After spending some time on the various Nintendo DS boards, I've noticed that people have a lot of interesting questions about the upcoming Nintendo DS Lite system. I thought I'd take the opportunity to sit down and make a list of the most commonly asked questions and do a little Q & A session about the DS Lite. If you have any questions about the DS Lite, or you're just curious as to what some of the questions are, read on.
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NINTENDO DS LITE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------
When is the DS Lite system being released in the United States? The DS Lite will launch in the US on June 11, 2006.
Does that mean it will SHIP on June 11, or be IN STORES on June 11? That means it will be available on store shelves on June 11.
How much will the DS Lite cost here in the US? It will retail for $129.99.
What colors will be available at the US launch? Only Polar White at launch, but more colors could become available later on.
When will Europe and Australia see a DS Lite release? Europe will get the DS Lite on June 23, and Australia will get the system even before the US on June 1.
What about those Black, Ice Blue, and Enamel Navy DS Lite systems I keep seeing pictures of? The black color will only be available in Europe for the time being, while the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy are currently only available in Japan.
What are the differences between the DS Lite and the regular DS system? The DS Lite features: - Much brighter LCD screens with better viewing angles
- 4 selectable levels of brightness
- Larger stylus
- GBA Micro-style D-pad
- Buttons are a lot less "clicky" feeling
- More streamlined design and a lid that closes better to keep dust out
- Thinner design and much lighter
- Matching GBA slot cover
- Longer battery life
Are there any drawbacks with the DS Lite system? These could be considered drawbacks: - Very glossy iPod-like plastic that will show fingerprints and become a little slippery if your hands perspire
- Game Boy Advance carts will protrude about 1/2 an inch
- Sound isn't quite as loud as the standard DS system
- Only available in Polar White color at launch
- It's another DS system to buy
I still need convincing. Are there any good online reviews I can take a look at? There sure are. Cabel, a software engineer for Panic Software, did a terrific DS Lite video review that was not only informative, it was absolutely hilarious. Check out the links below.
Will the DS Lite still play all of my DS and GBA games? Yes. The DS Lite is functionally identical to the standard DS system. It will play all current and future DS and GBA games.
Will the DS Lite play regular Game Boy and Game Boy Color games? No. The DS Lite will still not play any Game Boy or Game Boy Color games.
I have large hands. Will the DS Lite be difficult for me to hold and play? The DS Lite is smaller and more compact, so if you have really large hands and think it might be a problem, you might want to try a friend's DS Lite out before you buy one, but in truth, the DS Lite just takes a few minutes to get used to and overall it's much lighter and easier to hold for longer periods of time.
Will there be a shortage of DS Lite systems on launch day? While there probably won't be the type of shortages that we saw with the Japanese launch, it's still always a good idea to pre-order if you can. That way you won't have to worry about it.
I don't want Polar White, I want one of the other colors. What can I do? If you live in the US and want a color other than the Polar White, you'll have to import a system. Below are three very reliable import game retailers. Keep in mind it will cost you about $200 to purchase an import system.
- www.play-asia.com - www.lik-sang.com - www.ncsx.com
Can I use my regular DS battery or AC Adapter with my new DS Lite system? No. They are both different and the AC Adapter has an entirely different connection than the older DS system's AC Adapter.
Does the DS Lite's glossy plastic scratch easily? Surprisingly, no. After owning an iPod for a year, I expected the DS Lite to show micro-scratches rather quickly given how often I found myself wiping the fingerprints off of it, but it's really stood up well. In fact, even after 2 months it still looks brand new. I do keep it in a case, though.
Will my regular DS stylus fit inside the DS Lite's stylus slot? Yes. Of course you may never be able to get it back OUT. : ) The DS Lite's stylus slot is wider and longer to hold its larger stylus. I know it's difficult to let go of your Kirby Pink stylus, but I think you'll like the larger stylus better anyway.
Can my wi-fi settings be transfered from my regular DS to my DS Lite? Yes, and quite easily using the wireless transfer option.
Are there any DS Lite-only games coming out in the future? The DS Lite is basically the exact same hardware as the regular DS. It's mostly a cosmetic upgrade. So any DS games past, present, or future will work just fine on either system.
Is there going to be a special trade-in offer for trading in our regular DS systems for a DS Lite? There is no official trade-in offer at the current time, but you can still trade your DS system in at EB Games or Gamestop and get the $60-$70 you'd normally get.
Is the glossy plastic all over the DS Lite system or just on the outside shell? The glossy plastic only covers the outside of the system. The inside is a slightly textured plastic.
