DS Hardware: a Long-Awaited review (sure....)

[ElementK]

Introduction
After I had heard about the DS (Dual Screen) at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), I was set. The DS had to be mine. As weeks past, I learned of the games it will feature, it's new design, and its touch screen functionality. I was impressed at what it could offer, and what different styles of games could appear. Once the week had arrived, I was getting ready to save up as much as I could to buy games for the DS, as I was going to get it for Christmas. But low and behold, I got it about four days after its release (November 21, 2004) from a buddy for some reviewing. I spent an extensive amount of time with the hardware, and these are my views.

Appearance: 9
Sure, the E3 model may have looked a bit...dated, but as many people knew, there was going to be a new design of the DS which was supposed to be more sleeker, more stylish, and just better overall. When folded, the DS is about the same size as a regular GBA (Game Boy Advance), and when opened, it's about as "tall" as a GBASP (Game Boy Advance SP). Both screens are a good size, and the button size is great as well. The newer DS design is simply elegant and has a more interesting look than the E3 DS model, which some people proclaimed that it looked like a large brick when folded. Just trust me, if you get a DS, it will make people say, "Whoa, what's that?" or, "Could I see that?" It's just that good looking.

Capabilities: 8.5
The capabilities for the DS are great; here's a list of a couple you may be interested in... (There's plenty more, but these are just a few)

Touch Screen: Yes, the DS has a touch screen, which is the bottom screen. Many people always asked if it would scratch. Sure, it may have a little scratch here and there, but it's not going to be so huge that it'll bother you during some games. But if you're that worried about scratches, just buy some screen protectors. Make sure you buy ones that won't leave a sticky residue, as I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Right now, a good brand is the Pelican screen protectors and the regular PDA screen protectors (Just cut them a bit to make them fit on the screens). Anyway, the touch screen works surprisingly well. And if something seems wrong, just go into the menu and calibrate it.

Wireless Multiplayer: Ever wanted to just sit at home and play games with someone else who has a DS next door without leaving? Well, with the DS, you can now instantly play multiplayer games without the use of wires! After asking someone if they'd want to play (In Pictochat, or face-to-face), just insert the DS Game Card in it's slot, and tell the other players to "download" the game into their DS right from the menu (I'll explain later).You can then play up to fifteen other people in one game (That's a total of sixteen people at once!). Most multiplayer games for the DS will only require at least one person to have the game, so you won't have to buy the actual game if your friend has it.

Pictochat: Ah, Pictochat... With Pictochat, which is built right into the DS's hardware, you can instantly talk to others who have a DS about 65-100 feet away from you! With this, you can draw pictures, just chat, or ask to play a multiplayer game. Simple to use, and pretty fun.

Downloading: I'm sure most of you are wondering what "downloading" is. Well, if you want to play multiplayer with a friend, all you have to do is go into the menu and select "Download". Downloading will only work if your friend has the game card and he/she has gone into the "Multiplayer" part of the game!After your friend has already set up everything for multiplayer, all you have to do is download the game (Which is done right in the menu), and select the multiplayer game you want to play.
It's a bit difficult to explain here, but it's easy to understand how to do.

Graphics: 8.5
Alright, alright...the DS's graphics aren't superior to the PSP's (PlayStation Portable) graphics, which resemble those of the PS2 (PlayStation 2), but as some people say, graphics don't matter. I only have three games for my DS (Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt, Feel the Magic: XY/XX, and Super Mario 64 DS), and I believe the graphics are great on all three. While PSP's graphics resemble the PS2's graphics, the DS's graphics resemble those of the N64's (Nintendo 64) graphics. Not great, but pretty good in most games.

Sound: 9.0
The DS has surround sound compatibilities, which is great. And to me, surround sound sure beats stereo and mono. How is there surround sound? Well, as you should have seen in almost every picture of the DS, there are not only one, but two speakers on the top. The sound is crisp, and clear, and I could hear everything. Pretty impressive.

Game Library:
Present: 7.5
Future: 9.0
The games for the DS that have been shipped on launch are:

Super Mario 64 DS
Feel The Magic: XY/XX
Urbz (Sims)
Asphalt Urban GT
Spider- Man 2
Madden NFL 2005
Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits (November 30)

The two I recommend buying are the ones listed in bold. If you're into puzzle/addicting games, buy Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits. There'll be more...better games in the future, I can guarantee that. While the game library may be limited as of right now, Nintendo promises to bring us lots of 3rd Party games, as well as their own 1st Party games. The games that will be coming later in the future will be more better than the ones right now. You can count on that.

Controls: 9.5
The DS's controls are fantastic, even though it's short on an analog stick. Nintendo has solved this problem by creating the thumbstrap, which can be doubled as a wriststrap. I'll go into more detail about it later. The buttons are placed well (IMO), and the L and R buttons are great. And for those wondering if they'll hit the Power button by accident, not to worry. You have to hold the Power button down for about half a second to turn on/off the DS. Now, onto the thumbstrap. Basically, you slip the thumbstrap onto your thumb, hence the name. At the end of the strap, there's a rounded bit of plastic that acts like a shoe for your thumb. When you slide it across the touch screen, it'll act like an analog stick. I recommend using it in shooter games, like Metroid Prime Hunters.

Overall: 9.0
The DS isn't perfect, but it's still a great handheld to have around. It'll really impress those who have lost faith in Nintendo over the years, and I haven't lost my faith for Nintendo. The touch screen is durable enough, the handheld's design is flawless, and it's an easy to use handheld. The DS really is a great piece of hardware. I hope you can enjoy it as much as I have.

FINAL SCORES:
Appearance: 9
Capabilities: 8.5
Graphics: 8.5
Sound: 9.0
Game Library: 7.5 - 9.0
Controls: 9.5

GRAND SCORE:
9/10

[touchds]

Superb review and article Element.

Can I use this on the articles section of the site please?

[Skyline]

Another great review.

Good review. I agree with most of the scores.

i think the game lineup in the future deserves a ten.... but other than that, i totally agree with everything.

[ElementK]

touch, if you wish to use this, go ahead!

[Link...WPS]

great and accurate review, good stuff.