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Nintendo DS Lite Crimson / Black | 
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| From: Nintendo
Category: Video Games
Buy New: $129.99
New (27) Used (15) Collectible (1) from $124.99
Rating:  1099 reviews
Sales Rank: 61
Platform: Nintendo Ds
Color: Crimson/Black
ESRB: Everyone
Media: Accessory
Edition: Collector's
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Operating System: Nintendo DS
Modem: None
Display Size: 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 4 x 4 x 5
MPN: USGSRMKB
Model: USGSRMKB
UPC: 045496718077
EAN: 4000191038512
ASIN: B000VXJEW6
Release Date: October 1, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | DS Lite doesn't just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks | | • | Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge | | • | Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game | | • | Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen | | • | Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Lighter, brighter and smaller than the original DS, the Nintendo DS Lite is no less fun! With a variety of new features, brighter screens and adjustable backlighting, the DS Lite sets itself apart from every other hand-held gaming system on the market. More visible LED lights Center microphone Larger stylus for a better grip Easy-to-reach Start and Select buttons Removable cover keeps the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot clear from dust and debris when not in use Color - Crimson Black
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| Customer Reviews: Read 45 more reviews...
 Nintendo DS Lite Gets a New Cobalt Blue Color and Adds Improvements!!! Get It!!!!! February 18, 2008
Mark (East Coast)
65 out of 66 found this review helpful
Nintendo's newest DS Lite adds a cool new color scheme and some subtle improvements.
Pros
+ Awesome cobalt-blue and black color scheme - looks almost royal blue or purple!
+ Black base is a more grip-able matte finish that doesn't smudge and holds well in your hand
+ Nice design - thin DS Lite form factor you know and love
+ Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation
+ Less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and 20 percent lighter
+ Well placed microphone in the center of the unit
+ Well placed LED lights visible when the unit is open or closed, indicating power on and low battery
+ Wi-fi connectivity allows for DS Download Play and Muli-card play
+ Works with original DS games and GameBoy Advance games
+ Lower price point than competing portables like the PSP ($130 versus $170)
+ Great selection of low priced games to add to your collection!
+ Great game selection for adults, particularly learning and puzzle games
+ Multi-player wireless game play for games like MarioParty and New Super Mario offers great fun!!
+ Convenient stylus storage slot on the right underside of the unit
+ Awesome battery life that only requires recharging after many days of use!!!
+ Cool (though seldom used) novelty app called PictoChat for DS to DS chatting
+ Availability of add-on programs for wireless web surfing and other apps
+ Great accessories market, but beware low quality providers such as Switch&Carry (BD&A)
Cons
- GameBoy Advance game slot leaves cartridges sticking out and not flush
- Shiny cobalt top still attracts smudges - no biggie
- Reports of common issues with hinge cracking from regular use; time will tell if it's been fixed
- Somewhat slow start-up with DS Download play
- Some cheapo accessories are Nintendo certified: AVOID Switch&Carry (BD&A), stick with Pelican!!!!
- Limited built-in configuration settings (only military time format????)
- Need to exit games to access key configuration settings like brightness, etc.
- Colors produced in limited quantities and sell out too quickly!!!!
Looks and Form Factor
I've owned several DS lites, including the Onyx Black model. I chose the DS over the PSP for the games. PSP 2000 Console - Piano Black
This is by far the best looking DS Lite!! The cobalt blue on black color scheme shines a hue that's closer to royal blue or deep purple! The top is still a shiny smudge magnet, but it looks so cool anyway! Just wipe it down. :-)
The decision to make the base a matte black is both great for looks and function. The unit is easier to hold, doesn't smudge on the matte black part, and won't slip out of your hand as much as previous models. This feature started in the new BrainAge2 bundle with the red top. You can kind of see this from the pictures but it's not really highlighted in the descriptions. Considering this is the 1 biggest improvement, that surprised me.
I've also heard that the hinge was improved for durability, but I can't visually see a difference and I'm not going to dismantle it to find out. :-) It's a common known problem that hinge cracking has been the only common defect, so just handle with care. I personally haven't had a single DS falter on me in any way.
Other than that, same DS Lite form factor that you know and love. The only real gripe is that every version of the DS Lite is produced in very limited numbers and sells out in a few months. So if you like a color, you have to act fast before they disappear from retail!
Game Play and Functions
This handheld is very well designed for game play. The speakers and microphone built in to the unit are more than adequate, and you can attach peripherals or headphones to the included port.
