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First off, thanks to midwest4life for suggesting that I make a nice, neat collection of DS problems instead of just bitching about them. I hope he and you all enjoy this as much as I did.
DEAD PIXELS
The Nintendo DS has hardly been out for a week and already problem reports are being filed. Some customers are finding that their brand new DS systems have fallen prey to an ailment that affects all forms of products using LCD monitors. The dreaded dead pixels
Nintendo has responded to this issue:
"With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color, such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly, even with the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers. You will find this situation is common in many LCD devices, (PC monitors, televisions, cell phones, etc.).
This is nothing new. It's not very uncommon for LCD screens to suffer from dead pixels. Hell, even the PSP has a few. However it is STILL a problem and belongs here.
-----
BATTERIES SLOWLY DYING?
Taken from Nintendo's Customer Support page:
The Nintendo DS rechargeable battery's capacity will decrease over time and with use. If you have been using and charging your Nintendo DS extensively, you may consider purchasing a replacement battery. (Battery life can be expected to drop after about 500 charges.) To order a replacement battery, please click here.
If you are using a replacement battery, make sure you are using the official rechargeable battery from Nintendo, which is only available through Nintendo. If you received your replacement battery from any other source, it could be an unlicensed product. For information on ordering a replacement battery directly from Nintendo, please click here.
If you have a licensed battery that has not been used extensively, your system will need to be repaired.
This shocked me. The reason I found this particular problem so interesting is that the Nintendo fanboys are always whining about, "Oh, the PSP has horrible battery life! Our DS may have slightly worse graphics but at least they last longer!" -and to that I say, Sorry, try again!
-----
STICKY BUTTONS
I stumbled upon this little problem and laughed. Here's what Nintendo has to say about it:
What you will need:
1 jeweler's philips head screwdriver (for battery removal)
1 clean toothbrush (no toothpaste on it)
1 cup of warm tap water
1 paper towel
Important Note: Do not submerge the Nintendo DS or pour water on it directly. Getting any amount of water inside the Nintendo DS will likely cause permanent damage.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Turn off the Nintendo DS. Remove the AC adapter, and any games.
Remove the battery from the Nintendo DS (for information on how to remove the battery, click here).
Turn the Nintendo DS screens-side down so that the buttons are facing down. This prevents water from getting inside the unit.
Moisten the bristles of the toothbrush--do not get them dripping wet--in the warm water. Keeping the toothbrush below the DS, scrub the area around the buttons from underneath, working the bristles around the sides of the buttons.
After cleaning the buttons, dry off the unit with a paper towel.
Let the system air dry (screen down) for at least a couple of hours.
Re-install the battery and replace the battery cover with the built-in screw. Be sure to insert the battery correctly.
Test your system for proper response.
Repeat the process if necessary.
There is no excuse for this! Why the hell should I have to crack open my $150 system and play Nip/Tuck with it? That's just plain lazy right there.
-----
HANDS-ON PROBLEMS From Geartest.com
Problems
The Nintendo DS is not without its problems, including some difficulty simultaneously seeing both screens clearly due to parallax -- the shifting of the view when seen from different angles -- depending on which screen you are looking at in a given moment. If looking at the top screen, the bottom screen will seem to dim in comparison, and vice versa.
The stylus is far too small, especially for adults with large hands. Stubby pencils that are distributed to fill out forms at government offices are larger, thicker, and therefore much more manageable and easier to use.
The keys on the virtual keyboard are too small and require a high degree of accuracy when typing a message. A longer stylus would mitigate this problem.
The Nintendo DS locked up completely about a minute into the PictoChat session. It gave no indication of the problem. The only method of unfreezing and recovering from the system error was to shut down and reboot the machine.
In the span of an hour, three of the six Nintendo DS units froze in a similar manner while running three different applications, which suggests a firmware or hardware problem. Keep in mind that these were late pre-production models. If it is a firmware issue a software update should be able to fix the problem. If there is something wrong with the hardware, that is much more serious.
