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The DS Lite: What You Need To Know
- June 08, 2006 11:31 AM PST
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You've got questions about the DS Lite and we've got the answers! With Nintendo's slimmed down DS just days away from release, we give you the skinny on what's new, what's changed, and why this is the best model to get.
You bought a Game Boy Advance, a Game Boy Advance SP, a GBA Micro, and a DS. Now you're about to open your wallet for a little DS Lite action, you horrible consumer! But, what makes the DS Lite so different from the regular DS? Is this just a money-making scheme on Nintendo's part? Is smaller really better? We've got all the answers to those questions and more in our extensive feature, The DS Lite: What You Need To Know.
So, what's up with the size? How does it differ from the original DS?
Good eye, the DS Lite is indeed smaller than the regular DS. Actually, the DS Lite is 42% smaller than the original DS, and weighs in 21% lighter. Here's how the two handheld systems compare:
DS Lite - 133mm wide, 73.9mm high, 21.5mm deep DS - 148.7mm wide, 84.7mm high, 28.9mm deep
The original DS and DS Lite side-by-side
How much will the DS Lite cost? Is it more than the original DS?
All you cost-savvy gamers can rejoice, as the DS Lite is going to retail for $129! Currently, the original DS also retails for the exact same amount, so the choice is really yours -- big and bulky, or slim and sexy.
So what's really different about this new DS, besides the size?
After turning on the DS Lite, you'll notice the most major change in the new handheld. The dual-screens are noticeably brighter than there were on the original DS, giving you a better view of whatever game you're playing. The screens also have four brightness settings, just in case you want to tweak them.
On the aesthetic side, the power button has been moved to the right side of the unit, and is now a slide-type switch, instead of a press-down switch. The power indicator lights have also been moved to the right side of the hinge-mechanism of the DS Lite. The stylus holder has also been moved to the right side of the unit, with the stylus itself now being a bit shorter and quite a bit thicker than the old model. Also, the microphone has been moved and situated right between the two screens. The microphone on the original DS was located on the bottom-end of the unit. The volume switch and headset port still reside on the bottom end of the unit.
Button-wise the DS Lite has gotten a slight makeover. The Shoulder buttons remain unchanged, but the Start and Select buttons have bee moved underneath the four face-buttons. They now are located almost directly next to the bottom of the lower touch-screen, and have also lost their typical oval-ish shape and are now simple tiny circular buttons. The four face-buttons themselves are now slightly concave (the original DS had convex buttons), and are made of a more solid plastic, giving them a more substantial (and less cheap) feel. The D-pad has also been reduced slightly in size.
The last change is the power supply. The old DS featured a standard power supply made popular with the Game Boy Advance. The DS Lite, however, features a new power supply that sports a tiny connector head.
The DS Lite features a new, and smaller, power port on the back of the unit
Will all my old GBA and DS games be compatible with the DS Lite?
Yep, all of your old GBA and DS games are going to work just fine with the DS Lite. Just as in the original DS, GBA games load via a slot on the bottom of the unit, while DS games load via a slot on the top of the unit. The DS Lite does, however, feature a nice cover piece that hides the GBA slot, making it less prone to fill up with dust and other gunk. Nicely, the DS Lite is also still region-free, meaning all those import DS and GBA games you've scrounged together through the years are still compatible for with sexy new handheld.
Which colors are coming out in the US?
Unfortunately, the US will only be seeing a release of the Polar White DS Lite, while Europe will get both Polar White and Black. Japan saw the release of three colors: Polar White, Ice Blue, and Navy Enamel. Nintendo, however, has made it a habit of releasing new colors and variations for their handheld systems. Assuming this, it's probably not out of the realm of possibility that we'll be seeing new DS Lite colors quite soon.
Though a minor detail, the thicker DS Lite stylus is easier to hold and use
So, when does the DS Lite come out?
The DS Lite will hit the US market on June 11th, so be sure to check your local video game retailer to see if they have any. Many online retailers are offering special bundles that include the DS Lite and some games, so if you're looking to pick up all of that at once, they may prove to be enticing.
Why come out with a new version of the DS?
Let's face it, while the original DS has great games, it's lacking in the looks department. Chunky and slightly awkward, the unit had almost no "hot factor." Now, however, with the unit being played by more casual and mainstream gamers, Nintendo has the unique opportunity to market the device not only as a gaming unit, but also as a fashion statement. Slim designs and minimalist ideals are all the rage (just look at the iPod and it's many varieties), making the DS Lite a super model in a market otherwise occupied by unwieldy porkers. It's sexy and small, and that's what Nintendo is hoping will drive the public wild.
