DS Lite officially announced

By Rob Fahey Published 26 January, 2006

Smaller, lighter DS arrives on March 2nd.

Nintendo has officially announced the widely anticipated redesigned version of the Nintendo DS handheld console, with a more compact version of the hardware, dubbed "DS Lite", set to arrive in Japan on March 2nd.

The system was quietly unveiled on Nintendo's Japanese website last night, with just one mock-up image of the console available, revealing a slightly sleeker and more streamlined version of the existing flip-top DS design.

DS Lite will come in at 133mm wide, 73.9mm high and 21.5mm deep, as compared to the proportions of the original DS which was 148.7mm wide, 84.7mm high and 28.9mm deep - which in real terms, means that it's 42 per cent smaller than the original DS.

The weight of the console has also been reduced, from 275g in the original model down to 215g in the new DS Lite, representing a drop of almost 21 per cent. Despite the smaller size of the unit, it's not thought that the screens themselves have dropped in size, although Nintendo doesn't appear to have made any official comment on this.

Aside from the smaller size and weight and the redesigned shell, the DS Lite has few functionality changes, confounding earlier reports from some commentators which suggested that it would add voice communication capabilities and even IP telephony.

The main new feature is an adjustable brightness setting for the screen, similar to the one offered by Sony's PlayStation Portable, which will allow users to flick between four different levels of brightness.

Some components have moved around on the new unit; the power button is not visible on the face of the machine and may have been moved to the side, while the microphone has moved to the hinge between the two screens.

'DS Lite officially announced' Screenshot 1

Nintendo DS Lite. Cheeky scamps.

Nintendo will launch the new system in Japan on March 2nd, priced at 16,800 Yen (118 Euro); which is marginally higher than the general retail price of the existing DS console at present (well, perhaps not at present - the stock shortages of the DS over New Year saw prices pushed to silly levels even on second hand units at some retailers).

Despite the widespread rumours of a redesign, the company has been remarkably secretive about the DS Lite so far - even with its own staff, with Nintendo UK boss David Yarnton telling Eurogamer two days ago that "we haven't got any plans at the moment - nothing I know of" when pressed on the question of a DS redesign.

He also said his staff would "probably throttle" him if they did have one to deal with. So, er, we wish him all the best with that.

Picture of Rob.

About Rob Fahey

Read more articles from Rob by visiting the Rob Fahey archive page.

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Comments (154) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Murbal #1 6 years ago

    Going to be even harder to resist getting a replacement now...

  • Hicksy #2 6 years ago

    Ninty FTW!!!

  • Hench #3 6 years ago

    Errm, I don't really own a DS, but doesn't that look like the old one? Anyway, it still doesn't persuade me to get one.

  • trevd72 #4 6 years ago

    the bloke from nintendo yesterday looks even more like an arse now. he is either a liar of has been made too look a fool.

  • Blerk #5 6 years ago

    Yeah. No new DS. We believed them.

  • Fairlane #6 6 years ago

    Looks even more like the Game & Watch from the 8o'ies

  • Blerk #7 6 years ago

    Looks nice, though!

  • mrsquare #8 6 years ago

    Hopefully they'll also upgrade the screens to the nice new bright ones that the micro/more recent SP models use.

  • Hog-lumps #9 6 years ago

    March the 2nd in japan - wonder when we'll get it over here?!

  • thegamesthething #10 6 years ago

    sweep on a release date here?

    november

  • mrsquare #11 6 years ago

    just import it

  • JetSetWilly #12 6 years ago

    Why do people complain about Nintendo releasing redesigned hardware? You don't see Apple saying "Whoa there Jim lad, I wouldn't buy that iPod mini if I were you because we're releasing an iPod nano next month and you'll want that".

    Some people always fall the wrong side of the line. It is inevitable and just tough luck.

  • SenorGrande #13 6 years ago

    We were 14 weeks later than Japan with the original DS and with all they've said about trying to be a more "global" compay, I would think we'll see it early in August.

  • boo #14 6 years ago

    I've got big hands. The current DS is fine, but something smaller's just going to be awkward to hold.

    The original 'wide' GBA was/is much more comfortable to use the than GBA SP.

    Smaller's not always better.

  • DDevil #15 6 years ago

    OLD!

    hahahahaha.

    Looks nice. Are the screens smaller though? I hope not.

  • Hog-lumps #16 6 years ago

    I know it's only a mockup but it's got an 'i-pod'ish' look to it. If so it should be a hit with the 'trendy crowd' maybe?!

    I also notice it also looks quite shiny with similar stylings to the revolution prototypes we saw a little while back..............

  • sport #17 6 years ago

    how long before you think online retailers will be taking preorders? I reckon that image will be up on their websites before the end of the day.

  • Ignatius_Cheese #18 6 years ago

    I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to lick my finger and draw an invisible "1" in the air for talking about Rev conformity... ;o)

    Nice design! Again, Ninty's going for that Apple sleek simplicity.

    And DDevil? Smaller screens... I seriously doubt it! Come on, use your brain instead of shouting "OLD!" for a journalist having a lie-in and being late to the party by 40 minutes or so :oP

  • Aretak #19 6 years ago

    I actually prefer the look of the current one. At least that isn't tainted by the foul stench of Apple.

  • Tonka #20 6 years ago

    LeDillettante +1

  • Darkedge #21 6 years ago

    it finally doesn't look like arse!
    Excellent

  • QPRobbie #22 6 years ago

    It has the AGT screens and looks absolutely beautiful when turned on. The stylus is on the side now and the power switch is a flick-switch as per PSP. The picture doesn't do it justice - it's absolutely beautiful, sexier than ANY other handheld out there.......

