Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black

by Nintendo

Product Features

• DS Lite doesn't just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
• Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
• Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
• Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
• Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000I10PY2
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 2 inches ; 1 pounds
• Media: Accessory
• Release Date: September 11, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (323 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #6 in Video Games > Nintendo DS > Hardware > Consoles
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Modern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet, backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for a player.

Handheld Console Choices

	Nintendo 3DS View larger	Nintendo DSi/DSi XL View larger	PSP View larger	PSPgo View larger	PlayStation Vita View larger
Suggested Retail Price (prices may vary)	$169.99	$149.99/$169.99	$149.99	$199.99	$249.99 - $299.99 (February 2012)
Display	Dual screen: upper - 3.53" LCD, lower - 3.02" LCD touch screen	Dual screen, backlit, 3.25"/4.2", LCD with 256 x 192 resolution	4.3" full transparent	3.8" full transparent	5" OLED multi-touch screen
Internal Usable Memory	64 MB	NA	64 MB	16 GB	TBD
External Media Storage	SD memory card	SD memory card	Sony Memory Stick Duo	Memory stick micro	New proprietary "NVG" flash cards
Size	5.3" (l) x 2.9" (w) x 0.8" (h)	5.4" (w) x 2.9" (l) x 0.74" (h) / 6.3" (w) x 3.6" (l) x 0.84" (h)	6.7 (w) x 2.7" (w) x 0.7" (h)	5.0 (w) x 2.71" (h) x 0.65" (d)	7.2 (l) x 3.3" (w) x 0.73" (d)
Weight	8 oz.	7.5/11.1 oz.	6.7 oz.	5.5 oz.	TBD
Colors	Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black	7.5 oz.	Piano black (other colors via bundles)	Piano black, Pearl white	Black (other colors to follow)
Backwards Compatibility	Plays most DS and DSi games	Plays all DS games	Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP
Wireless Communications	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	3G support in one or two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both
Online Media Portal	Nintendo eShop	Nintendo DSi Shop	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network
Streaming Video	Netflix*	No	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content
Internet Browser	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Console Integration	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3
Game Media	Game card and digital download	Game card and digital download	UMD disc and digital download	Digital download	Digital download, alternate media TBD
Online Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Wireless Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Estimated Battery Life	3-8 hrs	3-14 hrs	4-6 hours	4-6 hours	TBD
Input Method	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons
Digital Camera(s)	3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities	2 (0.3 megapixels)	No	No	2
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Graphic Quality	Top adjustable 3D screen - 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen - 320 x 240 resolution	256 x 192 resolution	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	960 x 544 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)
General Game Price Range	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99

Online Play and Functionality

The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that has either been built specifically for it, or that has been adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform's potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall entertainment value of their devices.

The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable "Virtual Console" games starring Mario, Link, many other faces from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more. Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any title in seconds, then view screenshots, game info, and even video to help you make your purchase. You'll even find details and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores. All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you can always remember the titles you want to get.

DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay, fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download, and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points. Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold separately).

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive of the PSPgo.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.

Product Description

The Nintendo DS Lite is a high-powered handheld video game system in a sleek folding design – loaded with features for a unique gaming experience. The color screens are now even brighter – and the lower touch screen provides a totally new way of playing and controlling games. Use the built-in wireless mode to share games, chat or even play multiplayer games on-line via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Play impressive 3-D rendered Nintendo DS games – and play all your favorite Game Boy® Advance games in single player mode.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Innovative Gaming System, October 15, 2006

By 

Chris - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black (Accessory)

About a month ago, I decided to purchase my first game system since the origional NES. I got the DS, and I must say I love it. Somehow, they have found an idea that seemed to only be a gimmick (the dual screens) and turn it into something new and fun. So far, I have bought New Super Mario Brothers, Mario 64 DS, Metroid Prime: Hunters, Mario Kart, and a Japan-English dictionary program (my main justification for buying it in the first place). It is a great way to kill 5 min. or kill a few hours. Once you get used to using the stylus, it becomes very natural.

