The DS Lite U.S. Launch 125
Yesterday Nintendo began selling the upgraded version of their popular DS handheld system, and by all accounts sales are going very well. 1up has a look at the story of the DS so far, from somewhat rocky launch up through this last amazing Christmas season. From the article: "Nintendo had lost its collective mind. At least, that's how it looked back in January 2004 when the company announced its latest system, the DS. 'We have developed Nintendo DS based upon a completely different concept from existing game devices in order to provide players with a unique entertainment experience for the 21st century,' company president Satoru Iwata stated--a bold proclamation. But few were buying it." PC Magazine has details on what was upgraded, and Engadget has pictures from the NYC launch party.
DS Launch in Canada (Score:4, Interesting)
If that's how the early morning went, I can't imagine how the rest of the day went. Sounds like a pretty successful launch for a product revision.
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:4, Informative)
They were launched here in Australia at the beginning of the month, and my wife and I walked in to the store after lunch, not even being aware that it was a launch day or that the DS was anything special (I'm not really up on Nintendo portables). We ended up just picking one up off the shelf though and buying it for a present for a friend.
There were no lines or stock shortages that I saw...
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
Time will tell.
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:1)
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
The EbGames open at 10h, I walk in front of the store 10 minutes before the opening I show my ds lite at the staff waiting to enter
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
It's a lovely thing - just showed some go workers "Big Brain Academy" - took half an hour before they could give it back
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:1)
That being said I currently own a PSP and my bro has the regular DS. Yea, let's just say I haven't touched my PSP since my bro got his DS and the DS Lite is a huge step forward for this platform. When comparing the two systems the Lite is so much better I can't believe the old DS and the new one are the same price!
I doubt anyone in th
Re:DS Launch in Canada (Score:2)
Now the wait begins (Score:1)
Re:Now the wait begins (Score:1)
Re:Now the wait begins (Score:2)
Bought mine launch day (Score:3, Interesting)
I'm really curious what Nintendo has in store for it in combination with the Wii.
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:5, Informative)
If you can't exchange it at the place you purchased it, just call Nintendo Consumer Service (1-800-255-3700) as listed on the back of your DS. If you give them a credit card number as a deposit, I'm sure they'll ship you a replacement. Just open the box, grab your new DS, test it... then put your old DS back in the box, slap on the new mailing label, and drop it back in the mail.
But the point is, Nintendo Consumer Service has been superlative since as long as I can remember (1988 at least), so give them a try if the store gives you any hassles.
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:3, Informative)
I know that's been their policy before, but I just called this morning for mine and advance replacement wasn't an option -- just depot repair (and they're damn fast at it, but a week is still a week).
So I guess I'll drop by the store tomorrow once I've collected my box etc., copied my WFC ID back to my old DS, and such...
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:1)
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:2)
here is what nintendo's customer support page has to say about stuck pixels: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dslite/t r ouble_spot.jsp [nintendo.com]
if you're a sucker and pre-ordered it at EB or some other boutique store, they probably won't exchange it (the eb rep told me that their warranty only covers
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:1)
I guess all that Japanese demand is really taxing on their supply chain or they realize what kind of hit they have on their hands or something.
I hope it's something innocent like demand and they aren't going to start dropping the ball on quality/QA.
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:2)
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:1)
Nintendo is(was?) pretty much the gold standard of console support, warranty, build quality(fischer price tough, survives a warzone AND your kids) and QA. This seems to be a step down for them, which is disappointing, since the reliability of their hard
Re:Bought mine launch day (Score:2)
GNU/Linux for DS Lite available (Score:1, Redundant)
DSLinux is available now (Score:4, Informative)
Zero [dslinux.org].
And here's what you need to run Linux or other homebrew programs on your DS [pocketheaven.com].
Re:DSLinux is available now (Score:2)
woo (Score:2)
Black in the UK (Score:2)
Re:Black in the UK (Score:1)
Re:Black in the UK (Score:1)
Re:woo (Score:1)
Re:woo (Score:2)
Re:woo (Score:2)
Re:woo (Score:2)
Anyone else not like the changes to the buttons? (Score:2)
I tried the DS Lite at the store, and I didn't like the way they changed the buttons... they don't have that "click" anymore, that's the best way I can explain it. Maybe it's something I'd get used to, but I didn't really like it.
Re:Anyone else not like the changes to the buttons (Score:2)
Re:Anyone else not like the changes to the buttons (Score:1)
The new buttons just feel mushy in comparison. I don't like it at all. It doesn't feel as clean.
Re:Anyone else not like the changes to the buttons (Score:2)
Re:Anyone else not like the changes to the buttons (Score:1)
Interesting. I can play Bleach DS fairly well with my old DS.
Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:5, Informative)
To solve the problem we simply bought some high quality Palm Pilot screen protectors, then cut this to the right dimensions for the DS. It works flawlessly with the DS and the stylus, and looks better after use than the Nintendo protectors do new. This pad hardly shows marks at all, even after playing stylus intensive games. They are less than $1 each at your local office supply store.
