Game Consoles

The Nintendo DS has traded higher than a hundred million devices all over the world since its initial release four and half years ago, hardening the company’s product as the all time popular easily moveable handheld console. It also crosses the most well known Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), it is well known commercial-grade winner and its sales of almost fifty million.The third loop of the Nintendo DS and it was primitively published in Nov 2004, is called as Nintendo DSI. By altering the device’s boiler suit pattern and widely improving its screen performance, the company has refreshed the model as DS Lite in January 2006.

Rumours that propagated about the second design came true when Nintendo has announced its latest and mostly believable last retrograde from the Nintendo DSI organisation. This acclivity added two VGA minute resolution cameras, increased the screen size to be slightly larger, and an SD card expansion slot to the portable console. The slot called Game Boy Advance which was encountered in both of the earlier designs has been removed in the latest design.

The Nintendo DSI is offering a great deal of ground breaking media lineaments and the on-line practicality that is ensuring the purchase of it by the user Nintendo DS Lite who may think twice about advancing to the latest version. The users of original DS version also should undoubtedly shift to new version, and those who are still making thoughts about purchasing original DS, the new Nintendo DSI is a good way to go through.

Design:

Lustreless Rubberised Outer Layer:
If you have used or own the DS Lite, the foremost matter you will discover about DSI is that its firmness. You will unquestionably sense that it is more full bodied. That also says that it is no longer cloggier because both liberate fairly below half a pound. The new DSI spreads over with no lustre, contains almost rubbery outer layer, whereas the DS Lite is surfaced with glistening plastic. Though it is not muled during testing, it seems to be mostly prostrate to such decorative abrasions. In the terms of size, the DSI is just 4 millimetres slenderer than DS Lite and also just 5 millimetres wider. The DSI is out in several colours like white, blue, pink, red and black.

Relocation of the Lights:
Next to that, you would not detect much difference in visual aspect. A band of tierce lights are placed along the left side hinge of the new DSI instead of the two lights on right hinge of DS Lite. Now they are also tagged around, with symbolisations of power, charging and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bouncy with More Click Buttons:
As Nintendo preferred for the pushes that clink more, every button on the DSI has been changed, which is an absolute contrast to the gentle feel you experienced on the DS Lite. The pressing motion is less for A, B, X and Y as they are not that deep as they were earlier. In the same way the R and L buttons are also now more bouncy and in result you need very minute attempt to make them function. It was found very hard to compress the start and select buttons particularly in DS Lite though; they too were same as the other buttons. You will feel the same kind of click reactivity when you move along the D-pad. The D-pad of DS Lite is found to be somewhat looser, which is a carbon replicate of that match detected on the Nintendo Wii remote.

Resettled Power Button:
The power press is now relocated to the underside left from the lower touch screen. A farseeing tap is provided to provide power to the device, on or off. And on the other hand, the little tap (whilst the DSI is in ON mode) gives you a gentle readjust, which cannot be done and not available on DS Lite.

Brightness and Colour Performance:
Though the inner camera is at present centred with its microphone merely to its adjacent right, the position of microphone remains unchanged. Especially when you shift backward and forward amongst the systems, the deuce screens of DSI Handheld Game console are perceptibly bigger. This says that you may not really discover immense betterments in total brightness and colour performance. The deuce stereo system speakers of the unit which are attached on both sides of the upper side screen, now appear to be brought down around one-half of an inch.

Removal of Game Boy Advance Slot:
You will determine some more obtrusive alterations on the exterior of the DSI Video Game Console. To list down, first of all, the Game Boy Advance’s expansion slot has been withdrawn, as a result of which the lovers of that hand held platform are away from fortune. Someone may trust that this deletion helped shrivel the thickness of the device, and wish that the alteration made good upgrade. Now we happily drop out the 4 millimetres to be capable of playing whatsoever, the Game Boy Advance game.

Volume Slider Changed to Push Button:
The audio slider is changed over to a push press arrangement in DSI and is located along the left face instead of the front left edge on the DS Lite, the head phone jack retains in the same old position. Though everyone will enjoy the alterations in buttons, we believe that it would be even more fun with slider rather than the new buttons. It is much more convenient to dumb the device just by sliding the slider with thumb, instead of holding the button for few seconds for the same thing. On the right bezel, the SD card expansion slot of the device is placed.

