By now everybody knows about the Nintendo DS, Nintendo's recently released handheld with two screens, one of them being a touch screen, wireless internet, and graphics similar to Nintendo 64. Back in May when Nintendo unveiled the handheld at E3, I thought it was a neat idea, but I was curious how well it would work when actual games were played on it though. The concept seemed good, but I wasn't sure whether it would translate into games that are fun to play, and if the control schemes would be intuitive, or if they would be difficult to get a grasp on. After spending a week with the system, I can tell you now that Nintendo DS is an outstanding gaming innovation, and is a must-buy if you want a new way to play games.

    The touch screen control is very easy to learn and get a grasp on. In Super Mario 64 DS, it works very similar to the analog control stick that Nintendo 64 has. When you touch the screen, a circle will appear in the center of the area you just touched. As you move your thumb along that circle, it acts as an analog stick, allowing you to control the speed and direction of your character. The buttons are used for jumping, crouching, basically the same functions that they were used for on the Nintendo 64 version. The camera can be controlled by on-screen camera controls. Simply touch the touch screen on an arrow and the camera rotates in that direction until you let go. The directional cross pad can also be set up to act as buttons if you'd prefer to use your right hand on the touch screen, or it can act as the analog stick as well. If this option is used, the Y button is used to control the character's speed, just as it was in the pre N64 Mario games.

    The minigames are an even better indicator of how easy the touch screen with stylus is to use. There are several, ranging from using the stylus to pull a slingshot back and shoot bobombs out of the sky, to drawing trampolines in the air to keep Mario from falling to his death, but each of them uses the stylus in a magnificant manner, with great precision and a level of control never before seen in a videogame.

    The demo of Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt does an even better job of showing the types of games that can be made for Nintendo DS. One of the small number of complaints about Metroid Prime was that it did not feature dual analog support like most console first person shooters do. The touch screen gives Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt an even better level of control than even dual analog support would. There are a few styles of control that can be used in the game, but the default one is my favorite. In this style using the cross pad controls Samus' movement. Press forward and Samus walks forward, pressing left and right makes Samus step left and right, making it easy to avoid enemy attacks. The touch screen is used to control which direction Samus looks, and also aims. This gives the DS a very similar feel to playing a first person shooter with keyboard and mouse, which is the most precise method of control available. To jump, simply tap the touch screen twice, which is easily done, even when moving quickly. Switching weapons or to the ball is just as easy. There are icons on the touch screen that can be touched with the stylus to quickly and easily switch weapons or to the ball, even when in battle.

    Nintendo DS was touted as basically a portable Nintendo 64 when it comes to graphics. It's actually clearly more powerful than that. The textures in Super Mario 64 DS are more detailed than they were on the N64 version, and there is no slowdown whatsoever in this game, when the Nintendo 64 version would slow down occasionally. In the final level it is very clear that the graphical power of DS is better than that of Nintendo 64, and in the Metroid demo it looks considerbly better than anything Nintendo 64 ever did. The animation quality is excellent, never dropping below 30 frames per second.

    The sound quality is a huge improvement over GBA. In Super Mario 64 DS you can run past a jet of flame and actually hear the sound effect moving from left to right. Outside you'll hear birds chirping in virtual surround sound, meaning that as you go forward and the bird moves behind you, it will actually sound like the bird is behind you, even with two speakers. The clarity of the sound is outstanding, and it can get much louder than GBA ever did.

    The battery lasts 6-10 hours depending on how the system is used and takes 3-4 hours to charge after the power light goes red. This is plenty of time for portable gaming, and car adapters are available for people going on long trips.

    Nintendo DS is an outstanding innovation in gaming and should be a major player in the handheld market for many years to come. If you like portable gaming or if you're looking for a new way to play games, Nintendo DS is a must buy for you!