Nintendo DS Lite
Latest
Nintendo fesses up to DS Lite hinge defect, will fix for free
We suppose it's a bit of a stretch to call Nintendo's DS Lite hinge problem -- which according to Nintendo affects 0.02 percent of shipped units -- much of a defect, but the big N has heard the cries of its users, and will now fix the problem for free. Multiple Lite-o-holics have reported a small crack on the left side of the hinge that holds the two screens together, and even our pals over at Joystiq have encountered the problem. Up until now Nintendo was charging $50 to repair the incidental damage, as it was considered outside of warranty, but now they're changing their tune with free repairs for all. This keeps up with their track record of consumer love, which they established with the "single dead pixel" policy on the original DS. Thanks Nintendo, we love you too.
Nintendo plays numbers game, loses
Nintendo's most recent press release exhibits the interesting quality of simultaneously telling us something we already knew and something we didn't. The first part should be fairly obvious if you boast any familiarity with portly Italian plumbers: New Super Mario Bros. for the DS is a huge success in North America -- certainly nothing worthy of a collective gasp. Selling over 500,000 copies since its May release, the shell-smashing, block-bashing retro platforming trip has practically given Nintendo permission to nonchalantly reach into your pocket, feel around for a few seconds and make off with your wallet. What we weren't aware of, however, is that Nintendo really should have been sticking their hand into your front shirt pocket. That's where your calculator is. Nintendo claims that after "just 35 days on store shelves," the game has had a sell-through rate of "more than 20 every minute since the game went on sale May 15." O RLY?Be sure to mock us if our primitive thought processes are incorrect, but let's consider for a moment that there are 24 hours in a day and 60 minutes in an hour. That's 1,440 minutes a day, and so the 35 days that New Super Mario Bros. has been on sale (even though it's been longer than that now) equates to 50,400 minutes. Divide 500,000 by that number and we get ... just under 10 copies sold per minute. Had Nintendo actually sold 20 copies per minute, they would have already hit over a million, and we're pretty sure that would warrant a press release all on its own. Dr. Kawashima is going to be so disappointed.
Yu Yu Hakasho bound for DS
A new scan from Japanese magazine V-Jump reveals news that is sure to send some anime and manga fans into joyous poses amidst rapidly scrolling backgrounds. Yu Yu Hakasho is destined for our favorite dual-screen device, though our inability to decode the Japanese language prevents us from sharing anything further. Since Funimation's picked the show up for American distribution, there's a glimmer of a chance that this one might make it across the ocean, but don't hold your breath. You'll need the air to scream about that Bleach game which has yet to be localized.
Black DS Lite's flesh compared to PSP, DS Phat
Spudstercool, the tipster that sent us shots of the black DS Lite yesterday, was busy last night taking a few more photos of his black DS Lite alongside his PSP and now discarded DS Phat. This thing is hawt. Some answers to questions in the earlier comments thread: The DS Phat goes for around £70 on eBay.co.uk although GAME stores will give you £40 towards a DS Lite if you give them your DS Phat. The North American release date for the black DS Lite is, as yet, unannounced. You can import a U.K. DS Lite to your country without worrying about region encoding for games, but you'll still need to figure out a way of converting the UK DS Lite's 3-pin 230V/50Hz power adapter to your local mains power.
Behold the black DS Lite
A mysterious fellow, wishing only to be known as Spudstercool, managed to get his finely manicured hands on an unnervingly attractive Black DS Lite, several days before its anticipated European release. We're not sure what UK retailer he works for, but we now have to assume that trenchcoats and pencil-shaped cameras are integral to their uniforms. If you manage a games store and recently viewed one of your salesmen entering an office, only for bright shafts of light to briefly pour through the blinds, you'd best be suspicious. You've either got a spy or an unstable superhero in your midst.[Thanks, Spudstercool! You're our hero.]
An injeanious DS Lite case (and a very bad pun)
Having decided that a mere pocket wasn't enough to protect his brand new DS Lite and games, inventive blogger John Spain decided to grab a pair of old jeans and thoroughly molest it with a rotary cutter, copious amounts of glue and intricate Origami-style folding techniques. The DS-friendly end result is nothing short of amazing, proving yet again that pants are far better off in the hands of a bored man than on the legs of a busy one.That sounded a little weird.[Thanks jps!]
Poll: Did you get a DS Lite yesterday?
The DS Lite finally launched in the US yesterday, a fact which didn't go entirely unnoticed by the nation's Nintendo fans. We'd like you to take part in our vaguely comprehensive and entirely unscientific poll as we attempt to measure your post-purchase satisfaction, if indeed you were lured to stores in the first place. Did you get a DS Lite yesterday? Yes! I sense that my life has somehow improved. Yes! Too bad it's a piece of junk. Yes! It's not all that different from the old model. No! I'll get a Lite once the nerd rush has passed. No! I'm happy with my Phat, thank you very much. No! I imported mine like, a century ago. No! I don't even have the old DS. Or friends. It's not out in Europe yet. Thanks for rubbing it in, jerk.