Nintendo has done a great job of very targeted well designed games. Kids games like MarioParty Mario Party DS and the New Super Mario Brothers New Super Mario Bros. are fun and engaging! Get a group of friends together and play each other with only 1 game cartridge using DS Download play and versus modes!
Similarly, plenty of games for adults including the cult favorite BrainAge Brain Age, the new BrainAge 2 Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day and my personal favorite Big Brain AcademyBig Brain Academy!
Plus now language games like MyWordCoach My Word Coach
and MySpanishCoach My Spanish Coach offer more edutainment options to a growing list of games!
Nintendo has decided that fun game play and great design is more important than high-end graphics in a handheld, and I think they're right!
Features
The most notable DS Lite features are based on the Wireless connectivity. Some add-on applications even allow you to wirelessly surf the net. There are even apps that allow you to do other stuff like play MP3s with it!
Many games offer multi-card play (each player needs a card) or download play (1 card needed for 2-8 players) that both use the wireless connection.
The device has awesome battery life, and I've gone a week of light use without having to recharge. The heavier the use, the more you will need to charge it.
The configuration screen lets you set one of 4 brightness modes, which will also allow you to make your charge last. Some options aren't easily set . It seems to default to military time. Also, you can't change your brightness while in a game. Still those things are minor in context.
Your game scores and profiles are saved on memory stored on the game cartridges. That means you don't have to worry about transferring your info from one DS to the other. :-)
Hopefully the next version includes a faster wireless. Loading those games just seems to take too long. Still, it works and once again, this is a minor gripe.
Conclusion
Overall this device is an improvement. Nintendo's DS will continue to attract fans. Just make more of them guys!!! These colors sell out too fast!
You will want to buy a nice case and screen protectors to protect your DS! Avoid all Switch&Carry accessories!
Here's some of the ones I like!
Nintendo DS Lite Invisi Shields
Nintendo DS Black Nerf Armor
Enjoy!!!!!
Brief Review: Nintendo Scores Big Again June 17, 2006
S. Fuller
32 out of 33 found this review helpful
Usually when a company produces a "new and improved" version of a product, there's no need to invest excitement, but for those of you who are already big fans of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite is a brilliant handheld gaming device. I highly recommend that you upgrade to the DS Lite. For those of you who are considering the DS for the first time, I hope the following summary is of help to you in your decision. Here is a brief rundown of my pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Highly attractive look.
2. Smaller and more streamlined design gives more control while gaming. The old DS is a bit bulky.
3. Power button is no longer a button. It is now conveniently a switch on the side.
4. Stylus slot is now on the side instead of on the top. Much more convenient!
5. Microphone is now between the two screens instead of at the bottom. Very smart improvement.
6. Four levels of brightness. This is probably the most needed improvement. With the old DS, playing in well-lit areas (i.e., outside) was nearly impossible. The DS Lite's screen provides as much or as little brightness as necessary depending on your particular situation. This improvement was the deciding factor for me in choosing to upgrade from my first-generation DS.
7. The new higher-quality DS screen helps the graphics to look sharper and crisper.
Cons:
1. Brightness levels can only be changed from the configuration screen. If you're in the middle of a game, there is no external brightness adjustment.
2. The exterior of the new DS is gorgeous, but the resin-like coating means easy smudging of the external case. This will be slightly annoying for those of you who are prone to sweaty palms.
3. Still no support for old Gameboy games. There is still, of course, Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Advance SP support just as there was with the first-generation DS.
The DS Lite really is a brilliant device. Nintendo could hardly have done a better job. If you are looking for a great way to kill time and/or experience great handheld gaming, I highly recommend the DS. With so many hundreds of great titles available (when including Gameboy Advance games), a reasonable price, and such a solidly designed gaming device, you will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this product.
Pretty in Pink and with improvements! DS vs. DS Lite October 16, 2006
36 out of 38 found this review helpful
My brother and sister got the teal and pink Nintendogs bundles last year with the regular DS in them so I've had a chance to try them out. I wasn't sure whether I wanted the Nintendo DS, PSP, or anything like this at all. However, I decided to go with the DS now after playing around with theirs.