Two 0.3 Mega Pixel Cameras:
As brought up in the beginning, the new Nintendo DSI Gaming Console comprises of deuce 0.3 mega pixel cameras, in which one is positioned along the internal hinge and other is placed on the external front cover. While the external camera is alive, a pink LED light glows out. The perpendicular squarely logo of DS in plastic which is found on DS Lite and located on the outer casing is also deserted.

Variation in Stylus Size:
The Nintendo provides you with an extra stylus which is mounted on the rear location similar to DS Lite. You will be fond of the DSI’s stylus which has been increased in size and raised up by another 4 millimetres.

Features:

Updated Firmware and Interface:
Out and away, the most important modification on the DSI is the modified firmware and interface which is undivided to the unit, apart from the cameras. You would not be capable of upgrading your master DS and DS Lite to the novel DSI’s experience.

Permits Access to Several Media and Online Applications:
The fresh firmware permits you to move to snaps and music, which also includes several media together with online coverings. The device’s design is mostly like Nintendo Wii’s feel, where assorted transmission channels and coverings can be moved through and propelled around. You can doubtlessly fill the great deal of white spaces available with the downloaded games or even using the coverings from the DSI shop.

Internal Memory and SD Card:
You can save the photos taken by the camera using DSI camera apps either along the device’s inner 256MB of memory or onto an SD card. And the new DSI also abides the SDHC cards that have a storage capacity of more than 2 GB. There are several lens choices constructed in to the applications, apart from capturing schematic photos. These consequences can, not simply be plucked while you are taking the snaps, but as well later after you have already captured them. Even a face identification technology has been included, which can be used to add few effects, for instance it embosses your own face also with Mario moustache or apply you a funny pig nose. There is abundant sport to be enjoyed even in the frame characteristics, you can place your human face over anything you film or you want to.

DSI Sound Application:
By using powerful tools and included comfortable to usage tools you can record the sound and edit it by using the DSI Sound apps. You are given options to increment and reduce the pitch or speed, and you can even use pre-installed sound filtrates that transmutes your recorded sections. These segments could also be saved either on to the SD card or on to internal memory. The DSI Sound apps provided permits you act up on your own music and even you can even deform it. But nevertheless, currently the device is capable of playing only AAC files. Regrettably the MP3 and some other audio data file fans would not be able to enjoy this application. In order to boot, you will also not be able to save your own edited music.

Pictochat and DS Download:
You will be able to find a few intimate fronts in the interface of DSI, like Pictochat, which is a way to chit chat and extract from local DS systems, and DS download act persists integral. You can approach download act for synchronising up the games along with the local DS systems. With most of the models of the DS device, the DSI system is capable of playing.

The Online or Wi-Fi Connectivity:
The DSI holds the capability of linking with any 802.11 b or any g Wi-Fi router or any other hot spot. You will find it oddly adequate hard to link with a higher security than WEP. All those settings in real are inhumed inside the system, pushing you to select from the “Advanced Settings” over the main “Internet Connection Settings” screen. We are not certain why it is made very difficult to discover this practicality, but by utilising connexions 1-3, would not permit you to connect to larger than WEP. You could also manually arrange a connection through the more encryption like WPA or WPA2, by accessing the advanced menu. You will just need to insert security key, when you are capable of scanning towards hot spots which confirm the encryption over WEP. The DSI can connect to AOSS, in case your own router affirms it. You will be granted an easy internet connection to the DSI by utilising the option Wi-Fi USB connector of Nintendo, which is sold separately.

The Nintendo DSI Shop:

DSI equivalent to the WiiWare:
The handheld equivalent called as DSI shop has been developed after the achievement of Wii Virtual Console by Nintendo and its WiiWare Platform. Nintendo explicated that this is an online heart to download games of DSI only and apps which are constructed by the first base or third base party developers. The Nintendo will provide you with an active time of diversity of titles, in which some uses DSI camera in games. The pricing structures of all these provided titles vary from costless to one thousand DSI points. And also as an incentive, Nintendo also offers free 1000 points to use for any users who visit DSI shop at times of certain offers. Also, since the outlet had been launched, you will also be offered with a free web browser.

