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Nintendo DS Lite Video Review

Check this out if you haven't already seen this. Puts the new DS Lite, already released in Japan and soon to be released in the US, up against the old DS. The improvements are remarkable. I can't wait to get one. US release is supposed to be sometime in May. Why can't Nintendo ever get it right the first time around?

Video Review Part 1

Video Review Part 2

No need to watch the video, folks. I can tell you here and now that it's worth making the purchase even if you're already a DS owner. It's that good.

I wish they let me take one from the GDC expo. Bastards.

quote:

Originally posted by Yan No need to watch the video, folks. I can tell you here and now that it's worth making the purchase even if you're already a DS owner. It's that good. I wish they let me take one from the GDC expo. Bastards.

I take it you got to use one in person? How was it? How did it feel in your hands? Comfortable?

Before going to an in-depth, I'll show the TA gamers what they want to see: A few pictures.

First we have the DS Lite stations that were positioned all throughout Nintendo's booth. I'd say about 50 to 60 Lites were there, in total. 4 per table. 1 connected to a TV screen. 3 or 4 more at the consult counter.

Each table had its own specific cartridge that was inserted into all 4 devices while the Lite connected to the screen had Metroid Prime: Hunters and the counter Lites were intended for Download Play. Therefore, if you made the rounds from table to table, you were able to try out nearly every new and/or upcoming game in Nintendo's roster of titles.

My only irk? The real styli were nowhere to be seen. One of those oversized, mini-pencil-like styluses was in its place and tethered to the table along with the Lite.



Sidenote: The look on the guy's face in the top left is priceless.

I went over to the first table with a free spot (this booth was swamped, seriously) and it just happened to be serving a nice hot plate of Metroid goodness. Knowing about how reflective handheld screens were during prior events where I had to take pictures, I decided to take both a flash shot and one without. What follows are the two (note: I am a horrible, HORRIBLE photographer).





Looking good so far. I got some game time in with Hunters and decided to check out what else was on the floor. I had brought my DS since I had heard that they were giving out free Tees to anyone who used the Download Play function so I did just that. I'm a sucker for shwag. Brain Age was available along with Pokemon Trozei and about 2 or 3 more titles. I went with Brain Age and played for a few minutes. Neat. But what does it have to do with my DS Lite review? Absolutely nothing.

The next day I returned and tried to secure my place at the most active table: The New Super Mario Bros. demos. After standing around and waiting for a nice 10 minutes, the guy in front of me finally decided to stop playing and put down the device. Wise decision. Any longer and there's no telling what I would have down to the poor man. Anyways, I step up to the plate and...



Wow. It's gorgeous. I was mesmerized by the title screen for a nice minute or two. While I won't go into game details (unless asked, ::wink wink:: ) I will say this: The DS Lite and the game go hand in hand like the NES and Super Mario Bros. or the SNES and Super Mario World.

I think you guys deserve one screenshot without my brutishly large hand in it for being such troopers and reading up till now. So... HAVE AT YOU!




On to the review, then.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus I take it you got to use one in person?

Yessir.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus How was it?

Magnificent, in one word. Totally unlike the feel I've gotten when I've held other Nintendo consoles.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus How did it feel in your hands? Comfortable?

While I do have fairly big hands, I found the DS Lite to be VERY comfortable to hold and handle. I got used to it after a few minutes of gameplay and nearly forgot I was holding the thing... The DS Lite is that light. That's not a bad thing, though. I loved holding it.


So that brings us to the end.


Of this post.


Maybe I'll post some more? Who knows.

Wow Yan nice in depth review!

Those pics are awesome too. I envy you for playing the new Mario Bros!!! That is the game that I really want to get this system for. I wish it would all hurry up and get here! So is the new Mario all 2D? Or a mix of 3D and 2D or what?

Yan.

details on new smb plz.

kthxbye.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus I wish it would all hurry up and get here!

Same here. May couldn't come any sooner.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus So is the new Mario all 2D? Or a mix of 3D and 2D or what?

2.5D platformer, reminiscent of the Klonoa series (PS, PS2 - GBA, WS versions were fully 2D). The objects in the foreground seem to be all 3D while the backgrounds seem static (although I'm sure there are stages where there's plenty of crazy stuff going on back there).

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RJT Yan. details on new smb plz. kthxbye.

Well... What can I add that you don't already know?

The gameplay is really addictive. The stages are kinda on the short side (in the first world, at least). The controls are just right. The animations are crisp. Sound and sound effects are top notch. The game is fairly difficult with a few challenging stunts that killed me in the first few stages. Mario's physics have been improved however I have yet to get used to his slippery tendency (when you run and you want to stop and go the other way, if you hold the opposite direction, you slide a little before you switch direction - There's more to this issue but I won't give any more insight until I get more time with it). Addition of a level completion bar seems a bit useless but I don't really mind it. There are plenty of checkpoints. The butt stomp makes its return.

Overall: Must have title.

I did not get the chance to try the multiplayer but I'm sure it's extremely fun.


Anything else?


EDIT: In other news, seems like EB and Gamestop have given the Lite and various accessories a June 1st release date. Let's hope it comes sooner.

Awesome-o. I ordered the white DS Lite today hopefully It'll arrive this friday.

quote:

Originally posted by P4z! Awesome-o. I ordered the white DS Lite today hopefully It'll arrive this friday.

Waaaaah! Lucky. How much did you pay for it?

quote:

Originally posted by Yan Waaaaah! Lucky. How much did you pay for it?

