Nintendo DS Lite Crimson / Black

Im loving it 👍🏻

The Nintendo DS. What more could one say? I'm going to try and rate this as objectively as possible. First off, this is by no means an adult gaming device. Anyone who is upset because it does not have TV out HD capabilities is playing with the wrong toy. You have to look at this product as it were geared towards children and the younger crowd. Many adults who purchase the DS feel that they have been ripped off. Well that's just the thing. Like I said, one has to see this as a youth oriented device.Anyways, now that we've cleared that up let talk about the DS itself.GraphicsGame playPriceFeature set.Graphics: Not great and it definitely would not be able to compete with the PSP, but If I remember correctly Edge magazine's top 100 games off all time features more games from the 2D era than anything else. Actually, out of the top ten 4 were 2 dimensional and the number 3 and 1 spot went to Mario 64 and Ocarina of time. Both these games were some of the first in the 3D world. So looking at it from that perspective, I'd say that graphics are outweighed by game play presentation and storyline. Plus new Super Mario bros is just plain goodness in a cartridge.Gameplay: Lets talk about Mario 64... The original Mario 64 relied heavily on the N64's analog joystick, so Mario 64 DS gives you a few different control options that attempt to emulate the control in different ways. By default, the game is configured to let you play without using the system's touch screen. The D pad is used for movement, and the buttons are used for jumping, ducking, attacking, and running. While you can also use the touch screen for running, the other two control modes are somewhat better suited for use with the touch screen, letting you shuffle the buttons around a bit to give you more control over your character. I think the methods incorporated for movement in this game are superb and could not have been mapped much better. This seems to go for all games. Most games that require the use of the touchpad and stylist are focus more on tactical elements rather than speed, which results in a more enjoyable game experience if you're not too quick with the stick. One issue I did encounter was after the touch screen got a bit scratched up it was not as sensitive. Plus those little stylists are so easy to loose.Price: Can't beat it. Can be found for under 100 dollars if you shop around. You're not going to find a cheaper way to entertain yourself on the go. The games are not too expensive either. Although, 30 bucks is pretty steep for anyone under 12.Feature set: I'd say for something as simple as a "Gameboy" it has a lot to offer. It has Wifi which can be a lot of fun with friends. Try playing Mario kart with 7 other people on their DS's and you'll know what I mean.Also the chat feature is neat if you have friends that have DS's as well.And a big bonus is the backwards compatibility with GBA games. There is a little cartridge spot to put old games in. Some of my favorite Mario games are still playable on the go cause of this.Other than that there are not a lot of features. But I wouldn't expect it to. Like I said before, If you're looking for a portable media center this is not it. The DS is a fun handheld (strictly related to gaming) that can keep you entertained for hours on end.

My daughter absolutely loved it. The pink was super cute.

People interested in the DS Lite generally fall into two categories: those who are considering upgrading from a standard DS, or those new to the system who are considering a purchase. Whether or not to ugprade can be a tough decision, given the $130 price tag, but I personally think that it's well worth it in the long run. If you currently don't have a DS of any flavor, then it's hard to go wrong with a Lite.Pros:- Four brightness settings that range from slightly dimmer than a standard DS to an almost painful brightness that works splendidly outdoors.- Crisper screen quality in general.- Relocation of various aspects of the system; the start/select buttons have been moved to the lower right corner, the microphone has been centered, the power button has become a sliding switch on the righthand side, and the stylus slot goes right below the power slide. All of these were incredibly convenient changes.- Better interface sensitivity: the touch screen almost comes across as more responsive, the buttons are raised and provide better feedback, and the D-pad is a little more forgiving. In addition, the volume control slide gives a little more resistance, which allows for more fine-tuning.- A false GBA cartridge has been provided that slips into the GBA slot, 'capping' the opening to provide a more seamless look and prevent dust accumulation.- The stylus is thicker and a little easier to hold.- Finally and most obviously, the system itself has been redesigned to be smaller, compacted, sleek, and generally pretty.- The DS, Lite or otherwise, provides an innovative new avenue for games. The touch screen, microphone, and even the (somewhat lacking) 'Nintendo WiFi Connection' provide for a great experience. In addition, wireless multiplayer usually works well, and sometimes only one cartridge is needed between systems for "DS Download Play" - a sort of demo'd version of a game shared between friends.Cons:- When a GBA cartridge is in the system as opposed to the cap, it sticks out from the slot a little bit, ruining the 'smooth' appearance. This is purely aesthetic.- It's impossible to adjust between the brightness settings unless at the system's home screen.- Neither the DS nor the Lite support older GBC or originally GB games. Only GBA and DS games are supported.Overall, it's a fantastic system. If you're new to the DS line, then I'd highly recommend picking up the system. Some good games to look at are Trauma Center: Under the Knife (a surgery sim of sorts that makes extensive use of the stylus), Mario Kart DS (solid racing game), Mario 64 DS (port of a classic with new features and minigames), New Super Mario Bros (reworking of the old sidescrolling version of Mario, very well done), Tetris DS, Metroid Prime Hunters (strong FPS/adventure game, excellent multiplayer), and perhaps Brain Age.If you already possess a DS, then the purchase is entirely dependent on your willingness to part with $130. I think it's worth the money, and eBay is always a viable option for parting with the old system.