Nintendo DS Lite

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Revision as of 18:59, 11 August 2006

Nintendo DS Lite

File:Nintendo DS Lite logo.png
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Product family	Nintendo DS
Type	Handheld game console
Generation	Seventh generation era
Retail availability	March 2, 2006 June 1, 2006 June 11, 2006 June 11, 2006 June 23, 2006 June 29, 2006 July 20, 2006
Units sold	as of June 30, 2006:[1] 4.15 million (worldwide) 2.72 million (Japan)(3,533,399 as of August) 680 thousand (Americas) 760 thousand (Other)
Media	GBA cartridges Nintendo DS game cards
CPU	67 MHz ARM946E-S and 33 MHz ARM7TDMI[2]
Storage capacity	Cartridge save
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Online services	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Best-selling game	Nintendogs (all versions) [3]

The Nintendo DS Lite (sometimes abbreviated NDSL/DSL or DSLite, sold as the iQue DS Lite in China) 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 complement 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.^[4] It has been released in Japan, Australia, North America, Europe, and defined regions in South America.

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 Nintendo 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 half as thick 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 Nintendo DS could only turn it on or off. Surprisingly, the Nintendo 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 Nintendo DS Lite does not support Game Boy or Game Boy Color games.^[5] Game Boy Advance cartridges now protrude about 1 cm from the Nintendo DS Lite's casing. The Nintendo DS Lite also comes with a non-protruding Game Boy Advance filler cartridge to protect the slot and maintain the slick aesthetics of the handheld when no Game Boy Advance game is inserted.

Features

• Weight: 218g (21% lighter than the original Nintendo 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.^[6] (Stylus Dimensions: Length 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm vs 75.0 mm × 4.0 mm of the original Nintendo DS)
• A much more durable, scratch-resistant touch screen.^[6]
• 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 Nintendo DS.^[6]
• 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, Game Boy Advance 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 Nintendo DS Lite mimics some of the design features of the Wii: a D-pad with lines (also shared by the Game Boy Micro) and the typeface on the buttons.
• Five colours: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Noble Pink and Black (see Colors below).
• Capable of receiving Wi-Fi settings from the original Nintendo DS system and other Nintendo DS Lites.
• New External Extension Connection, rendering it incompatible to accessories for the Game Boy Advance EXT2 port (Power cords and headphone adapters). The power port was changed to prevent cross-use of Nintendo DS Lite and original Nintendo DS adapters, because the Lite's power adapter supplies a higher current for the more powerful battery.

Colors and limited editions

Colors

On February 10, 2006 Nintendo revealed the color schemes of the Nintendo DS Lite upon launch. Available in Japan: Crystal White, Ice Blue and Enamel Navy.^[7] 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 Nintendo DS Lite was and currently is still 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 released Nintendo DS Lite in Noble Pink on July 20, 2006 and will release Nintendo DS Lite in Jet Black on Sep 2, 2006.^[8] Other colors may eventually be released, as is customary with Nintendo's handheld gaming systems.^[9]

Limited editions

On July 12, 2006 it was announced that a limited edition Nintendo DS Lite would be released in conjunction with the release of the Final Fantasy III remake. This package would feature a crystal white Nintendo DS Lite, with artwork of Final Fantasy III by Akihiko Yoshida. The initial cost will be ¥22,780 ($198).^[10] On July 13, 2006 it was revealed that, in conjunction with the promotion for the upcoming Pokémon Diamond and Pearl games, a limited run of special Nintendo DS Lite packages would be available through a drawing open to members of the Japanese Pokémon DAISUKI Club. These packages would feature Crystal White Nintendo DS Lites with the popular Pokémon character Pikachu artwork on the front.^[11]

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.^[12] 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 Nintendo DS Lites during April of 2006. However, retailers in Tokyo sold out yet again by late May 2006.^[13]

Australia

The Nintendo DS Lite was released in Australia on June 1, 2006, for AU$199.95. The Polar White color was available at launch,^[14] which included a demo of Brain Age (known as Brain Training in Australia).^[15] No information has been given on the release of other colours.

