Nintendo - DS Lite Console Review

For Christmas, each of my boys (ages 6 and 9) received onyx black Nintendo DS Lite Consoles.  I honestly didn't know much about these little game consoles and what they could do.  After seeing the excitement on my sons' faces, I realized that they must be pretty special.   Since these were gifts, I am not sure what was paid at the time but I do know that they are selling online for around $130. 

The Facts

• It's less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter.
• Its two bright screens can be adjusted to four levels to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power.
• The microphone sits in the center of the unit, and the LED lights are clearly visible whether the unit is open or closed.
• The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 1 millimeter thicker than the stylus of the original, and slides into a side storage slot.
• The Start and Select buttons were repositioned for easier access.

Our Experience

Since I personally don't know much about gaming systems, a lot of this review is based on what my two boys (make that three, to include my husband) have told me as I was writing this review. 

What I say  

I can personally say that I know that my sons use their Nintendo DS Lite Consoles a lot.  They usually go in separate rooms and chat back and forth, similar to IM'ing on the computer.  Instead of tapping on keys, you use the touch screen with the stylus to write, draw or touch the letters to type in something on the virtual keyboard.  Chatting and playing games can be done with others in the area up to 100 feet. From what I understand, you must first have a WIFI ready game though to use this feature.  My children use it when we take lengthy car trips and take it with them when they go on overnights to their Aunt's house.  I like the variety of games they can choose from since the console takes both the Nintendo DS games and the Gameboy Advance games. I was surprised that my six year old was able to quickly learn how to use this portable gaming system.  He learned and loves it just as my nine year old does.

What they say   

My oldest son says that he really likes how colorful and bright the screen is.  He also enjoys the ability to choose from a wide variety of games.  The built-in wireless mode to share games, chat or even play multiplayer games on-line via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is a really cool feature to him although he says that he sometimes has problems with the connection.  (I don't think he completely understands the concept of Wi-Fi yet)

My youngest son says that he thinks it is cool looking and loves that he can draw pictures and send them to his brother who is in another room.  He likes that he can play games in the car while we are driving because he normally gets bored.

My husband says for all the features this little console comes with, he believes it is well worth the $130 that is being charged.  He says the battery life is excellent and that the console is very durable considering what our kids do to it.  He is now hinting that he wants his own.  Boys will be boys right??   

My Final Viewpoint

The onyx black Nintendo DS Lite Console is truly a great product.  We have no complaints here and this slick looking product is one that the whole family can enjoy.  I have chatted with my kids on it and it is a lot of fun.  Based on everyone's review in my household we recommend it and are going with a 5 star rating.