The DS Lite U.S. Launch

Yesterday Nintendo began selling the upgraded version of their popular DS handheld system, and by all accounts sales are going very well. 1up has a look at the story of the DS so far, from somewhat rocky launch up through this last amazing Christmas season. From the article: "Nintendo had lost its collective mind. At least, that's how it looked back in January 2004 when the company announced its latest system, the DS. 'We have developed Nintendo DS based upon a completely different concept from existing game devices in order to provide players with a unique entertainment experience for the 21st century,' company president Satoru Iwata stated--a bold proclamation. But few were buying it." PC Magazine has details on what was upgraded, and Engadget has pictures from the NYC launch party.

Comments

I've not been this hopped up for a console in ages

[Rachel Lucid]

After both my brother (PSP) and sister (DS) have apparently succumbed to the mobile craze, I'm ready to take the leap in with 'em with the DS Lite.

I fell in love with this trimmed-down tricked-out console the instant I saw one of my classmates in college playing an imported version, and the only thing holding me back now is the promise of ice blue DS Lites.

While it'll be a shame to have to pass up Ratchet: Size Matters, the point remains that Insomniac does not a console make, especially when the console in question is a $250 brick versus a console that can also default into your home media player.

Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen

[laxcat]

I know most techies get really protective of their gadgets, but I've been rockin' my DS Fat since launch with no lower screen protection whatsoever, and I still have no visible damage. The screen tends to get a little greasy from games that encourage you to just use your finger, but that's the only real loss in visibility, and is obviously easily remedied every once in a while.

The screen was built to be touched, and while I can't speak for sure for the new Lites (I can't imagine otherwise), you'll have the best, most visible experience just using the product as it was designed.

Take a deep breath! Take that cloudy plastic off! This is game system, after all. It's no fun if you're stressed about keeping it pristine for the next ten years.

Re:stuck pixelies

[Gulthek]

Not so, Nintendo will repair (not replace) a DS Lite with even one dead pixel. I should know, my prepaid UPS label for sending my DS Lite in for repair is on its way.

From the Nintendo DS Lite Customer Service Page:

White (or Other Color) Dot on the Screen
With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color, such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly. Even with the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers, you will find this situation is common in many LCD devices (PC monitors, televisions, cell phones, etc.), and is within LCD manufacturers' specifications.

It's important to understand that this issue will remain limited to the pixels you have already noticed. The problem will not get any worse and you should not expect to see the problem in any other areas of the screen.
We suggest you use your system for a few weeks to determine whether this interferes with your enjoyment of game play. If, after using your system for awhile, you feel that this tiny dot is too distracting, the Nintendo DS Lite does carry a one-year warranty. We are happy to inspect and, if necessary, fix your system at no charge within the warranty period.

Re:Fragile.

[rAiNsT0rm]

At the EB near my house, they have already gone through 3 DS Lites replacing broken ones. On was a D-Pad that was DOA, and the other two were cracked casings... so apparently they are fragile. The manager said that both of their in-store demo units had been cracked within hours too, which was the first I had heard of this.

I don't really like the mushy buttons and smaller size, but I LOVE the screens, the new stylus, the layout, and a few other bonuses.

So now I am torn, after hearing of some issues, and my few complaints, I'm probably going to hold out for a bit longer just to see.