I’ve seen the Lite. Have you?

When the Nintendo DS launched back in 2004, many were skeptical of the Big N’s new handheld. This was mainly due to its underwhelming line-up of launch titles. Here, in 2006, the tables have turned immensely for Nintendo’s little side-project. Blockbusters such as New Super Mario Bros., Kirby: Canvas Curse and the ever-popular Brain Age games have proved to be household killer apps.  

As with any Nintendo portable, new renditions are something fans have come to expect. From the GBA SP that introduced a backlit screen and a rechargeable lithium ion battery, to the semi-recent Micro, which enticed gamers with its sleek and petite design, Nintendo has always enjoyed improving and enhancing its products. And, you can’t blame them. The original Game Boy Advance suffered from an exceedingly dim screen that plagued gameplay for several titles, including the Castlevania games and the Golden Sun series due to their dark-natured art styles.

The DS Lite doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table as with the GBA SP, but what is improved is greatly improved. The first thing you’ll notice when turning on the Lite is its amazingly vibrant display. There are a total of four available light settings, one being around the same as the original DS, the second being average, the third being PSP-esque, and the fourth being – in a word – heavenly. Of course, with these different brightness variations comes diverse battery life. The battery’s lifespan will range from 15-19 hours on its lowest setting, and around 7 hours on its highest level. I personally play on the second to highest brightness and, I jest not, I have only recharged this puppy once.

The next aspect you’ll recognize when you strap your hands around this beast is that its microphone has been repositioned to the center of the unit. This is obviously the practical place for such a device. The decision is very reminiscent of what happened with the N-Gage QD and its rearrangement of its cell-phone facets. With games such as Brain Age that require substantial use of the microphone, the effects of the new location is colossal.

In addition to the microphone getting a new home, the start and select buttons have also been moved to a more reasonable spot. They’re now directly below the face buttons making for trouble-free navigation. Concerning controls, the buttons feel a great deal more relaxed and comfortable than with the original.

One of the primary setbacks people have been concerned with is that GBA cartridges stick out of the system during use. This isn’t a huge matter, but you’ll definitely want to take note if you’re planning on carrying a DS Lite in your pocket. When the GBA slot isn’t in use, Nintendo has included a diminutive, pseudo cartridge to keep the opening from dust and other particles, and to additionally maintain its lustrous appearance.

When you couple the DS Lite’s unbelievably small size, extremely intuitive blueprint, and undeniably striking looks, you end up with one of the greatest playing, greatest looking handhelds ever to be released. Is there ample reason for you to sell your original DS and update? In short – absolutely yes. The DS Lite will breathe life into your old games, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love with its sleek veneer. 

Pros:
A petite, intuitive design and two ultra-bright screens make the DS Lite one of best-looking contraptions I’ve ever laid eyes on. Even better, its controls and stylus have all been given a face-lift as well, making for one heck of a package.

Cons:
In all honesty – not much. Some may feel it’s actually too small, but I think the majority will find its size a plus. The battery life could be longer on the highest brightness level, and it would have been nice if they would’ve thrown in some free screen protectors.  

Verdict: 9.5
What’s not to like about the DS Lite? The dual-screens are brighter than a fireworks display, it boasts a beautiful control layout, and it’s attractively priced at $129.99. With a vast library of superlative titles to boot, the DS Lite is a must-have for the gamer on the go and just about anyone else looking for a good time.