The Bottom Line
The Nintendo DS Lite is a fun toy for kids, but is also a not-to-be-overlooked tool for adults who would like to take a break from stress, sharpen their minds, and stay young at heart.
Pros
- Portable, so you can take it anywhere.
- Many educational and stress-relieving games available.
- Nice touch screen, which makes it easy to use.
Cons
- Mostly for single-player use. (You can play two-player with others who have DS Lites, too.)
Description
- It retails for $129.
- It comes with a stylus and a charger; games and cases come separately.
- You can get it in various colors and with different 'skins', or designs that you can apply as stickers.
Guide Review - Nintendo DS Lite
The Nintendo DS Lite is an easy-to-use handheld gaming console. As About.com's Stress Guide, I'm always looking at the 'stress angle' in things, and I thought the DS was a good stress reliever for moms when I saw that it could keep my two boys utterly riveted while playing games. Then I really experienced the value of the Nintendo DS Lite when I played it myself. Here are some ways that the Nintendo DS Lite can help with stress relief:- Distraction: Sometimes it helps to take a step back from your stresses and return with a fresh outlook. (This is part of why smokers find it so hard to quit: the short breaks throughout the day can be a stress-relieving part of the smoking experience.) Playing a quick game on the Nintendo DS supplies you with a mental vacation so you can face your problems less stressed a few minutes later. And the DS can go wherever you go.</li>
- Skill Building: Nintendo DS games tend to be nice games that you wouldn't mind your kids playing. There are games, such as CrossworDS and Brain Age, that help you build your mental agility. There are also games, such as My Weight Loss Coach and My Quit Smoking Coach, that help you build healthy habits into your lifestyle and rid yourself of unhealthy coping behaviors. This can be a huge stress relief.[/lil]
- Fun: Meeting your stressors with a sense of humor and a lighthearted attitude can make everything seem easier. Viewing challenges as puzzles to be solved rather than threats to your safety can make dealing with them easier and less stressful. Having more fun in your life can help you get the right attitude for a less stressful day, and a little playtime (via the DS) can help you with your attitude.
