Nintendo DS Lite Review

Nintendo DS Lite ($129.99; Nintendo.com)

(Recommended)

It has only been a year and a half since Nintendo released the original DS, turning the handheld market on its ear with a quirky approach to game playing. Using the Dual Screens of the DS and a stylus to control action sure seemed odd at the time. But after a year and a half the DS has not only been a certifiable success- it’s also rated as the top handheld in the industry, despite a more powerful and versatile competitor in Sony’s PSP.

So where does the House of Mario get off in releasing the same system with a shiny new package in less than two years? I suppose we can thank Steve Jobs for this by introducing a new iPod every year that looks smaller and cooler, but does all the same things the older, larger one did. Nintendo’s just following suit- can you blame them?

For those who’ve not yet taken the plunge into the DS, now is a perfect time to- as the system is not only cheaper than before, but smaller and brighter than ever. The DS Lite is true to its name in being about ¼ smaller than the original DS and a heck of a lot sleeker. Taking another cue from the iPod, the DS Lite now comes in glossy white- both a plus and a minus. With the old DS, its ugliness meant that no one gave it a second thought to fold it up and chuck it into the back of a backpack or car. Doing so with the DS Lite means taking a risk on (gasp!) marring the sleek exterior. Like the iPod Nano, the only way to keep it pretty means purchasing a separate case- something most parents will want to keep in mind if they want to save themselves from giving the “that’s why you can’t have nice things” lecture.

Aside from the smaller, prettier package, the DS Lite also boasts a brighter screen. The difference can really be seen when comparing the original DS to the Lite- colors are remarkably more brilliant and good-looking games, like “New Super Mario Bros.” really benefit from the illumination. Of course, that also means that the screen accentuates the not-so graphically impressive titles (yea, I’m looking at YOU “Resident Evil”).

The positioning of the stylus and microphone have switched to more convenient locations, but everything else is still where it was before- just tinier. The feel of the buttons are more solid, again less toy-like; and the weight is… well… “Lite.”

As much as I love the size, and the improved portability, shrinking the unit down does have its downsides when it comes to the hand-cramp-a-thon that occurs during extended sessions of play. Plan on taking a break if you are playing on a long trip, otherwise you may be reduced to permanent, claw-like hands. This is especially pronounced when playing a game like “Metroid Prime Hunters” which already has a fair share of discomfort due to the layout of controls, but when played for a long time on the DS Lite- mercy me!

Ultimately though, there are no complaints. Gaming, like fashion, is pain sometimes. And when you have a gaming machine that’s as fashionable as the DS Lite, be prepared to Mellencamp the night away:

Come on baby make it hurt so good.