Nintendo - DS Lite Console Review

I had a Game Boy Advance system that I never used because it was difficult to see the screen. The lighting was very dim. Since the new Nintendo DS came out, I've wanted to get one. I finally bought the Nintendo DS Lite over a year ago at Sam‘s Club. I just love this handheld video game system. The best part of owning one of these systems is the hours of fun you will have playing the games. It is very hard for me to put my system down once I start a game.

About the Nintendo DS Lite~
The Nintendo DS Lite is a handheld video game system. It is lightweight, fits in your hands comfortably, and the controls are easy to use. The top flips up to reveal two LCD screens that are ultra bright. Each 3" screen can reproduce a true 3D view. You can view the screen horizontally and vertically. In addition, you can flip it for left-handed users. The screens can be adjusted to four levels. The lower screen is a touch-screen. You don't have to use the buttons as much. Navigate the menus just by simply touching the screen with the stylus or even your fingertip. The Nintendo DS Lite comes with two color-coordinated stylus and the stylus slides into a side storage slot.

You can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while playing and compete with other players with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. All you need is a compatible router or a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector. You can connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. Multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card. The wireless range is 30-100 feet. There are no subscription fees and the service is free.

There is a built-in microphone on the Nintendo DS Lite. It is located in the center of the unit along with the two indicator lights. You can tell your games what to do through the microphone. The stereo speakers allow for virtual surround sound and a plug for headphones. The lithium ion battery can deliver between 5-19 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use. The Nintendo DS Lite comes with an AC adapter for charging your handheld system.

The handheld system also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance cartridges. This allows you to play Game Boy Advance games if you have any. There is a removable cover for the Game Boy Advance game packs. It provides added protection from dust and other foreign materials.

My Viewpoint
I really love the design of the Nintendo DS Lite. It is fashionable and has a feminine look in the coral pink handheld system that I bought. There are other colors like the polar white, cobalt/black, and onyx black. There are two screens, top and bottom, that show different things depending on the game. The screens are brighter and I can actually see the game I'm playing. The graphics seem sharper and bolder.

It takes around 4 hours to charge the Nintendo DS Lite. The handheld system can last about 15 to 19 hours depending on the lowest light setting or about 5 to 8 hours on the highest setting. The battery life also depends on the game activity. The light turns red when the battery needs to be recharged, solid green when the battery status is good, blinking green when in wireless mode, and solid orange when plugged into the AC adapter and when it is charging.

The microphone and touch screen lets you get involved and interact with your game. I've never had any issues with my touch screen. The controls are easy to use and to understand. Your game scores and profiles are saved on memory that is stored on the game cartridges. If you have any of the Game Boy Advance cartridges, they can be played on the Nintendo DS Lite system. You can easily put the handheld system in your purse or pocket. The stylus pen is easy to use. You don't have to tap the touch screen hard to get it to work.

You can purchase MANY games for the Nintendo DS Lite. My favorite games are Brain Age 2, Fashion Designer, Horsez, Horsez 2, and Nintendogs. Most people will buy games, but there are other topics such as cooking lessons, weight-loss training, and dog obedience tips just to name a few. I usually purchase games for my Nintendo DS Lite at Amazon or Wal-Mart.

I would recommend the Nintendo DS Lite to anyone that loves playing video games. I give it 5 Stars! In 2009, a new Nintendo DS system is coming out. I've read this one has a digital camera in it.

UPDATE:
I had to replace my AC adapter because it quit charging my Nintendo DS Lite a few weeks ago. I noticed the cord had a slit in it. I'm thinking something sharp went across the cord. I just ordered a new AC adapter for under $9.00 on Amazon. I received it in about a week.