Nintendo Points for DSI Shop:
An interface really alike to the channel of Wii Shopping will be greeting you once you successfully enter into DSI shop. Though the Nintendo points cannot be transmitted, you can use them in both the shops. You can also add points by either using your credit card or shop-brought Nintendo points card. And you will find several paths to surf the usable titles, for instance, through title or even through price.

Sensible Downloading Speeds:
Downloading speed upon the DSI shop are very sensible, things proceeded by rather fleetly. That says that you must observe that the Internet activity in spades have virtual affect on the battery life, which more concerned than whatsoever earlier lineament of DSI.

Opera Powered Web Browser:
Opera powered web browser is one among the primary free apps provided. Even though, you would not be able to watch any of the videos or view any of the flash application in the least, it functions substantially adequate.

Transfer to DSI Internal Memory:
You should make a note that downloaded apps and acts cannot be played directly from the SD card. Firstly you must copy the game and application into the DSI’s inner memory and then can play them.

Performance:

Doubled Microprocessor Size:
Nintendo DSI Handheld Game console have as well obtained some hardware amendments, under the cap. The chief processor size has been doubled to 133 MHz, to that of 67 MHz discovered within the earlier DS Lite. DSI’s RAM has been multiplied by four, making it 16MB from its initial 4MB. But still, do not allow these digits sap you. No big variation in functioning among the systems has been detected when the same game is played. We suppose that this upgrade in design is just to fulfil the hardware requirements of cameras. It is said that Nintendo has suggested at DSI “enhanced” games, the titles provided can be played upon whatever DS, still you will be supplied with more features when you play it on DSI.

Less Competent DSI Battery Life:
Nintendo itself has accepted that DSI’s battery is less competent with that of DS Lite’s, which provides functioning time of 19 hours in the lowliest setting of screen brightness. Alternatively, DSI battery is capable of holding charging for approximately 9-14 hours, which depends on the brightness of the screen and power appetite features like cameras. During the tests conducted over the DSI battery, nothing is found dissatisfying about its battery life, but the DS Lite utilisers might discover the slender growth in frequency of the charging .

Frustrating Pirated Software:

It is no more confidential that hijacked software used to be a big trouble for DS Lite. Several hacked cartridges are discovered on the Internet, which allows playing illicitly downloaded games. Now the DSI for once discovered a path to frustrate them and also profits you through its updateable firmware.

Service and Support:

A Limited Warranty of one year is provided by Nintendo to its DSI.

Contents of the Box:

Nintendo DSI Console, Stylus, AC Adapter, one lithium ion battery, instruction manuals and warranty are provided in the packed box of DSI console.

Verdict:

As the new DSI is the third loop of the cycle DS system, it left a doubt, who needs to buy it? Possessors of original DS, better doubtlessly upgrade to DSI. The modifications in design, amendments in size of the screen and brightness paired with the accession to DSI shop are more than adequate rationalities to accept immerse. That also says that the current users of DS Lite should also take a look at it. The DSI shop is the fullest reason for up-gradation and you will have to determine if it is an adequate bonus. And naturally if you do not own any of the new DS systems, this will be the best choice. Though it is a bit expensive than present DS Lite, it is of good value. The unit is definitely a further step in the way of iPhone and iPods which have accession to outlets for downloading acts and apps. One matter in reality is doubtless, the Nintendo DSI is the manufacturer’s most challenging and also solidly constructed portable device up to date.

Nintendo DSI Handheld Console - Technical Specification Details

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Model Name	DSI
Form factor	Handheld
Dimensions (H x W x D)	2.9 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
Weight	7.5 oz
Display Type	LCD display - 3.25″ TFT active matrix-Colour-Integrated
Display Colour Support	260000 colours
Display Features	Touch Screen
Available Enclosure Colours	White, blue, pink, red and black
Colour Support	Yes
Included Games	The Aly and AJ Adventure
Media Type	Cartridge, SD Memory Card
Significant Features	AAC playback, Built-in microphone, built-in two VGA digital cameras
Processor Type	ARM9 134 MHz
Built-in Speakers	Yes
Sound output mode	Stereo
Connectivity Features	IEEE 802.11
Input Device Type	4-way cross keypad - Integrated - 6 buttons
Total Expansion Slots(Free)	1 Nintendo DS cartridge slot, 1 SD Memory card
Battery	1 x Game console battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
Capacity	840 mAh – 14 hours
Package Particulars	Nintendo DSI Console, Stylus, AC Adapter, one lithium ion battery, instruction manuals and warranty.
Manufacture Warranty	One year limited warranty