  • Shinzou #23 6 years ago

    I love it. So have they kept the GBA slot then?

  • Hog-lumps #24 6 years ago

    I think the redesign makes sense.

    Nintendo will want a coherent design aesthetic between both the Revolution and the DS – there may be an element of connectivity between them after all!

  • OnlyMe #25 6 years ago

    Will it have the same compact look as the SP? If it does, then it's all good. But that redesign really just looks like the old one, but smaller. The closed model does loot more square than the old one though - which is good. Old one was a bit too "round" for my tastes.

    And it still plays GBA titles, that's the selling point for me. If the new one wasn't playing GBA I'd have to buy a GBA Micro or SP. I'd still prefer a backlighted original GBA (those things were very comfortable to use), but I can't get the afterburner kit anywhere anymore.

  • Kay #26 6 years ago

    Looks just like the Revolution controller design transferred to the DS, with the exact same D-pad - though adjustable brightness settings will be a big bonus. Only a few, subtle changes but still a massive improvement over the original model in terms of looks - in terms of ergonomics, though, it may be worse.

    A late summer/ early autumn launch over here is likely, just like the Game Boy Micro last year - especially since the original DS only came out here last March.

    K

  • djchump #27 6 years ago

    *Drooooool*
    credit ....card.... suffering....
    must...not.... preorder.....


    gargh!

  • dbeamish #28 6 years ago

    lol i just bought a pink DS yesterday for the wife. Ace.. nice one Nintedo. After all your comments of there not being a redesign i feel I should sue you for mental anguish.

  • Tonka #29 6 years ago

    I love it. So have they kept the GBA slot then?

    It has to. Considering the rumble pack and more importantly the Band Brothers expansion pack. I think there will be more peripherals for the DS as time goes on. And the GBA is the perfect (if not only) place to put them.

  • symmetry #30 6 years ago

    Jesus Christ. I was expecting something sleek, that picture makes the DS look more like a Game & Watch than ever! Based on that picture, I think I prefer the old design.

  • Eighthours #31 6 years ago

    EG, stop believing these Nintendo denials! Always ask a follow-up question! You're 2 for 2 at the moment (it's an open secret that Zelda has Revolution functionality in it)!

    This is great news, btw. Gives me an excuse to buy another DS, so that my girlf and I can play some multiplayer games.

  • Hog-lumps #32 6 years ago

    This is great news, btw. Gives me an excuse to buy another DS, so that my girlf and I can play some multiplayer games.

    Eighthours, so who'll be getting the new'n and who'll be stuck with the old'n? :p

  • myiagros #33 6 years ago

    i didn't think it was possible, but this looks even cheaper and more plasticy than the original design.
    Despite this, i may still buy one as up untill now the depth of the machine has put me off.

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #34 6 years ago

    "EG, stop believing these Nintendo denials! Always ask a follow-up question!"

    I did ask him three times in a row.

  • nickyickywickywoo #35 6 years ago

    Didn't see this coming

    /removes head from bucket

    Pefect follow-up to DY's pathetic interview

  • DDevil #36 6 years ago

    1. I only "old"ed because it was I that posted that thread in the first place. Let me have my fun :-(

    2. I was only asking if the screens were smaller, they do *look* like they *could* be smaller. In fact it looks like the top screen is smaller than the bottom. That or my eyes are being deceived by a optical illusion. I doubt they are smaller though.

  • optimusprym8 #37 6 years ago

    OoO I might have to get one now. G&W styling wins me over. The old design made me want to wear a nappy, suck my thumb and curl up into the foetal position, rocking back and forth slowly.

  • Syneisha #38 6 years ago

    I wonder if they've upped the quality of the screens to GBA Micro standard in the same way they bolstered the SP's screen quality.

  • Ignatius_Cheese #39 6 years ago

    Hehe, sorry you rose to the bait, DDevil... ;o)

    Just in a "wind-up merchantry" mood today...

  • lemonfist #40 6 years ago

    I will have to buy this.

    I can just let the missus have the old one, which means we finally have some wireless multiplayer fun around the house :)

  • Gouki #41 6 years ago

    well i think nows the time for a DS :-)

    Dont know why this reminds me even more of the old game & watch style

  • Hog-lumps #42 6 years ago

    \worries what lemonfist means by having "multiplayer fun around the house" with his misus............

    :p

  • #43 6 years ago

    How will making this thing thinner make it more comfortable to hold and play?

    And I wonder what the battery life on this thing is.

  • el_pollo_diablo #44 6 years ago

    Hurrah! Good news.

    I was waiting for this announcement before buying one.

    Still, David Yarnton is a lying arsehole.

  • smoison #45 6 years ago

    Hmmm..... This looks ALOT like the normal DS. How are people getting pissed they released a SLIGHTLY different DS? The GBA and GBA SP were HUGELY different, and that didin't piss anyone off.

    Anyway, the PSP still looks way better (IMHO). This looks alot like the 80's Donkey Kong portable with IPOD coloring.

  • Hog-lumps #46 6 years ago

    How will making this thing thinner make it more comfortable to hold and play?

    Well I notice the bottom screen is closer to the edge of the unit. This should hopefully make using the thumb strap a little easier (mario 64 DS always gives me 'thumb ache').

    Also the fact that it's lighter and smaller should hopefully make it easier on the wrists............