Does the DS Lite system come with an extra stylus and thumbstrap? Yes and no. The DS Lite system does include a spare stylus and a wrist strap, but the thumbstrap is no longer included.
Does the DS Lite system suffer from an unusually high number of dead pixels? No. In fact, very few problems have been reported from those who've imported the system. You run no more risk of dead or stuck pixels than you would with any other LCD product on the market.
The release date is a Sunday? Does this mean if I preorder online that I'll get the system a day early or a day late? While there is a slight chance you might get the system on Saturday, you'll most likely recieve the system the following Monday. Both Gamestop and EB Games have stated that they'll have the systems in stock on Sunday, June 11 when they open.
Did they fix the volume slider of the regular DS system on the DS Lite? It's basically the same type of slider, but it does seem to offer a wider range of volumes on the DS Lite.
Can I still use my headphones with the DS Lite system? Yes, the DS Lite has the exact same headphone input as the regular DS system.
Is the DS Lite as durable as the regular DS system? So far it seems just as well made as the regular DS as far as durability goes. It does have the glossy plastic, which might end up scratching a little easier if you're not careful, but it feels quite solid when you're holding the DS Lite in your hands.
We know the DS Lite screens are much brighter, but does that mean the colors are washed out? Not at all. In fact the colors on the DS Lite are more vibrant than ever. Truthfully, the DS Lite screens are even better in color, brightness, and clarity than even the PSP screen.
What is the best setting to keep the DS Lite brightness on? Depends on the surrounding light. I normally keep mine set on the 3rd setting, which is next to the higest brightness setting. Many I've spoken to, also prefer the 2nd setting as it's still quite a bit brighter than the regular DS.
Compare the brightness of the regular DS, GBA SP2, and DS Lite systems. The DS Lite on its lowest brightness setting is still brighter than the regular DS. The second DS Lite setting is about as bright as the GBA SP2 on its low brightness setting. The third DS Lite setting is a little bit brighter than the GBA SP2 on its highest brightness setting. Finally, the fourth DS Lite setting can easily be seen from outer space and is brighter than any current portable game system screen on the market.
Are the DS Lite screens the same size as the regular DS screens? Although they may look smaller from pictures, they are the exact same size.
Are there any DS Lite demo stations in stores yet? Not at the present time. It shouldn't be too much longer until we begin to see the DS Lite demo stations in stores as there's no better way to sell the DS Lite than to show just how much better it is than the regular DS system.
Can I still use my flash carts, media players, etc,. with my DS Lite system? Yes. As was stated earlier, the DS Lite is functionally identical to the regular DS system. Anything you use with it, can be used with the DS Lite as well.
Does the DS Lite have a red warning light for when the battery is low? Yes. The power light turns red when your DS Lite battery gets low and then the unit will go into sleep mode when it's about to run out of battery power.
If I import a DS Lite system, will it still play US Nintendo DS games? Yes. The DS Lite, like the original Nintendo DS system, is region free and will play games from any region.
I don't want to upgrade to the DS Lite and you can't make me! That's true, but you should really do yourself a favor and at least check out a friend's DS Lite before you decide prematurely not to purchase one. Then you can see what you're missing. : )
I hope this answered most of the questions out there about the new Nintendo DS Lite system and put some of your fears and concerns to rest. In truth, the DS Lite is a terrific system and a big step up from the regular DS in just about every way possible. Look for the DS Lite in stores on June 11.
You mention that you can transfer your wireless settings easily from your old DS to the Lite, but will we have to create new online identities in Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, et al. with a new friend code and everything?
I was told by a customer service rep at Nintendo that all of these game settings would also transfer over with the wireless settings, with Animal Crossing the one I had sent the question about.
Also, for those who are planning on importing one of the black European DS Lite systems, keep in mind that the AC Adapter it will come packaged with will be made for the UK's 220v electrical outlet which won't plug into a US outlet without an adapter. You're best bet would probably be to just purchase a US DS Lite AC Adapter once the DS Lite is released here in the US as it will work just fine with the European black DS Lite system.
Quote: Also, for those who are planning on importing one of the black European DS Lite systems, keep in mind that the AC Adapter it will come packaged with will be made for the UK's 220v electrical outlet which won't plug into a US outlet without an adapter. You're best bet would probably be to just purchase a US DS Lite AC Adapter once the DS Lite is released here in the US as it will work just fine with the European black DS Lite system.
Does this hold true with the japanese import systems as well? And has there been any news as to the US release of more colors yet, because I'd rather not have to import the enamel navy system.
You can use a Japanese Nintendo DS Lite system and AC Adapter here in the US just fine. No need to buy a different adapter. That only applies to the European DS Lite system.
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