When Nintendo initially announced its release of the DS handheld, all that the people were aware of was just that it had two displays and then over the next few months, more and more of new feature speculations started pouring in like touch screen, stylus, 802.11 wireless capabilities, post- E3 redesign and even Voice Over IP compatibility came in. And all these features culminated in the announcement of the console’s price tag too. Though it is true that there are many other gaming consoles that costs much higher than this console but does much lesser, we still have the feeling that Nintendo has added these features just to fill in the column on “Features” in the console’s specifications. So let us see if the final product lives up to the expectations and the price tag.

Not an ultra portable console:

At the very first look at the Nintendo DS Handheld Console , the thing that strikes you apart from the silver sleek design is its two LCD displays. The Nintendo DS has roughly got the same size of the original GameBoy Advance, but its clam shell like design makes the device look bigger. Unlike the SP which was an ideal example of the portable gaming console, which would easily slide inside any pocket, the DS can be carried around only in your back pocket or your shoulder bag. Yet another example of a very portable console was the Tamagotchi. Though the size has been increased, the device is not that bulky, it weighs just 275 grams. Since you will be using either the thumb pad or the stylus, the device has to be held with both your hands. However, the additional weight can be easily managed. The direction pad, four face buttons and two shoulder buttons are all within easy enough reach, but that does not stop you wishing for something more slim-line.

Buttons and controls in Nintendo DS:

The following is the list of controls of the device from left to right: the DS’s volume control, GBA cartridge slot, microphone and headphone connectors occupy the front of the unit. In the rear of the unit, it has its shoulder buttons, the DS game slot and an AC adaptor slot. By having a dual slot, the device has retained its compatibility with all the existing GBA games, but the device can also accept the latest smaller DS game cards. When the DS is opened in the front, the top panel has stereo speakers and the main LCD display, while the bottom panel sports a directional pad, power button, touch screen and the six functional buttons that include A, B, X, Y, Select and Start. Two pen shaped styluses come with the package, one slides into the DS body in a PDA-style. This pen like stylus works better while drawing and writing messages in a PicoChat and the thumb stylus extremely good at the time of playing games.

Displays and sound in Nindendo DS Handheld:

The two displays, each have a resolution of 256 x 192 and 260,000 colours. The display is simply glare free even when the top screen is pivoted as far as it can go and both the displays seem to work seamlessly when the top screen is slightly tilted. Both the displays are terrific and you will not be able to find any of the ghostly white glow that was prominent in the GBA SP’s front lit display system and the backlighting of DS makes its graphics outstanding. The game’s beautiful full motion video sequences seem to take complete advantage of both the screens. One of the major advantages of elongated form factor is that, the stereo speakers work in a great fashion. There is a very clear separation of notes between the left and right speakers and it has very well done surround sound effects.

The first few steps:

The first time you turn your Nintendo DS Console on, the console asks the gamer to input a variety of details that includes your name, the current time and date, your favourite colour, which becomes your background colour and your birthday. It saves your birthday to offer you with a pleasant surprise on that special day of yours. Once this information has been inputted, the user is greeted to an extremely user-friendly interface that allows the gamer to play a Nintendo DS game, run PictoChat, DS Download play for multiplayer games or launch a GBA game.

Nintendo DS Features:

The DS Gaming Console runs on two powerful ARM9 and ARM7 CPUs running at 67Mhz and 33MHz respectively. The unit has 4 megs of memory and a BIOS. Another impressive feature is that the unit also has the ability to download software from another DS unit which means that some two player games only require one cartridge to play between two or more people.

Pico Chat:

The Pico Chat comes in as a very attractive distraction for the gamers. This application has a lot of interesting features that combine DS’s wireless features and its touch screen capabilities. Once the program is started, a number of available rooms are listed. Typing in the virtual keyboard in the bottom of the touch screen with the stylus is quite natural. The only issue with the pen is that, its tip is too broad to even think of any intricate drawings.

