Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS, the next generation of handhelds from Nintendo is a revolutionary idea, a leap forward from the basic handheld console.

There is the introduction of a dual screen (bottom screen being a touch screen), giving the ability for the user to have, for example in an adventure game, a birds-eye view of the map or course in the top screen and the standard movement screen in the bottom screen. In addition, the touch screen means navigation through menus is easier and is a nice touch, although pressing buttons isn't really that hard!

The games on the DS range from the usual Mario Games, which are as good as ever, and other games which really make use of the stylus, in games like the Professor Layton and Legend of Zelda series of games.

The console can also be turned on its side, in a book format and can be used in games such as 'Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training' - a fairly addictive game, where you have daily tests to assess your "brain age", or purely as a book in '100 Classic Book Collection'. This seems like a fairly trivial point, but gives a far more immersive experience than you would initially think.

It's rival is the Sony PSP, has gone for a more traditional approach. Packed with functionality the PSP is a multi-purpose system, including uses for storage, movies and music etc., with better graphics. But with the Nintendo DS, it has its functions built-in for one reason only, and that is gaming. It has IEEE, bluetooth and wireless LAN connection capabilities which allows gameplay with anyone, anywhere (provided that a broadband connection is available).

The Ninendo DS comes in 4 colours, either silver, black, light blue or pink, the pink and light blue launched with Nintendogs to lure a wider range of gamer (including girls - a target audience that hasn't been explored much by console manufacturers in the past).

In January 2006, Nintendo announced plans for the Nintendo DS Lite, designed to be a sleak, slimmer version, in the "Wii" design, as well as removing all the minor character flaws that the fans of the original Nintendo DS experienced. The Nintendo DS Lite is 42% smaller, 21% lighter and a lot brighter (adjustable) than its original. Also, a little button and feature rearranging on the pad provides better usability and functionality for the gamer. The battery has a life of 5-19 hours depending on the level of luminosity you decide to use. It comes in one of four colours: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Black and Crystal White. A much sturdier hinge is in place, which was somewhat fragile in the original, and a more durable, scratch resistant touch screen is used. This is ideal for those who worried about it looking dated.

In April 2009, saw the launch of the Nintendo DSi. This is very similar in appearance to the DS Lite. Unlike its previous iterations however, lies two VGA 0.3MP digital cameras - one on the inside of the hinge and the other on the back of the screen case. An additional feature is an SD card slot. These additions are for DSi specific games but ultimately add little to an already great handheld console.

The Nintendo DS, for a handheld has a vast array of games, aimed mainly at the younger gamer, but there is plenty for the adults to enjoy. The games are of good quality if a little overpriced, but this is still the leading handheld to buy.