Just got the DS, Impressions inside

[Jasonkhowell]

Yeah, playing SM64DS right now. Few things:

-Control in SM64DS is iffy, but the graphics are supperior to the N64

-The game goes into sleep mode when you close it, great feature.

-The two extra buttons are rather annoying, but still eh...

-The touch screen is pretty good, but it requires you to push down on it a little.

-It uses the same Battery recharger as the SP

I havn't even tried the picto-chat, Metroid Prime: Hunters demo, nor a GBA game, but I will say this: This IS going to stay in the race for handheld. Props to you, nintendo.

[Jasonkhowell]

Also, I just tried a GBA game with it. While the screen ratio is smaller then the GBA's, the screen is MUCH sharper and smoother.

[Jasonkhowell]

Just played MP:H, and I wasn't too impressed. Controls were hard to handle, and it felt more like a Doom clone then the previous metroid prime games. Also, the DS cartriages are a pain in the ass to get out, since there is no eject button. Picto chat works quite well, though.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Thanks for the info dude, keep it coming!

What do you mean smoother and sharper? Higher FPS and better screen?

Tony

[Evangelion-01]

i think he means that the lcd screen is better on the ds than on the gba. therefore, better :D

[Jasonkhowell]

Thanks for the info dude, keep it coming!

What do you mean smoother and sharper? Higher FPS and better screen?

Tony

In the SP, you had this wierd blur to even out the graphics, but because the screen is brighter (Higher resolution, as well), it looks more polished then the SP. The FPS is about the same, though (Then again, I only tried it with one GBA game, so eh...)

[Greatsaintlouis]

Apparently the DS' screen is completely backlit, which helps give some extra clairity and color definition to GBA games. The SP featured front-lit backlighting.

[asnozz]

very dumb question....has the DS been released in the states or somthing? :smt033

[Alien Workshop]

very dumb question....has the DS been released in the states or somthing? :smt033

Yes ;-)

I was at my "local" Gamestop the other day, and there was one on display. I checked it out, and I have to say Nintendo did a good job. I just wish they would have used a little analog stick instead of a D-Pad. I was going to buy one, but they were out of stock :smt009

[TheDeathcoaster]

very dumb question....has the DS been released in the states or somthing? :smt033

Yeah. Didn't you know, Nintendo of Europe like to keep us Europeans from ever getting any games.....Its only because of a small rebel team within NoE HQ that we ever get any releases.

Many bothans died to get Animal Crossing released in the UK.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

very dumb question....has the DS been released in the states or somthing? :smt033

Yeah. Didn't you know, Nintendo of Europe like to keep us Europeans from ever getting any games.....Its only because of a small rebel team within NoE HQ that we ever get any releases.

Many bothans died to get Animal Crossing released in the UK.

Yup, End of March 2005 and 129.99

Nintendo can suck my balls for that. I can get on from the states, right now for cheaper.

I'm really looking forward to getting one but I'm going to import - just so NoE don't get my sale. I can't believe the delay in getting it here - what the fuck are they doing?

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Is it an LCD or TFT screen?

[asnozz]

im importing my PSP from japan :smt023

dont blame me, this will be my first Sony console.......just all these simpsons episodes i have, need to played on the move :-D

[cahaz]

thx for sharing your experience, Jasonkhowell. :-D


i have some question for you :

1- What about playing sm64 with a cross? is it playable?

2- Metroid prime hunter is only a deathmatch fps, or there's
levels and a story?

3- did you tested picto chat with a friend? what about the speed it send and receive? it is acceptable? ( i hope so , we could see
great games online if its fast enough.)

4- Actualy , apart the characters models, sm64DS look worse
than sm64 when you download videos of it. but you say it looks
better, is it because the game on the ds play on the resolution
it was made to be or something? (uhh....my question seems a
wierd don't you think? i hope you can still understand it :-D )


thx.

[Greatsaintlouis]

Just got back a while ago from picking mine up. Overall, there's a really nice build quality, but the thing is a bit heavy. And I mean, beats-a-Game-Gear heavy. It's not overwhelmingly large, but you'll definately want to be able to rest it in your lap if you're gaming for a long time. The stylus is a tad short, but doesn't come off as feeling cheap or crappy.