The multi-player mode:

When the multi player mode is used, the DS player surpassed its rated 9m in outdoors and in fact, it manages to go beyond 45m. But through the walls, the range is a little shorter and this is the case when the game cuts out in just 9m. In the Metroid and PicoChat applications, you will be indicated the type of connection you are in with the help of a mobile phone like small signal indicator. Even with only a single signal indicator, the multiplayer games were seamless and lag free. When everything seemed to be nice and happy, we were put down by a bad news, the older GBA multiplayer games will not play head to head over the wireless connection and with the absence of link cable port, you will not be able to wire bond to the older GBAs or the Nintendo GameCube.

Package contents:

The package of the Nintendo DS Handheld Gaming Console includes demo version of Metroid Prime: Hunters, the full version of Nintendo’s PictoChat software, two pen-shaped styluses, a wrist strap that doubles as a thumb stylus, and the same AC adapter that came with the GBA SP.

Battery life:

Since the Nintendo DS has come out in the strong competing market with Sony’s PSP, it is important that we take a note of its battery life too. The DS managed a game time of about six hours and 40 minutes. The low battery indicator comes on in about 6 hours mark and from then on, in 40 minutes, the device ran out of juice. The high battery life of the unit is achieved by the lithium-ion battery that takes 4 hours to charge the battery which is a small price to pay for portable gaming. Another nifty idea is that when the unit is closed while you are playing a game, the system goes into a sleep mode to maximise battery life.

Warranty:

Nintendo offers the DS console a standard one year warranty.

Verdict:

In conclusion, the Nintendo DS is a brilliant gaming console that truly takes portable gaming to the next evolutionary stage. The only downside to the unit is that sometimes it does become a little heavy through continuous gaming sessions but it’s a small price to pay for what this unit can perform. The DS has got the real flavour of Nintendo within it. It has got the characteristics that suit the console’s long list of games. This console challenges the game developers to take full advantage of its dual display, touch screen and microphone capabilities. Although the majority of first generation games are aimed at the younger gaming market, there are enough adult titles on the horizon to allow the more mature gamer to truly enjoy this new console. This game console with the funky design is worth laying your hands on. But if you are asking the question that if you could go for PSP or Nintendo, then we would definitely advice you to go for the PSP. And the justification we have is that, the PSP is much ahead of the DS in terms of graphics, audio performance, display quality and even the attire. And the PSP can also play movies and MP3 tracks for you. Overall, the DS is just not about having the best graphics or even the fastest processor; it is fully about having fun.

Nintendo DS Video Game Console - Specifications, Features

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Game Console name	Nintendo DS
Console type	Handheld
Dimensions(H x W x D)	149 x 85 x 29mm
Game Media type	Cartridge
Sound Output Mode	Stereo
Display	2 Backlit, 260,000 colour, 3″ diagonal reflective TFT LCD screens. Lower one is a touch screen. 2D and 3D video acceleration
Display resolution	256×192 pixels
Features	One ARM7 processor and One ARM9 processor. 4 megs memory.
Audio	Built in stereo speakers with virtual surround sound, mic and headphone jack
Software bundle	PictoChat wireless messaging application. Clock and calendar. Metroid Prime: First Hunt (first person shooter) demo included.
Game Cartridges supported	Two slots: one for Game Boy Advance games and another for DS game cartridges. The DS is not compatible with Game Boy Color and earlier games.
Modem	No
Ethernet	No
Bluetooth	No
WiFi	Yes
Maximum data transfer rate	11 Mbps
Battery	Rechargeable lithium ion
Box contents	Nintendo DS with battery installed, two styli, wrist strap with “thumb stylus” attached at the end, instruction booklet, charger and Metroid Prime DS demo cartridge
Warranty	Limited 1 year warranty

Overview:

Pros:

• Compact
• Good viewing angle
• Backlit display
• Rechargeable battery
• Backward compatible

Cons:

• Adaptor for headphones must be bought separately
• No control for brightness and contrast

Review:

The word “Game Boy” itself makes most of us think of kids as this hand held gaming machine of Nintendo has been designed in such a way that it is primarily marketed towards the kids. But the fact is, the Game Boy can make adults fall in love with it too. We know because we love it too. Having fiddled with the original Game Boy, the Game Boy pocket and Game Boy colour, we were as excited as we would be a night before a flight to a holiday destination when we first read about the news on the release of the Game Boy Advance SP.

