The Nintendo DS

Nobody has ever managed to beat Nintendo at the hand-held console game. Theres a reason for that: they always make it first, and they always make it best. From the Game Boy VS Game Genie wars to the PSP VS DS Light, the Nintendo product always comes out on top. The Nintendo DS- yes, the old clunky one is my favorite handheld system and, in my opinion, the best portable gaming system you can buy.

I like the older DSs because they are sturdier. I feel like one of the big clunky guys can take a beating better then the new slim ones. Not to say they arent cute, but I need a handheld system that can live in my book bag without cracking in half. The DS does the job- its built like a tank. Strong plastic that can take being accidentally stepped on (or thrown across the room at a particularly irritating part of Bomberman) is a nice thing to be able to count on. I have never had the DS break. It has never even so much as lost a button in 2 years of continuous use. It also takes a charge very quickly and can last for hours as long as you close it when you pause. Its great for long trips.

As for the game library, its pretty great. It can play DS and old GBA games as well as the games and game content it downloads through its wireless connection. This makes a virtually limitless library of games from classic to modern. As Nintendo puts its older properties on its handheld systems, the library just grows and grows. Being able to have a GBA game and a DS game in the machine at the same time adds to the fun. Between the downloadable content and the ever-expanding Nintendo library, you will never run out of fun things to do with this machine.

The sound and image qualities are great. The screen is bright and clear, delivering graphics that get more surprising with every game that comes out. The sound is also great. Its clear and loud without being tinny or annoying. Im surprised they didnt work an MP3 player into it, but that will probably be a next-gen innovation.

There are some drawbacks. The wireless antenna appears to be kind of weak, and can be difficult to get working without officially sanctioned Nintendo stuff. Also, the little program that lets you maintain the DSs inner computer makes you shut everything down when you change a setting, which can get very annoying. Also, some games try to work in the touch-screen in really strange ways that dont make sense. Overall, these problems are minor and not much in the face of the DSs great value as a system.

If I had to buy a system as a gift for someone, it would be a DS. Theyre well built, have tons of great games, and will be fun for years to come.