About US$209. The exchange rate is good, I remember paying the same amount for a phat DS bundled with Nintendogs in September. Considering how we Europeans get all these fancy gadgets a year after Japan and America, it's worth it

quote:

Originally posted by P4z! About US$209. The exchange rate is good, I remember paying the same amount for a phat DS bundled with Nintendogs in September. Considering how we Europeans get all these fancy gadgets a year after Japan and America, it's worth it

I'll have to agree with you there. Good price.

I'm guessing the Lite will be out stateside simultaneously with New Super Mario Brothers. I'm thinking I'll be spending $200 total with the purchase of the Lite and the game. So now's the waiting game.

Don't forget to post plenty of pics.

So I got my Crystal White DS Lite in the mail yesterday, and to be honest, it's one of the finest handheld devices I've ever seen!
The screens are insanely sharp, bright and the colors are really vivid and the whole device is really sleek and comfortable to hold. My crappy camera doesn't do the screens any justice, you have to see it in real life to really experience it

Anyways, here's the pics, I'll try add some better ones later tonight.



It really is smaller than the original DS, fits perfectly in my pocket



Super-bright screens, looks great even from a side-angle


Tetris DS - title screen


Metroid Prime Hunters FMV Sequence - Weavel


Metroid Prime Hunters FMV Sequance - Kanden


Metroid Prime Hunters - gameplay


Animal Crossing: Wild World - title screen


Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time - title screen


Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time - gameplay


Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - title screen


Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - gameplay


Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - title screen / FMV


Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - gameplay


Trauma Center: Under The Knife - title screen


Trauma Center: Under The Knife - gameplay


Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! - title screen


Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! - gameplay


Metroid Prime Hunters - title screen


Metroid Prime Hunters - gameplay


Tetris DS - title screen


Tetris DS - gameplay


DS Lite vs DS Phat vs Sega Game Gear vs Game Boy Advance vs Game Boy Pocket vs Nokia 3330 Snake II (lol) comparison


A winnar is you!

more pics coming up

Damn dude that thing looks awesome! I can't wait to get one. When will the damn US stores start accepting pre-orders?!?!

definatly getting one of these, can't wait!

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus Damn dude that thing looks awesome! I can't wait to get one. When will the damn US stores start accepting pre-orders?!?!

I was able to give my local EBX my phone number so that they'd call me as soon as pre-orders would begin. Try that out.

OR, you can check your preferred store's website daily.

those screens look amazing I want one too

quote:

Originally posted by P4z! ...

Wow amazing!

Where did you buy it? Any tips?

Thx.

i think we can consider this copped!

quote:

Originally posted by PEZ68 Wow amazing! Where did you buy it? Any tips? Thx.

depending on what color you like, the Enamel Navy and Ice Blue are in stock on almost every importsite right now.

http://www.lik-sang.com
http://www.play-asia.com

The white one on the other hand has a higher demand, so it has been sold out on many sites.

I bought mine from http://www.gamechoiceclub.com those guys have some magical stockingskills because they always seem to have the Crystal White in stock when all the other sites doesn't beware of the shipping costs that range from $29-49 though.

They also got excellent customerservice too.

quote:

Originally posted by P4z! depending on what color you like, the Enamel Navy and Ice Blue are in stock on almost every importsite right now. http://www.lik-sang.com http://www.play-asia.com The white one on the other hand has a higher demand, so it has been sold out on many sites. I bought mine from http://www.gamechoiceclub.com those guys have some magical stockingskills because they always seem to have the Crystal White in stock when all the other sites doesn't beware of the shipping costs that range from $29-49 though. They also got excellent customerservice too.

Thx for the info. I don't know which one I'm going tu buy, but I will take one for sure

I want the glossy white one.

Methinks we'll be seeing a release in less than a month!




On another note, the Lite has shown up on Nintendo's US site this week. Wheeeeeeeee.

Here's a few more pics I took a moment ago:



Kirby Canvas Curse - gameplay (The colorful backgrounds looks really awesome)


Kirby Canvas Curse - gameplay


Kirby Canvas Curse - gameplay


Kirby Canvas Curse - gameplay


Kirby Canvas Curse - gameplay close-up


Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day - gameplay


Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day - gameplay


Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day - gameplay



The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap [GBA] - gameplay

(notice how the lower screen no longer illuminate any light for battery-saving purposes, as opposed to the original DS)


The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap [GBA] - gameplay

Very sweet pics.

Kirby Canvas Curse = WIN!!1

How do you like Brain Age? I've had mine for about a month now and have unlocked just about everything. It's really fun now that most of it is fairly challenging.

As for the implementation of the 1-screen GBA usage... Good job, Nintendo.

Small request: Post a picture of a GBA cart inside your Lite. Back and front, please?

quote:

Originally posted by Yan Very sweet pics. Kirby Canvas Curse = WIN!!1 How do you like Brain Age? I've had mine for about a month now and have unlocked just about everything. It's really fun now that most of it is fairly challenging. As for the implementation of the 1-screen GBA usage... Good job, Nintendo. Small request: Post a picture of a GBA cart inside your Lite. Back and front, please?

Thanks

Brain Age is really fun, I got it in the mail today. It sure makes good use of all the capabilities on the DS! I got surprised by how good and sensitive the voice recognition is in Brain Age, a big improvement from the one they used in Nintendogs imo.

I can't wait to let my parents try it out, even though they can't read or speak English but they should manage most of the tasks, especially Sudoku which my mom loves.

Wait until you unlock all the practice games. There are some really fun ones later on.

Want the full list? lol... I just posted it on another forum I post at.

Thanks very much for the pics.

There are only 2 practice games which require the ability to read English so just steer clear of those. Hope your parents enjoy it.

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