The Game Boy history:

Before we take the discussion more deep about the Game Boy advance SP console, we would like to refresh your memories about the original Game Boy. The original version was first introduced in the year 1988 in Japan and the very next year in USA. This gaming console had a gray scale display of resolution 160 x 144 pixels. It ran on an eight bit Z80 based processor with four channel sounds. Its source of power was four AA batteries, having a battery life of around 15 to 30 hours. The next generation model called the “Game Boy Pocket” was introduced in the year 1996, which had a smaller physic and made use of two AAA batteries to run for 10 hours. Then, in the year 1999, a much improvised version on all areas was released, called “Game Boy Colour“. This console had a 160×144 pixels colour display, which was capable of displaying 56 colours. It had 8Mhz Z80 based processor, 4 channel sound and ran 13 hours on 2 AA batteries. A couple of years later, the Game Boy Advance was released with some radical changes. This version of the gaming console had a larger display with a higher resolution of 240×160 pixels with a horizontal layout and a faster processor. And the next version is the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP, which we will be discussing in detail below. This version has finally included most of the features that we had been waiting for years.

What the “SP” has got in store for us:

If you are wondering what the “SP” in the name stands for, then think no more, it simply means “Special”. Though there is not much difference with the performance of the, GBA SP, it has included a lot of other interesting tweaks like the compact folding design, rechargeable batteries and finally a backlight for the display that had been crying for one for years. These are the main changes and other than this, the major functionalities and features remains to be the same as the original Advance and SP too has the capability to play the entire library of the Game Boy games.

Flip in design:
Design wise, the Nintentdo GBA SP reminds us of the original Game Boy, which again had to be folded into half. But this time around, it is more compact, mature and its flip screen design is appealing for both kids and adults. This model is very compact when folded and can be easily carried around in your pockets. When the unit is kept closed, it makes a perfect square and resembles a super tiny laptop. It has curvy edge and the case is quite sturdy. This model is available in platinum, chrome, maroon, pink, black and cobalt colours. The game cartridge is available in the bottom front of the unit and unlike the other versions, where the carts stick out about 1.25 inches, here it fits flush. Though they look a little awkward, they do not hinder while you are gaming.

Buttons and controls in Game Boy Advance SP:

There are two spring loaded left and right buttons on the shoulders of the GBA SP and the application of these buttons depends entirely on the game cartridge that is loaded on the slot. One of the coolest features that had been added to SP is that, on pressing these buttons the display can be changed from regular to wide screen format, a feature which is not possible in the older games with just 160×144 pixels. When the console is opened, you will find the display, buttons and the speaker grill. Though the screen is not held closed with any latch, it does not fall open in its own even when it is shook or held upside down. And when the display is opened, it folds back to approximately 180 degrees, a great viewing angle for playing. The layout of the buttons is same as that of the classic console. This clamshell design allows you to adjust its angle easily and also protects the LCD from getting scratched.

The four way navigational pad is placed towards the left and the A/B buttons directly across it. On top of these buttons is a screen light toggle and towards the bottom are the start and stop buttons. Though the control positioning is similar to that of the original GBA, the left and right shoulder buttons are smaller. Playing games on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP Game Console will be a great experience and there will not be any comfort issues as they give a very good and tactile feedback with easy presses.

A small slider switch is available towards the left of the console and is used to control the volume of the speaker. The right side of the console sports the power switch and two status LEDs. One of the LED acts a battery indicator. It glows green when the unit is switched on and turns to red when battery drops to 30% to 20%. The other LED glows amber when the unit is charging and turns off once the charging is complete. The rear of the device has the AC adapter and External Extension connectors, where the AC adaptor doubles as a headphone jack. It will not look familiar to you too as you will have to buy an external adaptor that will not cost much in order to use the GBA SP with headphones. This adaptor will provide you with a standard 3.5mm jack, which will allow any standard earphones to be plugged in. This is one of the major blots with the design because, this kind of set up will not allow you to charge the device and listen to it via the headphone at the same time. The External Extension connector is used to link a Game Boy via a link cable, for the sake of multiplayer games and also for interacting with the device.