Playing video games on the DS in a whole new experience. There are lots of games to play for all ages. The microphone and touch screen get you involved and interacting with the game in a way a joystick or game pad alone just can't do. The wireless feature can't be overlooked either. Locally, we can play against each other including our friends even in different rooms. You can also pictochat (a picture and text chat program that comes pre-installed on the DS). You can also play against others worldwide too! All you need is a compatible router or a Nintendo Wi-FI USB connector for that which was set up by my parents. Playing against others makes it exciting, and a chance to tryout our skills against others. My parents try them out first for "our safety". I think they like to play them too :-). My favorites so far are like Mario Kart which only gives out your user name (we use nicknames instead of real names) and Clubhouse Games which displays your user name as well as select from a list of already made text messages--as far as I know you can't add your own text when online for this games. Other games may be different so it's a good idea the parents do check. So far I haven't come across any usernames that should be bleeped either so everyone seems to being playing nice or Nintendo has a way of screening them out. My parents still took the time to make sure my younger sister and brother knew why they shouldn't give out personal information even when playing locally.
The only decision left was did I want the original or Lite. There was only $10 difference when I bought mine. The regular DS is great, but I went with the Lite because the improvements made it better for me. I liked the looks and the brighter screens when comparing the store display DS Lite to the original DS.
APPEARANCE
I like the design! It's trendy, fashinable, smaller, and I liked the soft feminine look of the coral pink. However, I liked the pearl pink and teal too of the original DS. They were limited editions and not available now so color does make a difference to me as well as size. Anything in softer shades instead of the bolder colors appeals more to me. I admit that I think lime green might be cool even though it's bold. Anyway, I was so excited to see that the Lite was available in coral pink! Everything I was looking for!
SCREENS
I have some vision problems, and the brighter screens are a real plus. There are four settings so I can find one right for me almost anywhere I play including outside or on the go. My brother and sister's were OK to play indoors, but I felt myself straining to see them in other lighting situations. The colors themselves seem bolder, crisper, and sharper. Really!
BATTERY
According to the manual for the original DS, it takes about 4 hours to charge. You can expect to get six to ten hours of game play on a fully charged battery depending on the game activitiy. This seems about right though the battery life will decrease over time.
According to the manual for the DS Lite, it takes about 3 hours to charge and may last 15 to 19 hours depending on the lowest light setting or about 5 to 8 hours on the highest setting. Battery life also depends on the game activity. For example, I notice the battery drains quicker when using the Wireless feature to play games. I use the third or fourth (brighter settings), and it does seem to last a little longer than the original DS, but has with the brighter screen setting.
STYLUS
The DS Lite comes with two color-coordinated stylus that is a little longer and thicker than the original DS's brown one. I find it easier to use. It also slides in the side instead of the back.
LIGHTS AND MICROPHONE
The two indicator lights and microphone are in the middle of the Lite and the front edge of the original DS. It's a little easier to see the DS Lite's lights when closed and notice them when the unit is open too. The light turns red when battery needs to be recharged, solid green when battery status is good, blinking green when in wireless mode, solid orange when plugged into AC and charging, etc.
SOUND & BUTTONS
The original DS might seems to have slightly louder sound, but both original DS and Lite are easy to hear with some good ear buds. Either version of DS includes a jack that will accept headphones or earbuds with a standard connector.
The button layout is a little different. For example, the DS Lite power switch slides on and off on the side instead of a push button on the front.
ACCESSORIES
The original DS they have came with a wrist strap that included a thumb-touch pad. I'm getting a strap for the DS Lite as I've seen first-hand, how the strap protect the unit from falling to the ground! The prices for replacement straps, batteries, and even that WI-FI connector would be within my limited budget and can be ordered directly from Nintendo if needed. I've had electronics and toys in the past where it was almost as expensive to buy the replacement part as just buying another one of the same thing.
SUMMARY
The main differences between the original DS and the DS Lite for me are the size and brighter screens.
All I can say is my younger sister and brother are very happy with their original DSs, and they've held up well. They might even be a little sturdier too--maybe the lighter weight on the DS just gives that appearance. Anyway, the size is not a problem for them since they tote them in a case instead of their pocket or purse, and they have colors and bundled package deal they really like. They do like the brighter screens, but not enough to ask for the Lite instead of something else this year. I'd have to say that would be my thoughts too if I already had the original DS except that the brighter screens really do make a difference for me.
The DS Lite coming out is good for those who prefer the smaller size and brighter screens. I think it was worth the small difference in price since I didn't have one at all. For those who don't need the smaller size or brighter screens, the original DS will probably come down in price as I suspect it will be discontinued making it more affordable especially since the games, accessories, and replacement parts are reasonably priced too.
