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Nintendo DS Lite

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Nintendo DS Lite
File:Nintendo DS Lite logo.png
ManufacturerNintendo
Product familyNintendo DS
TypeHandheld game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
LifespanJapan March 2, 2006
Australia June 1, 2006
CanadaJune 11, 2006
North America June 11, 2006
Europe June 23, 2006
China June 29, 2006
South Korea July 20, 2006
Units soldas of June 30, 2006:[1]
4.15 million (worldwide)
2.72 million (Japan)
680 thousand (Americas)
760 thousand (Other)
as of September 2006:
4,196,826 (Japan)[dubious – discuss]
MediaGBA cartridges
Nintendo DS Game Cards
CPU67 MHz ARM946E-S and
33 MHz ARM7TDMI[2]
StorageCartridge save
ConnectivityWi-Fi
Online servicesNintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Best-selling gameNintendogs (all versions) [3]
PredecessorNintendo DS & Game Boy Micro

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, New Zealand, and defined regions in South America.


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 than the original DS). In Imperial units, the Lite is 5.24 inches × 2.9 inches × 0.85 inches.
  • Larger stylus; easier to hold.[5] (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.[5]
  • A much sturdier top hinge.
  • In Japan, the wrist strap no longer includes a thumb stylus; in the United States, Australia and Europe, the wrist strap is omitted entirely. (But there is still a place to tie it.)
  • The D-pad was reduced to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller), and the 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.[5]
  • 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 (Century Gothic) on the buttons.
  • Five colors: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Coral Pink (Noble Pink in Japan) and Onyx / 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.
  • Unlike the original DS, an E-reader will fit in the GBA slot. (Slot 2)

Colors and limited editions

Colors

On February 10, 2006, Nintendo revealed the color schemes of the Nintendo DS Lite set for launch in Japan: Crystal White, Ice Blue and Enamel Navy.[6] However, due to manufacturing problems only the Crystal White was available at its launch; the other two colors arrived on March 11, 2006. Nintendo released a Noble Pink version in the region on July 20, 2006, and a Jet Black version on September 2, 2006.[7]

In Europe, in addition to the white version, a black version (named "Smart Black") was available at launch, a color unique to the region at the time. On August 23, 2006, Nintendo announced that the pink verson previously available only in Japan would be available across Europe beginning October 27, 2006.

In North America, the Nintendo DS Lite was only available in white (renamed "Polar White" for the region) at launch. On August 24, 2006, Nintendo of America announced that two new model colors, Onyx (Jet Black) and Coral Pink (Noble Pink) was released in North America starting September 12, 2006.[8]

Other colors may eventually be released, as is customary with Nintendo's handheld gaming systems.[9]

Limited editions

File:Ff3ds.jpg
Limited edition Final Fantasy III Nintendo DS Lite

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]

On September 1, 2006, Nintendo announced another Pokémon-styled DS Lite. The Pokemon Centre will be release a Pokemon Diamond and Pearl limited edition DS lite featuring a glitter design of the two new legendary Pokémon, Diaruga and Parukia on the front. Unlike the Pikachu DS Lite, this one will be Jet Black, rather than Crystal White. It will retail for ¥16,800 ($145) and will be available from 28 September, 2006. [12]

File:Pokeds2.jpg
Limited edition Pokémon Diamond & Pearl DS Lite

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.[13] 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.[14]

Australia

The Nintendo DS Lite was released in Australia on June 1, 2006, for AU$199.95. The Polar White colour was available at launch,[15] which included a demo of Brain Age (known as Brain Training in Australia).[16] The Black colour will be available on September 21, 2006.

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.[17]

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.[18]

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.[19]

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.[20]

On August 24, 2006, Nintendo of America reported two new colors would be available in North America called Onyx (Jet Black) and Coral Pink (Noble Pink) on September 12, 2006.

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.[21] Although black colour was exclusive to Europe initially, the US now has the black color available. 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.[22]

On August 23, 2006, at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Nintendo announced a pink version of the Nintendo DS Lite will be released on October 27, 2006.

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.[23] 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]."[24]

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 by the subsidiary. [25]

Problems

Cracked hinges

As of July 15, 2006, there are reports of cracks appearing on the hinge nearest the left shoulder button.[26][27] Hard data is scarce, but anecdotal evidence suggests that relatively new, well-treated, and otherwise pristine handhelds are not immune.[28] Those same anecdotal sources suggest a possible correlation between the appearance of the flaw and the color of the handheld. 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.[29]

There is a possible link between the cracked hinge issue and opening the DS Lite beyond its initial 'snap' point.[30][verification needed] When opening the DS Lite, it will first jolt to indicate that it has begun opening, 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. 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. 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. However, the Game Boy Advance SP and original Nintendo DS could also do this without any damage. It is claimed that the crack happens when the hinge is overtightened during the manufacturing process.[citation needed]Apparently this fault only occurs in 0.02% of DS lites produced.