Finally!!! A backlight:

Deny No one can ever deny the fact that the original Game Boy enjoyed an enormous success and sold millions of units around the world. But an equally undeniable fact is that anybody who has ever played with it, has cursed it for that fact that it does not have an illuminated display. Adding backlight to the SBA SP’s display is the best feature that SP has been upgraded with. This means that now you will be able to enjoy playing games in any lighting condition. You no longer need to struggle with an overhead light in low light conditions as in the case of the original console. But we just wish if it was a little brighter and has some way to adjust the brightness and contrast. The only adjustment that you will be able to make for now is just On/Off.

Performance of GBA SP:

Like the original GBA, the SP runs on a 32-bit RISC-CPU with embedded memory. The performance is obliviously, same as that of the original Game Boy. And the performance is the same in all situations unless the gaming console is taken outside in the bright sunlight. As with the SP version, you will be able to make use of the front light. The GBA SP has got a wide spectrum of games that would satisfy a wide range of gamers.

Sound:
As far as the sound is concerned, the front speaker is loud enough for most of the tasks. But if you are in a noisy environment, then you will require headphones.

Battery life:
The battery life is quite decent. The original GBA allows you to play for days together on two AA batteries. Though the SP’s battery does not endure for as long as those of its predecessor, Nintendo assures you up to 10 hours will illumination and about 18 hours without having to recharge. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the battery.

Verdict:

Having included an illuminated display, Nintendo has finally fixed the biggest flaw of the original Game Boy Advance. If you are already having a Game Boy Advance and really do not care about having a lit display, then there is no need for you to update with the SP. But if you do not own one, then this is the best choice as it is compact and fun. The console has already proven that it is not just for kids and so, adults can have a great deal of fun too.

Check reviews of Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii Fit in our website.

Game Boy Advance SP - Technical Specifications, Features

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Model Name	Game Boy Advance SP
Game console type	Handheld
Dimensions (W x D x H)	84.6×82x24.3mm
Weight	0.14 kg
Colours available	Platinum, chrome, maroon, pink, black and cobalt
Display resolution	240×160pixels
Data width	32 bits
RAM installed	0.25 MB
Game media type	Cartridge
Sound output mode	Stereo
Input device type	D-Pad + 6 buttons
Battery	Built in rechargeable Lithium Ion

The Logitech is a well known computer peripherals manufacturer who has produced some of the all time best peripherals like mouse, keyboards, trackballs and gaming controllers. They have a perfect idea on how to make the gadgets both comfortable and work simultaneously.  Their long experience in the industry can be felt very well in their gaming accessory the Logitech ChillStream gamepad. This is the first windows optimised controller.

Though most of the PC games can be played well with just the keyboard and mouse combination like the shooters and strategy titles, there still exists a few titles like console ports and sports titles that are crying out for a controller. Logitech has given ears to this and released the new Logitech ChillStream Game pad. The ChillStream is named so because it has got a fan located on its back and that is used to keep the hands of the player cool and sweat free while gaming.

Identical look to that of Xbox 360 controller:

Though the Logitech ChillStream attracts itself to be vista ready, it looks exactly like the Xbox 360. It has got exactly the same button layout with the same layout and the center guide button gives you a great deal of functionality when used with Windows Vista PCs. The ditto layout includes the dual joyticks, a D-pad, an ABXY button cluster, start, select, a pair of shoulder buttons, a pair of triggers and a centre button. Each game will use these buttons and sticks differently, but analog sticks are normally used to handle in-game movement, and the buttons in the top right of the pad are the main game buttons for firing guns, jumping, selecting menus and other things.

Features included to make the gamepad feel comfortable on hands:

Similar to the Xbox360, the ChillStream Game Pad from Logitech is too extremely comfortable in hands with its easy grip plastic on the sides and bottom. The back side of the controller has a “Soft Touch” spray finish that is amazingly smooth and comfortable. The top half feels just as good but is also painted silver. The feel of the controller will not be that appreciated by players with big hands. They might feel that the game pad is not comfortable but not exactly sublime either. But the feedback from the players with smaller hands will be exactly the opposite. In fact most of them would feel that the controller is easy to use and comfortable to cling on.