  • smoison #47 6 years ago

    "Cosmetic upgrades are for suckers.
    Nintendo continues to rape their smiling loyal fanbase. "


    You actully think some suckers who already have a DS will buy THIS?!?!?!?!

  • SeesThroughAll #48 6 years ago

    So some people who complained about the PSP being more expensive than the DS are willing to pay for the DS a second time. Funny.

    On topic, it does look much better than the first one. And the backlight adjustment is a very useful improvement, especially when one considers that the battery will have to be made smaller (and thus likely to last less than now).
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 09:57

  • Eighthours #49 6 years ago

    I did ask him three times in a row.

    Bah, Paxman asked Howard the same question 18 times.... ;)

    I jest. I hope you're shaking your fist at the guy right now!

    EDIT: Hang on! Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to your interview, Mugwum. I was on about the one on the 16th. Except that wasn't actually an interview, you were just reporting a statement denying the rumour. Whoops! Bah, forget it all! A case of one article merging into another in my brain, sorry about that!
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 10:01

  • Kiigan #50 6 years ago

    Looks nice! Nicer anyway. Buttons still look a bit small though.

  • Eighthours #51 6 years ago

    Eighthours, so who'll be getting the new'n and who'll be stuck with the old'n? :p

    We'll fight for it.

    (She'll win)

  • Hog-lumps #52 6 years ago

    We'll fight for it.

    (She'll win)

    Heh :)

    That's the reason I asked - I know that if I buy one of these, then my Misus will nick the new one straight away................!

    \wonders if I should get counselling.......

  • jlaakso #53 6 years ago

    Much nicer. I really dislike the original DS design, more likely to buy this.

  • Ignatius_Cheese #54 6 years ago

    Horses for courses...

    Each to their own.

    I personally prefer to play games rather than sitting around waiting to play games...

  • nickyickywickywoo #55 6 years ago

    Cosmetic upgrades are for suckers. Nintendo continues to rape their smiling loyal fanbase.

    A tad harsh mebbe? Not as if Nintendo are forcing ppl to upgrade.

    So some people who complained about the PSP being more expensive than the DS are willing to pay for the DS a second time. Funny.

    So if they bring out PSP2 - longer battery, microdrive, whatever - you won't be buying it?

    The march of technology means that hardware iterations are speeding up. And if you want the latest and greatest, fair enough, buy it. If not, don't.

  • djchump #56 6 years ago

    So some people who complained about the PSP being more expensive than the DS are willing to pay for the DS a second time. Funny.
    Or... some people who don't have a DS or were holding back on buying one, will now buy a DS for the first time. Funny.
    And.... Some people who have a DS and want a new one may sell their old one to "upgrade". Funny.

    @Frod - rape? ... that's a pretty harsh term. I don't see how it's in any way similar to a rape.. seeings as it's just a product that's made available to consumers who have a choice whether to buy it or not, rather than a forced sexual penetration. :-/

  • Baldanders #57 6 years ago

    Dont think im ever going to buy a nintendo system when they 1st come out. Now hear my history. I buy a nintendo 64 for £250 on launch day then a month later nintendo put the price down 100 quid (i know price drops are good but after 1 month they screw me and 24999 others over). I buy a gameboy advanced on release which was a good machine but was let down because of the no backlight so they realise their mistake and release the gameboy sp. And now this new "fancy" DS. Now i know the ds is a good machine and ill always play mines but it would be so much better if it was smaller and better looking. So now nintendo are going to release this new DS which just may be able to fit in a pocket and also doesnt look as errmmm how can i put this...... childish as the original DS.

    Thanks nintendo you have taught me some valuable lessons

    Never buy a nintendo handheld in the 1st year of release & secondly wait for price cuts when buying a newly released console
    Edited by 2 at 26/01/06 @ 10:24

  • tengu #58 6 years ago

    Boy, Nintendo didn't waste their time with a rehash of THIS handheld, did they? And will it be cheaper? Probably not.

  • Carlo #59 6 years ago

    I'll buy one of these when I've worn out my original one.

  • nickyickywickywoo #60 6 years ago

    @djchump - spot on, I was fumbling around to express those points ;)

  • Hog-lumps #61 6 years ago

    Never buy a nintendo handheld in the 1st year of release & secondly wait for price cuts when buying a newly released console

    But isn't that the risk that all 'early adoptors' face............

    Remembers many companies re-designs in the past; slimline PS2, Playstion one, Megadrive 2, Mastersystem 2,etc,etc. - even the zx spectrum was re-designed!

    It's just the nature of the industry isn't it?!

    Edit: I think it's niave to by a console and not expect it to be updated or redisigned after purchase.
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 10:31

  • nickyickywickywoo #62 6 years ago

    Boy, Nintendo didn't waste their time with a rehash of THIS handheld, did they?

    Fair enough - but there have been many calls to make it smaller, lighter and more attractive. Aren't they just responding to this?

    Never buy a nintendo handheld in the 1st year of release & secondly wait for price cuts when buying a newly released console

    But you just know they're going to get better and cheaper all the time. Not just nintendo - everyone. Heck, you'll probably be able to grab a PS3 for £100 in 5 years' time (instead of the £1000 they cost at launch)

    [Edit] @ Hog-lumps - see you got there before me ;)
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 10:32

  • megastar #63 6 years ago

    i've only had my DS 4 weeks, but im not gonna moan and whinge and start pissing vinegar like some bitches have been on here.