I got two games with mine, the included Metroid Prime: First Hunt demo and Feel The Magic: XX/XY. First Hunt is rather limited in the gameplay, it's mostly a, "Look! Metroid Prime works on the DS! Coming Soon!" sort of thing. The control scheme where you use the D-pad to move and the stylus to look works great if you leave the stylus alone and use the thumbstrap thingie, but even then it feels a bit awkward at times - it's about halfway between playing a FPS with a dual-stick controller and a keyboard and mouse, and is suitably awkward because of this. Using the thumbstrap, however, loses a bit of the sensitivity with the stylus, and I found it hard to switch to missles or morph ball mode - which, of course, you do by taking your eyes off of the main screen and tapping at icons on the touch screen. This could be a cool game on release, but don't hold your breath.

Feel The Magic: XX/XY, however, is sheer genius, and I won't even attempt to do it justice with a lousy review. Think Made In Wario with Sega's own magical touch. If you have a DS, this is definately a must-own.

GBA games look wonderful with the new screen, however, the tradeoff is that the DS buttons are a bit smaller and closer together than on a GBA SP. Not nessicarily a bad thing, just a little different.

Overall, it seems Nintendo did a good job on this console, and if games like Feel The Magic keep coming out for it, it should fare nicely in the next round of handheld wars.

[Jasonkhowell]

thx for sharing your experience, Jasonkhowell. :-D


i have some question for you :

1- What about playing sm64 with a cross? is it playable?

2- Metroid prime hunter is only a deathmatch fps, or there's
levels and a story?

3- did you tested picto chat with a friend? what about the speed it send and receive? it is acceptable? ( i hope so , we could see
great games online if its fast enough.)

4- Actualy , apart the characters models, sm64DS look worse
than sm64 when you download videos of it. but you say it looks
better, is it because the game on the ds play on the resolution
it was made to be or something? (uhh....my question seems a
wierd don't you think? i hope you can still understand it :-D )


thx.

1. Funny you should ask that. Unfortunatly, no matter what way you play it , there are still a few parts that are nearly impossible, such as the level before the first bowser fight.

2. From what I have seen (and played), it does have a few practice missions and a multiplayer option, but no story so far.

3. Unfortunatly, besides a few people I work with in nashville, I am the only person I know who has the DS. I'll try to test it later, but I dare say it's about the same as the Wireless adapter for the GBA, more or less.

4. There are quite a few parts that were toned down (one of the blur filters is gone, making some of the bosses look meh and the stages on par with the PSone), but it's still very impressive overall (and that they could at least try to get the GCN character models on there, although they still lack the filter).

EDIT: I should clarify 4 a bit better. What I mean to say is that certain areas look bad, while others are much better then the origional. For example, outside the castle looks like crap now, while that sky level (Yeah, forgot the name), looks quite good.

[XerdoPwerko]

Haven't yet gone to theck prices at the black market... but the god damn robbers at MercadoLibre are charging up to 399 dollars for it.
399 DOLLARS! DAMMIT!!!

The lowest price I've found is 2800 pesos, which would amount to like... 250 dollars. Those sleazy lying bastards. Then they wonder why people like me have to resort to piracy and the black market!

God damn "legitimate" businessess and internet scammers!

I FUGGIN Hate these scammers... :angry

(and they have also managed to mis-spell like 3 english words. Not that my english is shakespearianly magnificent, but sheesh, they make my people look BAD)

Hoping to find one for 200 dollars at the black market once the semester ends and I'm free.

[Greatsaintlouis]

Cahaz, apparently the release of Metroid Prime: Hunters is going to have some story behind it, but the Metroid Prime: First Hunt bundled with the DS is mainly demoing the deathmatch aspect of the game.

[einbebop44]

I played this at the local ebgames today. Had great fun sending pictures of penises to my buddy. :smt043

The control was smooth. Metroid Prime was just ghetto though. Too dark.

I'd buy one...but my Ebgames said they weren't getting them until after Christmas! :-( :-(

[Jasonkhowell]

Bad news for those who may have thought a few of the wireless adapter games may have worked (AKA: PKMN FR/LG). Tried going into the union room and it didn't work. I haevn't tried it with any other GBA link-ups, so eh..