Pros:
-Fun games for all skill levels
-Nice styling
-Wireless connectivity
-Multiple people can play the same game off of one card
-Bright screen with good graphics
-nice sound
-long battery life

Cons:
-It fits a little awkwardly in my hands
-You must buy a screen protector (the stylus can scratch up the lower screen pretty badly)
-In some games, the stylus blocks your view of different sections of the screen
-The Onyx Black looks cool, but it gets extremely smudged up with finger prints

Overall:
The cons are nothing compared with the pros. I highly recommend it.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to keep your game looking new, June 28, 2007

By 

A. Cheng "Just the facts" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black (Accessory)

I've read some reviews on Amazona and CNET lists as a drawback of the game its tendency to draw swirls and surface scratches. Just let me say that's not really a terrible problem. I just thought I'd share how to remove scratches from the glossy surface of the Nintendo DS Lite games. I refinish guitars, so I know quite a few tricks with plastic (for pickguards). I recently bought a used DS Lite (glossy black) for my son from Ebay. It had a bunch of surface scratches, swirls and one nasty scuff (must have been dropped/slid on the floor!). My son was quite distraught, but I wasn't. The nice shining finish might look fragile and daunting to touch but it's not. You just need to use auto rubbing compound on the DS Lite (light or dark) to remove scratches and swirls. I use Turtle Wax Premium Grade Rubbing Compound ($6-7), but you could use Meguires, or any other one easily found at auto stores. Just make sure its a good quality, liquid fine grit compound. You simply get a soft cloth and rub the swirls/scuff/minor scratches with the rubbing compound. I apply it and rub it without letting the compound dry, it works faster that way. It took me about 8 seconds to remove what looked like a bad permanent scuff and have the unit shine again like new. I also removed all the swirls in about a minutes time. Very simple and safe! I do this all the time with guitar pickguard to restore them. Cheers!

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect portable gaming experience, September 25, 2006

By 

Rorke Haining (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black (Accessory)

I'm a man in my late 30s who used to enjoy video games, but between work, going back to school, and children, I just don't have time for gaming any more. So it's been ~5 years since I tried any gaming system, much less a handheld (which I've always viewed as worthless from a gaming perspective). Recently, I had a long business trip, and friends recommended the Nintendo DS Lite and Advanced Wars: Dual Strike. I bought both on their recommendation and I can honestly say it is a truly fantastic experience. It made the trip fly by, I wasn't even interested in the movie or reading. It even worked great to defuse my frustration about having to wait for an hour in a slow-moving security line. In this review, I'll write about the system, and will post a separate review about the game.

The Nintendo DS Lite blew me away. The last handheld game system I tried was many years ago, also a Nintendo product I believe, and I hated it. The screen was too small and too hard to see, etc.. This product delivers in spades.

Screen brightness: configurable and much, much better than previous systems. The screens are gorgeous to look at and will be visible anywhere except possibly with the sun directly shining on the screen.

Battery life was also a non-issue. I still don't know the battery limit. My record is ~12 hours on a single charge using the lowest screen brightness setting (still quite usable), and the system never complained about a low charge so for all I know it could last another 12. It was more than enough to play virtually non-stop on a transcontinental flight w/no access to power.

Boot time is lightning fast and makes this system extremely usable. From off to playing is < 15 seconds. In addition, you can put the game to sleep by just closing the lid & have it instantly wake up when you open again. This is a more important feature than it first seems, because it makes it possible to kill even as little as 5 minutes.

Stereo music is also quite nice. I recommend a tiny set of earbuds that can fit in a travel case for the game, but the speakers also work fine if you don't want to hassle with earbuds/headphones.

You can have a GBA game cartridge and a (shockingly tiny) DS cartridge loaded at the same time. In fact, this is used in some games, which unlock extra features in some newer games (including AW:DS mentioned above) and allow other cross-game interactions. One potentially big downside is that you can no longer plug in your GB Color or older cartridges. (So if you have old games you love, hold on to your older systems or buy a different Nintendo product to play them.)

The touch screen worked flawlessly, but honestly, I don't prefer using it. Until I try a game that makes great use of it, I'm just as happy using the direction pad and buttons.

Local wireless support is a fantastic idea, but I never had a chance to try it. You can download demos of games from game stores wirelessly, and you can play most games wirelessly, usually with just one cartridge for all players. The Nintendo DS Lite also supports wifi I believe, but I haven't had a chance to try that either. (Now if this thing could do email and calendar appointments...)

All in all, I am very impressed with this system and recommend it to any game player (casual or serious) who needs to kill some time. Works great on both buses for a daily commute and for transcontinental flights.

Worst aspect? I chose the black model and am very happy with it, but it does show fingerprints easily. Maybe the white would look better?