This is just the best overall handheld system in my opinion. You won't be disappointed with the original or Lite DS. The only thing my parents wish is that more educational games especially for pre and grade school kids would come out. The mic and touch screen are ideal for that too, and my youngest sister would love "games" she could play too. That way they wouldn't have to buy a separate educational handheld system, cartridges, and accessories just for that.
So what are you waiting for? If you're a parent, quit reading this and buy that DS. If your a kids, be sure to put this on your list!
An Innovative Gaming System October 16, 2006
Tyrone "Rocketman" Slothrop (Yamaguchi, Japan)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful
About a month ago, I decided to purchase my first game system since the origional NES. I got the DS, and I must say I love it. Somehow, they have found an idea that seemed to only be a gimmick (the dual screens) and turn it into something new and fun. So far, I have bought New Super Mario Brothers, Mario 64 DS, Metroid Prime: Hunters, Mario Kart, and a Japan-English dictionary program (my main justification for buying it in the first place). It is a great way to kill 5 min. or kill a few hours. Once you get used to using the stylus, it becomes very natural.
Pros:
-Fun games for all skill levels
-Nice styling
-Wireless connectivity
-Multiple people can play the same game off of one card
-Bright screen with good graphics
-nice sound
-long battery life
Cons:
-It fits a little awkwardly in my hands
-You must buy a screen protector (the stylus can scratch up the lower screen pretty badly)
-In some games, the stylus blocks your view of different sections of the screen
-The Onyx Black looks cool, but it gets extremely smudged up with finger prints
Overall:
The cons are nothing compared with the pros. I highly recommend it.
Perfect portable gaming experience September 25, 2006
Rorke Haining (Seattle)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
I'm a man in my late 30s who used to enjoy video games, but between work, going back to school, and children, I just don't have time for gaming any more. So it's been ~5 years since I tried any gaming system, much less a handheld (which I've always viewed as worthless from a gaming perspective). Recently, I had a long business trip, and friends recommended the Nintendo DS Lite and Advanced Wars: Dual Strike. I bought both on their recommendation and I can honestly say it is a truly fantastic experience. It made the trip fly by, I wasn't even interested in the movie or reading. It even worked great to defuse my frustration about having to wait for an hour in a slow-moving security line. In this review, I'll write about the system, and will post a separate review about the game.
The Nintendo DS Lite blew me away. The last handheld game system I tried was many years ago, also a Nintendo product I believe, and I hated it. The screen was too small and too hard to see, etc.. This product delivers in spades.
Screen brightness: configurable and much, much better than previous systems. The screens are gorgeous to look at and will be visible anywhere except possibly with the sun directly shining on the screen.
Battery life was also a non-issue. I still don't know the battery limit. My record is ~12 hours on a single charge using the lowest screen brightness setting (still quite usable), and the system never complained about a low charge so for all I know it could last another 12. It was more than enough to play virtually non-stop on a transcontinental flight w/no access to power.
Boot time is lightning fast and makes this system extremely usable. From off to playing is < 15 seconds. In addition, you can put the game to sleep by just closing the lid & have it instantly wake up when you open again. This is a more important feature than it first seems, because it makes it possible to kill even as little as 5 minutes.
Stereo music is also quite nice. I recommend a tiny set of earbuds that can fit in a travel case for the game, but the speakers also work fine if you don't want to hassle with earbuds/headphones.
You can have a GBA game cartridge and a (shockingly tiny) DS cartridge loaded at the same time. In fact, this is used in some games, which unlock extra features in some newer games (including AW:DS mentioned above) and allow other cross-game interactions. One potentially big downside is that you can no longer plug in your GB Color or older cartridges. (So if you have old games you love, hold on to your older systems or buy a different Nintendo product to play them.)
The touch screen worked flawlessly, but honestly, I don't prefer using it. Until I try a game that makes great use of it, I'm just as happy using the direction pad and buttons.
Local wireless support is a fantastic idea, but I never had a chance to try it. You can download demos of games from game stores wirelessly, and you can play most games wirelessly, usually with just one cartridge for all players. The Nintendo DS Lite also supports wifi I believe, but I haven't had a chance to try that either. (Now if this thing could do email and calendar appointments...)
All in all, I am very impressed with this system and recommend it to any game player (casual or serious) who needs to kill some time. Works great on both buses for a daily commute and for transcontinental flights.
Worst aspect? I chose the black model and am very happy with it, but it does show fingerprints easily. Maybe the white would look better?
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