Finally, an ergonomic issue arises when playing games in stylus/touchscreen mode. The weight of the unit has to be supported by one hand, which leads to a sore hand after extended use. Nintendo says it will resolve the problem with a stylus that you can strap to your thumb, giving players the ability to use the stylus while holding the Nintendo DS with both hands.
-----
Those are just some of the problems I've run across. I've heard of a few more but I wanna be fair and wait until I can get proof of their existance before I post
DEAD PIXELS
The Nintendo DS has hardly been out for a week and already problem reports are being filed. Some customers are finding that their brand new DS systems have fallen prey to an ailment that affects all forms of products using LCD monitors. The dreaded dead pixels
Nintendo has responded to this issue:
"With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color, such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly, even with the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers. You will find this situation is common in many LCD devices, (PC monitors, televisions, cell phones, etc.).
This is nothing new. It's not very uncommon for LCD screens to suffer from dead pixels. Hell, even the PSP has a few. However it is STILL a problem and belongs here.
-----
BATTERIES SLOWLY DYING?
Taken from Nintendo's Customer Support page:
The Nintendo DS rechargeable battery's capacity will decrease over time and with use. If you have been using and charging your Nintendo DS extensively, you may consider purchasing a replacement battery. (Battery life can be expected to drop after about 500 charges.) To order a replacement battery, please click here.
If you are using a replacement battery, make sure you are using the official rechargeable battery from Nintendo, which is only available through Nintendo. If you received your replacement battery from any other source, it could be an unlicensed product. For information on ordering a replacement battery directly from Nintendo, please click here.
If you have a licensed battery that has not been used extensively, your system will need to be repaired.
This shocked me. The reason I found this particular problem so interesting is that the Nintendo fanboys are always whining about, "Oh, the PSP has horrible battery life! Our DS may have slightly worse graphics but at least they last longer!" -and to that I say, Sorry, try again!
-----
STICKY BUTTONS
I stumbled upon this little problem and laughed. Here's what Nintendo has to say about it:
What you will need:
1 jeweler's philips head screwdriver (for battery removal)
1 clean toothbrush (no toothpaste on it)
1 cup of warm tap water
1 paper towel
Important Note: Do not submerge the Nintendo DS or pour water on it directly. Getting any amount of water inside the Nintendo DS will likely cause permanent damage.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Turn off the Nintendo DS. Remove the AC adapter, and any games.
Remove the battery from the Nintendo DS (for information on how to remove the battery, click here).
Turn the Nintendo DS screens-side down so that the buttons are facing down. This prevents water from getting inside the unit.
Moisten the bristles of the toothbrush--do not get them dripping wet--in the warm water. Keeping the toothbrush below the DS, scrub the area around the buttons from underneath, working the bristles around the sides of the buttons.
After cleaning the buttons, dry off the unit with a paper towel.
Let the system air dry (screen down) for at least a couple of hours.
Re-install the battery and replace the battery cover with the built-in screw. Be sure to insert the battery correctly.
Test your system for proper response.
Repeat the process if necessary.
There is no excuse for this! Why the hell should I have to crack open my $150 system and play Nip/Tuck with it? That's just plain lazy right there.
-----
HANDS-ON PROBLEMS From Geartest.com
Problems
The Nintendo DS is not without its problems, including some difficulty simultaneously seeing both screens clearly due to parallax -- the shifting of the view when seen from different angles -- depending on which screen you are looking at in a given moment. If looking at the top screen, the bottom screen will seem to dim in comparison, and vice versa.
The stylus is far too small, especially for adults with large hands. Stubby pencils that are distributed to fill out forms at government offices are larger, thicker, and therefore much more manageable and easier to use.
The keys on the virtual keyboard are too small and require a high degree of accuracy when typing a message. A longer stylus would mitigate this problem.
The Nintendo DS locked up completely about a minute into the PictoChat session. It gave no indication of the problem. The only method of unfreezing and recovering from the system error was to shut down and reboot the machine.
