For Seller

By: S Hare

The Nintendo Dual Screen (DS) games console could be considered to be a feminine console compared to the macho Sony PSP. It is highly popular amongst children of junior school age (7 and up) but is also popular amongst older youth and young adults. The Nintendo DS is a portable console which is quite different from the earlier consoles made by Nintendo (the Game Cube and Game Boy); a handheld console similar in size to the original Game Boy but with dual colour screens and quality graphics.

The Console
The DS is small, hinged along the centre. When flipped open, there is an upper and a lower screen which can be tilted at a variety of angles to suit the light conditions or personal preference. Both screens are 6cm x 4.5cm in size. The controls are unique compared with other Nintendo consoles. A touch screen stylus allows you to move around by touching the lower screen with a thin stick (stylus), which can be stored securely within a special slot near the hinge of the DS. There are also control pads to allow you to move around if you prefer this method.

The console is small enough to fit into a largish pocket and feels solid and well made. Rough dimensions are 15cm wide x 8cm long x 3cm thick. However, one drop on a hard surface could seriously damage the DS so a game case is very useful for carrying the DS when not in use. The DS does however come with a wrist strap. A DS carrying case is a good idea for the safe storage of small game discs.

The console is currently available in silver, pink and pale blue.

There are two game slots. DS games are very small (and easily lost), measuring approximately 2cm x 2cm. The game simply pushes into one of the slots. The second slot (located at the bottom of the console) is for Game Boy Advance games which will also work with the DS. The larger sized Game Boy Colour games will however not fit.

The Controls
The A, B, X and Y buttons are located to the right of the bottom screen. There are also Start and Select buttons. The cross shaped joystick controller is located to the left of the bottom screen and above this the power button. This is in a position where it cannot easily be switched on or off by accident. The volume switch is located on the bottom edge of the console.

Other Functions
The DS has a built in Microphone which is used in certain games such as Nintendogs for voice activation. There is also a port for a portable microphone as well as a port for earphones. DS games can therefore be played with sound on, with earphones, without annoying anyone else around!

The DS operates a Wi-Fi wireless network, which allows link up with other DS users within a range of up to 30m. The DS also comes with PictoChat software installed, a type of instant messenger, allowing up to 16 users to chat at once. The DS also has a real-time clock, date and alarm function.

Power Supply
The DS does not operate on conventional batteries but has a battery pack similar to that in a mobile phone which requires charging with a power adapter. The adapter comes with the DS console and is plugged into the mains and the cable into the DS power supply slot near the DS hinge. When fully charged, the DS can be used for 6-10 hours before needing a re-charge. A full charge takes around four hours and a light goes from red to green once the DS is fully charged. The battery life should last for around 500 charges but replacement batteries can be purchased.

Technical Specifications
Size: 148.7mm wide, 84.7mm long, 28.9mm thick
Top Screen: Back-lit 3" semi-transparent reflective TFT colour LCD screen with 256×192 pixel resolution and 0.24mm dot pitch.
Bottom Screen: Same as Top Screen but with transparent analogue touch screen.
Colour: Capable of displaying 260,000 colours.

Ease of Use
When the Nintendo DS is switched on, both screens light up white. To continue, the bottom screen needs to be touched with either your finger or the stylus to load up the game. When you use the DS for the first time you will be asked to set various settings such as the time and date. After that you can move straight onto your game. Individual games have their own built in memory card to allow you to save the game each time you play it. Some games save automatically, others do not. It is worth noting that if your DS runs out of charge, you will not be able to save your game, so it is advisable to charge the DS up between uses.

Accessories
There are many accessories available including screen protectors, cases, headphone, microphone, spare battery, spare stylus sticks, thumb stylus. Car charger and games cases.

Recommend?
The Nintendo DS is a good looking console which is extremely portable. With the light up screens it offers very practical amusement for passengers on long journeys even in the dark. The variety of games available make the DS suitable for a wide range of individuals. Whilst largely marketed at children, many adults also enjoy playing games on the DS. The touch screen controls take the console into a different league compared with the Game Boy predecessor but lacks some of the functions that come with the Sony PSP (eg built in MP3 and ability to play movies). The DS however is a really popular console worldwide and offers good screen graphics at almost half the price of the PSP. Whilst the DS is less macho than its rival, it offers great entertainment at a more affordable price.

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