Nintendo DS Lite Handheld Console (Pink)

The smaller, sleeker version of the original Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DS Lite combines dual screen action with Touch Screen interaction, providing the player with a unique gaming experience. The system also includes wireless communication technology, allowing gamers to join their friends in multiplayer games, or use the system's embedded PictoChat software to send messages and drawings to each other. The Nintendo DS Lite is revolutionising handheld gaming. With two super-sharp, backlit LCD screens, the Nintendo DS Lite offers a groundbreaking new approach to gaming. Each 3-inch screen is capable of producing true 3D graphics; the DS has the power to produce even more advanced visuals than the Nintendo 64 could display. Plus you can adjust the screens' brightness in four different levels to adapt to different lighting conditions. The possibilities are limitless - one screen can be used to show the main action, while another might be used as a map, inventory, or secondary viewpoint - or both screens can be used simultaneously to depict huge boss characters! With a powerful rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and recharger included with every Nintendo DS Lite, the system offers up to 19 hours of play on a single recharge*; so there's no need for additional battery packs. Nintendo DS Lite recharges to full capacity in three hours - one hour less than Nintendo DS. The system also includes a clock, calendar and alarm functions, and you can select other details like the colour of the background screen, your birthday and your nickname. *Nintendo DS Lite battery life is dependent on brightness setting used.

In a nutshell:
It may have taken the world by storm with its huge range of genuinely innovative new games but there’s no denying that the Nintendo DS is not exactly the most portable of portable consoles. That’s all changed now with this sleek and sexy update.

The lowdown:
When the Nintendo DS was first announced it was dismissed by many as a white elephant – with a gimmicky interface and underpowered graphics. Over 15 million sales later and the story is a little different. The DS Lite is fully compatible with all existing Nintendo DS (and Game Boy Advance) games but it’s smaller, sleeker and lighter – with a new design that perfectly matches the Nintendo Wii console. The most impressive feature is the new backlit screens which offer the sharpest image ever seen on a portable console. The DS Lite is available in three separate colours: White, Black and Pink.

Most exciting feature:
The DS Lite now has four brightness settings – the highest is brighter than even the PSP and is clearly visible in any lighting condition. That sound? That'll be Sony executives running to the hills - wearing sunglasses.

Since you ask:
The Nintendo DS is the fast selling console ever in Japan. When the DS Lite was released, it sold out instantly, with queues of over 1,000 people a common sight.

The bottom line:
The DS gets a face lift to become Nintendo’s best looking portable ever. - Harrison Dent