DS Lite off to a good start

[Roland Deschain]

Long story short, in Japan at least, DS Lite is outselling PSP by 10 times. I'm a Nintendo fan boy (Sony games have never appealed to me, and I still don't understand how the Play Station 1 could have outsold Nintendo 64...the closest explanation I could come up with is that PS1 had many many decent games, whereas N64 only had a few phenomenal games).

But this also hits me how smart (or stupid, depending on your stand point) Nintendo is. First release the DS, an utterly ugly thing with bad backlight, etc etc etc. Then come out with the same hardware in a slightly better package and get a second huge boost in sales for a year old hardware. Sony, with their PSP, released a beautiful handheld right of the start, so improving it to make it more appealing (and to boost sales will be more difficult). So Sony, learn your lesson, come up with a handheld that's good on hardware, but looks just ugly enough to give you strong sales, then rerelease the same hardware in a nicer package and get a second huge boost in sales for a minimum amount of effort. And oh yeah, don't forget to make some good games down the line too.

http://digitalbattle.com/2006/06/13/ds-lite-sells-10-times-more-that-psp/

 

[Gray Fox]

Long story short, in Japan at least, DS Lite is outselling PSP by 10 times. I'm a Nintendo fan boy (Sony games have never appealed to me, and I still don't understand how the Play Station 1 could have outsold Nintendo 64...the closest explanation I could come up with is that PS1 had many many decent games, whereas N64 only had a few phenomenal games).

But this also hits me how smart (or stupid, depending on your stand point) Nintendo is. First release the DS, an utterly ugly thing with bad backlight, etc etc etc. Then come out with the same hardware in a slightly better package and get a second huge boost in sales for a year old hardware. Sony, with their PSP, released a beautiful handheld right of the start, so improving it to make it more appealing (and to boost sales will be more difficult). So Sony, learn your lesson, come up with a handheld that's good on hardware, but looks just ugly enough to give you strong sales, then rerelease the same hardware in a nicer package and get a second huge boost in sales for a minimum amount of effort. And oh yeah, don't forget to make some good games down the line too.

http://digitalbattle.com/2006/06/13/ds-lite-sells-10-times-more-that-psp/

Definatly, we should encourage more companies to do this.

 

[Xune]

Sony have already done it with the repackaged PS1 and PS2. I'm sure I read somewhere that the smaller playstations (and reduced prices) were responsible for the majority of that models sales during their respective generations

 

[Mutley]

DS Lite represents over 70% of total hardware sales in Japan at the moment. DS games are also popular,

O rly?

 

[Warbie]

I've just ordered my Lite - they look too damn good

 

[Ren.182]

I want a lite. Need to wait till i get a job though D:

 

[satch919]

I just got mine this morning with the new Super Mario game. It's definitely a sleek system.

 

[Warbie]

How are you finding Mario?

I decided to wait on it to have something to play with the new DS.

 

[smwScott]

I might can understand this being the deciding factor on whether or not to buy a DS ... but I just can't wrap my head around buying a slightly prettier version of a console you already own, which a lot of people seem to be doing. I mean, the ONLY functional difference between the two is an improved backlight. Maybe if they added PSP-style media playback functionality or something, then it might be more justifiable. I just can't express how confused I am by people re-buying something they already own ... I don't get it. Not to be insulting but it just seems mind numbingly stupid.

 

[Asus]

but I just can't wrap my head around buying a slightly prettier version of a console you already own, which a lot of people seem to be doing.

If you have not seen a DS lite in person then this review has a good video and pictures that might give you a better look at it.

 

[Ren.182]

If you have not seen a DS lite in person then this review has a good video and pictures that might give you a better look at it.

Cool review there and the video really does show the difference. Thanks

 

[Reginald]

If you have not seen a DS lite in person then this review has a good video and pictures that might give you a better look at it.

The guy in that video=legend. He made me laugh because he was so laid back. And it confirmed me getting one.

 

[VictimOfScience]

I got one the day it came out here in the US and I have to say that when I am not playing, I always want to be playing. I only have New Super Mario Bros right now, but it is so much fun that I can't stop! Plus, it brings new life to my old GBA games with its bright and clear screen. I am also waiting for my GBA Movie Player in the mail that allows you to add multimedia content to an SD card and enjoy it on your DS! Plus with Opera coming soon for it, this will be one heck of an entertainment center anywhere you go!! :thumbs:

Good to see it selling so well too. Then again, Nintendo handhelds have always done well--talk about a cash cow! They just always seem to profit, on home consoles too!

 

[AmishSlayer]

I got one the day it came out here in the US and I have to say that when I am not playing, I always want to be playing. I only have New Super Mario Bros right now, but it is so much fun that I can't stop! Plus, it brings new life to my old GBA games with its bright and clear screen. I am also waiting for my GBA Movie Player in the mail that allows you to add multimedia content to an SD card and enjoy it on your DS! Plus with Opera coming soon for it, this will be one heck of an entertainment center anywhere you go!! :thumbs:

Good to see it selling so well too. Then again, Nintendo handhelds have always done well--talk about a cash cow! They just always seem to profit, on home consoles too!

Woah woah woah. I demand to be informed of the specifics on the GBA Movie Player. With it the DS can play like video files and sound files? If so, what formats are supported and where do I buy mine?

To the main topic of the DSL. I got mine launch day and I LOVE it. I never played the regular DS because I knew they'd be coming out with a better version (as Nintendo always does). Now that I have mine I just wish my parents had a wireless router while I'm here for the summer so I could go pick up Mario Kart and play online.

I currently have:

-Kirby's Canvas Curse
Fun game with great stylus control. Addictive to me anyways.

-Super Mario 64 DS
I LOVE the original Mario 64, having a portable one with extra content (such as playing as other characters and the mini-games) is awesome.

-Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Also really cool. I wish more rpg's would to the hit timing for defense and offense. It feels a lot more like SMRPG than Paper Mario'd did (obviously) and that's a really good thing to me.

Can't wait for the new Zelda, Star Fox and maybe that new FF game.

 

[VictimOfScience]

Woah woah woah. I demand to be informed of the specifics on the GBA Movie Player. With it the DS can play like video files and sound files? If so, what formats are supported and where do I buy mine?

Well, here's the link to where I ordered mine. It sounds incredible and it comes with software that will convert whatever files you have so that they work on the DS. I believe that emulators and ROMs will work on it too which would be HUGE, but I will report on all that when it arrives (it shipped last week and I can't wait!).

Can't wait for the new Zelda, Star Fox and maybe that new FF game.

Yes, these all sound great--I esp. can't wait for the remade FFIII.

 

[satch919]

How are you finding Mario?

I decided to wait on it to have something to play with the new DS.

It's very fun and quite charming. I'm having a blast with the DS Lite.

 

[AmishSlayer]

Well, here's the link to where I ordered mine. It sounds incredible and it comes with software that will convert whatever files you have so that they work on the DS. I believe that emulators and ROMs will work on it too which would be HUGE, but I will report on all that when it arrives (it shipped last week and I can't wait!).


Yes, these all sound great--I esp. can't wait for the remade FFIII.

That's awesome. Tell me how it works. I thought that you had to flash your DS to get stuff like this to work (which seems kinda complicated and all the shit you have to buy and do).

 

[Stigmata]

I just wish my parents had a wireless router while I'm here for the summer so I could go pick up Mario Kart and play online.

It might interest you to know that if you have Windows XP and an empty USB port on your computer, you can buy a DS WiFi USB adapter for about CA$30 that plugs right into your computer and lets you connect your DS to the Nintendo WiFi service. Or so I hear.

I'm planning on picking one up soon, I'd like to try out Metroid online.

 

[Asuka]

I got a DS Lite on release few days ago and i live in US NYC Im loving it to

 

[StardogChampion]

The problem with the PSP was that it also does music and video which just bumps up the price. Gamers have no cash and are more likely to go for a DS.

 

[sinkoman]

If you have not seen a DS lite in person then this review has a good video and pictures that might give you a better look at it.

That guy needs to go outside.

 

[Javes]

Definatly, we should encourage more companies to do this.

Check the video in this - http://www.halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=101533 - hahaha

 

[Gray Fox]

Check the video in this - http://www.halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=101533 - hahaha

Not so bad anymore once you look at this:

If you have not seen a DS lite in person then this review has a good video and pictures that might give you a better look at it.

In any case, with then new light behind the screen. What does that mean for the battery life, does it have any noticable effect?

 

[AmishSlayer]

Not so bad anymore once you look at this:


In any case, with then new light behind the screen. What does that mean for the battery life, does it have any noticable effect?

On the lowest setting on the light (which is what I keep mine at - it's perfectly clear even in the dark) you get like 13-15 hours of battery life. I haven't charged mine since I started playing on it on release day.

 

[Asus]

I think they put in a new battery in the DS lite. So 6-7 hours max brightness and 15 hours with lowest setting.

 

[Asuka]

Man that video is toooo funny.

 

[Lt. Drebin]

The problem with the PSP was that it also does music and video which just bumps up the price. Gamers have no cash and are more likely to go for a DS.

Better games would help, also.

Nobody wants to throw cash at a console/portable that provides nothing in terms of gameplay. At the end of the day, the PSP is a portable gaming console that has few, if any, killer apps. Mine currently collects dust...it's a shame. When I play, I play SOCOM and that's about it. It looks like it's getting better, however....which is good news for PSP owners. Some promising games coming down the pipe.

As for the DS Lite/DS in general, Japan is where you really see the software disparity. Japan is where you really see those who are in it for the games, and the DS sells like CRAZY....it's not surprising. All too often, over here in the US, it's about who has the latest and greatest hardware....

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Hey guys, one question about the Nintendo WiFi service.

To play online do you have to have people's Friend Codes? Or can you just join random games online? That's one thing that I've heard that I haven't liked about the service, that you need to enter codes to play with specific people.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Yea I'm hoping that by the time Wii is released, that the whole "Friends Code" thing is made a lot easier... If it could be like Xbox Live, where you have one gamertag, and no matter what you play, people can find you and play with you...

I'm glad you can still play with random people though... I'm now seriously considering buying a DS

 

[gh0st]

It's very fun and quite charming. I'm having a blast with the DS Lite.

i liked it too.. the wya you can swing on ropes and stuff. its a worthy successor.

 

[Vegeta897]

I found my DS, I thought I had lost it! :O

I'm so relieved... Now to see what game I want... Has anyone played Electroplankton?

 

[Warbie]

Nope, but I want to.

It doesn't sound like the kind of game you'd spend hours playing. More likely one to bring out when mates are round to make some silly tunes. Electroplankton and a few beers should be great fun

 

[VictimOfScience]

That's awesome. Tell me how it works. I thought that you had to flash your DS to get stuff like this to work (which seems kinda complicated and all the shit you have to buy and do).

Will do. I will make a whole new thread on my experience with this terrific little device as soon as I get it from Hong Kong(!). It may be another week or two...

 

[Roland Deschain]

Will do. I will make a whole new thread on my experience with this terrific little device as soon as I get it from Hong Kong(!). It may be another week or two...

Are we talking about the Hong Kong shipment that got stolen?

 

[VictimOfScience]

Are we talking about the Hong Kong shipment that got stolen?

Hahaha! No no no. I have my DS--I am talking about the GBA Movie Player I ordered from Lik-Sang. It sounds kick-ass, but we'll see when I get it. :thumbs: