Review by Nite:

People will no doubt find the Nintendo DS Lite to be a way for Nintendo to sucker people out of their money. It can be that way, if you think of yourself as a sucker, but for me the DS lite is a little better. Simply put, if you’re content with your original DS, then don’t even waste time to buy this one. If you don’t have a DS period, the DS Lite is a much better investment than the original bulky one.

With the DS Lite, gameplay is made a little simplar. The button placement and brighter screen make the gameplay a little better. For one, the start and select buttons have been moved to resemble where they were on the original Gameboy Advance. This makes handling some of the functions (especially for GBA games) a lot easier. The buttons, sadly, are a still a little small for guys with big hands like myself.

The DS Lite also comes with a phony GBA cartridge (called a “cap”). If you don’t have a GBA game plugged into the system, you can put in the phony cartridge to keep it from collecting dust in there. However, when you do stick in a GBA game, it sticks out by about a centimeter. It just looks weird. The cap does, at least, keep the system looking good.

Perhaps the most welcome change to the DS Lite is the screen. The original DS screen was not exactly bright. In fact, it was, in comparison the DS Lite, rather dark. Games like Metroid Prime Hunters were darker than they had to be. On this new screen, the difference in how bright the games appear really shows. Not only that but, you can adjust the brightness if need be. It doesn’t really affect the battery life, either. You can play the DS Lite for as long as you played the original. And also like the original, it charges while you play.

Another welcome difference is the touch screen itself. These screens last a lot longer than the original DS. Those who have an original DS no doubt experienced a lot of scratches on their screen from their stylus. To the point where it was noticeable. You could still see the screen, but it was apparent that the stylus was doing a number on it. The screen is more protected here. The stylus doesn’t scratch the screen quite as easily. In other words, the touch screen lasts a lot longer.

The DS Lite also looks better, and fits in your pocket better. It also performs all the tasks of a regular DS. For example, if you’re playing a game and you suddenly have to go, just flip it closed and it sleeps. There’s also a place to store the stylus, and the stylus is better too. It’s a little bigger and thicker, so it’s not quite as easy to lose.

Some problems with the original DS still plague the DS Lite however. You still can’t play Gameboy Color or regular Gameboy games on the DS Lite. Also, you still can’t configure the controls to play a GBA game much easier. In other words you can’t configure “X” and “Y” when you play a GBA game. This probably won’t bother you in the long run, however. Also, the touch screen still has its sensitivity. Touching the touch screen with your bare hands is more dangerous than the stylus scratching the screen. The oils from your fingers might damage the screen and therefore, it won’t respond to the touch of even your stylus.

When the original DS launched, owners will note that there were not very many good games availible. About the only good game during its launch in 2004 was Super Mario 64 DS. Now there are plenty of games out there (and not all of them are ports), so if you do want a DS, this is a great time to get one, and the DS Lite is a better investment than the original one by far.

The DS may not play movies, or MP3 players, but to be honest, that almost defeats the purpose of a gaming system. Am I looking to buy a portable entertainment center? Of course not, I’m looking to find a system to play some of my games on, and the Nintendo DS delivers. Real gamers know it’s about the games, not about the bells and whistles of a system. For the casual gamer, the Nintendo DS delivers, and the DS Lite is a fine improvement.

The Good

+Vastly superior to the original DS

+It fits in your pocket easier

+The Screen is much brighter

+Touch screen is more durable

+The placement of the Start and Select buttons is easier

+A better stylus

+The battery life is unchanged

The Bad

-Those with an original DS, who want a DS Lite will have to spend more money for yet another DS

-Some of the cons of the original DS are still here

Review by Mark:

Nintendo’s newest DS Lite adds a cool new color scheme and some subtle improvements.

Pros

+ Awesome cobalt-blue and black color scheme – looks almost royal blue or purple!

+ Black base is a more grip-able matte finish that doesn’t smudge and holds well in your hand

+ Nice design – thin DS Lite form factor you know and love

+ Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation

+ Less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and 20 percent lighter

+ Well placed microphone in the center of the unit

+ Well placed LED lights visible when the unit is open or closed, indicating power on and low battery

+ Wi-fi connectivity allows for DS Download Play and Muli-card play

+ Works with original DS games and GameBoy Advance games

+ Lower price point than competing portables like the PSP (0 versus 0)

+ Great selection of low priced games to add to your collection!

+ Great game selection for adults, particularly learning and puzzle games

+ Multi-player wireless game play for games like MarioParty and New Super Mario offers great fun!!

