks cool but I think i'm fine with the standard one, Nintendo why do you redesign everything? We don't have that much money LOL

[poopnes]

That looks cool but I think i'm fine with the standard one, Nintendo why do you redesign everything? We don't have that much money LOL

They know we'll just find a way.

I have 5 designs of the GB (brick, pocket, color, advance, sp) and I really want a micro just because.

This thing just looks slick. I compare it to the difference between the brick and the pocket. The pocket was slick and its my favorite GB ever.

[Push Upstairs]

I'll pass on this. I'm going to wait 'till 2007 when re-design #3 comes out with an analog stick.

They may not even wait that long.


Seems like a waste to re-design a system only a year after launch and not included one. The lack of an analog stick is the the weakest point on the DS, imo.

Well it seems like a waste to redesign a system after one year PERIOD.

But the DS and its lack of an analog stick are the single biggest reason i dislike the damn thing.

[Leo_A]

A analog stick and GB/GBC support would make this the best handheld on the market by far.

But I still love it without it.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

So yeah, I'm probably going to buy one of those now. Yay.

[Joker T]

That looks cool but I think i'm fine with the standard one, Nintendo why do you redesign everything? We don't have that much money LOL

They know we'll just find a way.

I have 5 designs of the GB (brick, pocket, color, advance, sp) and I really want a micro just because.

This thing just looks slick. I compare it to the difference between the brick and the pocket. The pocket was slick and its my favorite GB ever.

I just find it ridiculous,

The N64 and GC are the only consoles not redesigned.

As far as handhelds the only one that they haven't redone is GBC.

1.Gameboy to Gameboy Pocket

2.Gameboy Advance to Gameboy Advance SP to Gameboy Advance Micro and The bright back-light SP

and that isn't even including the GB player.

Maybe Nintendo should spend more time with the Original design so they don't have to make updates. Obviously technology grows but still.

[Haoie]

Boy, this was 1 occasion to remember that the rumours got it right. Still a bit hard to swallow in a way.

[SEGA-SAMMY]

I'm going to get one but I will wait until some cooler colours come out!

[studvicious]

I'm sure the biggest reason for this is to make it look along the lines of the revolution. To really tie all of their brands together. Just a thought.

[keiblerfan69]

I'm glad I waiting to get a DS.

[hezeuschrist]

That looks cool but I think i'm fine with the standard one, Nintendo why do you redesign everything? We don't have that much money LOL

They know we'll just find a way.

I have 5 designs of the GB (brick, pocket, color, advance, sp) and I really want a micro just because.

This thing just looks slick. I compare it to the difference between the brick and the pocket. The pocket was slick and its my favorite GB ever.

I just find it ridiculous,

The N64 and GC are the only consoles not redesigned.

As far as handhelds the only one that they haven't redone is GBC.

1.Gameboy to Gameboy Pocket

2.Gameboy Advance to Gameboy Advance SP to Gameboy Advance Micro and The bright back-light SP

and that isn't even including the GB player.

Maybe Nintendo should spend more time with the Original design so they don't have to make updates. Obviously technology grows but still.

That I actually find very suprising, considering it's physical design was probably the biggest blow to Nintendos "image" in the past 10 years.

[Tan]

sometimes a redesign can not only please the publicand fix issues, but also make the tooling for manufacturing cheaper, that way they can save both time and money in efficiency, turning a better profit/unit ratio for themselves.

[Anthony1]

Hmm.... Interesting, but I'm still very much on the fence about the DS. I don't really like the whole 2 screen concept. I think that it's more of a gimmick than anything, and I can't stand the idea of using some damn stylus to play a game.


I will say that one of the reasons I don't have a DS right now is because it's so damn bulky and awkward looking. I mean, from a comfort standpoint, while playing it. I just wish they would get rid of the second screen altogether. Then they wouldn't need a clam shell design, and then it could actually be comfortable. I know that all the DS lovers out there will think I'm a retard to suggest such a thing, but I must admit that playing games with a stylus and all that crap just doesn't appeal to me. KISS. (Keep It Simple Stupid) Most of the games that use two screens for the DS, just put a overhead map or some other crap on the second screen. Honestly, how many DS games could be played on 1 single screen? I know that certain DS games absolutely need the 2nd screen, but alot of them just use the 2nd screen for meaningless info or a overhead map or something like that.


You can call me a DS hater or whatever, but this unit just doesn't appeal to me.

[hezeuschrist]

but I must admit that playing games with a stylus and all that crap just doesn't appeal to me. KISS. (Keep It Simple Stupid)

Care to tell me how any control mechanism could possibly be more simplistic than a touch screen? Point where you want to go, drag to where you want to go, point to the option you want to choose... there's nothing to learn.