In the span of an hour, three of the six Nintendo DS units froze in a similar manner while running three different applications, which suggests a firmware or hardware problem. Keep in mind that these were late pre-production models. If it is a firmware issue a software update should be able to fix the problem. If there is something wrong with the hardware, that is much more serious.
Finally, an ergonomic issue arises when playing games in stylus/touchscreen mode. The weight of the unit has to be supported by one hand, which leads to a sore hand after extended use. Nintendo says it will resolve the problem with a stylus that you can strap to your thumb, giving players the ability to use the stylus while holding the Nintendo DS with both hands.
-----
Those are just some of the problems I've run across. I've heard of a few more but I wanna be fair and wait until I can get proof of their existance before I post
Page:
Top score wrote:
> If carts were so good why is it that the GC decided to use discs?
Nintendo developed discs because developers demanded it and prices needed reducing.
>
> Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one
> that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool.
> Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software
> company in the world.
EA of course would say that because they're supporting it. They said the same about the DS.
> If carts were so good why is it that the GC decided to use discs?
Nintendo developed discs because developers demanded it and prices needed reducing.
>
> Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one
> that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool.
> Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software
> company in the world.
EA of course would say that because they're supporting it. They said the same about the DS.
Top score wrote:
> If carts were so good why is it that the GC decided to use discs?
Discs hold more so are probably better in general. But not on a handheld.
Loading times, skipping with bumps, the need for memory cards, the amount of electrical power they use...
These aren't such problems for home consoles that are plugged into the mains, aren't on the move, etc.
> On another issue developers don't like making games for carts the
> only reason they have had to use it is because of Nintendo's designed
> all there handhelds with carts.
...?
I don't know if that paragraph made sense, but people were using carts before Nintendo anyway... or at the same time atleast I think..
> Enter PSP a developers dream and if you don't believe me head over to
> gamespot and read the article.
Hmmm... I bet it IS pretty good for devellopers. I think that was Sony's main criticism over the PS2 and I've no doubt that they learnt from it.
But I bet the better devellopers would find the touchscreen more fun, more interesting. Something new...
> The PSP screen is alot brighter, sharper and bigger than we expected
> and when producing games on the CRT monitor we found we need to add
> extra detail as the PSP was that much richer than the dull CRT.
>
> Also developers said the polygon count was also a lot higher and that
> meant they did not have to worry so much about the graphics
> translation.
That's all good news, but compared to what's it's up against, it's all very red herring. They've made the PSP very well but it just isn't really suited to portable gaming.
> Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one
> that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool.
> Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software
> company in the world.
Yep. They're big. But they don't know jack about anything rather than buying franchise licenses for their games and making big adverts.
It's good news for Sony that they're behind it because their bubblegum brand does indeed have a lot of followers, but I wouldn't call them "experts" or anything...
> If carts were so good why is it that the GC decided to use discs?
Discs hold more so are probably better in general. But not on a handheld.
Loading times, skipping with bumps, the need for memory cards, the amount of electrical power they use...
These aren't such problems for home consoles that are plugged into the mains, aren't on the move, etc.
> On another issue developers don't like making games for carts the
> only reason they have had to use it is because of Nintendo's designed
> all there handhelds with carts.
...?
I don't know if that paragraph made sense, but people were using carts before Nintendo anyway... or at the same time atleast I think..
> Enter PSP a developers dream and if you don't believe me head over to
> gamespot and read the article.
Hmmm... I bet it IS pretty good for devellopers. I think that was Sony's main criticism over the PS2 and I've no doubt that they learnt from it.
But I bet the better devellopers would find the touchscreen more fun, more interesting. Something new...
> The PSP screen is alot brighter, sharper and bigger than we expected
> and when producing games on the CRT monitor we found we need to add
> extra detail as the PSP was that much richer than the dull CRT.