Yesterday we picked up a DS Lite and the first thing we did was throw a Palm protector onto the screen. Works like a charm.
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:5, Insightful)
The screen was built to be touched, and while I can't speak for sure for the new Lites (I can't imagine otherwise), you'll have the best, most visible experience just using the product as it was designed.
Take a deep breath! Take that cloudy plastic off! This is game system, after all. It's no fun if you're stressed about keeping it pristine for the next ten years.
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:3, Interesting)
I keep my systems for a long time, and I'm not rich. $5 at the Nintendo World Store is worth the piece of mind as I go to town in Metroid.
Re:Remember, it's not the stylus that scratches... (Score:2)
I bet Ben Rothlisberger wishes he took a si
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:1)
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:3, Informative)
There are a lot of LCD screen restorers out there. They all should work.
Screen *Protector* gets scratched (Score:1)
I think it's worth pointing out that the parent poster has had the bottom screen protector scratched up very badly. With everyone that I know, including a family where three people share a DS (for about a constant 7 hours of use a day between them--yes, they're gaming nerds), there has been no damage at all to the bottom screen using fingers or the stylus.
Admittedly, if you wanted to, I'm sure you could damage it if you tried, but I'm fairly sure the screen wasn't built to withstand extended play using a s
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:1)
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:1)
From what I've seen, this stuff's nearly impossible to break or scratch, and you don't even notice it's there. I'm going to get the shield for my DS Lite. I was skeptical, but after seeing those videos of attacking an iPod with sets of keys and whatnot, I think I'll try it.
Does anyone here have any LCD products that they've protected with this stuff? What's been your experience wit
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:2)
Re:Best Way to Protect your DS Screen (Score:2)
I've not been this hopped up for a console in ages (Score:2, Insightful)
I fell in love with this trimmed-down tricked-out console the instant I saw one of my classmates in college playing an imported version, and the only thing holding me back now is the promise of ice blue DS Lites.
While it'll be a shame to have to pass up Ratchet: Size Matters, the point remains that Insomniac does not a console make, especially when the console in
The Nintendo DS Lite Color (Score:1)
Re:The Nintendo DS Lite Color (Score:2)
The exchange rate's a bugger, but you could buy one from the UK. They're out on June 23rd.
Black DS Lite (Score:2)
Re:Black DS Lite (Score:1)
stuck pixelies (Score:1)
Sadly, I opened it to find two stuck pixels (red and green)
Apparently, Nintendo won't replace the unit unless there are three or more.
Anyone know how to 'stick' a pixel . . ?
Re:stuck pixelies (Score:1)
Re:stuck pixelies (Score:4, Informative)
Where did you get that information? At the original DS' launch, any stuck pixel was enough to merit a replacement under Nintendo's 1 year warranty. Give them a call on their 1-800 number and see if they'll get you a replacement unit.
Re:stuck pixelies (Score:5, Insightful)
From the Nintendo DS Lite Customer Service Page:
White (or Other Color) Dot on the Screen
With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color, such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly. Even with the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers, you will find this situation is common in many LCD devices (PC monitors, televisions, cell phones, etc.), and is within LCD manufacturers' specifications.
It's important to understand that this issue will remain limited to the pixels you have already noticed. The problem will not get any worse and you should not expect to see the problem in any other areas of the screen.
We suggest you use your system for a few weeks to determine whether this interferes with your enjoyment of game play. If, after using your system for awhile, you feel that this tiny dot is too distracting, the Nintendo DS Lite does carry a one-year warranty. We are happy to inspect and, if necessary, fix your system at no charge within the warranty period.
UK Internet Orders (Score:2)
It's a tight little unit (Score:1)
Absolutely Wonderful! (Score:2)
Got mine yesterday! (Score:1)
Having never played the Fat DS, I am very impressed with the games, and som
Re:Got mine yesterday! (Score:2)
Hope is on the way though. There are 2 Soduku games for the DS being released toward the end of this month. I figure if I get both of them I'm guaranteed to be able to play one of them.
Oh yes, Tetris DS is the best one ever. My previous favorite was the Nintendo one for the NES.
Re:Got mine yesterday! (Score:1)
Re:Got mine yesterday! (Score:1)
All of those games make great use of the stylus. Kirby Canvas Cruse and Meteos are played only with the stylus and they are GREAT.
Meteos is a fast paced tetris style puzzle game so if you're not into those don't bother (but it's the best I've ever played).
Kirby Canvas Curse is a MUST HAVE in my opinion.
Now it REALLY reminds me of the Game and Watch... (Score:2)
I c
Fragile. (Score:2)
Re:Fragile. (Score:3, Insightful)
I don't really like the mushy buttons and smaller size, but I LOVE the screens, the new stylus, the layout, and a few other bonuses.
