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Nintendo DS Lite
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The is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It is a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight redesign of the Nintendo DS, designed to be aesthetically sleeker 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 initial release in Japan on March 2, 2006 due to overwhelming demand for the original model.
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Encyclopedia
The is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It is a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight redesign of the Nintendo DS, designed to be aesthetically sleeker 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 initial release in Japan on March 2, 2006 due to overwhelming demand for the original model. It has been released in Australia, North America, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, and defined regions in South America, the Middle East, and East Asia. As of December 31, 2008, sales of the DS Lite have reached 75.74 million units worldwide, according to Nintendo.
Features
- Capable of receiving Wi-Fi signals from other Nintendo DS Lite systems, the original Nintendo DS, Nintendo's Wii, and Wi-Fi access points. WEP encrypted and unencrypted networks are supported. WPA encryption is not supported.
Technical specifications
- Size (closed): 133 millimeters (5.2 inches) wide, 73.9 millimeters (2.9 inches) long, 21.5 millimeters (0.85 inches) tall.
- Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors.
- Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.
- Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo’s proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card.
- Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, plus control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons. The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 2 millimeters thicker than the stylus of the original Nintendo DS.
- Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance game paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone. A removable cover for the Game Boy Advance game pak slot provides added protection from dust and other foreign materials.
- Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.
- CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7.
- Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.
- Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering five to 19 hours of play on up to a three-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.
- Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian.
Differences between the DS Lite and the original DS
- Weight: 218 g / 7.69 oz (21% lighter than the 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 DS). In imperial units, the DS Lite is 5.24 in × 2.9 in × 0.85 in
- Extended battery life compared to the DS. With a full three-hour charge, the battery lasts fifteen to nineteen hours on the lowest brightness setting and five to eight hours on the highest brightness setting (both are dependent on the type of interactivity). After 500 charges, battery life can be expected to drop. The DS was supplied with a 850 mAh battery, while the DS Lite has a 1000 mAh battery.
- Brighter, more durable top and bottom LCD screens, with four levels of brightness. Designed to be more resistant to shock. The option of turning the backlight off in the main menu has been removed.
- Larger stylus, making it easier to hold (stylus dimensions: length 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm vs. 75.0 mm × 4.0 mm of the DS). The stylus is now also side-loaded and located next to the power switch, making it easier to reach when needed.
- In Japan, the wrist strap no longer includes a thumb stylus; in North America, Australia and Europe, the wrist strap is no longer included at all, though there is still a place to attach it.
- The D-pad was reduced to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller than the DS), but the A, B, X, and Y buttons retain the same dimensions. There are lines on the D-pad, a design shared with the Wii Remote and Game Boy Micro.
- The Start and Select buttons have been relocated under the A, B, X, and Y buttons, and are smaller than the original buttons.
- Twelve colors: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Coral Pink (Noble Pink in Japan), Onyx Black (Jet Black in Japan), Metallic Rose, Gloss Silver, Crimson/Black, Cobalt/Black, Turquoise, Red, and Green (see Colors below).
- Different external extension connection, rendering it incompatible to accessories for the Game Boy Advance EXT2 port (power cords and headphone adapters). The new connector is used for the power cord only.
- The power button, originally located above the D-pad, is now a power slider and is relocated to the right side of the device.
- The power and charging indicator lights are now located on the right hinge, as opposed to being below the bottom screen in the original model.
- The redesign of the system has caused Game Boy Advance games to protrude out of the system by 1 cm. In addition, to provide a seamless surface and to keep out dirt, dust, and other debris, a filler cartridge is included.
- The processors are the same as the DS, but made on a smaller custom process so they require much less power.
- The built-in microphone, originally located below the bottom screen, is now located between the top and bottom screens of the DS Lite.
Colors and limited editions
Colors
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, Nintendo announced two new colors for Japan: Metallic Rose and Gloss Silver, which were launched on June 23, 2007. These new colors have also been launched in South Korea on July 7, 2007.
In Australia, the DS Lite was also only available in white (Polar White) at launch. On September 21, 2006, the Jet Black (Onyx) color was released. On October 16, 2006, Nintendo of 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 of Australia stated that the Ice Blue color would be released in the region for a limited amount of time, starting on July 19, 2007. On May 30, 2008, Nintendo Australia announced two more colors available for a limited time only; the Blue/Black and Red/Black combinations will be available starting from June 19, 2008.