    The most valuable lesson in life that everybody could do with coming to terms with is as follows:

    Shit Happens: DEAL WITH IT!!!

    Should be a few months before it comes out over here anyway, a few more months with my current DS (which I wuv - yes i do) and I'll send it to another home and buy the new one which looks very nice.

    Honestly theres too much whining and bitching and moaning and complaining on this forum. Ladies, Gentlemen and Children of all ages - just chill out a little, you'll only make yourselves ill with all this negativity.

  • Zuiyo #64 6 years ago

    Honestly, it feels really confusing for that Nintendo boss to deny the DS redesign and then the next day it's all over the news... what's the point then? He could have said something like "I'm sure Nintendo Japan have something under their sleeve, and there could be an announcement anytime" and he would have basically said nothing, but creating positive expectation. What he did has caused confusion and has influenced people's buying priorities.

  • tengu #65 6 years ago

    "Fair enough - but there have been many calls to make it smaller, lighter and more attractive. Aren't they just responding to this?"

    Yeah, great news for the 13 million of us who already bought the current brick.

  • brainbird #66 6 years ago

    Wait a minute, I don't get it. There are DS shortages in Japan, people desperately try to get hold of one. And now, Nintendo announces the DS Lite for March? Who will buy the old one now?

  • Psi #67 6 years ago

    great, im getting another ds!

  • nickyickywickywoo #68 6 years ago

    @tengu

    Understand your point, but I think I'll quote Hog-Lumps on this

    I think it's niave to by a console and not expect it to be updated or redesigned after purchase.

    And no doubt you now hate and despise your current brick and all the shite games you're playing on it.

    Sure it's quicker than usual - but that's the point, you'll be seeing iterations come faster. Think phones

    It's more annoying and unforgiveable to deny everything then go ahead mere days after

  • OnlyMe #69 6 years ago

    I wish MS could release a small Xbox. I'm not counting on backwards compatibility anymore. At least, not for a looong while. Maybe when they release Xbox 720 the compatibility list will be completed. But then they have to start over again with the new box.

  • Hog-lumps #70 6 years ago

    To those complaining about the re-design.

    When you buy a brand new PC. - Do you expect the world to stand still with your same specifications and hardware? No, the minute you purchase a new PC the technology is already being improved, bettered and updated. - you just accept the fact.

    Why should this be any different with consoles? It's just technology improving with time - Change is invetiable, so isn't it naive to think otherwise?

    (Edit grammar sorry)
    Edited by 2 at 26/01/06 @ 10:45

  • nickyickywickywoo #71 6 years ago

    @Hog-lumps

    I see your grammar is going through several rapid development cycles ;)

  • drumbaby #72 6 years ago

    This would explain DS shortages I guess.

  • BremXJones #73 6 years ago

    Megastar: I've had my DS for *three days* and I don't care either. It's not as if the games are going to be any different, as as if I was ever going to wait the - what? - at least six months until it hit the UK anyway. I'd swap "now" for "smaller" any day of the week, as long as there's games I want to play.

    KG

  • Hog-lumps #74 6 years ago

    @Hog-lumps

    I see your grammar is going through several rapid development cycles ;)

    :)

    Good english was never my strong point!!!!

  • Psi #75 6 years ago

    the ds is quite cheap, it's an impulse buy ffs. So they bring out a new one big deal it's not like i go kicking and screaming to the car dealer the next year when the same model car gets more extras as standard :p

    they know they can bling stuff up and sell it to you again.

    if there is anyone in marketing reading this board, do the world a favour, kill yourself.

  • tengu #76 6 years ago

    "And no doubt you now hate and despise your current brick and all the shite games you're playing on it. "

    At what point did I say anything like this? Make all the excuses you like, this redesign is happening too soon imo.

  • nickyickywickywoo #77 6 years ago

    @Hog-Lumps It's all cool mate - as is the redesign, imho ;)

    @tengu - you didn't. But why are so unhappy? Just don't get it. That's my point. I'm not making excuses for anyone. And if you're saying you're not [unhappy], then why "Yeah tell that to the 13 million owners of the current brick"? Brick's not exactly a complimentary assessment. Ok so you think it's a bit soon. Fair enough. That's about it. anything else smacks of whingeing
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 10:54

  • jack_klugman #78 6 years ago

    You actully think some suckers who already have a DS will buy THIS?!?!?!?!

    This sucker will.

  • Psi #79 6 years ago

    tengu i dont think it's happening too soon, i think it's happening at exactly the right time as far as ninty are concerned. they've had a runaway sucess with the ds this year, and now it seems everyone bitching and moaning about either two things.

    1) it's ninty there'll be a re-design soon

    2) the psp looks soooo much better!

    so they address both of these issues to grab everyone sitting on the fense till the inevitable ninty redesign and now it looks like a cross between an ipod and a psp so it's got the bling appeal to trendy wankers!

    they've just shifted a hell of a lotta boxes by giving it a facelift.

  • Tonka #80 6 years ago

    Will there be a PSP redesign anytime soon?

  • megastar #81 6 years ago

    bremxjones: I would probably consider importing sooner also simply because, and 99% of people who have a DS will agree with this; The DS is simply a magnificent piece of hardware with fantastic games that take immersiveness in gameplay to whole new heights. I aint no nintendo fanboy - infact I'm one of the people waiting for the PS3 (the real next gen - just added that to wind people up for a laugh) but its probably the best "console" (to use the term loosely) that i've bought in years and.......... hold on whats my point again?.......... oh yeah! some people who already own a DS will buy a new one. Why? because its worth it.

