Nintendo DS Lite

File:Dslite.jpg

The DS Lite.

The Nintendo DS Lite (Nintendō Dīesu Raito), sometimes abbreviated DSLite, or simply Lite, sold as the iQue DS Lite in China, is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It is a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight redesign of the earlier Nintendo DS model, designed to be aesthetically sleeker to complement the Wii, while taking styling cues from the Game Boy Advance SP, and to appeal to broader commercial audiences. It was announced on January 26, 2006, more than a month before its first launch in Japan on March 2, 2006 due to overwhelming demand for the original model. It has been released in Japan, Australia, North America, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, and defined regions in South America, the Middle East and Korea. As of May 2007, combined sales of the DS and DS Lite have reached over 42 million units worldwide.

Features

• Weight: 218 g (21% lighter than the original Nintendo DS).
• Dimensions: 133 mm × 73.9 mm × 21.5 mm (vs. 148.7 mm × 84.7 mm × 28.9 mm - 42% less volume than the original DS). In Imperial units, the DS Lite is 5.24 in × 2.9 in × 0.85 in.
• Extended battery life compared to the original DS, with a full charge on the lowest brightness setting Nintendo quote between 15 and 19 hours, on the highest brightness setting five to eight hours are quoted (both are dependent on the type of game activity). After five hundred charges, the battery life drops to roughly 70%. The original DS was supplied with a 850mAh battery, while the DS lite has a 1000mAh battery.
• Brighter, more durable top and bottom LCD screens, with four levels of brightness. Though more resistant to shock, they still scratch easily. (stylus dimensions: length 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm vs. 75.0 mm × 4.0 mm of the original Nintendo DS). The stylus is now also side-loaded and located below the power switch, making it easier to reach when needed.
• Sturdier top hinge.
• In Japan, the wrist strap no longer includes a thumb stylus; in North America, Australia and Europe, the wrist strap is omitted entirely (but there is still a place to tie it on).
• The D-pad was reduced to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller than the original Nintendo DS), but the A/B/X/Y buttons retain the same dimensions. There are lines on the D-pad, a design shared with the Wii console.
• Five colors: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Coral Pink (Noble Pink in Japan) and Onyx/Black (Jet Black in Japan) (see Colors below).
• Capable of receiving Wi-Fi signals from other Nintendo DS Lites, the original Nintendo DS system, Nintendo's Wii console and Wi-Fi access points.
• New external extension connection, rendering it incompatible to accessories for the Game Boy Advance EXT2 port (power cords and headphone adapters).
• The power button is turned into a power switch and is moved to the side.
• The redesign of the system has caused Game Boy Advance games to protrude out of the system by 1 cm. To provide a seamless surface and to keep out dirt, dust, and other debris, a filler cartridge is included.
• It uses the same processors as the original DS, but made on a smaller custom process so they require less power.
• The DS Lite has a built-in microphone located between the top and bottom screens, whereas the microphone on the original DS is located below the left side of the bottom screen.

See also: Nintendo DS design and specifications

Colors and limited editions

Colors

On February 18, 2006, Nintendo revealed the color schemes of the Nintendo DS Lite set for launch in Japan: Crystal White, Ice Blue and Enamel Navy. However, due to manufacturing problems only the Crystal White was available at its launch; the other two colors arrived on March 11, 2006. Nintendo released a Noble Pink version in the region on July 20, 2006, and a Jet Black version on September 2, 2006. On May 30, 2007, during a retail conference, Nintendo announced two new colors for Japan: Metallic Rose and Gloss Silver, which will be launched on June 23, 2007. Plans for these two colors to launch in other regions is not yet planned.

In Europe, in addition to the white version, a black version (named "Smart Black") was available at launch, a color unique to the region at the time. On October 27, 2006, the Coral Pink (Noble Pink) edition was released in Europe.

In North America, the Nintendo DS Lite was only available in white (renamed "Polar White" for the region) at launch. On August 24, 2006, Nintendo of America announced two new model colors, Onyx (Jet Black) and Coral Pink (Noble Pink). They were released in North America on September 12, 2006.

