Poll: 63% of gamers to buy a DS lite in Japan [update1]
by Dan Choi 
{ Feb 11th 2006 at 11:59PM }
Nintendo portable hardware revisions are perennial (or, was it... annual?) best sellers--especially in Japan--but
now we have some poll numbers to show how popular the first DS redesign is proving to
be.Gamasutra breaks down the translated survey figures from Japan as follows: "63% overall spoke of their intentions to purchase the new hardware revision. 27% of the respondents already own a DS but say they will upgrade when the system is released, and 36% said they don't own a DS but the Lite version has convinced them to purchase one. Only 35% of those polled did not own a DS and had no plans to buy the system, in either variety."
There you have it, folks: the DS lite is gonna sell like hotcakes (or okonomiyaki, if that's what you prefer). Sure, a lot of people might already own DSes, but a smaller size, shiny new colors, and a wisely moved power switch can go a long way in increasing a system's appeal. Anyone here gonna buy a lite, and if so, do you already own a DS?
[Update: Here's the original translation. Thanks for the link, yamakiyo!]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
eric @ Feb 12th 2006 12:02AM
Yes and yes. The DS Lite really looks a lot sleeker than the original DS.
Mark 2000 @ Feb 12th 2006 12:05AM
I'll be buying one for me and one for the little woman. Neither of us own one yet. I've been holding out for a more streamlined version and better homebrew/flash cart support.
Stewy @ Feb 12th 2006 12:07AM
I don't own a DS as I have been waiting for the white model or a re-design to be launched in Australia. So just my luck they show off the redesign in a crisp white colour. Cn't wait for it's eventual release. Even considering importing one from Japan =D
Those statistics are pretty interesting, though I expected it to sell well in Japan anyway.
zenprism @ Feb 12th 2006 12:24AM
Already pre-ordered a Navy Lite from NCSX. This will be my first pwned DS, as I could no longer ignore the hotcake software the big N is coming out with. Can't wait for Tetris.
Now if they'd finally friggin' release Super Mario Bros. DS...
Blue @ Feb 12th 2006 12:28AM
I have a DS and will be importing a lite. My main gripe with the DS was how it didn't like to fit in my pocket easily, and this will go a long way in correcting that.
yamakyio @ Feb 12th 2006 12:28AM
Funny how you cited gamasutra who in turn cited me.
Ritz @ Feb 12th 2006 12:52AM
Yea, I am going to get a DS Lite as well. I'll end up giving my old one to my little sister, as she keeps begging to use mine :P So, it won't be a terrible waste of money - and the DSL just looks plain sexy.
Link @ Feb 12th 2006 12:55AM
Aye. Trading it in and getting a lite. So hot.
Foetoid @ Feb 12th 2006 12:57AM
I dont have one yet but i will be. I am a massive Metroid Prime fan so i have to play hunters, SMB DS is too tempting to pass up, and i was a god at "The New Tetris" on N64 (no, not tetrisphere, the new tetris was the best version since the original), so i have to get Tetris DS. I have heard there are lots of modes to play so i hope they manage to squeeze in a verision of "The New Tetris".
For thos who don't, the one differance made in the new tetris on n64 was the inclusion of a bonus system if you were able to make a perfect 4x4 square. If you made a 4x4 square with different pieces (two long ones and two cubes for example) the whole sqaure would turn metallic sliver, and be worth a whole lot more than normal lines. Making a 4x4 square with the same 4 blocks turned it gold worth big points. It really was the best thing ever done to improve tetris, god bless those of you who actually got to play it. All i need now is a portable version of Forsaken (undefeated since the n64 release) and i will be happy.
P.S. Since rare are still making GBA games (gruntys revenge etc) what are the chances of a Goldeneye port to DS.....OMG
Ar?GoW] @ Feb 12th 2006 1:02AM
I currently have a white lite on pre-order on lik-sang. Its just so slick that I wasn't about to wait for the US release =D. My old DS will be used for multiplayer with friends that don't have a DS or maybe if my sister wants to play. I wish I was Nintendo right about now...I'd be swimming in cash and shiny handhelds.
Embassy @ Feb 12th 2006 1:11AM
i was seriously thinking of coppin a DS..But then i saw SF alpha 3 on the psp...dam thats just pure hotness...as much as i despise sony and the psp...who can say no to SF alpha 3 on the go...?
bazald @ Feb 12th 2006 1:17AM
The prospect of playing all those N64 games that I deprived of "back in the day", on the go no less, is enticing - more so with the prospect of a sleek (black) DS lite. They might just get a sale from me yet...