  • MoFo #82 6 years ago

    Does this mean the screen is smaller of have they managed to keep that the same size but just shrink the case? Don't have a DS but I thought the screen was a bit dinky as it is so even smaller and I'd need a microscope. If it was same size as original then I'll be getting one for sure.

  • nickyickywickywoo #83 6 years ago

    i dont think it's happening too soon, i think it's happening at exactly the right time as far as ninty are concerned

    I agree completely. Sensible business move. Look at so many electronics products and the cycle hardly seems excessive - phones, Ipods, PCs etc etc. You buy something, it's almost immedaitely out of date. One of the easiest lessons you learn is that being an early adopter costs money -there's always something better and/or cheaper round the corner.

  • Rambaldi #84 6 years ago

    Sounds like an easy way to fleece diehard DS fans who've already got one. Surely the technology in the DS could've been squeezed into a small design in the first place..or maybe they didn't want to make it perfect first time roud. I'm suddenly seeing 'new and improved' haircare product adverts:

    "The NEW DS! Featuring L'Oreal's patented 'bouncebounce' technology!"
    *reads back of package to find same ingredients as last year's product*

  • megastar #85 6 years ago

    to be fair the inner workings of a nintendo DS are a little different to the ingredients of a bottle of shampoo.

  • sir_tripod #86 6 years ago

    /wants badly even though already got one... d:-(

  • nickyickywickywoo #87 6 years ago

    Sounds like an easy way to fleece diehard DS fans who've already got one

    Well, I think that the only person fleecing you is yourself if you have one (which works fine and does everything you want of it) and feel the absolute necessity to get a new one. And the one after that etc. It is your choice, after all.

    Don't think you can compare hair products with electronics. Your 'perfect' product simply isn't practical in the real world - features and design are based carefully on component costs, which fall rapidly over the course of the hardware cycle. Would've cost Sony a mint to introduce the slimline PS2 straight from the off

  • sir_tripod #88 6 years ago

    Just had another thought, if you don't want to get ripped off, don't buy a the new-style DS. I'm not keen on getting ripped off but these new ones look teh sexeh.

  • toy_brain #89 6 years ago

    I doubt the screens will be any smaller - if they were then that would impact any touchscreen games. I guess you would need a thinner stylus.. or something *shrugs*... to make them play the same.

    Really, the screens will be the same size, its the same overall design and has the same functionality as the regular DS, its just lost a bit of weight.
    This isnt like the GBA-to-GBA SP redesign, where the original machine desperately needed a backlight, and the clamshell design offered extra protection for the screen.

  • SeesThroughAll #90 6 years ago

    "Will there be a PSP redesign anytime soon?"

    What for?

    "But you just know they're going to get better and cheaper all the time. Not just nintendo - everyone. Heck, you'll probably be able to grab a PS3 for £100 in 5 years' time (instead of the £1000 they cost at launch)"

    True that every company redesigns their products, but the PS3 is definitely not going to cost 1000 quid.
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 11:48

  • Tonka #91 6 years ago

    Money

  • drasfs #92 6 years ago

    Lol, those photoshoped versions made by fanboys a while ago looks better. Not saying that this one is bad, as I think it is a vast improvement over the older one.

    I would however preferred something more, as the alterations from GBA to the sp version was huge.

    If they keep up with this, no one will buy the next gameboy, and ninty will think WTF,but then they make an updated one, and boom, the sales skyrockets.

  • Rambaldi #93 6 years ago

    I wasn't literally comparing it with a haircare product, just using that whole 'new and improved' vibe you get with other products as an analogy (cat food, kitchen towel etc.)

    Point taken about it costing too much for manufacturers to produce ultra-thin electical good first time round, but the DS was hardly cutting edge technology when it launched (not to say it's not good, because it clealry is). I'm sure they could have made it smaller at little extra cost, but then how would they have released their (now standard for Nintendo) 'new and improved ' version?
    Edited by 2 at 26/01/06 @ 11:47

  • nickyickywickywoo #94 6 years ago

    @Rambaldi - Fair enough - and point taken back. I don't doubt that it was part of a deliberate strategy on their part - but still feel it's up to us. Most of us will end up buying one I'm sure... ;)

  • kenty #95 6 years ago

    I can't breathe until i own one

  • nickyickywickywoo #96 6 years ago

    @kenty - nice one. I just wanted to say that to you before you expired ;)

  • QPRobbie #97 6 years ago

    Just wait until you get your hands on one - the picture really doesn't do it justice.

  • Hog-lumps #98 6 years ago

    QPRobbie, do you have a time machine?

  • megastar #99 6 years ago

    he's Satoru Iwata in disguise.

  • Hog-lumps #100 6 years ago

    Ah that explains it!

  • SirScratchalot #101 6 years ago

    Less weight is excellent for a device that one often holds with one hand.
    I´m sold on that alone.

  • Daikon #102 6 years ago

    @boo

    The original 'wide' GBA was/is much more comfortable to use the than GBA SP.

    If you don't mind sore eyes that is...

    @dbeamish

    lol i just bought a pink DS yesterday for the wife. Ace.. nice one Nintedo.

    According to my gf the fact that it's pink completely outweighs that fact that there's a new design ^_^

  • Psi #103 6 years ago

    I'm waiting till they offer the new design in pink!

    really do hope they do a famicom limited edtion style and start messing with the cases. the micro looks okay but my famicom edition version is just visual sex

    more groovy case designs please ninty! expresson covers for consoles like this would be much better, if people use them on the move bumps and scrapes aint as worrying.

