Nintendo gets it right with DS Lite

Nintendo DS Lite

Why couldn't Nintendo have cut to the chase and released this little gadget last September instead of the fat, grey and ugly Nintendo DS? The DS Lite is a device that those who shelled out for its bulky predecessor will covet.

It's a much nicer object to look at and hold with its iPod-white shell and slim profile - the DS Lite is 39 per cent smaller and 21 per cent lighter than its predecessor. But the changes are more than cosmetic. The dual screens are brighter, which is good for playing games when light is reflecting off the screen.

The buttons have been rearranged for greater ease of use, and the stylus now disappears into a better thought-out slot in the middle of the Lite's body.

The DS Lite still plays Game Boy Advance games and a cover has been added to remove the gaping hole that was visible on the DS when a cartridge wasn't plugged in. On the other hand, the DS Lite's smaller profile means GBA cartridges protrude from the body of the device, which looks slightly ugly.

Nevertheless the DS Lite, with wi-fi networking and a growing range of compelling game titles, is looking like a more credible rival to Sony's Playstation Portable.

* Pros: Smaller, brighter screen; new button layout.
* Cons: GBA game cartridges stick out.
* Price: $270
* Herald Rating: 8/10