Nintendo DS Lite RELEASED!

[goatdan]

I'll admit that while I thought the screens were incredible initially, I have noticed that they are a little darker than I 'd like them to be lately.

Just a couple comments...

Re: This unit selling a lot to people that already bought a DS. I don't see it. A point that wasn't brought up was the fact that almost everyone with a Game Boy Advance bought a GBA SP. But that was because Nintendo made the SP much more desireable by changing so much about it. I don't see the same amount of changes, and therefore selling to the same market I expect will be low.

Re: Why this didn't get an analog stick is simple. Analog controls need to be programmed into the games. Without that programming, games couldn't take advantage of it, so everything released wouldn't be compatible with it. It would also force people that already have one to purchase a new one to get the analog stick, something that they should definitely avoid doing.

As for me personally, I'll definitely stick with the original one which is just the right size and shape for me

[RCM]

Can't Nintendo get a portable right the first time? I'll eventually pick this up cause i'm a hardware whore but not for $130. The DS Lite seems to match the Revolution. Anybody agree?

[dbiersdorf]

Personally I just find it odd that Nintendo makes a new system at the peak of the old systems sales. Why not wait until the momentum of the original to slowly die and then hit the market with something new bringing in early and late adopters. Doesn't seem like a great buisness plan IMO.

[dbiersdorf]

Can't Nintendo get a portable right the first time? I'll eventually pick this up cause i'm a hardware whore but not for $130. The DS Lite seems to match the Revolution. Anybody agree?

Yeah I mentioned that before, I think it's one of the major reasons for the redesign considering we'll more then likely see some kind of DS to Revolution connectivity at the system launch.

I was also thinking with rumors of Sony announcing a new model of the PSP, maybe Nintendo wanted to be the first out of the gate?

[Hypnotuba]

Personally I just find it odd that Nintendo makes a new system at the peak of the old systems sales.

The timing might seem odd, but for me, once I saw a GBA SP with the brighter screen, I decided to wait on a DS, because I figured at some point they'd release a new DS with that awesome screen. And now they are! Hooray for me.

But, if I was someone who just bought a DS, I'd be a little mad.

[neuropolitique]

What's with al the redesign hate? Most consoles through the ages have been redesigned, sometimes several times. Even in the world of handhelds Nintendo is not alone in this.

Does the redesign improve upon the original? Yes. Do you have to buy it? No. Get over it.

[Push Upstairs]

And to think there was a time when it took Nintendo nearly a decade to put a backlit screen in a portable system.

And how many years between the introduction of the GB and the GB pocket?

First they drag thier feet at redesigning now they can't release anything without wanting planning a redesign ahead of time.

[Hypnotuba]

What's with al the redesign hate? Most consoles through the ages have been redesigned, sometimes several times. Even in the world of handhelds Nintendo is not alone in this.

Sure, but I think maybe people are surprised at the timing of it. I'm thrilled about it, but I don't have one.

Plus, usually redesigns are just cosmetic, and happen later in the console's lifespan (maybe this doesn't apply as much to handhelds.) Redesigns sometimes eliminate features as well, such as the SNES redesign lacking S-video output. This seems like it's a better DS, at least because of the screen, and potentially the buttons are nicer.

If I had a DS since day 1, I probably wouldn't care, but if I'd just bought one, I'd be a little bummed that there's a better version around the corner.

[Lothars]

I read this this morning and wasn't sure if it was true lol

but hey it's all good, I think I will definitly have to pick this up

Im actually looking forward to this should be interesting

damn redesign lol

[Hams]

Nintendo took a great gamble on the success of the DS, especially with there competition. Now that it's proven a complete success (full props to them!), this is the ideal time to fine tune its esthetic design, add a few small extras and settle down to manufacture zillions of them.

Nintendo has always been about excellent product design, i guess they felt it wasn't quite all it could be. Especially marketing visually next to the Rev. They will go hand in hand. If you have a Rev you'll want a DS to use with it. If you have a DS you'll want a REV to use with it. (I know everyone's talked about how it will work with the Rev). But how cool will it be if you're playing a RE or Zelda title on the Rev and you pull up your maps, pda communications, pick locks, solve puzzles, check items and customise ammo on the DS. Its going to be an incredible experience.

I think they chose the perfect time, after this i dont think there will be another redesign for years to come.

ps: I always wondered why the DS logo was'nt on the front of the system, that is such an important branding symbol from a marketing point of view.

[Bronty-2]

What is that, cheech wizard? Looks like Bode to me.

[Hams]

What is that, cheech wizard? Looks like Bode to me.

You betcha!

Once upon a time at 2:30 in the afternoon, their was a wise and benevolent wizard who wore a big hat and went by the handle...

[THATinkjar]

It occured to me that the DS Lite looks a lot like this Zelda Game & Watch...

Nintendo took a great gamble on the success of the DS, especially with there competition. Now that it's proven a complete success (full props to them!), this is the ideal time to fine tune its esthetic design, add a few small extras and settle down to manufacture zillions of them.

That is a really good point. They took a gamble, did it as best as they could, have learnt a few lessons, and will release a second version. No harm in this whatsoever.

People talk about the lack of additional changes, but that is a good thing. It ensures people who don't "upgrade" don't feel like they're missing out. Plus it would only split the DS market, which wouldn't be in their interest.

[Zubiac666]

for all those "but it isn't THAT smaller than the old one"-guys:
Are you insane?
You DO know that is only 22mm thick?That's less than the lower half of the old model is!

Here you can see the size of both models:
http://mud.ladaponte.com/stuff/ds2.jpg
http://mud.ladaponte.com/stuff/ds1.jpg
I really can't see them getting any smaller than this.Otherwise it would be unplayable.

Ps: No the screens are NOT smaller(as it appears on the pics).
Both screens are now same size( the old DS had a border on the upper screen)
Also the new screens are brighter,sharper and sunlight has less influence.
Th stylus port is now on the side(so you stick in the stylus sideways).The "power" button also.

[poloplayr]

I'm not going to lie I am going to break my DS in order to trade it in at ebgames. I bought the warranty so if I break it they will have to give me a new one.

Just to make sure does ebgames give the newer version of the hardware when you have purchased the warranty?

Well anyway does anybody know when the DS Lite will be released in the US?

Can anyone say 'fraud'?

[rjohnson]

I'm not going to lie I am going to break my DS in order to trade it in at ebgames. I bought the warranty so if I break it they will have to give me a new one.

Just to make sure does ebgames give the newer version of the hardware when you have purchased the warranty?

Well anyway does anybody know when the DS Lite will be released in the US?

Can anyone say 'fraud'?

I agree! BAD KARMA is comin' your way!!!!

Master Cheif would never do such an action....

That Avatar is not worthy of your evil plan...

I suggest that your avatar be SWITCHED to that of a Grunt!

[DonMarco]

The power button/switch must be on the unit's side, so what else is there? Will it have a headphone jack?

[THATinkjar]

The power button/switch must be on the unit's side, so what else is there? Will it have a headphone jack?

I don't think anyone has mentioned the headphone jack. I hope they haven't removed it, I couldn't imagine playing without it!

[hezeuschrist]

The power button/switch must be on the unit's side, so what else is there? Will it have a headphone jack?

Apparently the stylus goes in the side as well, instead of the top.

[rbudrick]

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

Virtual Boy? Pokemon mini?

-Rob