  • Tonka #104 6 years ago

    Less weight is excellent for a device that one often holds with one hand.

    Try saying that to the ladies...

  • SirScratchalot #105 6 years ago

    I actually tried to avoid making that joke you know?
    Guess there´s only one way things can go on the ole internet.

  • Lukus #106 6 years ago

    Ha ha, it just goes to show- Nintendo has no respect for its european branch either, not just its european customers! Hilarious. (That is of course assuming the UK manager genuinely didn't know about the redesign)

  • nickyickywickywoo #107 6 years ago

    True that every company redesigns their products, but the PS3 is definitely not going to cost 1000 quid.

    That wasn't a serious figure obviously. I don't have one. Obviously again

  • megastar #108 6 years ago

    qprobbie, you claim to have played on one one of these:

    right im calling you out on that

    i want names, places, and dates and a damn good reason how you got your hands on one when nintendo UK didnt even know the damn thing existed.

  • mr_steve100 #109 6 years ago

    I want!
    But I just bought a DS!
    But I want!

  • YUSHi #110 6 years ago

    Me want one... march seems such a long time away.

  • Stickman #111 6 years ago

    This 'DS' any good then?

  • nickyickywickywoo #112 6 years ago

    It's ok, y'know, but it could do with being made a bit lighter and smaller

  • ElephantMonkey #113 6 years ago

    where can I preorded one?
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 13:21

  • Kostabi #114 6 years ago

    Nintendo are so full of shit.

  • SirScratchalot #115 6 years ago

    Care to elaborate? Preferably without using the word shit.

  • nickyickywickywoo #116 6 years ago

    Praps it's better if he didn't. I already have a sinking feeling...

  • Tonka #117 6 years ago

    @ElephantMonkey

    www.play-asia.com

  • JonFE #118 6 years ago

    Coming only a year+ after release is indeed a bit soon. However, I have a feeling that the original was rushed, in order to spoil PSP's unveiling, so the design was a little rough around the edges. A slickier lighter version is certainly welcome.

    /imagines the missus' reaction if a third DS steps right through the door... Ouch :/

  • nickyickywickywoo #119 6 years ago

    Coming only a year+ after release is indeed a bit soon

    It's particularly understandable if you have just bought or ordered one of the 'old style' to feel a little disappointed.

    I guess that's why I bought a grotty ol' 2nd hand one, that I've not really given a shit about. It was going to come at some point...

    /smug mode off, sir!

  • JetSetWilly #120 6 years ago

    @JonFE

    You are exactly right, the DS was rushed to launch because of PSP hence the awful, heavy, clunky original. Nintendo have done exactly the right thing here to give the system a boost into 2006.

    And if people actually go back and read the David Yarnton interview he said this (taken from Gamesindustry.biz):

    Q: Can you categorically rule out then that you'll have a DS redesign announcement at E3?

    A: That's been rumoured, I don't know for how long, but we haven't got any plans at the moment. Nothing I know of.

    Q: Presumably it's a very real possibility further down the line, maybe in 2007 or something like that?

    A: I mean, Micro was a surprise for us as well when that came out, so we weren't aware of that.

    Yes, he looks a chump given today's annoucement but that's Nintendo of Japan's fault for either not telling him or not letting him give the press a head's up with regard to the imminent news.

    At least there's a gap until you can buy it. Not like the Apple iPod nano launch.

  • nickyickywickywoo #121 6 years ago

    Yes, he looks a chump given today's annoucement but that's Nintendo of Japan's fault for either not telling him or not letting him give the press a head's up with regard to the imminent news.

    If it's the latter, I think I would've delayed giving an interview until I could say something. btw, even without this announcement, he didn't do himself any favours

    [edit] typo
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 14:03

  • Freek #122 6 years ago

    LOL. They could have easely just said; "We don't comment on rumours". Like every other compnay does.
    Flat out denying something and then anouncing it soon after just makes you look silly for no reason.

  • dk_rare #123 6 years ago

    Looks awesome

  • JetSetWilly #124 6 years ago

    "btw, even without this announcement, he didn't do himself any favours"

    Agreed, I thought he gave a shite interview.

  • ChocNut #125 6 years ago

    Well - Im definitely getting one - the question is which colour?

    Im thinking about getting a white revolution but what if it only comes out in black in the UK?

    Id like my new DS and Rev to match...

    Choices choices! :)

  • jiroczech #126 6 years ago

    Yeah, whatever Yarnton knew about the DS Lite in advance, he's still managed to make himself and Nintendo UK look like Nintendo Japan's idiot cousins.

    Why tell a bunch of lies about the redesign and have it published the day before the anouncement of the DS Lite? He could have waited a day or so or at least fielded those questions better. The rest of the interview wasn't any better. Man... *sigh*

  • asphaltcowboy #127 6 years ago

    I'd like to try holding one before I fork out on another DS (already bought one for myself and one for the gf). Still, it looks really nice and I like the fact it's lighter! Way to go Nintendo!

  • Repsode #128 6 years ago

    Nintendo is taking the Apple approach to hardware. Nintendo feel that they have sold as many DSs as they can with the current design. A smaller, sleaker DS will attract a different crowd to that purchasing the console now. Case in point: GB micro. Aimed at an entirely different market to the SP, just as the SP was to the original. I think the redesign's been in the works for a while. I don't think Nintendo truly beleived that the current model would sell out that fast.

