Nintendo DS Lite

The Nintendo DS Lite (sometimes abbreviated NDSL/ DSL or DSLite) is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It is a slimmer, more lightweight redesign of the earlier Nintendo DS model, aesthetically sleeker to compliment Nintendo's upcoming Wii, and to appeal to broader commercial audiences. It was announced on January 26, 2006, more than a month before its first territorial launch in Japan on March 2, 2006 due to overwhelming demand for the original model. It has been released in Japan, Australia, North America, and Europe.

Characteristics

The Nintendo DS Lite is 42% smaller in volume and 21% lighter than the original Nintendo DS. The layout of the controls has been adjusted slightly, with the Start/Select buttons being moved below the ABXY buttons. The stylus slides horizontally into the right side of the system, and the microphone has been relocated to the hinge in the center of the system. The power button, located above the D-pad on the original DS, has been changed to a spring-loaded switch located on the right side of the system. This switch must be held in position briefly to turn the system off. The top screen has also been updated; it's twice as thin as the original top screen. The touch screen remains of the same model. Both screens have an upgraded backlight panel. A firmware upgrade enables the user to select four different backlight brightness settings where the original DS could only turn it on or off. Surprisingly, the DS Lite's backlight can't be switched off completely, unless done in-game. The screen borders touch when the clamshell is closed, therefore preventing an object from slipping between them and scratching or otherwise damaging the display surfaces. Dimensions of the improved screens are the same as on the original Nintendo DS (62 x 46 mm, 77 mm diagonal). The Nintendo DS Lite maintains all of the functions the original Nintendo DS provided—including backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance cartridges—although, as with the original Nintendo DS, the DS Lite does not support Game Boy or Game Boy Color games. GBA cartridges now protrude about 1 cm from the DS Lite's casing. The DS Lite also comes with a non-protruding GBA filler cartridge to protect the slot and maintain the slick aesthetics of the handheld when no GBA game is inserted. An interesting feature of the system is that, since GBA carts stick out, the DS Lite supports the e-Reader, something that the original DS didn't without modification.

Features

Weight: 218g (21% lighter than the original DS).
Dimensions: 133 mm × 73.9 mm × 21.5 mm (vs. 148.7 mm × 84.7 mm × 28.9 mm - 42% less volume).
Larger stylus; easier to hold. (Stylus Dimensions: Length 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm vs 75.0 mm × 4.0 mm of the original DS)
A much more durable, scratch-resistant touch screen.
In Japan, the wrist strap no longer includes a thumb stylus; in the United States, Australia and Europe, the wrist strap is omitted entirely.
D-pad reduced to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller), A/B/X/Y buttons retain same dimensions.
Improved screens with four levels of brightness, all of which are brighter than the original DS.
Battery life: 15–19 hours on the lowest brightness setting, 5–8 hours on the highest.
Retains the Game Boy Advance game connector ("Slot 2"), otherwise known as the Expansion Port. However, due to the reduced size, GBA cartridges protrude by 1 cm at the front of the unit. To preserve a seamless surface, a hollow cartridge to fill the port is included.
The DS Lite mimics some of the design features of the Wii: a D-pad with lines (also shared by the Game Boy Micro) and Century Gothic font face on the buttons.
Five colours: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Noble Pink and Black (see Colors below).
Features a much sturdier hinge than the previous model, which was somewhat fragile. (although their is now some debate to this. See below under "Cracked Hinge Scandal.")
Capable of receiving Wi-Fi settings from the original DS system and other DS Lites.
New External Extention Connection, rendering it incompatible to accessories for the Gameboy Advance EXT2 port (Power cords and headphone adapters). The power port was changed to prevent cross-use of DS Lite and original DS adapters, because the Lite's power adapter supplies a higher current for the more powerful battery.

Colors & Limited Editions

Colors

On February 10, 2006 Nintendo revealed the color schemes of the DS Lite upon launch. Available in Japan: Crystal White, Ice Blue and Enamel Navy. However, due to manufacturing problems only the Crystal White was available at its launch; the other two colors arrived on March 11 2006. In North America, the DS Lite was only available in white (named 'Polar White') at launch. In Europe, the system is available in either in Polar White or a black edition which at the time of the European launch was unique to the region (Called 'Smart Black'). In Japan, Nintendo will release DS Lite in Noble Pink on July 20, 2006 and in Jet Black on Sep 2, 2006. Other colors may eventually be released, as is customary with Nintendo's handheld gaming systems.

