Toys Central

Product Features

• Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
• Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
• Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
• Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
• Wii Sports game included

Product Details

Manufacturer’s age: 10 years and up
Product Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 4.5 inches ; 7.5 pounds
Media: Video Game
Release Date: November 19, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com
Nintendo’s Wii video game system (pronounced “we”) brings people of all ages and video game experience together to play. This simple yet ground breaking idea is expressed not only though the system’s evocative name, which is easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and suggests two players side by side, but also through its innovative list of features and extensive list of playable titles.

Wii with Wii Remote

A Little Box With Plenty of Power
As with every console, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The Wii boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. The system’s technological heart — a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named “Broadway” and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named “Hollywood” — deliver stunning performance. And instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.

Revolutionary Control
No bigger than a small traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a truly multi functional device. The magic of the Wii Remote’s design lies within; acellerometers inside the controller measure movement in all directions and at all speeds. In a tennis game, it serves as your racket as you swing away. In driving games it serves as a steering wheel, allowing you to swerve to avoid obstacles or pickup power-ups. In first-person shooters, it acts as a firearm that you can point directly at an on-screen enemy. The controller also has a force feedback “Rumble” feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. The system allows for up to four controllers to be linked at a time and utilizes standard Bluetooth wireless technology. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller an adapter is available that fits over the Wii’s remote.

Wii Remote Features

Wii with cradle

A Channel for Everyone
More than just a game machine, Wii also provides information and entertainment suitable for every member of the family. Some of the channels available include:

Product Features

• DS Lite doesn’t just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
• Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one char
• Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
• Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
• Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 inches ; 2.2 pounds
Release Date: February 10, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com
The best-selling video game system in the world has a new cool new color scheme. Like a black T-shirt with a splash of color, the new Cobalt/Black version of the portable Nintendo DS grabs your attention. It looks good whether it’s toted in your school backpack, pulled from your purse or riding with you on a family trip. Cobalt/Black marks the seventh color in the Nintendo DS Lite palette. It joins Polar White, Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black and the limited-edition Gold and Metallic Rose. Now there’s a Nintendo DS color to complement any outfit.

Nintendo DS in box

Nintendo DS Lite revolutionizes the way games are played with ultra-bright dual screens and touch-screen technology. Connect wirelessly to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and put your skills to the test against players across the room or across the world. With impressive 3D rendered graphics and ultra-bright screens, Nintendo DS Lite delivers cutting-edge portable games for fans of any genre. With the Nintendo DS Headset, you can talk and chat over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or voice command games.

Features

Nintendo DS

Nintend Wi-Fi connection allows you to challenge players across the room or across the country

Nintendo DS

System
With Nintendo DS Lite, dual screens and touch-screen technology allow you to interact with games like never before. Wireless communication allows you to experience real-time multiplayer gameplay, and the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service allows you to compete against players from around the globe.

Dual Screens:
Two incredibly bright LCD screens offer one of the most groundbreaking gameplay advances ever developed. Each 3-inch screen can reproduce a true 3D view, with impressive 3D renderings that can surpass images displayed on the Nintendo 64.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection:
Ready to take on the world? Now, with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat and play with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game. There are no subscription fees — the service is free!

Touch Screen Technology:
The lower screen offers something never before provided by any dedicated game device: touch-screen capabilities. You no longer have to rely on just buttons to move your character or shift perspectives. Navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with a stylus or fingertip. The possibilities are limited only by developers’ imaginations. The touch screen features a tougher film cover for durability, and the included stylus is stored in the back of the unit.

Microphone Port:
A built-in microphone port means that with Nintendo DS, you only need to tell your games what to do. The Nintendo DS microphone gives you even more ways to interact with your favorite games.

Wireless Network:
With Nintendo DS Lite, you can connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. The wireless range can be an incredible 30 to 100 feet and for some games, multiplayer requires just one Nintendo DS game card.

Note: Nintendo DS Lite wireless communication, including PictoChat, is not private and is not monitored by Nintendo. We recommend that you never reveal any personal information or arrange to meet a stranger.

Rich Stereo Sound:
Nintendo DS Lite sound capabilities allow for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. Stereo speakers allow for virtual surround sound and a plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.

Backward Compatibility:
Nintendo DS Lite features a separate media port for Game Boy Advance cartridges, allowing you to play all your favorite Game Boy Advance games in single-player mode.