So now I am torn, after hearing of some issues, and my f
Awesome console (Score:1)
I'll be getting one of these for one reason... (Score:2)
Summary: WORTH IT. (Score:1)
One thing I like is the new brightness settings. There are four, the lowest being equivalent to the old DS's screen. On just the second highest setting colors are very vibrant. It's hard to describe, but the games just look better.
The higher settings mean I can play on the bus fine. I used to have trouble with the old DS getting too much glare, not anymore!
The o
Sold out? (Score:2)
Re:Sold out? (Score:1)
Re:Sold out? (Score:2)
Re:Sold out? (Score:1)
Re:Sold out? (Score:1)
Comments and availability. (Score:1)
12 days later... (Score:2)
Mario Kart DS: For old-school d-pad & buttons games, the DS Lite is heaven. The "mushy" buttons have
Re:12 days later... (Score:1)
On the other hand I do find my self hitting pause to exit a level I've already beaten before I die (like when I accidently jump into a pit or something). so I can see how that might suck. I have so many 1-ups I d
Re:12 days later... (Score:1)
Line out the door at a local retailer (Score:1)
They had like 70 units and 60 on reserve, and a few people were taking advantage of that to buy more than one. "For a friend." Yeah.
Thinking of getting one but... (Score:1)
Also what are the prices of the games (preferably in CAD but USD is good too...)
Re:Thinking of getting one but... (Score:2)
Re:Thinking of getting one but... (Score:3, Informative)
Advance Wars: Dual Strike - Totally awesome game. If you've played the previous Advance Wars titles, this is an excellent upgrade. If you ha
Target (Score:1)
Most Target stores have been selling the new DS Lites for over a week. Check Slashdot archives for the story.
Wrist strap (Score:2)
I've been trying to get the strap from my old DS into the lite for a while, but the holes on the DS are pretty small. Getting it in the first hole isn't that tough, but I push and push and it won't come out the other end. Think I'm going to have to find a needle.
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:1)
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:2, Interesting)
The 360 has without question flunked out of the console race in Japan.
The 360 appears to be flunking out of the console race in Europe with a pathetic 600-700k or so sold after seven months.
And most humiliating of all:
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/06/12/ 1438225 [slashdot.org]
Not only is the 360 selling worse than the first Xbox, it isn't even on track to match Dreamcast numbers. You have to go all the way back to the 3DO or CDi for a system that sold worse than the 360.
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:1)
And so what that the PS2 is outselling the XBOX360? The PS2 has reached bargain bin status in pricing per unit. The PS2 has a terrific back catalogue of titles and doubles as a decent DVD Player for the consumer's assumed 25 inch television.
Additionally, maybe yo
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:1)
900000 / 6 weeks = 150000 per week average.
Just my guess.
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:1)
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:2)
The Korean GP32 and the Wonderswan were the two handhelds that had some potential, but didn't make it.
Microsoft has no chance IMO, simply because they rely on DirectX and their API's for everything. Nintendo is able to fall back on a whole other platfo
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:2)
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:1)
Just to be clear, are you claiming that the previous AC keeps a highly-trained and well-respected cadre of market analysts [m-create.com] up his ass?
Take a look at the numbers here [m-create.com] and here [m-create.com]. These are about four months apart, both before and after New Super Mario Brothers, and the January numbers are when there was still a shortage of DSes. Even then, they were moving three times the number of units. More recently, they're selling about six times as many, which has been pretty consistant since supply has been re-es
Re:Double Two Horse Race (Score:2)
DSL 135,614
PSP 24,595
PS2 18,513
GBASP 4,364
Even conservative numbers as these above have the DSL (and this is not counting regular DS sales, just DS Lite) at over 5:1 so when you add in regular DS sales the number is pretty damn close to a 10:1 ass-handing.
Also see how the PS2 is selling as well as the PSP, a 5 year old console. Christ the GBA SP still manages ~5k/month to the ~20k/month average of the PSP. *cue taps*
Re:hmmm but.. (Score:3, Informative)
At first I thought that was a reason to import one (they run about $200ish on eBay), but I'm glad I decided against it and just went for the US model. While asthetically I might have prefered black or the dark navy, the new slick finish is great but it takes fingerprints like nobody's business. Since I keep a sunglasses shami around
Re:hmmm but.. (Score:1)
I have also read that import DS units will not allow you to connect to in-store kiosks. (Game stores have kiosks that let you download demos wirelessly to your DS). However, since I've never done that even with my non-import DS, that's no biggie.
Re:hmmm but.. (Score:2, Informative)
Also importing voides your warranty.
Other than that there is no difference that I know of. Every game works, and you can swtich the language back to English.
Re:hmmm but.. (Score:2)
As to voiding your warranty, you are absolutely correct and that was something I meant to mention in my original reply. That was the other deciding factor for me, and could end up being very important.
AE
Re:hmmm but.. (Score:3, Funny)
That's easy to fix. Just say, "brue."