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. On August 21, 2007, a Crimson/Black DS Lite was released in a bundle with Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!. Nintendo confirmed this bundle after it was listed by Canadian retail outlet Future Shop. The listing was picked up and featured on many major online gaming websites such as IGN. As of October 2, 2007, the Crimson/Black DS Lite is available for purchase individually. The Crimson/Black DS Lite was supposedly discontinued only a few months after its release in January 2008. However, as of December 25, 2008, the Crimson/Black DS Lite is still available individually at most retailers. On February 2, 2008, Nintendo of America announced that the Cobalt/Black DS Lite would be released on February 10, 2008 in North America. In June 2008, the Metallic Rose DS Lite was released in North America. On September 7, 2008, the Metallic Silver DS Lite was released in North America.. As of February 10 though both original colors will not be made, the white was replaced by the silver in September and Nintendo will no longer make Onyx DS Lite.
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. On October 12, 2007, a silver (Platinum) DS Lite was released in Europe. On June 13, 2008, three new colors, red, green and turquoise were released in Europe.
On November 25, 2008, Nintendo confirmed that the Ice Blue color would be available on November 28 for Black Friday. It is bundled with Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! and a custom carrying case. It will be bundled only for a limited time.
Limited editions
- Final Fantasy III edition: Announced on July 12, 2006, and released in conjunction with the 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 Ą22,780 (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: An onyx DS Lite featuring a glitter design of the two legendary Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Dialga and Palkia, on the front, was released in Pokémon Center stores on September 28, 2006, retailing for JPYĄ16,800. This DS Lite launched in the U.S. at the Nintendo World Store in New York City at a price of US$219.99 in conjunction with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. On May 15, 2007, Pokémon Center stores released the special edition DS Lite in a bundle that included both games, a scenario guide, and three pins featuring Dialga, Palkia, and one of the starters for US$329.95. This version of the DS Lite was the power poll prize in v217 of Nintendo Power. On August 17, 2008, this limited edition DS Lite was released as part of the "Nintendo DS Limited Edition Pokémon Pack".
- 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 football game Winning Eleven.
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong edition: K-Zone had a competition in between March 7, 2007 and March 19, 2007 that had twenty Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis DS Lites as prizes.
- Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings Sky Pirates edition: A Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings bundle was released in Japan on April 26, 2007.
- 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 of the Caribbean skull and crossbones on the front were relased, with Captain Jack Sparrow in front of a castle with the text "Where the adventure comes to life" on the back. These were only released to ticket holders at the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End premiere at Disneyland. HMV Canada is holding a contest from August 21, 2007 to October 1, 2007 called "HMV Underground", where one of the prizes is a Disney limited edition DS console and a Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End game.
- 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 were released in Japan. Buyers had 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 JPYĄ16,800. On November 17, 2007, the special DS Lite was released in a bundle pack for US$345.95.
- RX-93 ? Gundam edition: White DS Lites which feature the same red branding seen on Amuro Ray's RX-93 ? Gundam in the animated film, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack. The red logo appears on the left and the wording "RX-93 ? 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 JPYĄ21,840, 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.
- Kirby: Squeak Squad edition: K-Zone held a competition in between April 16, 2007 and July 9, 2007 that had forty Kirby: Squeak Squad DS Lites as prizes.
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Gemini edition: Being released on August 23, 2007 in conjunction with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates in Japan. This features a Crystal White Nintendo DS Lite with Ring of Fates line art on the right and the title of the game on the left. It is priced at JPYĄ21,840 (US$176).
- Nintendo Connection Tour '07 edition: During June and July 2007, Nintendo Australia gave out a very limited edition Black DS Lite with an engraving of "Nintendo DS Connection Tour '07 Champion". There are only 15 in the world—one for each champion at each of the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl tournaments during the Australia-wide tour.
- Wario: Master of Disguise edition: Continuing their DS Lite promotion, K-Zone held a competition until September 10, 2007 that had forty Wario: Master of Disguise DS Lites as prizes.
- Super Mario 64 DS iQue DS edition: In China, another edition of the DS Lite will be released under the iQue name.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass edition: On November 20, 2007, Nintendo announced a special edition gold DS Lite bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, which was released in the United States on November 23, 2007 (Black Friday). It is a gold-colored DS Lite with a Triforce image in the bottom-right corner on the top of the outside. In The UK a silver DS Lite bundle was released with an image of Link on the left side and the Phantom Hourglass logo on the right. Only 1000 were produced.
- Nintendogs edition: On November 20, 2007, Nintendo also announced a special edition metallic rose DS Lite bundled with Nintendogs: Best Friends, which was released in the United States on November 23, 2007 (Black Friday). It has a pink image of a paw in the bottom-right corner of the outside of the DS Lite's top screen.
- Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command edition: THQ announced a competition to win a special edition DS Lite bearing a design similar to the power armor worn by the Ultramarines. The design was created in conjunction with Games Workshop and a team of modelers. The design is limited to only six consoles.