North America

The Nintendo DS Lite was released on June 11, 2006, for USD$129.99 in the US, and CA$149.95 in Canada. Only the Polar White version was available.^[16]

There have been various reports of North American Target, Wal-mart, Kmart, and Meijer stores having sold Nintendo DS Lite units as early as May 30, 2006, breaking the official launch date.^[17]

On June 12, 2006 GameSpot reported that North American Nintendo DS Lites had sold out at major online retailers, as well as several brick-and-mortar stores.^[18]

On June 13, 2006 Nintendo announced that 136,500 units were sold between Sunday and Monday, and seemed to be on pace to the 500,000 sold by the original Nintendo DS in its first 10 days.^[19]

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 Eurozone. Black and white units were available at launch. In just 10 days, Nintendo announced it had sold 200,000 Nintendo DS Lites in Europe.^[20] 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 Nintendo DS Lite.

On July 11, 2006, Nintendo announced that the total numbers of Nintendo DS in Europe had reached over 5 million.^[21]

China

On June 12, 2006 Chinese media organization Sina reported that a container intended for shipment to Europe was stolen, which contained HK$18 million (US$2.8 million) worth of goods, including black Nintendo DS Lites and games.^[22] Later, GamesIndustry.biz reported that Nintendo had indeed confirmed that "A number of White DS Lite made for the UK market were stolen in Hong Kong [sic]."^[23]

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

South Korea

Nintendo released its latest subsidiary, Nintendo of Korea, led by Mineo Kouda, on July 20, 2006. The DS Lite was the first system to be released in South Korea. ^[24]

Cracked hinge problems

As of July 15, 2006, there are reports of cracks appearing on the hinge nearest the left shoulder button.^[25][26] Hard data is scarce, but anecdotal evidence^[27] 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; 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 detent to the second detent. Nintendo customer service claims that it will repair or replace the device free of charge if covered under warranty and is found to be a manufacturing defect, or will charge USD$50 otherwise.^[28]

There is a possible link between the cracked hinge issue and opening the DS Lite beyond its initial 'snap' point.^{[29][verification needed]} When opening the DS Lite, it will first jolt to indicate that you have begun opening it, and it will do the same a second time once fully opened; this prevents the hinged screen from moving around while being used, effectively locking it into position.^{[citation needed]} However, with a little additional force one can open the DS Lite beyond this point, putting the DS Lite into an almost completely flat position.^{[citation needed]} It is not known whether or not being able to do this is an intentional design feature, but it is a potential explanation for the cracking only affecting a minority.^{[original research?]} But the Game Boy Advance SP and original DS could also do this without any damage.^{[citation needed]} It is claimed that the crack happens when the hinge is overtightened during the manufacturing process.^{[citation needed]} IGN has made a report of other defects that can occur in DS Lite systems.^[30]

Image gallery

The Nintendo DS Lite closed.	The Nintendo DS Lite turned on and fully open.	The Start/Select buttons have been moved below the A/B/X/Y buttons.	The front with volume on left side, headphones on the right and Game Boy Advance slot in the middle.
Remodelled Stylus and Relocated Power Switch.	The Game Boy Advance filler cart and stylus below the Nintendo DS Lite.	The Nintendo DS Lite next to the original Nintendo DS.	Ds lite brightness comparison.gif Brightness Level Comparison
Game Boy Advance Cartridge fully inserted

References

External links

Nintendo portal

• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (America)
• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (Europe)
• Nintendo DS Lite Feature by NTSC-uk
• 360 View of the Nintendo DS Lite (Japanese Website)
• Nintendo's DS Lite launch party in New York

Fan Sites

• DSCommunity.co.uk UK based community site for all things to do with the Nintendo DS Lite including gaming events, friend codes, wi-fi game tournaments, forums, news and reviews and more.

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