+ Convenient stylus storage slot on the right underside of the unit

+ Awesome battery life that only requires recharging after many days of use!!!

+ Cool (though seldom used) novelty app called PictoChat for DS to DS chatting

+ Availability of add-on programs for wireless web surfing and other apps

+ Great accessories market, but beware low quality providers such as Switch&Carry (BD&A)

Cons

- GameBoy Advance game slot leaves cartridges sticking out and not flush

- Shiny cobalt top still attracts smudges – no biggie

- Reports of common issues with hinge cracking from regular use; time will tell if it’s been fixed

- Somewhat slow start-up with DS Download play

- Some cheapo accessories are Nintendo certified: AVOID Switch&Carry (BD&A), stick with Pelican!!!!

- Limited built-in configuration settings (only military time format????)

- Need to exit games to access key configuration settings like brightness, etc.

- Colors produced in limited quantities and sell out too quickly!!!!

Looks and Form Factor

I’ve owned several DS lites, including the Onyx Black model. I chose the DS over the PSP for the games. PSP 2000 Console – Piano Black

This is by far the best looking DS Lite!! The cobalt blue on black color scheme shines a hue that’s closer to royal blue or deep purple! The top is still a shiny smudge magnet, but it looks so cool anyway! Just wipe it down.

The decision to make the base a matte black is both great for looks and function. The unit is easier to hold, doesn’t smudge on the matte black part, and won’t slip out of your hand as much as previous models. This feature started in the new BrainAge2 bundle with the red top. You can kind of see this from the pictures but it’s not really highlighted in the descriptions. Considering this is the 1 biggest improvement, that surprised me.

I’ve also heard that the hinge was improved for durability, but I can’t visually see a difference and I’m not going to dismantle it to find out. It’s a common known problem that hinge cracking has been the only common defect, so just handle with care. I personally haven’t had a single DS falter on me in any way.

Other than that, same DS Lite form factor that you know and love. The only real gripe is that every version of the DS Lite is produced in very limited numbers and sells out in a few months. So if you like a color, you have to act fast before they disappear from retail!

Game Play and Functions

This handheld is very well designed for game play. The speakers and microphone built in to the unit are more than adequate, and you can attach peripherals or headphones to the included port.

Nintendo has done a great job of very targeted well designed games. Kids games like MarioParty Mario Party DS and the New Super Mario Brothers New Super Mario Bros. are fun and engaging! Get a group of friends together and play each other with only 1 game cartridge using DS Download play and versus modes!

Similarly, plenty of games for adults including the cult favorite BrainAge Brain Age, the new BrainAge 2 Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day and my personal favorite Big Brain AcademyBig Brain Academy!

Plus now language games like MyWordCoach My Word Coach

and MySpanishCoach My Spanish Coach offer more edutainment options to a growing list of games!

Nintendo has decided that fun game play and great design is more important than high-end graphics in a handheld, and I think they’re right!

Features

The most notable DS Lite features are based on the Wireless connectivity. Some add-on applications even allow you to wirelessly surf the net. There are even apps that allow you to do other stuff like play MP3s with it!

Many games offer multi-card play (each player needs a card) or download play (1 card needed for 2-8 players) that both use the wireless connection.

The device has awesome battery life, and I’ve gone a week of light use without having to recharge. The heavier the use, the more you will need to charge it.

The configuration screen lets you set one of 4 brightness modes, which will also allow you to make your charge last. Some options aren’t easily set . It seems to default to military time. Also, you can’t change your brightness while in a game. Still those things are minor in context.

Your game scores and profiles are saved on memory stored on the game cartridges. That means you don’t have to worry about transferring your info from one DS to the other.

Hopefully the next version includes a faster wireless. Loading those games just seems to take too long. Still, it works and once again, this is a minor gripe.

Conclusion

Overall this device is an improvement. Nintendo’s DS will continue to attract fans. Just make more of them guys!!! These colors sell out too fast!

You will want to buy a nice case and screen protectors to protect your DS! Avoid all Switch&Carry accessories!

Here’s some of the ones I like!

Nintendo DS Lite Invisi Shields

Nintendo DS Black Nerf Armor

Enjoy!!!!!

Review by Mike London:

Arguably the single most important console in video game history, Nintendo Entertainment System (hereafter referred to as the NES), along with SUPER MARIO BROTHERS, singlehandedly resurrected the video game industry after the historic crash of 1983-1984. Rather than reviewing the system itself, which has been done many times, I think many people may find the history how of this revolutionary console came to the videogame industry’s rescue very interesting; I know I do. I draw much of this information from various websites, one very good one in particular; unfortunately, I can’t really plug them due to Amazon’s policies. Email me if you want the websites.