- Crimson/Black Dragon iQue DS edition: In China, with laser-etched dragons on the cover
- Bape Milo edition: Released in Japan on April 1, 2008, by Japanese Fashion Designer Nigo, A Bathing Ape
- Honeyee x Fragment Design: Sold on the Honeyee online store between March 19 and March 21, 2008, designed by Hiroshi Fujiwara.
- Guitar Hero: On Tour edition: A limited edition Silver/Black DS Lite branded with the Guitar Hero logo is available in a bundle with Guitar Hero: On Tour. The bundle coincided with the release of Guitar Hero: On Tour in North America on June 22, 2008, and in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2008.*Pink Ribbon DS Lite: Released in late September 2008, the Polar White DS Lite features a pink ribbon. Nintendo pledges to donate $5 for every system sold to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fight breast cancer.
- Mario Red: Released November 28, 2008, this edition, unlike the Crimson/Black color, is completely covered in a bright red that best represents Mario's cap and shirt colors. It also features an emblazoned "M" on the front cover. For a limited time, it will be bundled with New Super Mario Bros..
- Ice Blue: Released November 28, 2008, this DS is a holiday exclusive to 2008. It is bundled with Brain Age, and a limited edition ice blue carrying case. The case holds a DS lite, three DS games, and a spare stylus pen. This edition cost an additional US$20 because of the game and case included.
Launch
Japan
The Nintendo DS Lite was released on March 2, 2006 in Japan, with the suggested retail price of Ą16,800, 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 Ą23,300. On some Japanese auction sites it was being offered for prices as high as Ą40,000.
Even though Nintendo managed to release 550,000 units in March 2006 (which was above their initial projections), the DS Lite was sold out soon after its launch. 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 was 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.
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.
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. Shortly after its launch, the DS Lite was sold out at major US retailers; however, it did not have the same ongoing shortages in the US as it did in Japan through 2006 and 2007.
Europe
The Nintendo DS Lite was officially released in Europe on June 23, 2006, for Ł99.99 in the UK, €149.99 in the Eurozone. In Finland and Sweden, the DS Lite was released on June 22, 2006, due to Midsummer. In just 10 days, Nintendo announced it had sold 200,000 Nintendo DS Lites in Europe.
On June 12, 2006, Chinese media organization Sina.com reported that a container intended for shipment to Europe was stolen, which contained HK$18 million (US$2.32 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 in Hong Kong."
Following the wake of the Wii home console, the DS Lite has experienced a surge in popularity, more notably the black version of the system. In 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.
The same thing happened again a year after, with even more demand than the year before. Nintendo UK even considered pulling Wii TV ads as it would only increase demand which couldn't be met.
China
On June 29, 2006, iQue company officially released the Nintendo DS Lite as the "iQue DS Lite" in China, for CN?1198.
South Korea
Nintendo opened its latest subsidiary, Nintendo of Korea, led by Mineo Kouda, on July 20, 2006. The DS Lite is the first console to be released in South Korea by the subsidiary, being released on January 18, 2007 for ?150,000. Popular Korean actor Jang Dong-gun has been enlisted to help promote the console. Nintendo Korea stated that they have sold more than one million units in the first year of sale with around 1.4 million sold as of April 2008.
Accessories
Sales
Life-to-date number of units sold | Date | Japan | Americas | Other | Total |
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| 2006-03-31 | 0.58 million | - | - | 0.58 million |
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| 2006-06-30 | 2.72 million | 0.68 million | 0.76 million | 4.15 million |
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| 2006-09-30 | 4.97 million | 2.23 million | 1.86 million | 9.06 million |
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| 2006-12-31 | 7.89 million | 4.84 million | 4.60 million | 17.33 million |
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| 2007-03-31 | 9.48 million | 6.41 million | 5.96 million | 21.85 million |
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| 2007-06-30 | 11.56 million | 8.81 million | 8.32 million | 28.69 million |
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| 2007-09-30 | 13.16 million | 10.73 million | 11.04 million | 34.93 million |
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| 2007-12-31 | 15.12 million | 14.85 million | 16.00 million | 45.97 million |
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| 2008-03-31 | 15.84 million | 17.06 million | 18.88 million | 51.78 million |
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| 2008-06-30 | 16.42 million | 19.78 million | 22.53 million | 58.72 million |
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| 2008-09-30 | 17.16 million | 22.30 million | 26.05 million | 65.51 million |
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| 2008-12-31 | 17.46 million | 26.60 million | 31.67 million | 75.74 million |
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Image gallery
See also
External links
Official websites
Other websites
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