Despite early speculation that this problem only affects the polar white (crystal white in Japan) version of the DS Lite, cracked hinges have been found in all different versions of the system, and another rumour stating only American systems were affected also proved to be false.

Stuck pixels

A stuck pixel occurs when a pixel is faulty and remain a particular colour. A homebrew application that may be able to correct stuck pixels is available.

In some regions Nintendo will replace any DS Lite within warranty with a stuck pixel free of charge.[31]

Other problems

There are many other smaller problems with the DS lite including weak D-Pad diagonals, meaning one must press down much harder on the Directional Pad diagonally than on most conventional D-pads.[32] Many people have also found the bottom screen of the DS lite to be tinted a light yellow.[32] Another reported problem is that when pressing in on the corners of the touch screen it shifts slightly. These reports have shown that repeatedly doing this can damage the touch screen, making it unusable.[32]

  • The Nintendo DS Lite closed.
    The Nintendo DS Lite closed.
  • The Nintendo DS Lite turned on and fully open.
    The Nintendo DS Lite turned on and fully open.
  • The Start/Select buttons have been moved below the A/B/X/Y buttons.
    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.
    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.
    Remodelled Stylus and Relocated Power Switch.
  • The Game Boy Advance filler cart and stylus below the Nintendo DS Lite.
    The Game Boy Advance filler cart and stylus below the Nintendo DS Lite.
  • The Nintendo DS Lite next to the original Nintendo DS.
    The Nintendo DS Lite next to the original Nintendo DS.
  • Brightness Level Comparison
    Brightness Level Comparison
  • Game Boy Advance Cartridge fully inserted
    Game Boy Advance Cartridge fully inserted

References

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  1. ^ "CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS" (PDF). Nintendo Co., Ltd. 2006-07-24. p. 9. Retrieved 2006-07-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "Nintendo DS Lite". Retrieved 2006-05-22.
  3. ^ "Worldwide Million Selling Software". Everything And Nothing. Retrieved 2006-06-11.
  4. ^ Rojas, Peter (2006-02-20). "The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo". Engadget. Retrieved 2006-06-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ a b c "DS Lite engineers speak". GameSpot. CNET. 2006-06-11.
  6. ^ "Nintendo DS Lite Colour Variations". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
  7. ^ "Color variations of Nindendo DS Lite". Retrieved 2006-06-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publicher= ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Nintendo Launches New DS Lite Colors Amid Strong Game Sales" (Press release). Nintendo of America. 2006-08-24. Retrieved 2006-08-27. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "DS Lite Troubles". IGN. Retrieved 2006-05-23.
  10. ^ "Official website for Final Fantasy III". Square Enix. Retrieved 2006-07-29. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ "Official website for Pokemon" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-07-29. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ "News article detailing Diamond & Pearl DS Lite". Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ "Yahoo! Japan DS Auctions". Yahoo!. Retrieved 2006-05-23.
  14. ^ Danny Choo. "Japan DS Lite". Retrieved 2006-06-11.
  15. ^ "Nintendo DS Lite Release Date". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
  16. ^ "Free Brain Training demo with DS Lite for Australia". NintendoGossip. Retrieved 2006-06-26.
  17. ^ "New Nintendo DS Lites The Way For Mario". Nintendo of America. 2006-05-04. Retrieved 2006-06-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |curly=, |accessyear=, |coauthors=, and |month= (help)
  18. ^ Polybren (2006-05-31). "DS Lite launches early?". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-05-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |curly=, |accessyear=, |coauthors=, and |month= (help)
  19. ^ Surette, Tim (2006-06-12). "DS Lites up US retailers". GameSpot. CNET. Retrieved 2006-05-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ "NINTENDO NEWS: NINTENDO DS CONTINUES TO DOMINATE PORTABLE VIDEO GAMES". Nintendo. 2006-06-12. Retrieved 2006-06-14.
  21. ^ "Lite up your life!". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-06-23.
  22. ^ "Nintendo DS Lite a fly away success" (Press release). Nintendo. 2006-07-11. Retrieved 2006-07-12. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "$2.32 Million of Black Nintendo DS Lite Gone Missing". Play Gadgets. Retrieved 2006-06-17.
  24. ^ Gibson, Ellie (2006-06-19). "Nintendo confirms theft of Nintendo DS Lite shipment". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2006-06-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ http://thewiire.com/news/358/1/Nintendo_Opens_Korean_Offices
  26. ^ http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8472
  27. ^ http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8474
  28. ^ http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/14-percent-of-ds-lites-have-cracked-hinges-188338.php
  29. ^ http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/nintendo-capitulates-offers-free-repairs-for-cracked-ds-lites-188778.php
  30. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/behold-joystiqs-cracked-ds-lite/
  31. ^ http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dslite/trouble_spot.jsp
  32. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference ign was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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