In Australia, the DS Lite was also only available in white (Polar White). On September 21, 2006, the Jet Black (Onyx) color was released. On October 16, 2006, Nintendo Australia announced that the Coral Pink color (renamed Pink Nintendo DS Lite) would be released on November 2, 2006, alongside Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends. On May 22, 2007, Nintendo Australia stated that the Ice Blue color would be released in the region for a limited amount of time, starting on July 19, 2007.

Other colors may eventually be released, as is customary with Nintendo's handheld gaming systems.

Limited editions

• Final Fantasy III edition: Announced on July 12, 2006, and released in conjunction with the DS Final Fantasy III remake in Japan. These featured a Crystal White Nintendo DS Lite, with Final Fantasy III artwork by Akihiko Yoshida. It is priced at JPY¥22,780 (US$193.76).

• Pokémon DAISUKI Club edition: On July 13, 2006, it was revealed that, in conjunction with the promotion for Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, a limited run of special Nintendo DS Lites would be available through a drawing open to members of the Japanese "Pokémon DAISUKI Club". These featured Crystal White Nintendo DS Lites with the popular Pokémon character Pikachu artwork on the front.

• Pokémon Dialga and Palkia edition: A Jet Black Pokémon Diamond and Pearl DS Lite featuring a glitter design of the two legendary Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia on the front, was released in Pokémon Center stores on September 28, 2006. It retails for JPY¥16,800 (US$142.89). The DS launched in the US at the Nintendo World store in New York City at a price point of US $219.99 in conjunction with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Later on May 15th, the special DS Lite was released in a Bundle Pak that includes both games, a Prima Strategy Guide, and 3 pins each featuring Dialga, Palkia, and the 3 starters Piplup, Turtwig, and Chimchar for US $329.95. This version of the DS is the power poll prize in v217 of Nintendo Power.

• Jump Ultimate Stars bundle: A limited edition DS Lite with the game Jump Ultimate Stars. It has the words "JUMP ULTIMATE STARS" printed on its case, along with the Weekly Jump mascot, the Jump Pirate.

• Love and Berry bundle: A limited edition DS Lite bundle based on a popular Japanese arcade game, Love and Berry. It is metallic pink and comes with a card reader and cards.

• Winning Eleven bundle: A limited edition Jet Black DS Lite bundle, which comes with the soccer game Winning Eleven.

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong edition: K-Zone had a competition in 2007 between March 7 and March 19 that had twenty Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis DS Lites as prizes.

• Sky Pirates edition: A Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings bundle was released in Japan on April 26, 2007.

• MapleStory edition: It has been announced that a Nintendo DS Lite bundle will be released at the end of 2007 with the release of MapleStory DS. This DS Lite bundle will launch in Korea first.

• Pirates of the Caribbean edition: At the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End on May 19, 2007, models with a Pirates symbol on the rear were distributed.

• Seattle Mariners edition: White DS Lites emblazoned with the Seattle Mariners logo are available at Safeco Field.

• Pokémon Center Pikachu edition: Yellow DS Lites which features Pikachu on the front cover will be released in Japan. Potential buyers will have to visit a Pokémon Center in Japan between June 1, 2007 and July 1, 2007 and fill in an application form for a chance to win a right to buy the console for JPY¥16,800.

• RX-93 ν Gundam edition: White DS Lites which feature the same red branding seen on Amuro Ray's RX-93 ν Gundam in the animated film, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack. The red logo appears on the left and the wording "RX-93 ν Gundam Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack" printed on the right. This edition goes on sale in Japan on August 9, 2007 and retails at JPY¥21,840, with game. Released by Bandai Namco.

• Wonderful World edition: Gloss Silver DS Lites feature the black "It's a Wonderful World" logo on the left with the title of the game printed on the right. This edition goes on sale in Japan on July 27, 2007. Released by Square Enix.

Launch

Japan

The Nintendo DS Lite was released on March 2, 2006 in Japan, with the suggested retail price of JP¥16,800 (~US$145 ), but due to lack of supply and excessive demand of Nintendo DS systems at retail price following the Nintendo DS Lite's launch in Japan, many Asian electronics distributors raised the retail price of the redesigned handheld console to JP¥23,300 (~US$200). On some Japanese auction sites it was being offered for prices as high as JP¥40,000 (~US$340). Even though Nintendo managed to release 550,000 units in March 2006 (which was above their initial projections), many excited Japanese gamers were left empty-handed soon afterward. The shortage was supposed to be eased after Nintendo released 700,000 Nintendo DS Lites during April 2006. However, retailers in Tokyo sold out yet again by late May 2006. This shortage would last for most of 2006 and 2007 with retailers all around the country having permanent ads apologizing for the shortage and announcing the ignorance of when a restock would arrive. When the product arrived, it would sell out within days. Since restocking was erratic, looking for the product often involved several visits to different retailers, and most of the time without finding the product. This is still the case in Japan as of April 25, 2007, with stores turning away potential customers every day and selling out quickly.

Australia

The Nintendo DS Lite was released in Australia on June 1, 2006, for AU$199.95. The Polar White color was available at launch. The black color was released on September 21, 2006. The pink color joined the range on November 2, 2006.

North America

The Nintendo DS Lite was released on June 11, 2006, for US$129.99 in the United States, and CA$149.99 in Canada. Only the Polar White version was available.

There have been various reports of North American Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Meijer stores having sold Nintendo DS Lite units as early as May 30, 2006, breaking the official launch date.

On June 12, 2006 GameSpot reported that North American Nintendo DS Lites had sold out at major online retailers, as well as several brick-and-mortar stores.

On June 13, 2006 Nintendo announced that 136,500 units were sold in two days since the DS Lite went on sale in North America, and seemed to be on pace to the 500,000 sold by the original Nintendo DS in its first ten days.

On September 12, 2006, two new colors were released in North America: Onyx Black and Coral Pink.

Europe

The Nintendo DS Lite was officially released in Europe on June 23, 2006, for GB£99.99 in the UK, €149.99 in the Eurozone. In Finland and Sweden DS Lite was released on June 22, 2006, due to the Midsummer. Black and white units were available at launch. In just 10 days, Nintendo announced it had sold 200,000 Nintendo DS Lites in Europe. As of April 2006, the "Nintendo DS: in touch with original comedy" advertisements shown in the UK on Channel 4 have been changed to include the Nintendo DS Lite. The black colour is now available in other regions.

During October, 2006, Nintendo launched a promotion of the Nintendo DS Lite in the UK which consisted mainly of bus shelter advertisements, as well as a new television promotion, which ended with the release of a pink version of the Nintendo DS Lite on October 27, 2006.

Following the wake of the Nintendo Wii, the Lite has experienced a surge of popularity, more notably the black version of the system. On the run up to Christmas 2006, DS Lites were sold out in most retailers and even online, leading to marked up units being sold on eBay and Amazon's marketplace.

China

On June 12, 2006 Chinese media organization Sina reported that a container intended for shipment to Europe was stolen, which contained HK$18 million (US$2.8 million) worth of goods, including black Nintendo DS Lites and games. Later, GamesIndustry.biz reported that Nintendo had indeed confirmed that "A number of White DS Lite made for the UK market were stolen while stopping at a port in Hong Kong."

On June 29, 2006, iQue company officially released NDSL as "iQue DS Lite" in China, for CNҰ1198. White and dark blue versions were available.

All colors released in Japan (Arctic Blue, white, pink, black, Navy Blue) are available for sale in Hong Kong.

South Korea

Nintendo opened its latest subsidiary, Nintendo of Korea, led by Mineo Kouda, on July 20, 2006. The DS Lite is the first system to be released in South Korea by the subsidiary, being released on January 18, 2007 for ₩150,000 (US$159). Popular Korean actor Jang Dong-gun has been enlisted to help promote the system. Four colours (Crystal White, Ice Blue, Noble Pink and Jet Black) were released.