By 1983, the gaming industry, in existence for a mere twelve years, had risen to an astonishing 3.2 billion dollar industry. Atari spearheaded the industry, which introduced its first console in 1977 (Atari Video Computer System), and since had grown to hold two thirds of the entire market. However, in 1984 all this would end with a thunderous crash. This concise overview will show you the history of the home consol crash and how the NES came to the rescue.

In 1976, Warner Communications bought Atari for million from the company’s founder, Nolan Bushnell. Over the next two years, Atari, suffering major production problems and Bushnell’s bizarre management, lost Warner millions. Bushnell and Warner’s CEO fought, and in 1978 Bushnell was forced to leave. Warner totally revamped the working style, and in 1979-1980, produced twelve new titles. However, Atari was still dragging down Warner’s stock. Struggling to gain the market share, Atari made the smartest move they possible could have; in 1980, they began licensing arcade games, the first being SPACE INVADERS. Over the next two years, Atari overtook the market, bringing in over half of Warner’s overall profits.

However, very significant problems would totally destroy the infant industry. In 1981, Atari released PAC MAN on the VCS, and, because it was such a huge arcade hit, quickly became a bestseller. Unfortunately, the quality was very low. This was a major blow to the company’s image, with fans and critics alike extremely disappointed.

Another major stumble was one of video games’ most infamous games, ET. Warner bought the rights from Spielberg for twenty one million dollars. Atari, expecting the game to be as big a hit as the movie, which was the highest grossing film at that point, purportedly made more ET cartridges than there were consoles themselves. ET proved to be a huge flop, nearly breaking Atari.

By 1983, Atari was in serious trouble. Suing Activision (which was disgruntled Atari employees who broke off and formed their own company) and Imagic, the two leading third party developers, Atari tried to gain control over its software catalogue. Atari lost the suits. Third party developers began popping up overnight, and the industry becomes saturated with very low-quality products. (One of the most controversial is CUSTER’S REVENGE by Mystique, where the goal is to rape a Native American woman while avoiding being shot by arrows.) The third-party developers went bankrupt; these cartridges were heavily discounted, and the major companies couldn’t compete. Another factor is the home computer market, that was just starting to come alive in 1984. With an increasing amount of computer games and low prices, people started buying these over the consoles.

All these factors lead to the crash of 1984. In 1983 alone, Atari lost 6 million ( million daily). Warner sold Atari to Jack Tramiel, former head of Commodore. The video game industry died, with no major American corporation coming anywhere near it. Enter Nintendo.

A little history here will be highly illuminating as well. What many people don’t realise is Nintendo is a very old company, founded in 1889 (yes, you read that right) as a playing card company. It became Japan’s largest playing card company, and was very successful. In the 1960s, they moved away from the cards and got into the game and toy markets. (A very interesting sidenote: during that same decade, Nintendo’s president opened up a `special hotel’ rented `by the hour.’ Supposedly, the married president was one of the hotel’s top customers). In the 1970s and early 1980s, the company scored significant points with big arcade hits and the Game and Watch product line. In 1983, Nintendo released the Famicom (Family Computer). It was a massive hit in Japan. In 1983, Nintendo went to Atari because they wanted to release the Famicon to the American market. Do to complications I won’t go into, the deal fail through. In 1984 they were looking to broaden their market share.

1985, Nintendo announced the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System. They release SUPER MARIO BROTHERS in Japan, scoring a huge hit. In 1986, the NES comes full throttle into the American market, quickly becoming the biggest selling console ever, largely because of that title. The NES owes much of its success to SUPER MARIO BROTHERS. Coming prepacked with the console, there are an estimated 40 million copies of SMB in existence, making it the highest selling video game ever.

Unparalleled, SMB blew open the doors to the videogaming world. With rich palettes of colour, eight four level worlds, spot-on play control, and expert level design, SMB was a much longer game than most of Atari’s products and was a game unlike any other at that time. SMB also had the benefit of being very simple to grasp; run, jump, and fire. It was also the first side-sroller as we know it, though Atari’s PITFALL set up the concept. Also, it’s one of the best. Without SMB, NES wouldn’t have been nearly as big a hit in the beginning.