Limited Editions

On July 12, 2006 it was announced that a limited edition DS Lite would be released in conjunction with the release of the Final Fantasy III remake. This package would feature a crystal white DS Lite, with artwork of Final Fantasy III by Akihiko Yoshida. The initial cost will be ¥22,780 ($198).^*

On July 13th, 2006 it was revealed that, in conjunction with the promotion for the upcoming Pokémon Diamond and Pearl games, a limited run of special DS Lite packages would be available through a drawing open to members of the Japanese Pokémon DAISUKI Club. These packages would feature Crystal White DS Lites with the popular Pokemon character Pikachu artwork on the front.^*

Launch

Japan

The Nintendo DS Lite's suggested retail price in Japan is JP¥16,800, but due to lack of supply and excessive demand of Nintendo DS systems following the Nintendo DS Lite's launch in Japan, many Asian electronics distributors raised the retail price of the redesigned handheld console to JP¥23,300. On some Japanese auction sites it was being offered for prices as high as JP¥40,000. Even though Nintendo managed to release 550,000 units in March (which was above their initial projections), many excited Japanese gamers were left empty-handed soon afterwards. The shortage was supposed to be eased after Nintendo released 700,000 DS Lites during April of 2006. However, retailers in Tokyo yet again are sold-out as of late May 2006.

Australia

The Nintendo DS Lite was released in Australia on June 1, 2006, for dollar|AU$" target="_blank" >^*199.95. The Polar White colour was available at launch, which included a demo of Brain Age. No information has been given on the release of other colours.

North America

The Nintendo DS Lite was released on June 11, 2006, for States dollar|USD$" target="_blank" >^*129.99 in the US, and dollar|CA$" target="_blank" >^*149.95 in Canada. Only the Polar White version was available.

There have been various reports of North American Target, Wal-mart, Kmart, and Meijer stores having sold DS Lite units as early as May 30, 2006, breaking the official launch date.

On June 12, 2006 GameSpot reported that North American DS Lites had sold out at major online retailers, as well as several brick-and-mortar stores.

On June 13, 2006 Nintendo announced that 136,500 units were sold between Sunday and Monday, and it seems to be on pace to the 500,000 sold by the original DS in its first 10 days.

Europe

The Nintendo DS Lite was officially released in Europe on June 23, 2006, for GB£99.99 in the UK, and €149.99 in the rest of Europe. Black and white units were available at launch. In just 10 days, Nintendo announced it had sold 200,000 DS Lites in Europe. The black color will be exclusive to Europe initially. As of April 2006, the "Nintendo DS: in touch with original comedy" advertisements shown in the UK on Channel 4 have been changed to include the DS Lite.

On June 12, 2006 Chinese media organization Sina reported that Kong dollar|HK$" target="_blank" >^*18 million (States dollar|US$" target="_blank" >^*2.8 million) worth of black DS Lites were stolen in Hong Kong. These units were to ship to Europe for a street date of June 23, 2006. Later, GamesIndustry.biz reported that Nintendo had indeed confirmed the theft.

On July 11, 2006, Nintendo announced that the total numbers of Nintendo DS in Europe had reached over 5 million.

China

On June 29, 2006, iQue company officially released NDSL as "iQue DS Lite" in China, for CNҰ1198. White and dark blue versions were available.

Korea

On July 8, 2006, Nintendo announced that its latest subsidiary, Nintendo of Korea, led by Mineo Kouda, will be released on July 20, 2006. http://thewiire.com/news/358/1/Nintendo_Opens_Korean_Offices

Cracked Hinge Scandal

As of July 15, 2006, there are reports of cracks appearing on the hinge nearest the left shoulder button.http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8472http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8474 Hard data is scarce, but anecdotal evidencehttp://dslcracked.awardspace.com/ suggests that relatively new, well-treated, and otherwise pristine handhelds are not immune. Those same anecdotal sources suggest a possible correlation between the appearance of the flaw and the color of the handheld. In particular, there is some indication that only the polar white version is affected. Finally, those same anecdotal sources have posited that the hinge is only stressed when the device is opened beyond the first clicking point to the second clicking point.

Image gallery

Image:Nintendo DS Lite (closed).jpg|The DS Lite closed. Image:Nintendo DS Lite (top open on).jpg|The DS Lite turned on and fully open. Image:Nintendo DS Lite (closeup buttons).jpg|The Start/Select buttons have been moved below the A/B/X/Y buttons. Image:Nintendo DS Lite (front).jpg|The front with volume on left side, headphones on the right and GBA slot in the middle. Image:Nintendo DS Lite (right side).jpg|Remodelled Stylus and Relocated Power Switch. Image:Nintendo DS Lite (top with pen and cart).jpg|The GBA filler cart and stylus below the DS Lite. Image:Dscompare.jpg|The DS Lite next to the original DS. Image:Ds lite brightness comparison.gif|Brightness Level Comparison Image:DS Lite GBAcart.jpg|GBA Cartridge fully inserted Image:Ff3ds.jpg|Final Fantasy III DS Lite, Limited Edition

References

External links

Nintendo DS | Handheld game consoles | Nintendo consoles | Seventh-generation video game consoles | Wi-Fi

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