Accessories

Although the secondary port on the Nintendo DS does accept and support Game Boy Advance cartridges (but not Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges), Nintendo has emphasized that its main intention for its inclusion was to allow a wide variety of accessories to be released for the system, the Game Boy Advance compatibility titles being a logical extension.

Nintendo announced at E3 2005 that it would launch "Headset Accessories" for VoIP enabled games. (This will plug into the VoIP plug next to the Ear Phone jack, not the Game Boy Advance slot.)

Rumble Pak

The Rumble Pak was the first official expansion slot accessory. In the form of a Game Boy Advance cartridge, the Rumble Pak vibrates to reflect the action in compatible games, such as when the player bumps into an obstacle or loses a life. It was released in North America and Japan in 2005, as a separate accessory and bundled with Metroid Prime Pinball A specially designed Rumble Pak was released in Japan in late May 2006 for the Nintendo DS Lite. The cartridge is the same size as the dust cover that comes with the DS lite, to prevent it from protruding out of the Nintendo DS Lite as standard Game Boy Advance cartridges do.

Nintendo DS Headset

The Nintendo DS Headset is the official headset for the Nintendo DS. It plugs into the headset port (which is a combination of a standard 3.5mm headphone connector and a proprietary microphone connector) on the bottom of the system. It features one earphone and a microphone, and is compatible with all games that use the internal microphone. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2006. The headset was released on April 22, 2007 in North America, alongside Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, two of the few games to have built in voice chat. It is being released in Australia on June 21, 2007, also alongside Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.

Nintendo DS Browser

On February 15, 2006, Nintendo announced a version of the cross-platform web browser Opera for the DS system. The browser can use one screen as an overview, a zoomed portion of which appears on the other screen, or both screens together to present a single tall view of the page. The browser went on sale in Japan and Europe in 2006. Releases in other regions are expected in 2007. It was released in North America on June 4, 2007. [1] Only the DS Lite Browser will be available at retail, while the original DS Browser is only available through Nintendo.

Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector

This USB-flash-disk-sized accessory plugs into a PC's USB port and creates a miniature hotspot, allowing up to five Nintendo DS units to connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service through the host computer's Internet connection. The only operating system currently supported by the Wi-Fi USB Connector's software is Microsoft Windows XP.

Nintendo MP3 Player

On December 8, 2006, Nintendo launched an MP3 player accessory for the DS in Europe for a €30 price tag. The add-on uses SD cards and an odd 8-bit style GUI. The cause for such a low bit GUI is that to run MP3s the DS is forced to use the ARM9 processor, which is also used for running the GUI and most of the game code. Running MP3s on the ARM9 is claimed to use about 95% of it, however this is unlikely as ARM cores running at less then half its speed can easily decode MP3 and handle a simple display. Other non-Nintendo brand compact flash (CF) memory card readers which claim to turn the DS into a "multimedia powerhouse" have been released and are available at retail stores such as Wal-mart. The CF readers can view MPEG1 videos and van play WMA and MP3 music files, as well as the majority being commonly used to hold home-brewed Nintendo DS games. Among the most popular are the Slot-1 devices: Revolution4 and M3 Simply, and the Slot-2 devices: M3 Perfect and Supercard.

Sales

Life-to-date Number of units sold

Calendar Quarter	Japan	Americas	Other	Total
Q1 2006	0.58 million	0	0	0.58 million
Q2 2006	2.72 million	0.68 million	0.76 million	4.15 million
Q3 2006	4.97 million	2.23 million	1.86 million	9.06 million
Q4 2006	7.89 million	4.84 million	4.60 million	17.33 million
Q1 2007	9.48 million	6.41 million	5.96 million	21.85 million

External links

Official sites

• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (United States)
• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (Europe)
• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (Australia)
• Official Nintendo DS Lite Website (Canada)

Unofficial sites

• Original text from Wikipedia
• Nintendo DS Lite Feature by NTSC-uk
• Nintendo's DS Lite launch party in New York

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