In the end, Nintendo came at the industry’s key moment. With a powerful new console (for that time) and a very well-designed game, Nintendo resurrected video gaming. With its phenomenal success of the NES and SMB, the video game industry once again took off, becoming one of the world’s most significant economical contributors.

And we very largely have the NES to thank for it.

Review by Arcade Extreme:

Some sellers think they can fool you into buying the “Yobo” Famicom clone. This is an imported system, that is not even allowed in the USA. These units are knock-off’s like a fake purse or watch you buy on the streets, cheaply made and they cost very little on the wholesale market. While these units do play Nintendo software, they are not Nintendo systems, and can actually wreck your games. They have no collectors value, and Nintendo has made legal battles to try and stop the import of these units. Don’t get stuck with one of these stink bombs. The bad sellers try to fool you, calling it a top loader. Don’t be fooled, make sure you only buy from sellers offering “Genuine Nintendo” hardware. This review gives 1 star to the Yobo Famicom. But ***** FIVE STARS for the Real “Genuine Nintendo” NES!

Review by Ashitaka:

Let’s face it, Monopoly is undoubtedly the king of all board games. Long and yet hopelessly addicting, there’s no better way for a group of friends of family members to spend the hours of a rainy day together then gathered around the Monopoly board. One of the most special aspects of the brand is of course the way that nearly all kinds of franchises and ideas can fit into one of the specialty Monopoly boxes, and Nintendo is apparently no different.

Upon seeing it in a recent issue of Nintendo Power I knew I had to have it. After all I am a huge Monopoly fan as well as a huge Nintendo fan; it seemed to be a match made in heaven. All of your favorite characters make appearances; from Kirby to Yoshi, Link to Fox McCloud, the gang’s all here. Each major game series has it’s own property set, and I’ll list them in order starting at cheapest and going all the way up to boardwalk; Waluigi and Wario; Slippy Toad, Falco Lombardi and Fox McCloud; Meta Knight, King Dedede and Kirby; Metroid, Ridley and Samus Aran; Toad, Princess Peach and Yoshi; Dixie Kong, Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong; Ganondorf, Princess Zelda and Link; finally, who else but Luigi and Mario.

Mario Kart, the Blue Falcon, Kirby’s Warpstar and an Airwing replace the traditional four railroads, although fans might be upset that Epona isn’t anywhere to be seen in this regard. A 1-Up Mushroom space takes over the Income Tax spot and a Treasure Chest Deposit replaces the Luxury Tax space while a Piranha Plant and Warp Pipe replace the Electric Company and Water Works respectivly. ? Blocks replace the traditional Chance space while Coin Block spaces take the place of Community Chest areas. Finally the pewter tokens are different; Mario’s Cap, Link’s Shield, Link’s Iron Boots, a DK Barrel, a Koopa Shell and a classic NES controller.

Diving a bit deeper, some of the parts could honestly be improved. Aside from the property spaces the other franchises are almost non-existent, so after a while you feel like you’re playing Mariopoly with a little dash of other Nintendo franchises. Instead of Coin Block spaces, why not Legend of Zelda treasure chests? How about do away with the Koopa Shell and Iron Boots in favor of tokens from other series, like Kirby’s Star Rod or Samus in Morph Ball form? The different denominations of money and Coin Block and ? Block cards ALL have nothing but Mario on them, which is sad as this Monopoly should be a celebration of all of Nintendo’s franchises. And although they aren’t truly Nintendo franchises, I know many fans will be disappointed with the lack of Nintendo staples like the Earthbound and Fire Emblem series’. This isn’t to mention that a Piranha Plant as the Electric Company makes no sense at all; where’s Pikachu?

These, overall, are minor complaints and let me make it clear that I am still very happy with the game and would still buy it over again knowing all this, but my point is that for die-hard Nintendo fans like myself something comes to mind upon inspecting the game: a little more creativity could go along way into making this truly NINTENDOPOLY and not Mariopoly.

The Bottom Line: If you are a Nintendo fan and like Monopoly, this is for you without a doubt. Monopoly game collectors shouldn’t miss this opportunity either.

Review by N. Davis:

I purchased this Nintendo Monpoly game for my son who is a video game freak. He loved this board game almost as much as his video games. We spent many hours as a family playing this game together. It is also a very educational game because you use math and stratigies to win. I would recommed this game to anyone who likes both board games and video games.

Review by Catalina J.:

This cases are really beautiful, they are exactly as the images and they fit perfectly!!

Review by Ailyn Delgado:

I ordered four in other colors. They fit nice on the controls. Love the colors. Now everyone has a personalize control.