    And as for people bitching, are you that impulsive that you couldn't wait until the redesign was announced be it a few days or a few months. If you REALLY wanted an alternative to the current model you would have waited as long as it took. I have no sympathy whatsoever.

    The new DS looks pretty good imo, much more attractive than my grey PSP (oh wait thats dust)

  • DaveTheHutt #129 6 years ago

    Yarnton has made Nintendo UK and himself look idiots with his "no new DS" comment, but I feel some sympathy for him.

    Disseminating information - especially new product info - is strictly controlled within any international business... it's simply good business practice. Everyone in your organisation needs to know when info is being made 'public', and the simplest way to do this is to set an 'embargoed until' date on info.

    Unfortunately, the unfortunate side effect of that is things like this - Yarnton would've known about the new DS, but just couldn't say anything about it. Unfortunately, rather than use the old 'can't confirm or deny' trick, he decided to play innocent. And ends up looking like a twat.

    To be honest, if you believed that no new DS was on the way because of his say-so, more fool you.

    Me, I'm still more concerned he hasn't even had a five-minute fiddle on an Xbox 360 yet - knowing your market is a priority in any market.

    Hutt out

  • nickyickywickywoo #130 6 years ago

    I'm thinking that, while he knew it was in the works, he didn't know there would be an announcement to that effect anytime soon. Nintendo US looks to have been caught out also (though not so obviously)

    As for feeling sorry for him - well, a bit praps, but as a big cheese in the business this is [one of the reasons] why he gets paid a nice fat wage.

  • Toonster #131 6 years ago

    A DS Lite/Revolution dual-release would be just too good. I'll get a DS Lite once the DS I have now gets all worn out and such.

  • Kafeen #132 6 years ago

    Ninty follow their usual form.

    Release the same product in a new shell.

    So that's 3 Gameboys, 3 SPs, 2 DSs so far. I guess we're due another in a year or so.

  • floW #133 6 years ago

    Do I get one?

  • Ignatius_Cheese #134 6 years ago

    @Kafeen - Same product? Go on, use your brain. You know you can...

    Who cares whether it's too early or not! At the end of the day, people will buy it, a corporation will make more money. What doesn't make sense about that? Since when has any of the 3 major corporations actually *cared* about it's consumers? I... rest... my... case!

  • QPRobbie #135 6 years ago

    Played Advance Wars: Dual Strike on the lovely Nintendo DS Lite it this morning in the office - ask anything you like about it..........:)

  • el_pollo_diablo #136 6 years ago

    ^^^

    Where do you work!

    That's my question

    :)

  • MDL199 #137 6 years ago

    I have to say I think it's a smart business move by Nintendo as they know their deluded fan boys will rush out and buy it even if they own an original DS after all the greedy sods managed it 3 times with the GBA.

    I think some of the idiots in forums like this would buy cow sh!t if it had the Nintendo logo on it!

    Who says you can't fool all the people all the time?

  • QPRobbie #138 6 years ago

    The only place you can play a DS Lite in this country right now!! PS Stop being nasty about DY's interview - when NCL tell you not to talk about a product to media, you don't talk about it.....so apologies if it felt like he lied, perhaps he could have fielded the question better.

  • Boundy #139 6 years ago

    Is this you QPRobbie?

    Robert Lowe
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 18:29

  • ChocNut #140 6 years ago

    Rob - does it close flush - is it shiney like the psp plastic-wise?

  • neon #141 6 years ago

    The new DS Lite or a Sony PSP -?- Hmm. . . -?-

    Seeing the latest offering from Konami *Steel Horizons* on the PSP, it's going to have to be a Nintendo DS Lite. What were Konami thinking, how bad:

    http ://www.climaxgroup.com/web_resource/sh03.jpg
    http ://www.climaxgroup.com/web_resource/sh02.jpg
    http ://www.climaxgroup.com/web_resource/sh04.jpg

    The game looks like oil paintings nicked off the web and put though Photoshop with the paint filter switched on and a bit of added blur more.

    /lol
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 20:11

  • Ignatius_Cheese #142 6 years ago

    @QPRobbie - If I can ask you anything, could you please shut up and stop spouting complete pap. Whilst you're at it, please learn the correct use of grammar and halt this unnecessary use of abbrevations as a feeble attempt to fool people into believing you are "in the system". Many thanks
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/06 @ 22:15

  • SeesThroughAll #143 6 years ago

    @MDL199 : There's idiots buying from each and every brand. There's idiots buying any crap from Ninty, there's idiots buying any crap from Sony, and there's idiots buying any crap from Microsoft.

  • Ignatius_Cheese #144 6 years ago

    Ah, brand loyalty! Next thing you know these corporations will actually be doing things for the consumer! Good god... I've gone to far o_O

  • Xerx3s #145 6 years ago

    So basically, its ..... light?

  • scorp #146 6 years ago

    maan, I finally caved and bought the old style DS last week on the strength of that 'no redesign soon' news! *mutters*

    oh well. I love my DS anyway ^_^

  • Teeth #147 6 years ago

    lol neon, if you're basing your purchasing decisions on CONCEPT ART you're the most deluded person on the internet. Apart fromt hat kid who nearly killed the other boy who was pretending to be 19 people in a chat room and told him he needed to stab him because otherwise they couldn't open the safe that only him and the queen could open. Or something. But he's probably not on the internet anymore because if they let him on he'll probably have the same thing happen again because he's that deluded. So I guess you really are the most deluded person on the internet.