[Tachikoma]

Bad news for those who may have thought a few of the wireless adapter games may have worked (AKA: PKMN FR/LG). Tried going into the union room and it didn't work. I haevn't tried it with any other GBA link-ups, so eh..

Apparently no GBA games are multiplayer when used on the DS. Either through wireless or wired connection.

[Jasonkhowell]

Bad news for those who may have thought a few of the wireless adapter games may have worked (AKA: PKMN FR/LG). Tried going into the union room and it didn't work. I haevn't tried it with any other GBA link-ups, so eh..

Apparently no GBA games are multiplayer when used on the DS. Either through wireless or wired connection.

Figures, Nintendo always leaves one feature out so you still have a need for the GBA.

[virtual alan]

Just got back a while ago from picking mine up. Overall, there's a really nice build quality, but the thing is a bit heavy. And I mean, beats-a-Game-Gear heavy. It's not overwhelmingly large, but you'll definately want to be able to rest it in your lap if you're gaming for a long time. The stylus is a tad short, but doesn't come off as feeling cheap or crappy.

I got two games with mine, the included Metroid Prime: First Hunt demo and Feel The Magic: XX/XY. First Hunt is rather limited in the gameplay, it's mostly a, "Look! Metroid Prime works on the DS! Coming Soon!" sort of thing. The control scheme where you use the D-pad to move and the stylus to look works great if you leave the stylus alone and use the thumbstrap thingie, but even then it feels a bit awkward at times - it's about halfway between playing a FPS with a dual-stick controller and a keyboard and mouse, and is suitably awkward because of this. Using the thumbstrap, however, loses a bit of the sensitivity with the stylus, and I found it hard to switch to missles or morph ball mode - which, of course, you do by taking your eyes off of the main screen and tapping at icons on the touch screen. This could be a cool game on release, but don't hold your breath.

Feel The Magic: XX/XY, however, is sheer genius, and I won't even attempt to do it justice with a lousy review. Think Made In Wario with Sega's own magical touch. If you have a DS, this is definately a must-own.

GBA games look wonderful with the new screen, however, the tradeoff is that the DS buttons are a bit smaller and closer together than on a GBA SP. Not nessicarily a bad thing, just a little different.

Overall, it seems Nintendo did a good job on this console, and if games like Feel The Magic keep coming out for it, it should fare nicely in the next round of handheld wars.


Buugars giving my copy away :angry

Carry on and have a go of my MARIO64 as well


I can`t beleive that the screen/resolution is better than the n64 version

Can`t wait.

Am now so glad changed from T-Woods to XX/XY.........sounds the dogs testicles :smt043

I can`t wait for Yoshi Touch as well as this appears to make good use of both screens and the touch facilty!


Anyone into NINTENDOGS???

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/nintendogs.php

[Paulo]

anyone left handed tried to play on it?

[Tachikoma]

anyone left handed tried to play on it?

Thats one of my concerns as well, im a lefty, and so is the Mrs!

[Purge]

Feel the magic defys any words of praise I might give it (words are not enough to describe how incredible the game is). Im waiting for Animal Crossing DS as I've yet to try any variant of the game as well as Nintendogs and Sonic DS and the new Super Mario Bros.

[virtual alan]

anyone left handed tried to play on it?

Thats one of my concerns as well, im a lefty, and so is the Mrs!

There`s always someone damn awkward :smt043

[Jasonkhowell]

Just got back a while ago from picking mine up. Overall, there's a really nice build quality, but the thing is a bit heavy. And I mean, beats-a-Game-Gear heavy. It's not overwhelmingly large, but you'll definately want to be able to rest it in your lap if you're gaming for a long time. The stylus is a tad short, but doesn't come off as feeling cheap or crappy.

