pixeljunkie said:
I plan on getting a DS this week for Castlevania and a few other games that interest me. The screens are BACKLIT, right? Not that front-lit shit? Are the colors washed out? I've only seen the banged up Nintendogs demo models in Gaystop. Now I'm worried about the screens, since I am spoiled with my GBA SP2.
I own an SP2 and a DS, and from the way you talk I'd say don't expect much from the DS screens. They are definitely slightly washed out and not too bright, and the viewing angle is really annoying (you have to hold it just right to see both screens at even brightness). Speaking as someone who owns a bunch of handhelds, including SP2, PSP and DS - the DS screens are just passable. Certainly much better than the old SP (which was only frontlit), but very weak compared to the SP2.
But the DS games are SO DAMN GOOD you will get over the screen quality in minutes. You may get a little annoyed when you play your SP2 though, because the screen on that thing is just incredible. However, as a consolation, the DS speakers are the best on any handheld, and it has a normal headphone jack. And IMO the dpad on the DS is better than the SP. If I could only have one system, it would be the DS.
Here are the DS games I own (not counting the Metroid demo), and what I think of them:
Castlevania DOS: just buy it
Advance Wars DS: just buy it
Meteos: fantastic, more fun than Lumines - BUY if you want a puzzle game
Kirby CC: excellent game, and feels fresh
Nintendogs: fun, very fresh, but not sure about long term appeal
Super Mario 64 DS - great game, some new stuff, half ass control, mini games
Trauma Center: haven't opened it yet :P
Quendan (JPN): very strange, very wacky, but fun rhythm game
I plan to get Phoenix Wright next, followed by Mario Kart when it's released.