  • groundbeef #148 6 years ago

    Der fook... thats it?? Must say im quite dissappointed. Bland as bland can be. Honestly i think the original DS in white looks better. The only thing this has going for it is the brighter screens. The smaller surface dimensions i predict will actually prove to be a detriment because it will make the controls too cramped to play with comfortably, kinda like the micro. I see carple tunnel running rampant with the mariokart snaking crowd (good... friggin abusers ha!).

    And the one dimension that actually needed trimming, depth, is barely improved due to their decision to keep the GBA slot. The more i think about it, the more i feel removing the slot would have been the way to go. The argument for GBA cart accessories/expansions seems silly to me. Rumble pak can be taken care of by way of being built in, and thats the only accessory there is! As for expansions, theres only ONE game that does that! And band brothers isnt even sold anywhere other than japan, where everyone owns like 5 gba's/ds's anyways! I guess connectivity between ds games and their gba counterparts is somewhat useful, though personally i always felt these easter eggs to be gimmicky at best.

    The only substantial downside i see with removal of the GBA slot is the end of homebrew, but honestly i would be shocked if the new ds did not come with drastically improved hack counter-measures anyway. Nintendo has already shown they are against hacking with their v2 firmware. If anything, i think this was the main motivation behind releasing the new ds so early. There is only so much they can do to prevent hacking when limited to the old architecture. With NiWiFi set to really take off this year, nintendo cant afford to not be in control of it.

  • neon #149 6 years ago

    Teeth: lol neon, if you're basing your purchasing decisions on CONCEPT ART.


    All said and done, the PSP is a really cool machine. I simply don't have a need for movies on the move and from a games perspective the DS seems ever so slightly more interesting and with the appearance of the DS lite, i'm sold :)

    As for the PSP Konami game, isn't concept art supposed to sell a game?
    *i'm not sold on it*
    Edited by 2 at 27/01/06 @ 09:39

  • nickyickywickywoo #150 6 years ago

    @QPRobbie - If I can ask you anything, could you please shut up and stop spouting complete pap.

    Amen to that. If you [QPR] have anything remotely interesting or intelligible to say, please wake me up. Jeez

  • Teeth #151 6 years ago

    neon: well, it is Climax ;)

    Just kidding, Climax buddies!

    BTW neon with you all the way re psp vs ds, was just trolling last night for kicks.

  • mattigan #152 6 years ago

    The best thing they could do is include an SD Card slot to allow MP3/Video playback, they are already supporting the SD format for the Rev.

    Failing that, they could include a dummy cart slot so I could store a spare game in it whilst playing another.

    Just wondering, as pictures of the back of the thing have been conspicuously absent from reports.

  • chronom4n #153 6 years ago

    i have been wanting to get a DS for such a long time, but the way i have noticed Nintendo doing things are that they will be revamping their machines sooner or later, so in this respect I can't see them revamping this piece of kit for some time (and by that i mean the new dslite:) I like this new design because, 1- it will be less obtrusive, leaner looking, aesthtically pleasing, and a thing that i have really liked is the finish on the DS. Looking very much like the finish on the Revolution. Anyways i am looking to buy it when it comes out this side of the pond. and i have to get the game Phoenix Wright!

  • neon #154 6 years ago

    Teeth: BTW neon with you all the way re psp vs ds


    I've been sitting on the fence with this one. The sexy PSP or the not so sexy DS. The new look DS got me jumping down from the fence as i always knew i had no need for a PSP.
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/06 @ 12:27

  • MDL199 #155 6 years ago

    SeesThroughAll
    26-Jan-06 22:13:27 @MDL199 : There's idiots buying from each and every brand. There's idiots buying any crap from Ninty, there's idiots buying any crap from Sony, and there's idiots buying any crap from Microsoft.


    But there's no fanboy like a Nintendo fanboy my friend.

    Just look at any games forum on the net and you'll see it's jam packed with Nintendo zealots almost exclusively which is why I don't spend to much time in them.

    Anyway, the new DS redesign won't convince me to buy one as the games available are with 1 or 2 exceptions shallow and rubbish.

    The PSP looks a great machine but I won't be buying one of them either until they start making some decent games for the damned thing.

    In my opinion both of the new handhelds have been a huge let down.

  • sheksh #156 6 years ago

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/therealdz/ds liteipod.jpg

  • tomein #157 6 years ago

    NO, NOT GOOD. NINTENDO GAVE AN EXTRA TRY AT A HANDHELD THEY RELEASED LESS THEN A YEAR AGO!!!!?? THEY HAVE FINALLY REALISED THAT THE FIRST WAS A BIT TWO BULKY, CHEAP AND PLASTICKY UNLIKE THE SLEEK, SMOOTH PSP. PSP STILL RULES DS THOUGH!!!![ FASTEST SELLING CONSOLE SELLING OVER 10 MINLIION COPIES IN FIRST MONTH!! ]

  • mr_steve100 #158 6 years ago

    I take it that this new Japanese NDS would be region free, just like the current NDS? And, assuming that it uses the same adapter type, would it be okay to plug in a UK power adapter into the Japanese NDS, or is there specific hardware within that has been put in specifically for the Japanese voltage?

    And I agree with boo (first page) and any others; I don't see this being comfortable if you already find the current NDS a bit tricky to use for long periods (although the point about the thumb strap is definately valid).

    I think we're just waiting for Microsoft to re-design their consoles now - boy, are they behind the time!


    /importing hardware was never a strong point.