I got two games with mine, the included Metroid Prime: First Hunt demo and Feel The Magic: XX/XY. First Hunt is rather limited in the gameplay, it's mostly a, "Look! Metroid Prime works on the DS! Coming Soon!" sort of thing. The control scheme where you use the D-pad to move and the stylus to look works great if you leave the stylus alone and use the thumbstrap thingie, but even then it feels a bit awkward at times - it's about halfway between playing a FPS with a dual-stick controller and a keyboard and mouse, and is suitably awkward because of this. Using the thumbstrap, however, loses a bit of the sensitivity with the stylus, and I found it hard to switch to missles or morph ball mode - which, of course, you do by taking your eyes off of the main screen and tapping at icons on the touch screen. This could be a cool game on release, but don't hold your breath.

Feel The Magic: XX/XY, however, is sheer genius, and I won't even attempt to do it justice with a lousy review. Think Made In Wario with Sega's own magical touch. If you have a DS, this is definately a must-own.

GBA games look wonderful with the new screen, however, the tradeoff is that the DS buttons are a bit smaller and closer together than on a GBA SP. Not nessicarily a bad thing, just a little different.

Overall, it seems Nintendo did a good job on this console, and if games like Feel The Magic keep coming out for it, it should fare nicely in the next round of handheld wars.

Few questions:

-How long is XX/XY? I would buy it if it's length is decent, but if it's just for the sake of showing off the DS, then...

-How many games are in XX/XY?

Thanks in advance

[einbebop44]

To Cahaz in terms of Pictochat: it was like an AIM, basically. There's a slight delay in receiving it, maybe around 3-5 seconds, much like an AIM. I doubt it's built for speed, but it was quite cool.

However, I did play Metroid Prime Hunters multiplayer. Super smooth, no lag/ jumpiness. I sucked at it, but there wasn't any lag. Think of playing a PC game over a LAN--silky smooth.

It's funny that Nintendo might get into online gaming with the DS. Did anyone else notice the download function on the system bios screen? :smt045

[cahaz]

anyone left handed tried to play on it?

never actually thought of this, but now that you talk about it, im a bit worried.....im a cursed lefty... :smt009

[Paulo]

haha you freaks!

(Im right handed btw)

[Nintendomad]

Hmmm...you all don't sound that impressed with the DS to be honest.Not the sheer excitement I was looking for really, you especially GSL, you just seemed very underwhelmed by it.I am not saying this to annoy you either mate, I just feel your post was a bit ho hum about the machine and it was not exactly what you were expecting.

[Greatsaintlouis]

Well, I wasn't going to hype myself up for it too much, as there are indeed some issues with the hardware that I have. If I came off as too disappointed with the machine, it was unintentional; my problem was rather with the surprisingly disappointing launch lineup. The DS hardware is well-done, well put together, and if they can get enough developers looking to use the DS in ways it was meant to be (i.e. Feel The Magic XX/XY) then I think Nintendo will have a winner on their hands. Of the current software crop, I think only XX/XY and Mario 64 DS are really worth getting, and of those, only XX/XY really stands out as using the DS hardware. Mario 64 DS, for all intents and purposes, is just Mario 64 with some extra levels and challenges, and the only real way it utilizes the touch screen is as an odd replacement for an analog stick.

I guess my main gripe is that there's nothing yet that really uses the full potential of the DS' unique dual-screen design except, as I said, XX/XY. Apparently there are some games in the works that should change things, but right now the software is pretty lackluster.

However, software gripes aside, I am very pleased with the hardware design and the concept behind the system. If there are any problems I have, they are merely lack of GB/GBC compatability, and one other thing I discovered playing last night. On the bottom half of the unit, the top (screen) part is of a platinum color, while the bottom (cart ports) is a black color. The platinum part overhangs the bottom black half by a few millimeters and when playing in certain positions (like laying on your back) after a while, this overhang can dig rather uncomfortably into your hands.

But overall, I am very pleased with the DS and XX/XY, and can't wait to see what developers will do with the system. Square's Egg Monster Heroes and Final Fantasy III sound like they may be interesting, and depending on how Nintendo works it, Animal Crossing DS could be a nice way to show off the hardware as well.

[Greatsaintlouis]

Oh, and lefties need not worry, as all games I've tried so far have control settings that will allow you to use the DS from either side. :smt023

[Johnny]

What made me go mad it's the supposed price that they'll sell it here. It will be released next friday here in Brazil.

