Strong Gaming System

I've used an older DS, and there's a huge difference. Screen clarity and brightness is vastly improved, as is the weight and size. The brighter screens are great for bright outdoor daylight, but you can dim it for darker conditions. It comes in at 21% lighter and 1/3 less size. It's very sexy. It's a clear case surrounding white plastic, giving it that iPod look. The buttons have been reconfigured, start and select are below the main action buttons for easier reach, and the power button is moved to the outside of the case. This helps because it's not as easy to accidentally hit the power button while you're playing. (Power button used to be right above the directional pad). The stylus is a centimeter longer and a millimeter wider for more comfortable use, and is easier to grab from its new location on the side of the case.

Haven't used the wi-fi for gaming yet, but I know that it's simple to use as long as you have a wireless network or hotspot. Wikipedia has a complete list of wi-fi games that you can play over the internet. There's about 20 total available now. Wireless gaming is also a very nice feature. This allows you and a friend to play the same game, while only one of you needs to buy a copy. I also love the fact that you can share games over the wifi, so if you want to play a game with a buddy of yours, you only need one copy. Very cost efficient. If you have a friend that you play with a lot, you could share the game purchases and still both be able to play them at the same time.

I haven't run the battery dead yet, it's supposed to get over 15 hours according to Nintendo, depending on which of the 4 brightness settings you use (the old DS had only 2 settings - on and off). Compare that to the 2-4 of the PSP. GBA games don't fit flush in the system now because of the smaller size, but don't affect gameplay or comfort. Just take the game out when you're not playing and put in the included slot protector.

It has a sleep function so you don't lose your progress in a game if you have to suddenly stop playing. All you do is close it, game intact, battery saved.

I don't like that it doesn't have any kind of easily upgradeable memory like the PSP, but it is half the price. There are also 3rd party upgrades that you can buy to watch videos on compact flash or secure digital cards. Datel makes a 4 gigabyte media player upgrade for $150, but I didn't buy one to watch videos.

If you already have a DS and are thinking about upgrading, you just need to ask yourself if you want to spend another $130 for the improvements they've made. I never owned an original DS, but I love the DS lite. If you've got no complaints on the screens or otherwise on your original DS, just save your money.