Technical Specs: 

• Size (closed): 133 millimeters (5.2 inches) wide, 73.9 millimeters (2.9 inches) long, 21.5 millimeters (0.85 inches) tall.
• Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors.
• Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.
• Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo’s proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS game card.
• Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, plus control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons. The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 2 millimeters thicker than the stylus of the original Nintendo DS.
• Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS game cards and Game Boy Advance game paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone. A removable cover for the Game Boy Advance game pak slot provides added protection from dust and other foreign materials.
• Other Features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.
• CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7.
• Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.
• Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering five to 19 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.
• Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian.

Reviews from Amazon.com

Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

nintendo ds
he has wanted his ds for awhile. he was beyond happy when he saw it in the box for xmas.

We love it!!
I bought this for my daughter(6 years old) and she loves it. It's such a great game and being such a small device makes it perfect for traveling. However, I would give it 5 stars, but the hinges will break. That's what happened to my older daughter's DS. I would still buy it, though. We still get a lot of enjoyment from them.

Seems to be discontinued
The coral pink model seems to have been discontinued and replaced with the metallic rose color. Over all the device is simple enough to use although sometimes it isn't clear on what part of the screen to click when proceeding. (this is more software than anything, but it seems to be a confusing style throughout many games as well as the built in setup. With today's technology the screen quality could be much better (clearer, better colors, easier to read in daylight without have to hide under a towel.

Love it
We bought this for my 5 year old son for christmas. He loves it. You can hardly pull him away from it.

it was a gift
well do not let the stars fool anyone and not to be negative it was a gift for my daughter and she loves it thanks for making my brat happy

Product Features

• Internal 40GB HDD for storing your games, music, and photos
• Built-in Blu-ray player
• Cell Broadband Engine advanced microprocessor
• SIXAXIS wireless controller

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 13.3 ounces
Release Date: February 12, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com
As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the PlayStation 3 an even more versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a powerful gaming console.

Under the Hood
The PS3 features IBM’s “Cell” processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That makes the PlayStation 3 40 times faster than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience. This console also provides for a sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. A pre-installed 40 GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from the internet. Unlike the other models of the PlayStation 3, the 40GB does not offer backwards compatibility.

Playstation 3: Tower of Power

A sleek new look

Features a wireless motion-sensitive controller

Eye of Judgment

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Blu-Ray Is the New Way
Sony’s PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console’s power. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.

In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and up includes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format so that you can obtain additional features. Features that are available vary depending on the software in use. 

Sensational Controller
New gamers intuitively move the controller while playing, even though that movement has traditionally had no relation to what’s going on in the game. Sony has picked up on this tendency and is using it to bring a new level of control to the PS3. Inside the controller is a high-precision sixaxis sensing system that accurately detects fine movements in pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as three dimensions of movement. This means that future PS3 games will be controlled by the movements of your hands rather than just your thumbs. For example, you might be able to steer a car by holding the controller like a steering wheel.

While the PS3 controller looks much like its Dual Shock predecessors, it will lack the force-feedback vibration since that would only interfere with the sensing system. It uses Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology and can support wireless controllers. It’s a hot-swappable system, so if your controller is running low on power, just pause your game and connect a USB 2.0 cable. You can continue playing while your controller recharges automatically.

A Slew of New Games
A whole host of game publishers back the PS3. Current and future titles for the system, include The Eye of Judgment, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, Devil May Cry 4, Tekken 6, and Heavenly Sword.

Online
Sony has stated that the PS3 will have similar online connectivity and services as the next generation of Xbox Live. Calling it “an always on, always connected device,” SCEI’s chief technical officer Masa Chatani said the PS3 would be constantly in touch with a “PlayStation World” network “fundamentally based on community, communication commerce, and content.” Technically, the infrastructure is there to make that connection. The PS3 supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T Ethernet, as well as IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking protocols.

What’s in the Box?