Some tweaks made:

Though we said that the Logitech ChillStream looked identical to that of the Xbox 360 controller, there can be a few tweaks that can be noted too. The gamepad has more of an angled look with definite lines. Towards the left side of the ChillStream, to the right of the D-pad and below the joystick, there is a small button. The only main functionality of this button is to control and operate the speed of the internal fan.

Speed options of the fan:

There are three speed options offered which includes off, intermittent and full on. As you can see, there are two speed settings, though most will find the lower one far too faint, the higher setting cannot quite reach the level of power a sweaty handed gamer will likely require. And when the fan is operating in its highest speed, it can be easily said that it is on, even without touching it as the fan is quite noisy but not offensively loud. The ChillStream can be connected to your PC with the USB interface. Though the chord is a bit short at 6 feet, it must be sufficient for most of the players.

How does the ““ChillStream” work?

The signature feature of the gamepad, that is, its ability to cool the players hands works consistently. The working principle of the internal fan is that, it pulls air through the front grill and then shoots it through the vents located in the right and left handles. The grill in the rear side is made of metal and proves to be durable. This is a good news for those who are used to abusing their gamepads. The controller is designed in such a way that, the user will have to give a firm grip over the controller itself and having a firm grip over the controller, the holes that let out air is blocked and hence, the air does not come out as well as it actually should to keep your hands cool. This is one of the major disadvantages as this factor itself negates the whole concept on why most of the gamers would buy the ChillStream.

Installation and set-up of ChillStream Game Pad:

In order to get started, the drivers of the ChillStream have to be installed even before the gamepad is connected to the PC. The steps are very simple, and once the driver installation is complete, the controller will be up and gaming in no time. You will need to configure the controller options and button layouts for each game, which is easy to do, but it can take some time to figure out what works best.

Energy saving feature:

Logitech has employed an energy saving feature in the ChillStream. The auto-off energy conserving feature kicks in, on a few minutes of inactivity. And when you press any button on the controller, it will start back to exactly the same point at which the set was left.

Not compatible with the Xbox 360 system:

One very disappointing fact is that, the Logitech ChillStream is not dual platform compatible. When you try to plug in the USB enabled controller into the Xbox360, you will see that the controller continuously flashes the lights and the system and controller does not sync properly.
Performance:

The Logitech ChillStream was a pre vista PC gaming landscape, which produced some decent results. Though it had a few incompatible titles in its pocket, like the first person shooters that is particularly optimised for mouse and keyboard combo use, the gamepad served well with the titles that are windows compatible.

System requirements and package contents:

The Logitech ChillStream does not need much of a PC in order to operate and its system requirements confirms this fact. All that it needs is a PC with Pentium processor or compatible, Windows XP, or Vista Available and a USB port. The package content includes the gamepad itself, an installation paper and a small and cute driver disk.

Warranty:

Logitech offers ChillStream a limited warranty of one year.

Verdict:

We have come to the conclusion of the Logitech ChillStream review with mixed emotions. Though the controls are very accurate, the feel of the gamepad leaves us asking for more. It would prove to be very comfortable and exiting for people with small hands. The seller feature of the controller, that is, the fan could have done a much better job. The price tag on the controller is also much higher than the other comparable gamepads. You could possibly get the Logitech ChillStream for the fact that it is a good gaming pad with accurate controls but not for its so called Fan feature.

Check Logitech Driving Force GT Steering Wheel Review in Logitech Accessory Section.

Logitech ChillStream GamePad - Technical Specifications, Features

Manufacturer	Logitech
Gaming console type	PC accessory
Accessory type	Game controller
Model name	Logitech ChillStream
Compatible Game Consoles	PC
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Manipulator	D-pad
Features	Built-in fan , Rubber side grips , Logitech ChillStream technology
Interfaces	1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Cables Included	1 x USB cable
Windows Vista ready	Yes
System requirements	Windows® XP, or Vista™ PC with Pentium® processor or compatible Available USB port
Package contents	Logitech® ChillStream™ Controller User guide Gaming software
Warranty	One year