DS Lite buyer's guide -- pimp my Lite
With the US release of the DS Lite close enough for us to begin using the word "impending", our favorite quad-colored insurrectionists have posted an excellent buyer's guide to aid you in the inevitable hunt for games and accessories. The guide details the Lite's many improvements over the old model, explains how to transfer your Wi-Fi settings between the two and lists 7 DS games you cannot be without. We found the section on accessories to be particularly informative, with several popular rappers chiming in on the hottest items you can use to pimp and protect your Lite.Who knew that Snoop Dogg was dependent on a USB charger? "He is a busy man, what with all the pimping his schedule requires and the dropping of items as if they were hot. This is why the Doggfather keeps a USB cable for his DS handy. Using one of these, you can charge your DS Lite anytime and anywhere a USB PC port is available. Though its convenience may sound expensive, the $5 cost ain't nuthin' but a cheap thang." 4 Color Rebellion has the guide in flash, PDF, and shizzle formats. [Thanks, shiftup!]
Nintendo to Touch Generations
Nintendo of America have announced that as of June, they'll be rebranding many of their DS "non-games" under the Touch Generations label. As the name suggests, this move supports Nintendo's continuing desire to expand the gaming demographic and to reach out to those who are under the impression that gaming's all about shooting space pirates and smashing blocks with your head. Currently available games to fall under the brand are Brain Age, Nintendogs, Tetris DS and True Swing Golf. These will be followed by Big Brain Academy, Magnetica and Sudoku Gridmaster later in the year. If all goes according to Nintendo's plan, it won't be long before Grandma and Grandpa start swinging canes because someone forgot to feed the little Nintendoggy. [Thanks AssemblyLineHuman!]
Nintendo urges Australia to train brains
When they're not busy putting shrimp on the barbie or rolling their eyes at annoying stereotypes, Australians are enjoying gaming just as much as the rest of us are. In particular, they'll get to enjoy the DS Lite before most of America, with the system already launching down under on Thursday, 1 June. It seems that the system will also include a demo version of Brain Training (as it's called in Japan) in the box, something we hope is repeated for the US Lite launch. Let's hope they have better luck saying "BLUE!" than the rest of the world did. [Via 4cr]
Japan feels Lite rumble
Sickened by enormous GBA cartridges protruding awkwardly from their precious DS Lites, the folks over at Nintendo of Japan have seen fit to release a teeny tiny version of the Rumble Pak, that wondrous device that shakes about in your DS in unison with the blasts of Samus' arsenal. The new Lite Rumble Pak is made to suit the stylings of the newer system very closely, fitting snugly into the GBA slot for some discreet vibrating action in-between train stations. A US release shouldn't be too far behind the Lite launch. [Via DSLite Blog, thanks Thomas!]
Is that a black DS Lite?
Straight from the pages of a new Famitsu issue comes this gobsmacking black beauty--or is it just that tricky paintjob on the Enamel Navy unit fooling us again? Regardless, we're still betting on that color showing up at the Lite's North American launch. Anyone care to translate that text for us? We'll pay you in red herrings.[Via 4cr]
Japanese hardware sales: Now with added numerical goodness!
Several readers suggested last week that, for the next sales chart update, I should increase the general number of, uh, numbers. Since you all asked so nicely and threatened me so politely, I have done just that. In addition, I'll post a summary sales chart at the end of each month - I don't want to clutter things up too much in the weekly updates. Right, on to the Japanese hardware sales charts for the week ranging from 10 April to 16 April. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows: DS Lite: 140,969 13,762 Phat DS: 37,204 12,621 PS2: 27,549 1,347 PSP: 26,340 4,225 GBA SP: 6,372 1,161 Game Boy Micro: 3,676 573 Xbox 360: 1926 14 Gamecube: 1,080 144 GBA: 46 64 Xbox: 30 16 Lots of mean, red arrows this week. Just about every platform fared a little worse, with the DS Lite taking the biggest dive. Luckily, all those other platforms will break its fall at the bottom.Previously: Lite still on top (3 April - 9 April) The Lite fantastic (27 March - 2 April) Lite on its feet (20 March - 26 March)
Japanese hardware sales: Lite still on top
A mysterious envelope arrived at my door this morning. It was mysterious in the sense that, unlike all my other mail, a mechanical ticking sound couldn't be heard coming from its manilla innards. I carefully opened it, expecting a mysterious white powder to scatter onto my hands, but instead, I was rewarded with a neatly printed copy of the Japanese hardware sales charts for the week ranging from 3 April to 9 April. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows: DS Lite: 154,731 Phat DS: 49,825 PSP: 30,565 PS2: 28,896 GBA SP: 5,211 Game Boy Micro: 3,103 Xbox 360: 1,940 Gamecube: 1,224 GBA: 110 Xbox: 46 The Lite continues to be unstoppable, stomping on all those other devices that might stand in its way. At this point, the only chance the other platforms have at toppling Nintendo's beautiful behemoth is if they combine into a giant, all-purpose machine, complete with two touch screens, cutting-edge 3D graphics, nine analogue sticks, a microphone and interchangeable faceplates. It would also have to play Nintendogs.Previous Japanese hardware charts: The Lite fantastic (27 March - 2 April) Lite on its feet (20 March - 26 March) Lite get! (13 March - 19 March)
And then there was Lite
Like many of you, I was forced to endure a torturous waiting period before I could even consider touching and otherwise inappropriately fondling a Nintendo DS Lite. After wrestling the package away from a disgruntled postal worker and slashing him it to ribbons with a few well placed knife strokes, I was finally able to grasp that which had eluded me for so long. A DS Lite--Enamel Awesome. I mean Navy. Of course, I can't just tinker with this wonderful device and keep all my findings and thoughts to myself. That would be rude. Instead, I'll spend this weekend putting the system through its paces, informing you of its inherent dangers and in doing so, undoubtedly take so many comparison shots that you will become violently ill upon seeing them. If you have questions about any aspect of the DS Lite, post a comment and let me know which parts of the system I should be putting under a magnifying glass or sticking a screwdriver into. I'll try and answer to the best of my limited and frequently embarrassing ability.No, you can't have it.
