The DS Lite: a hardware review

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If there's anyone reading this who is still hanging onto their old DS, we implore you to give it to gaming's less fortunate and go for that lovely DS Lite everyone's been telling you about. Because our Justin has been loving his so much that he decided to tell you exactly why the console is the best thing since, well... the old DS.

Smaller

When you take the DS Lite out of its wonderfully simplistic box, the first thing you're sure to notice is its utter tinyness. In real terms, the DS Lite is small. Thinner, slimmer, and more dwarfish: no matter which way you look at it, it is much smaller. This means a lot. It fits better in your pockets and other small places and is less bulky to carry around while you play. No more awkward shoveling of the console into your jeans, and strange glances from other passengers on the bus. All of this is obviously good.

The bad, however, is that they had to reduce the size of the GBA cartridge slot. This does mean that your GBA games will stick out, but not enough to make most people mind. I think it is most certainly a trade-off most people would be willing to make for the smaller dimensions: an unfortunate, but inevitable, sacrifice. Anyway, what are you still bothering with GBA games for? Get with the program, fool!

Brighter

The Nintendo DS Lite is bright. Easily the first thing you notice about it when turning it on, is the shear luminance of the screens. Having such drastically brighter screens means a lot of things. First off, you are able to play in brighter conditions. Have you ever tried playing the original DS outside? Whether it be a cloudy or bright and sunny, that old DS is almost completely unplayable, resulting in annoying fidgeting to get the right angle. With brighter screens, you are now able to play in these conditions. The DS Lite has four adjustable brightness settings. The first one being dim, roughly comparable to the old DS we all knew and loved. The second one being semi-bright; I find it is good for playing in really dark conditions. The third is starting to get really bright, and is actually the setting I use most often.

Then there is the fourth, which is roughly equal to a thousand suns. This setting is very useful for playing outside on bright days, using as a flashlight to survive in a rainforest, or simply blinding burglars for the fun of it. The DS Lite screens are not only brighter, but overall better. Whites look whiter, and blacks look blacker. Everything is crisper, sharper, and clearer. This is how portable games should be played. Overall, the DS Lite and its new screens completely beat out the old DS� by a long shot.

Lighter

In this world we all live in, it is rare that heavier is better than lighter. Sure you want a heavy paper weight, but in general, lighter is better. Nintendo seem to have grasped this concept, as the DS Lite is a lot lighter than its older brother. Do you ever get those evil cramps while playing your original DS? I do, and I would say those are now fixed. Being a less heavy individual, the DS Lite is a lot more comfortable to hold in one hand. This makes all those touchy games much easier to deal with. Being light has other practical uses. For example, when you put it in your pocket, it is less likely to take your pants down with it. Some of us just don't need the embarrassment.

Sexier

In simple words, the DS Lite is hot. It is one good looking little gadget. The DS Lite is coated with a light shiny plastic, similar to the material you are used to on other gadgets. With a slim profile, and a shiny surface, it is sure to please any eyes. All the curves are smooth, and the material is just nice to hold. Being embarrassed over playing your DS in public is no more. Impressing members of the opposite sex at social gatherings with your games console is one step closer. Perhaps.

Better

For anyone that has played an original DS, and enjoyed it, the DS Lite is just right. With smaller dimensions, better screens, and a sexy new look, it is perfect for anyone who has first-handedly experienced the power of touching. The DS has the games, now it has the looks. World domination is surely only weeks away.

GCTonyHawk7
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Want more DS Lite for your buck? We've got some brand new wallpapers on the media page, just for you. Can you feel the Lite love?