>
> Also developers said the polygon count was also a lot higher and that
> meant they did not have to worry so much about the graphics
> translation.
That's all good news, but compared to what's it's up against, it's all very red herring. They've made the PSP very well but it just isn't really suited to portable gaming.
> Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one
> that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool.
> Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software
> company in the world.
Yep. They're big. But they don't know jack about anything rather than buying franchise licenses for their games and making big adverts.
It's good news for Sony that they're behind it because their bubblegum brand does indeed have a lot of followers, but I wouldn't call them "experts" or anything...
You do realise that UMDs and carts have the same problems, don't you? You do realise that Publishers need Sony to produce the UMDs just like they do with Nintendo for the DS carts, don't you?
Also, no one is saying that the PSP is less powerful, no one is saying that the screens aren't better - stop going on about it.
Also, no one is saying that the PSP is less powerful, no one is saying that the screens aren't better - stop going on about it.
If carts were so good why is it that the GC decided to use discs?
On another issue developers don't like making games for carts the only reason they have had to use it is because of Nintendo's designed all there handhelds with carts.
Enter PSP a developers dream and if you don't believe me head over to gamespot and read the article.
The PSP screen is alot brighter, sharper and bigger than we expected and when producing games on the CRT monitor we found we need to add extra detail as the PSP was that much richer than the dull CRT.
Also developers said the polygon count was also a lot higher and that meant they did not have to worry so much about the graphics translation.
Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool. Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software company in the world.
On another issue developers don't like making games for carts the only reason they have had to use it is because of Nintendo's designed all there handhelds with carts.
Enter PSP a developers dream and if you don't believe me head over to gamespot and read the article.
The PSP screen is alot brighter, sharper and bigger than we expected and when producing games on the CRT monitor we found we need to add extra detail as the PSP was that much richer than the dull CRT.
Also developers said the polygon count was also a lot higher and that meant they did not have to worry so much about the graphics translation.
Spokeman for EA suggested the PSP would be an instant product one that you would want to take out of your pocket because it is so cool. Of course what do EA know they are only the biggest game software company in the world.
I've heard the quote that the system is for those aged 5-99.
FinalFantasyFanatic wrote:
> Top score wrote:
> The DS might claim to be aimed at the older user,
>
> When was that then?
Nintendo's advertisement campaign aims the console at an older audience.
> Top score wrote:
> The DS might claim to be aimed at the older user,
>
> When was that then?
Nintendo's advertisement campaign aims the console at an older audience.
Top score wrote:
> The DS might claim to be aimed at the older user,
When was that then?
> The DS might claim to be aimed at the older user,
When was that then?
Domaye wrote:
> Ahahahahhahah...ha. Thats funny. Fact is all lcd screens get dead
> pixels and although you maythink manufacturers replace them, they
> dont. There has to be at least 4 dead pixels (on an lcd screen)
We use LCD screens in work. I've not seen one with a single dead pixel yet.
> Ahahahahhahah...ha. Thats funny. Fact is all lcd screens get dead
> pixels and although you maythink manufacturers replace them, they
> dont. There has to be at least 4 dead pixels (on an lcd screen)
We use LCD screens in work. I've not seen one with a single dead pixel yet.
Top score wrote:
> DEAD PIXELS
> The Nintendo DS has hardly been out for a week and already problem
> reports are being filed. Some customers are finding that their brand
> new DS systems have fallen prey to an ailment that affects all forms
> of products using LCD monitors. The dreaded dead pixels
> Nintendo has responded to this issue:
> "With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on
> the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color,
> such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel
> (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly, even with
> the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers. You will find
> this situation is common in many LCD devices, (PC monitors,
> televisions, cell phones, etc.).
> This is nothing new. It's not very uncommon for LCD screens to suffer
> from dead pixels. Hell, even the PSP has a few. However it is STILL a
> problem and belongs here.
> -----
> BATTERIES SLOWLY DYING?