DS Lite shortage subsiding
After all the incessant waiting, unrewarded anticipation and violent Japanese rioting, it seems that Nintendo's recent boost in DS Lite shipments is finally filtering through to the rest of the world. Two of the more popular online import sites, Play-Asia and Lik-Sang, are reporting that their Lite stock levels are now entering more comfortable levels, free of enormous waiting periods and fluctuating prices.That is, if you're getting an Enamel Navy or an Ice Blue unit. The Crystal White Lite, which Lik-Sang has amusingly dubbed the Crystal Cocaine model, is still proving quite tricky to track down. If you're not keen on sticking with your original choice, might we recommend the deluxe Destitute Cardboard DS Lite? [Thanks CJN!]
Brave Story told on DS
4 Color Rebellion got a hold of some Famitsu scans from a brand new Bandai game called Brave Story. Based on an upcoming Gonzo Digimation film (the guys that did Last Exile, if I'm not mistaken), it revolves around a young boy forced to wield a sword and embark on a perilous, family-saving journey, one fraught with ghosts, magic and terrifying sliding tile puzzles. The game happens to be an old-fashioned point-and-click (or is that tap?) adventure game, resulting in my desire to see this game translated for a US release grow quite rapidly. The game boasts quite an appealing art style and, judging by the icons in the HUD, some pretty typical adventure gameplay mechanics.The DS is an ideal platform for the genre, and after the stellar Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (and to a far lesser degree, Trace Memory), I'm convinced that adventure gaming will continue to find new avenues to explore, a situation far removed from the repeated (and incorrect) claims that the genre is "dead". It's not dead--it has merely changed and moved beyond its traditional PC platform. I don't think anyone ever expected adventure games to eventually include wacky manga-inspired titles on a portable platform.
Lite vs. Phat: Round Five
If you still needed convincing of the DS Lite's considerable improvements upon the original DS design, Shacknews has now posted their analysis of the Enamel Navy variant. Of course, you won't even bother reading it since you're clearly the most stubborn person in the known universe.As usual, the culprits behind the Lite's criminal allure are present and accounted for here: Brighter screens, more tactile buttons, a better stylus, sleeker trimmings and the ability to gather a wide variety of dirty fingerprints. It's interesting to note that the Enamel Navy unit looks almost pitch black in the photographs, though that may be attributed to weird lighting conditions and/or meteorological phenomena. See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half Lite vs. Phat: Round Four
New Castlevania DS game to be revealed soon
If a suggestively worded blurb at the back of this month's Nintendo Power magazine is to be believed, the next issue is set to unveil a brand new Castlevania game for everyone's favorite touchy-feely portable. Under the "World Exclusive" banner, the text reads: As mysterious as a new moon, the follow-up to one of 2005's best DS titles is a whip-smart adventure that you won't want to miss.Perhaps we just haven't been spending enough time outside, but those words instantly conjure up the loving image of an androgynous hero traipsing through a musty, upside-down castle and whipping evil bats to shreds. They also match up with Konami's previous promises that there would be another entry into the series following the spectacular Dawn of Sorrow, this time incorporating Nintendo's Wi-Fi service. Oh yes.Though the mag's mention of a moon might imply a sequel to the GBA's Circle of the Moon, would a port of Symphony of the Night be too much to ask for? If so, how about we suggest some other appropriate titles: Castlevania: Dirge of Despair Castlevania: Polka of Purgatory Castlevania: Elegy of Regret Castlevania: Waltz of Discontentedness Castlevania: Whine of Irritability Castlevania: Ditty of Unhappiness [Thanks Deep.Grave!]
New Mario Bros DS footage from GDC
1UP managed to bag some quality time with Mario Bros DS and made sure to record the action for our viewing pleasure. The action revolves around a Wifi-based versus mode, where two players compete for stars and coins as either Mario or Luigi. The gameplay is identical to any previous Mario platformer, but it looks particularly polished on the DS lite's vibrant screens. The game gets a little heated at one point (and some f-bombs are dropped) so if you're gonna watch this at work or with kids, mute the volume.
