I have to admit, I had no interest in buying one of these. I have not played video games since I was a kid, in the days of the original Nintendo/Super Nintendo. But my niece brought her DS Lite with her on a visit a few weeks ago, and I wound up playing a few of her games and I fell in love with it. So I went out and bought one for myself. I got the same red/black one my niece has by pure coincidence (I couldn't remember but was sure she had the blue/black one.) and it's really pretty. I love how portable it is; it's perfect for long road trips. There are SO many games too, especially since it's compatible with the Gameboy Advance games. It was a bit of a pricy investment for me, but very worth it.

The Pictochat program that is built in is a very cool feature, and I really love it. My niece and I have had loads of fun sending messages to each other while in different rooms of the house. I also like that certain games can be multi-player through the DS's wireless connection system, even if only one player actually has the game card.

This is a very cool little toy, Nintendo should be proud of how far they've come since the original gaming system!

So...I was fortunate enough to get this as a Christmas gift this year since it sold out everywhere just prior to Christmas. I received a red Nintendo DS lite with Brain Age 2 and I am really in love with it! Let me preface the remainder of my review by saying that I am in no way a gamer. I was interested in this product because of the Brain Age 2 game....you know when you do the same thing day in and day out at work and in life and you just feel like your brain is just shrinking away! Well, I am a firm believer in use it or lose it when it comes to memory etc so when this game came out I was intrigued. The ideal Brain Age is apparently 20 and my first BrainAge on this game was high but has been brought down and a lot closer to 20 after playing this game for less than a week. In any case, this review is on the Nintendo DS lite so I guess that is what I should be reviewing! I like the fact that this product is so portable and yet sturdy. I will probably get a case for mine (as I do any other electronics that I throw around in my purse) to protect it from being scratched. The screen is very clear, the colors are vivid and the Nintendo DS Lite is very very user friendly. On the brightest screen setting, the battery lasts approximately 5 hours and on the most dim setting, it lasts close to 20 hours. I am told that the Nintendo DS Lite is a lot sleeker and lighter in weight compared to it's ancestor the Nintendo DS and that the colors are also more vibrant on the DS lite. I have never seen it's predecessor but I do know that the Nintendo DS lite is a neat little portable gaming platform or memory tool, which ever you choose to use it for! :o)

The DS makes my commutes not so boring anymore. Time flies when you're having so much fun! Make sure you get screen protectors though so they aren't all scratched up. And a crystal clear hard plastic case would be good too.

Price: Not too bad...

Size/Look: Much sleeker and lighter than the regular Nintendo DS, comes in more vibrant colors. I own the pink one (of course), it also comes in black and white (US & Canada). I heard it comes in baby blue and navy blue as well (Japan). I think there are some online sites that sell the Japanese colors, but I think the prices are more expensive (+shipping & tax too!)

Games: They've turned so many classic games into touch and interactive-style. It's amazing! A ton of fun and a great way to pass the time. I can't believe how addicted I am.

Other: If you've got friends who also own it, you can download/connect and they can play minigames with you (selected games). If you're worried it will scratch there are screen protectors, covers and cases for protection. If you buy it new it comes with an extra stylus (for those who lose pens easily).

Enjoy!

***picture credit: gizmodo.com

I am having an affair with my Nintendo DS Lite! I love, love, love this thing! There are a ton of great games of all different types that can keep you entertained for hours and you can use the WiFi connection to play against other people, which I haven't done yet. I bring mine along on trips to make waiting at the airport not seem so bad. I agree that they need a super-cute case for the DS. It has great battery life. I just can't say enough about this product!

My DS Lite keeps me entertained on my daily -- previously long and boring -- subway rides. Hours and hours of fun is guaranteed once you get your hands on one of these! There are 6 other people in my class who have a DS Lite and we usually play together through the WiFi! I highly recommend it!

I think this is the best handheld. It's small, has two screens, and the games are easy to play and appealing to everyone. I have a white one, and it's amazing. The pen makes gaming more fun too!

Greatest handheld in the world. Lots of fun games.