The Nintendo DS: The Revolutionary Handheld

Welcome to my page! This page covers the Nintendo DS and helpful links for owners.

UPDATES:
12/28/04- organized site more, added info
12/23/04- Created web page, waiting for a Nintendo DS for Christmas

Overview:
The Nintendo DS is a revolutionary handheld with many features. The most noticeable is the dual screens. The top screen displays gameplay while the bottom screen is a touch screen. The touch screen can be used with your finger, the stylus, or the wrist strap. With this feature, there are many possibilities for games. Every system comes with built-in Pictochat which is an IM program that lets you chat and draw pictures to send to others. Also, you can download a game if another DS is detected close by to play mulitplayer. The Nintendo DS plays GBA games but no GBC or GB games.

Contents of System Package:
-1 silver Nintendo DS
-1 AC adapter (looks the same as GBA SP one)
-a demo of Metroid Prime: Hunters
-2 styli
-1 wrist strap
-instruction manual

Setting up the DS:
The first time you turn the Nintendo DS on, you are asked for information. You will be asked to select a language. Just use the stylus to touch the language you want. Then you will be asked for a nickname. This nickname is displayed when using Pictochat and at the start-up screen. You will tehn be asked for your favorite color. This color is used as the start-up background color. Set the date by pressing the arrows to the correct date. Then input the time with the arrows. You will be asked for time in military time. If it is 1:00 AM to 12:59 PM, just enter that time. If it is 1:00 PM to 11:59 PM, take the time and add 12 hours. So 3 PM is 15:00 in military time. If it is 12:00 AM to 12:59 AM, change the 12 to a 0, so 12:00 AM is 0:00 in military time. Finally, you will be prompted to enter your birth date. This is used for when you enter Pictochat on your birthday, everyone will see a message saying it is ____'s birthday. You will need to shut the system down afterwards to save the settings. The next time you turn the DS on, the start-up menu will appear. To change settings, refer to the instruction manual.

Games:
There aren't many games released for the DS, so if you want one, consider that. The DS can, however, play GBA games, so the DS has a big advantage over the PSP (not released yet). In this section, I'll review DS games and give it a rating between 1 (lowest)-5 (highest).

Asphalt Urban GT-Racing game. Asphalt Urban GT is a game different from Ridge Racer DS. Asphalt Urban GT includes 20 different cars like Lamborghinis, Jaguars, and Hummers. There are 9 tracks based on realistic places. The game utilizes the dual-screen by having all the action on the top screen and warnings, track layouts, and a steering wheel on the touch screen. Similarly to Gran Turismo 3, you can tune-up your car in order to win the big race. The graphics are better than GBA games and the game has good sounds of car engines and music. Overall, I give this game a 4.

Feel the Magic: XY/XX-adventure game. Feel the Magic is about a man who tries to score a date with the girl. Through many minigames in the adventure, you will try to date the girl. This is the only game so far that utilizes the microphone. I give this game a 4.

Madden NFL 2005-football game. Madden continues its reign on the DS. The game has many features such as the season mode and many more. The bottom screen is used to select plays and call audibles. The graphics are OK. The game may be fun, but not if you've played the PS2, Xbox, or GC versions. Even though I am a fan of the Madden series, I give this game a 3.

Mr. Driller Drill Spirits-puzzle game. Mr. Driller is back and better than ever! The action takes place on both screens. Through out the story mode, you unlock characters. With multiplayer, the game is a blast. I give this game a 4.

Ping Pals-IM imitation. Ping Pals is a program where you communicate with other people. It's just a more complicated version of Pictochat. You can create a Pal and customize it. Throughout gameplay, you unlock items. I think this game is pointless since Pictochat is already on the DS, so I give it a 1.

Ridge Racer DS-racing game. Ridge Racer is a racing game with 20 courses and pure driving. The game allows you to use the touch screen as analog control to steer the car. The game has many features, so I give it a 4.

Spiderman 2-adventure game. Just like the movie, you go through New York to destroy the evil doctor. Not much info found, please return later.

Sprung-dating game. As a dating sim, you talk your way through a date. Not much info found, please return later

Super Mario 64 DS-adventure game. Probably the best launch title, Super Mario DS is a remake of the popular Nintendo 64 version. 30 stars have been added, along with three more characters and minigames. The minigames are fun, but the adventure is better. Adventure mode is a long mode, though, so if you aren't patient, this isn't recommended. The minigames can still supply plenty of fun. I give this game a 5.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005-golf game. The game has many features such as creating your own character, etc., but the swing control sucks and throws the game off. Only 6 courses. If you like a better version of this game get the console version. I give this game a 4 for lasting appeal.

Urbz:Sims in the City DS-sim game. A sequel to the other Sims games, this game packs a huge story mode into one game. You can create a pet and accomplish missions in the path to become the best Urb in the city. I give this game a 5.

GAMES WILL BE ADDED AFTER RELEASE. Please notify me if a review is incorrect or if you have more info to add. I will credit you and add that change.

Cheat Codes:
COME BACK LATER

More sections will be added soon.

If you have a comment or question, please e-mail me at jdstrait@adelphia.net. I will answer at any time, due to travel or time-restraints. Sorry for the inconvenience.
If you want a picture of the DS, go to Nintendo's web site.
If you want to read a review about a game, go to EBGames.com

Check out some of the links on this page to learn more.

Thanks to WebSpawner for helping create this page.
Thanks to Nintendo for making an awesome handheld.

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