Tim @ Feb 12th 2006 1:24AM
I own a DS and I'm still going to buy one. I just bought it a month ago but I dont care. It's got me hooked.
kc @ Feb 12th 2006 1:31AM
im going to buy six and make an electro plankton symphony!
i kinda want the red mario kart bundle too
Kurt @ Feb 12th 2006 1:36AM
I bought my wife a DS for Christmas, but I'm getting a Lite for myself :o)
Battousai8728 @ Feb 12th 2006 1:48AM
Buying a Lite...the Navy color sold me for sure, as it it's closest to black on launch day. Oh, and I already have a DS. Still, I may wait and see for a collector's edition (hey, I bought a Nintendo 20th anniversary GBMicro even though I own a GBA, GBASP, and many other peripherals that could also play GBA games...)
Brody Brooks @ Feb 12th 2006 2:09AM
I own a DS and I'm happy with it. With the way you have to use the touch screen on some games, I'll need to replace it sometime before the system's life span expires, and I know I'll be getting the Lite over the original. But right now, no reason to upgrade.
Dalton Marks @ Feb 12th 2006 2:11AM
This will be my first DS, as I plan on getting a Navy Blue one next I visist Japan. But I'm not going until June, so if they are out in the states by then I'll be getting one here. The Lite completely sold me on the DS design. Now I have a reason to play Mario Cart.
Pince @ Feb 12th 2006 2:11AM
I have no idea why I dont have a DS yet...but now I'm sort of glad I waited because the lites look real nice. Totally getting one.
designerwhite @ Feb 12th 2006 2:13AM
I got a silver ds, then got a blue one for my girlfriend, and then won another silver in a contest, and I'm still going to get one of these. Probably the darkest. I'm liking the idea of sitting around with friends playing cards, or other multiplayer games on the things. Most people I know don't have one, so the extras will come in handy.
TwistedBishop @ Feb 12th 2006 2:15AM
I bought my DS shortly after Christmas, basically as little more than a vehicle for 2D Castlevania. I certainly never expected to love it as much as I have grown to; the breadth of games across all genres is amazing and Nintendo is making all the right moves with things like their Wi-Fi service. It excels in every way possible as a portable gaming device.
The only real sticking point was the look, especially compared to something like the PSP --sexy it isn't. That's been corrected now.
I couldn't help but pre-order a Lite.
WoollyShambler @ Feb 12th 2006 2:46AM
I'll buy a DS Lite if Nintendo decides to release it in black, to match my Revolution, of course. Those are some sexy machines, if I do say so myself.
jc @ Feb 12th 2006 3:29AM
Can anyone tell us what the price is for the DS:lite? Are they charging more than the older DS?
Conn @ Feb 12th 2006 4:03AM
JC- it's $15 more.
TwistedBishop @ Feb 12th 2006 4:04AM
I only have import figures to go by, and they're a bit inflated, but for what it's worth:
The Lite is being sold (at least on Lik-Sang, haven't checked elsewhere) for $170.
For comparison, they list the original DS at $150.
Conn @ Feb 12th 2006 4:26AM
Wait wait.. what happened to the other 2%?
Jago @ Feb 12th 2006 4:44AM
"i was seriously thinking of coppin a DS..But then i saw SF alpha 3 on the psp...dam thats just pure hotness...as much as i despise sony and the psp...who can say no to SF alpha 3 on the go...?"
Easy...we would rather have original games instead of ports of games from the 1990's.
Oh and Playasia.com is also selling the DS Lite for $169 (japanese.) I preordered mine from Lik-Sang.com tho...the total price was $192 after DHL 1-3 day shipping.
Nigeria @ Feb 12th 2006 7:21AM
' Easy...we would rather have original games instead of ports of games from the 1990's. '
Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
Super Mario 64 DS
Mario Kart DS Basically a remix of older Mario Karts
Tetris DS
Bust-a-Move DS
Final Fantasy III
Xenosaga I & II
I like my DS as much as everyone else but do noy act like a considerable bulk of games are not ports or remakes of existing franchises. Some of the most anticpated games of 2006 such as Tetris DS are remakes.
And to the intial question I will not be buying the new DS as I see no point. Yeah it looks better but there is no greater functionality between the original and DS lite which requires me to part with £150.
jay @ Feb 12th 2006 7:23AM
Embassy; Street Fighter Alpha 3 is already on the GBA. I've been playing it for the past 3 years.
I have a DS, imported US. paid £170 with Mario 64 and a stinging import tax but it was worth it. I keep saying I'll buy a DS lite soon as my current DS packs in.... but I still play my vintage GB and GB pocket from time to time. Id probably never get a DS Lite that way. soon as they hit the UK its mine.
Nigeria @ Feb 12th 2006 9:08AM
Choose Jiff ' Not even close. Try playing it. Its amazing. It has some retro tracks but the gameplay is the best of the series, hands down. '
I own the game. It is a good game but I still stand by my statement it is a compilation of all that is good about Mario Kart throughout the years.