> Taken from Nintendo's Customer Support page:
> The Nintendo DS rechargeable battery's capacity will decrease over
> time and with use. If you have been using and charging your Nintendo
> DS extensively, you may consider purchasing a replacement battery.
> (Battery life can be expected to drop after about 500 charges.) To
> order a replacement battery, please click here.
> If you are using a replacement battery, make sure you are using the
> official rechargeable battery from Nintendo, which is only available
> through Nintendo. If you received your replacement battery from any
> other source, it could be an unlicensed product. For information on
> ordering a replacement battery directly from Nintendo, please click
> here.
> If you have a licensed battery that has not been used extensively,
> your system will need to be repaired.
> This shocked me. The reason I found this particular problem so
> interesting is that the Nintendo fanboys are always whining about,
> "Oh, the PSP has horrible battery life! Our DS may have slightly
> worse graphics but at least they last longer!" -and to that I
> say, Sorry, try again!
Ahahahahhahah...ha. Thats funny. Fact is all lcd screens get dead pixels and although you maythink manufacturers replace them, they dont. There has to be at least 4 dead pixels (on an lcd screen)
Also your'e argument about the battery is just plain stupid. Yes that dopes happen with all rechargeable batterys. Yes psp does have a rechargeable battery. So yes it will happen to Psp owners as well. Yes even though the battery life of the psp is lame.
Hehehe
> DEAD PIXELS
> The Nintendo DS has hardly been out for a week and already problem
> reports are being filed. Some customers are finding that their brand
> new DS systems have fallen prey to an ailment that affects all forms
> of products using LCD monitors. The dreaded dead pixels
> Nintendo has responded to this issue:
> "With a small number of Nintendo DS screens, one or two dots on
> the screen may appear to be "stuck" on a particular color,
> such as white or red. This effect is caused when a particular pixel
> (the dots that make up the screen) is not working properly, even with
> the high quality standards set by LCD manufacturers. You will find
> this situation is common in many LCD devices, (PC monitors,
> televisions, cell phones, etc.).
> This is nothing new. It's not very uncommon for LCD screens to suffer
> from dead pixels. Hell, even the PSP has a few. However it is STILL a
> problem and belongs here.
> -----
> BATTERIES SLOWLY DYING?
> Taken from Nintendo's Customer Support page:
> The Nintendo DS rechargeable battery's capacity will decrease over
> time and with use. If you have been using and charging your Nintendo
> DS extensively, you may consider purchasing a replacement battery.
> (Battery life can be expected to drop after about 500 charges.) To
> order a replacement battery, please click here.
> If you are using a replacement battery, make sure you are using the
> official rechargeable battery from Nintendo, which is only available
> through Nintendo. If you received your replacement battery from any
> other source, it could be an unlicensed product. For information on
> ordering a replacement battery directly from Nintendo, please click
> here.
> If you have a licensed battery that has not been used extensively,
> your system will need to be repaired.
> This shocked me. The reason I found this particular problem so
> interesting is that the Nintendo fanboys are always whining about,
> "Oh, the PSP has horrible battery life! Our DS may have slightly
> worse graphics but at least they last longer!" -and to that I
> say, Sorry, try again!
Ahahahahhahah...ha. Thats funny. Fact is all lcd screens get dead pixels and although you maythink manufacturers replace them, they dont. There has to be at least 4 dead pixels (on an lcd screen)
Also your'e argument about the battery is just plain stupid. Yes that dopes happen with all rechargeable batterys. Yes psp does have a rechargeable battery. So yes it will happen to Psp owners as well. Yes even though the battery life of the psp is lame.
Hehehe
Hang on - I thought the DS cartidges were less limited than optical media...because flash memory can come in all sorts of sizes!
Sure, bigger carts are going to cost more money for the developers/publishers to use. But if the games are good enough to generate mass sales, then what does that matter?
Sure, bigger carts are going to cost more money for the developers/publishers to use. But if the games are good enough to generate mass sales, then what does that matter?
Page: