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Nintendo DS Review - Hardware

The Game Boy has become another phrase that parents will call anything electronic that has a screen, no wires, and somebody holding it gracefully smiling. The new Nintendo DS is no Game Boy, but it's made by the same company, and the people are still smiling. We've given the Nintendo DS a good run through, and now we're happily smiling while getting ready to tell you all about it, so read on to find out why the Nintendo DS is worth your $199.95 (RRP).

Features

The Nintendo DS when you first boot it up has a special interface with different options on it. You can set the colour theme for it, and have it display the time and date for your convenience. From the main screen, you can go in to the options, or you can select to play Pictochat, a GBA game, or a DS game if you have any in your Nintendo DS. The Nintendo DS screen will display what DS game you have in there, but not what GBA game you may have. From this screen there is a clock, a calendar, and also another button which says DS Download Play. This is where you get some quality multiplayer going, but it is also currently being used throughout Japan to download demos of some games. However apparently this only lasts until you turn your Nintendo DS off, but it's still good to know that Nintendo are looking after their customers.

Take a look at the list of features that you can enjoy on your Nintendo DS:

• Wireless Multiplayer
• Dual screens
• Touch screen
• Surround sound
• GBA compatibility
• Online capabilities
• Unique design
• Stylus and Thumb strap
• Pictochat
• Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt demo

Stylus and Thumb strap

These little toys will help you with your gaming on the touch screen. The stylus is more designed to be used for mini-games, PDA stuff, and menus, however the Thumb strap is perfect for movement, especially in games like the Metroid demo and Mario 64 DS. You get a spare stylus with your Nintendo DS, and there should already be one situated in the back of your Nintendo DS. The thumb strap however is a unique device that you strap on to your thumb (hence the name). If you have trouble installing this accessory, check your manual or jump on our forums and ask for assistance.

Pictochat

This little chat program allows you to talk with up to fifteen other Nintendo DS's at the same time. It actually has capabilities to search for 63 other Nintendo DS's in the area, however the chat rooms are limited to sixteen people. Inside the chat room, you can talk to people by using the interactive touch-screen. It has a keyboard that you can use, or you can just draw whatever you want. There are lots of functions and lots of different characters to use, and we'd like to see whatever you come up with (continued next page)