BlackYoshi @ Feb 12th 2006 10:16AM
29. And this is a bad thing why...? Revolutionary games and innovation are overrated buzzwords. Give me pretty much any of the Mario platformers over Katamari, all week and twice and Sundays.
benhc911 @ Feb 12th 2006 10:17AM
at nigeria, it may be a compilation, but atleast it has been changed. Even SM 64 had a reasonable amount of content added. Tetris DS, although a remake, also has much added content... and so will resident evil. They may be remakes, or sequels, but they have new content, and unlike psp ports, generally reasonable to good controls. I almost am not worried that my charge cable for my psp is broken, i only use it for socom, and the controls are just plain annoying really, and i use it to watch movies on, but if apple releases a real video ipod... i will probably buy it, and consider selling my psp
elmer @ Feb 12th 2006 10:21AM
What is this constant negative commentary about the power button? I thought it was better before the new version to be honest.
Accidental presses did not turn the DS off; try it, go on. You have to hold it down for more than the usual accidental button press for it to do anything.
More importantly, because it was internal, it couldn't be switched on or off accidently while in a bag.
True, should the new switch be accidentally switched the system will go straight into hibernate so long as the system's closed, but if you have a hibernated state, then the system could now be accidentaly switched off!
Annoying I say
vazel @ Feb 12th 2006 10:28AM
well said elmer.
ReyBrujo @ Feb 12th 2006 10:37AM
I have never had problems with the power button. If you had that kind of problems, I wonder how you can press B without pressing Y *roll eyes*
I am buying it, but for the brightness levels. That is an improvement.
I am... @ Feb 12th 2006 10:50AM
I just brought a new DS, so no way I'm going to buy one.
aztech @ Feb 12th 2006 10:56AM
Yes I'm buying one (2 actually) and I already own one. I'm importing an Ice Blue for my Lady, and I'm torn between the Enamel Navy & Crystal White for myself.
Momus @ Feb 12th 2006 11:03AM
Maybe not right away, but I'm definitely considering it now. Revolution first, then DS lite, if at all.
Superzapper2000 @ Feb 12th 2006 11:39AM
I'm Getting one . It will fill the gap until the Revolution comes out.It should be the same price as the old one though .Replacing a unit with an updated design is fine but asking more money for it is a little too much.
don_sf @ Feb 12th 2006 12:11PM
yes
im gonna get this because of the improved wifi reception (if u ever tried the normal one its not good).
they way it looks is a reason but not a good reason, and psp is the sexiest anyday.
and the improved wifi picto chat features, these updates will be good.
the problem with the ds is that theres not enough mods and stuff for it. while the psp got enough software.
Blue @ Feb 12th 2006 1:02PM
Eh...there are no improved pictochat features.
Jesse @ Feb 12th 2006 1:22PM
yeah ill just get the 50 dollars credit at eb and get the lite.. its so sexy looking :(
Eric Bostrom @ Feb 12th 2006 2:17PM
I'll be buying one for my wife. I don't see much of our regular ds. She's a fanatic, currently playing animal crossing.
mrk @ Feb 12th 2006 3:49PM
$50 credit? Where'd you hear that... cause if that's how much they'll give, I might have to rethink my Lite purchase.
Isaiah @ Feb 12th 2006 4:03PM
I'd been holding off for a redesigned DS for so long. As soona s this comes out, I'm getting it along with Meteos and Mario Kart: Double Dash.
Stakker @ Feb 12th 2006 5:33PM
Brighter screen. That's the reason why I'm getting it. My current DS is nice, but compared to PSP or any recent mobile phone, the screen is pretty bad. The smaller size and sexy looks won't hurt either of course :-)
Princess Zelda @ Feb 12th 2006 8:10PM
As soon as EB Games Starts taking a preorder I'll be buying a white DS Lite with Animal Crossing, Tetris and Meteos.
I don't own a DS yet because I was waiting for a redesign or a white DS to be released. I'm Also looking forward to as brighter screen. I can't wait to play free Wi-Fi :)
play free games @ Feb 12th 2006 9:06PM
I'd really like to get a DS lite in black, but the navy blue should be ok. I've had mine for 5 months now, and will be looking to get the DS Lite right before the Christmas rush. Looking forward to this and the Revolution!
Monk @ Feb 12th 2006 10:36PM
I know I'm getting one, although 63% seems a bit high. If it ends up being true, Nintendo will win the next-gen console war with a bloody handheld.
Firegryphon @ Feb 13th 2006 12:04AM
I own one and I will get a DS Lite. I'll probably hand my DS off to someone else so they can enjoy it as well.