I just bought one for myself over the weekend (thanks to a tip from a friend who works at a store that one would not think of shopping for games at, and they just happened to have a few left!)
This unit is great! I already own a GBA SP, but wanted to buy a DS for the following reasons:
* Advanced graphics: The 3D capabilities of this machine are AMAZING. Mario64 DS looks better on a handheld than Mario 64 looked on the Nintendo 64 and a TV!
* Great sound: You can choose between surround sound, stereo, or headphones optimized. It also includes a built-in headphone jack, something that was noticeably absent from the SP.
* Backwards compatibility: It will play all GameBoy Advance games (though not original GB or GB Color), and can hold a DS game and a GameBoy Advance game at the same time.
* Touch screen: Gimmick or revolution? I like how touch was integrated into Mario64 and the Metroid Prime:Hunters demo that is included with the DS. I think future games will bear out whether it will be a true success or just a niche idea.
As it states in the product description, it comes with two screens, the bottom one being touch-sensitive. To touch the bottom screen you can use one of the 2 styluses that comes with the product, or a thumb strap that has a plastic piece that can be used for certain types of games.
Currently, the DS library is fairly limited (fewer than 20 games at present), but there are many games announced for the future. There are literally dozens of great GBA games, so if you're buying this as a present, don't be afraid to buy a GBA game if you can't decide on a DS one. Nintendo DS Titanium
I purchased Nintendo DS system last year for 2 of my sons, ages 6 & 10. The purchase was actually on impulse because I happened to be in the store when they had just received a shipment. I really knew nothing about them and had never heard of them. This actually turned out to be one of the best electronic purchases I have ever made for the boys.
They each had Game Boy Advance's but were never really into "hand held" games as much as with their full sized TV games. I am really surprised at how much these systems are actually used!
Because the systems have a clock, the boys each use them for ALARM CLOCKS in the morning! I keep the chargers plugged into the outlets behind their nightstands. This insures the systems will always find their way back to that spot at the end of the day.
I like the fact that I don't have to buy batteries or battery packs or have charger stands. You just plug the cord into any household outlet and there is a little jack on the other end that plugs into the Nintendo DS. This charges up the system so it is ready. There are also indicator lights on the DS that let you know when the unit is charged or running low.
this system has a feature that my guys enjoy and use often. It is picto chat. You do not need additional software or accessories to use this. It is built right into the system. This feature enables anyone with a DS to wirelessly hook-up to each other and talk via text messaging. There is a little keyboard that shows up on the bottom screen and you use your little stylus to type in what you want to say. It is sent to the other DS. It is like a text messaging walkie talkie. My boys LOVE this feature.
There isn't an overwhelming selection of games...at least not yet. My boys keep going back to Yoshi's Touch and Go. The recent Nintendogs are great and are another favorite.
The games are tiny little square chips that slide easily into a port on the DS. I have purchased a plastic sweater box from the dollar store to hold the game cases. I have insisted that the games go into their cases and into the box because they are very small and could be easily misplaced.
There is a port to hold the older advance games so the investments we made in these games in the past are not dependant upon the older systems. I have found that my boys are playing the older games more and more on the DS than they did on their older systems.
The overall design is good for all sized hands. The fun of the games is in the use of the stylus to play the games. I am not into games but I enjoy picking them up on occasion and playing. There is a little slot on the system to hold the stylus when it is not in use.
The top closes so the screens are not exposed when not being used. This helps to avoid scratching.
An additional feature that the boys like is that by purchasing one game, both can play at the same time, what seems to be a mini-game version. Those of us with more than one chld knows that sometimes, two of the same are necessary but, it is nice to be able to buy only ONE of something on occasion.
I didn't buy any starter packs or other accessories because I wanted to see what exactly we would need. So far we have needed nothing except cases. The boys did not want these, I did.
This system also has a wrist strap that you can detach if you don't want it.
From a mom's perspective, this has proven to be a worthwhile investment. My boys love their systems and use them all the time. I cannot comment to the more technical aspects of the game because, well...I base my opinion on if the toy is great based on how much my children love it, how easy it is for me to set-up or break down, how much it costs me in accessories and add-ons after the initial purchase, and how much "play time" it receives.
Based upon that criterion, I give this system 5 stars.
It seems as if this system has not received the attention of the PSP, and I often wonder if my boys would have even asked for it if I did not get it for them last year. I am so happy and I am sure they are too that we have discovered this little gadget.
Rosemary - Video Games - Nintendo - Boys - Nintendo Ds Lite'
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