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Nintendo DS: Looking at device usebility…

Monday, December 13, 2004

I couldn’t wait once the postman arrived - I cracked-open the box of the DS and, running off the mains, gave it a run. There are some good things to note and some annoyances…

I like it - I do. It’s a fun little box…what I’ve basically always wanted from Nintendo. Sizewise it is *just* a little large, but not so much that an average male’s hands would cramp. I’m just thinking in terms of pocketing the device, which would currently necessitate the use of cargo pants - and I was happy to avoid that fad back in the 90s. Ain’t gonna happen now. But this is more about the usability of the device than an accessory guide.

I hope, very much hope, that Nintendo gets the knack of using the touch-screen wisely. I played that Metroid Prime-thingamajob, basically “the photo that came with the wallet”, and it certainly was fun once you spent some time mastering the controls. Right now this is the only game I have - I’m on backorder until January for Super Mario 64 - and if this is what I have to go by it might take a while before developers deliver the kind of gameplay I’m looking for.

I think many new applications will use the touch-screen in a simple, gimmicky manor. Obviously the touch control is very nice, very fine; in fact, better than any analog stick I’ve ever used. It’s such a natural extension of the experience, to just reach into the game and play, it’s amazing that it’s not been tried before. But if used cheaply, like..ahem, some driving games I could mention...then the touch screen concept will die a quick death.

Right now, my biggest gripe is the dumb thumb-pad on the wrist strap. I think it was some kind of afterthought due to the fact that the game lineup was somewhat weak at launch…it helps to make slightly clumsy game controls easier to maneuver. But for me the pad itself moves around my thumb too much. I have to pause the game occasionally to reposition the strap and thumb, which is not conducive to the maintaining the level of immersion in the experience.

I think the games and their controls will mature, to be sure. I would always argue for sensitivity adjustments to any game that requires the screen to track an “analog” response. Also, either a longer strap or revised curved thumb cap, matching the wrap of the thumb, would be preferential to the existing flat pad. Lastly, a battery indicator showing available charge would be logical too…

Still, it’s a good first-try. I’ll be keeping it a while.

Posted by admin on 12/13 at 07:30 AM
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