The supposed price will be between R$899 and R$999. (between $321 and $356 dollars!)

And the games will probably cost between R$199 and R$249. (between $71 and $88 dollars!)

It that the final price, which i hope it's not, it will be cheaper to buy one from the USA (even paying shipping!)

:angry

[einbebop44]

I must admit, I was quite pleased with my short 5 minute playtest. It actually plays pretty cool. :-)

It's very novel using a touch screen. I just don't see how the PSP will do something similar. Graphics, yeah, but it's not different...and I like different. Makes it interesting. :smt045 :smt083

[Sneth]

the carts are spring loaded.
you push down and they pop out .
who said they cant get it out?

[Evangelion-01]

haha you freaks!

(Im right handed btw)
LOL eHAHEahehAEHaheAHE!!! RIGHT RULE!!!

[cahaz]

haha you freaks!

(Im right handed btw)
LOL eHAHEahehAEHaheAHE!!! RIGHT RULE!!!

but left is more StylisH! eahah!!!! :smt033


Oh, and lefties need not worry, as all games I've tried so far have control settings that will allow you to use the DS from either side.

WOot woOT! :happyhap: Ahah! who said you freak already? take that!

so, if left is more StylisH, that we are a restricted club and that we can still play on DS too, then we win the battle! gwaahhahahA!



:smt043 :smt082

[Greatsaintlouis]

The irregular capitalizations..... it's making my grammer glands hurt.. :smt009

[Evangelion-01]

FrEaK I Pwn J00 cOZ i rUeLE! EHaheAHEHaehAEHaheAHE. :-(

[einbebop44]

I am illiterate. :-(

:smt043

[Evangelion-01]

lol :smt043

[turbocozmo]

I got mine as soon as I woke up sunday this morning.

Ok the plastic seems a little flimsy and the stylus control is a little awkward, but after spending a couple hrs with it throughout the day I learned that there was a thumb controller, and most of them can still be controlled by the d pad.

The grafx are amazing. I know they look blocky in the screenshots, but in motion they just astound me.

Mario DS is great essentially it's just mario 64 but the mini games make it all worth while. TRUST ME.

Project Rub xx/xy is fun, quirky but if you don't like wario ware don't bother.

Metroid Prime hunters is the best fps I've seen ever on a handheld or pre this gen system. The control is easy, the grafx are sweet, and it's just over all fun.

Pictochat is fun, but if you've talked on YM with the doodle invironment there's nothing new.

Wireless connection is fast and easy, no load or anything

Overal Turbo Rating A -

will be an A once I get used to this whole touch pad part.

[Jasonkhowell]

the carts are spring loaded.
you push down and they pop out .
who said they cant get it out?

Didn't knotice that (Then again, I never read the instructions, so I easily missed it). Although I would also like to add that a few customers have already complained about burnt out pixles, so that may be something to watch out for if you are buying a used DS.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

What made me go mad it's the supposed price that they'll sell it here. It will be released next friday here in Brazil.

The supposed price will be between R$899 and R$999. (between $321 and $356 dollars!)

And the games will probably cost between R$199 and R$249. (between $71 and $88 dollars!)

It that the final price, which i hope it's not, it will be cheaper to buy one from the USA (even paying shipping!)

:angry

It'll be the same in the UK

[Nintendomad]

Thanks for clearing up your opinions GSL, I now have a better outlook on the system.I am gonna hold out for a limited edition version of the machine and stuff like Yoshi touch and go.The jap launch line up looks pretty n ifty though, with stuff like Yoshi, mario 64 ds, the one line game, made in wario and mario kart and kirby to follow shortly after launch.

The Psp still looks better to me though, but mario 64 on the go is just too hard to resist.

[sayin999]

It's nice that it came out here first, but damn it sold out pretty much on day one, I hear that we have to wait till januray for restock, though i apreciate the impressions, since the only games i planed on getting were mario 64 ds and feel the magic for launch. As for the dead pixal thing, nintendo said they would repair it free of charge if it is felt that it is apsoloutely neccessary to fix it since its still under the warranty period. So if anyone who already bought theirs has this problem they can contact nintendo to send it in for repair free of charge.