[Anthony1]

Care to tell me how any control mechanism could possibly be more simplistic than a touch screen? Point where you want to go, drag to where you want to go, point to the option you want to choose... there's nothing to learn.


First of all, touch screens are great for ATM machines, but they don't belong in a video game system. I mean, explain to me how to play Super Mario Bros. 3 with a freaking touch screen! I guess a touch screen would be fine for some puzzle games or something, but I don't know how I would play a platformer or a shooter or anything like that with a touch screen. It's just dumb. Period. It's a gimmick.

[hezeuschrist]

You were insinuating that the touch screen was a complex mechanism, and it isn't.

As for playing platformers and shooters, only retards come to conclusions like that. How about puzzle games and UNIQUE TITLES? Something you seem to have no desire to play, you want to continue playing the same rehashed crap over and over, and thats fine. You don't want them to keep it simple, you want them to keep it familiar. Change scares you.

How about playing katamari with a touchscreen? That'd be great. Have you even TRIED the MP:Hunters Demo? it works rather well.

And for that matter, how do you play mario bros with a touch screen? You don't, which is why there is a Dpad and face buttons. That's like asking how you play Far Cry with an atari paddle.

[Anthony1]

I must admit that I'm not into puzzle games or slow paced RPG's or anything like that. I'm more of an action gamer. I like fast paced games with action. Using a touch screen with the type of games that I like, really doesn't make any sense at all, thus my lack of interest in the DS.


As for the Metroid Prime Hunters demo, I did "try" to play that game, but found the control scheme to be rather "screwy" to put it mildly. Using a pencil while playing a video game just isn't my idea of a good time. Now if I was playing Mario paint or something, then I could understand using a stylus, but other than that, I just don't see the use for it, other than for it's "gimmick" factor. I tried playing some racing game where you actually used your thumb on the touch screen to steer the car, and it was about the dumbest control mechanism I've ever seen.


The idea of a using 2 screens, and a touch screen screen and a stylus might be a heaven sent idea for some very weird and quircky games, but I'm just not into those kinda games too much, and I don't think it was a very good idea to design an entire system around some quircky games. Same thing with the Revolution's controller.


I'm not a Nintendo hater or anything, so don't get it twisted and don't take it personally. I'm just not very interested at all in the DS right now. Maybe that will change. Maybe not. Even though the Revolution controller is somewhat gimmicky as well, I'm much more interested in that system. It will be my 3rd system, after the PS3 and 360, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it for the occasional game that makes really good use of that controller. But as for using stylus's and touch screens for video games, well, it just doesn't appeal to me. That doesn't mean that you should be offended by my particular views. If you love it, then by all means enjoy it to the fullest.

[joshnickerson]

I'm not terribly upset. My current DS functions quite nicely; the only thing Ninty did was "sexy" it up a notch. I'm sure I'll probably eventually trade in and "upgrade" to the DS2, much like I did with my GBASP, but I won't feel like Nintendo's "forcing" me to buy a new system.

The buttons do look a bit bigger, and I have to give a "kudos" on that. That was my beef with the current model; the buttons are just a bit too small.

I will say this though... Nintendo would be wise to offer the new system at the same price point as the current one and not any higher.

[DocRamon]

toss me into the group that's unimpressed...

1- there's not enough hardware changes to make it seem necessary. even the size and weight changes are minimal.

2- the look and name are both a little fruity, if you ask me. i'd feel more "cool" carrying around the current model than this one. the lite looks like a makeup compact and sounds like a diet soft drink.

3- i don't see the point? the current DS was already selling like gangbusters. sure, this will attract a small portion of people that were holding out for a sleeker model, but i'm willing to bet that one really awesome, must-own game would have done the same. it's the games that are more important anyway.

4- why do people hold out for the sleeker model? because we all know that it's coming! at what point does everyone stop buying nintendo consoles because they'll make a new one later? eventually this plan will backfire on them.

5- overall, i think redesigns like this foster bad consumer relations. too many people, especially the most recent to adopt it, get upset that their current one is now "obsolete" and blame nintendo. sure, you've created a new audience that wanted the sleeker model, but you've also secluded a lot of people. doesn't seem smart to me.

basically... the redesign idea is fine... but do it when the system is on it's way out. this would have been a great time for a gamecube redesign, not a DS one.

[hezeuschrist]

toss me into the group that's unimpressed...

3- i don't see the point? the current DS was already selling like gangbusters. sure, this will attract a small portion of people that were holding out for a sleeker model, but i'm willing to bet that one really awesome, must-own game would have done the same. it's the games that are more important anyway.


More than likely it's cheaper for Nintendo to physically produce, or will be in the long run. Not only that, but if it is they can still charge a premium right off the bat because it's "New" and make a killing.

It's still just a business.