Nintendo DS
What is the" Nintendo DS"?
The Nintendo DS was originally called a DS because it was a duel screen. It was the first system to come in a little clam shell and had two screens, and one was the primary game screen, the other was a secondary screen that was basically your control interface. It uses a simple little plastic stylus as it's primary game controller, and the movements, the things you draw, or whatever you enter into that second screen impacts what appears on the primary screen. So, it's a totally different experience than any other kind of video or computer game you've ever played before.
What are the general graphic capabilities of the Nintendo DS?
Interestingly enough, it's probably the lowest level of graphic capability of any system currently on the market today. It's proof positive that it's all about the play; it's all about the game. You can use very simple graphics and create a game that's enormously entertaining as opposed to a game that's exquisitely beautiful and not any fun at all.
What type of controls does the Nintendo DS use?
It primarily uses a plastic stylus; a pen without any ink in it. You're essentially using it to draw something, or hit a spot, or whatever, on that second screen which serves as your interface to control the action on the primary screen.
What are some games that show off the capabilities of the Nintendo DS?
The puzzle games and the brain games are the games that show off the capabilities of the Nintendo DS. Games like Nintendogs show it off, where you have a virtual pet - off beat things like that! Things that haven't really been exploited heavily yet, because no one would want to play that type of intimate game on a big-screen console TV. It seems appropriate in this tiny little Nintendo DS that you own and put in your pocket and you take out. The medium fits the message perfectly.
What are the best qualities of the Nintendo DS?
In terms of the best qualities of the Nintendo DS, the two screens are fantastic, as is the ease of play. The Nintendo DS Lite especially, which they developed about a year after the original, is much brighter. It's easy to see. You can play in the dark. The Nintendo DS also fits in your hand very nicely; ergonomically, which is just what you want from a handheld. I mean, ergonomics are so important in terms of a handheld machine, and this machine feels nice in your hand.