• Game system
• Sixaxis wireless controller
• AC power cord
• Audio/Video cable (HDMI or Component cable sold separately)
• USB cable

PlayStation 3 40gb Specification:

Reviews from Amazon.com

Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

More than I asked for!
I originally bought the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player, as many people have done. Most reviews point out that the PS3 is the best player on the market, and it comes with a built in game system. I am a huge console person, as I already have a 360 and Wii. I have always been an N64/Xbox person, so this was the first playstation I have owned. I never really liked the design of the controller, since I have big hands, and wasn't a fan of the XOSquareTriangle, as weird as that seems. As far as Blu-Ray player goes, this thing is excellent. I have it hooked up to a Samsung 4665 LCD through HDMI, while optical goes to a yamaha receiver. Video is excellent, sound is excellent, the videos load quickly, and there is a lot of customization as far as A/V. The major flaw I have found, and the reason for (almost) four stars, is a lack of IR. How can this be a full fledged Blu-Ray player but no IR!! I use a harmony in every room of the house so this was unacceptable. I worked around it with the Bu-Wave fixed, though the lack of a power button is annoying on Sony's part. It seems a simple patch to make the USB port function off would be easy. This would also fix having to leave the console on the charge the controller. Since this thing is a serious game console, I decided to snag a game for it. MGS4 was the first one I got, and I was thoroughly impressed with graphics, gameplay and cinematics. Though loading between chapters was quite annoying. Not 30 seconds, but between 2 and 8 minutes. Rumble, which has come standard in every console since the N64, does not come with the PS3. It does now, and I own a DS3, but support for it is abysmal. No COD4, SCIV or LBP rumble support that I could find so far. Trophies need to be polished as well, as they should be available for pre-trophy games as well. When a game such as COD5 comes out for both consoles, I would rather buy it for the 360 because I can get the achievements. Enough with the negative, here are some more positives. Bluetooth is a great feature. I can use any bluetooth headset I want, a BT keyboard and mouse, very handy, Microsoft take note with your proprietary garbage. You can upgrade the hard drive with a non proprietary one. Very nice and keeps the price down. Looking at you, Microsoft. Though I have heard this thing sucks some power, it is whisper quiet. Okay, I am bashing the Xbox for the next few points. The brick is built in, which means I can leave a cheapo power cord and an HDMI plugged into my bedroom TV when the girlfriend kicks me out of the living room to play games. To move the xbox, I need to fish the brick out of the mess of wires, as well as set up a linksys wireless adapter, way too complicated. Overall, very impressed at this piece of machinery, Sony has impressed me very much. I will be buying the PS4, but it will have to compete with my Xbox 720 (1080?) even though we are seeing sub-0 BR players, the PS3 is a must if you are even toying with playing games on this thing.

Bought it for Blu-Ray, got my game on too...
I used to be a hardcore gamer back in the day starting with CelecoVision, NES, etc, etc. Played tons of games, and havent owned a game system in two years mainly to improve my life and do other things.

Bought this for BluRay only, and was blown away by the picture and sound! Connected this to a 40'-LCD with HDMI and to my stereo, subscribed to NetFlix and it is better than a theater (not just because my sofa isnt all sticky).

What makes THIS the BEST BluRay player is that they constantly update the firmware with improvements and will be compatible with future software needs. Some other BluRay players will also be updateable. I wont start to list all the devices I have that are updateable, but havent seen an update in two years. The PS3 actually has enough people using it that Sony patches it.

Also, some incredible games to play! I def recommend PixelJunk Monsters (PSN Store), Lego Star Wars: Complete, Devil May Cry 4, MetalGearsolid4 and Ratchet&Clank. There are others too, keep an eye on the forum for more.

Not just a gaming console!
I bought the PS3 as a Blu-ray player for my HDTV. 0 seemed to be the base price if you were getting a PS3 or virtually any other player out there. Picture quality is excellent, very easy to use. Combine with the Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote and you have a family friendly player.

Nice added features:

1. Jukebox - You can either stream music from your Windows XP/Vista machine as a media player, or transfer files to the local hard drive (I used a flash drive) and play them in a variety of ways. The PS3 even puts up 1 of 3 different screen savers while playing. In addition you can play MP4 (& now DIVX) video files and picture slideshows.

2. PS3 Store - Using my home wireless network, I am able to access the Sony Playstation Store. On the store, I can purchase and download games and game demos, AND recently purchase/download full length TV episodes and movies. Unlike my DVR with movie download functionality, I can start playing the video after only 1% is downloaded. Like that other DVR, the video is only good for 24hrs after I started watching it.

Negatives:
My biggest complaint is the games. This 40gb model does not play ANY of the PS2 games (like the now equally priced 80gb does). Of the games that are out there, only about 10 are kid oriented. My 6yo isn't really interested in playing sports games, and FPS are out of the question. Looks like a Wii is in our future.

Secondly, while I love the BlueTooth remote, it puts a crimp in using something like the Logitech Harmony remote.

Candidate for storage upgrade but better options are available
Necessary disclosure: I do not own this model but do I own the 60GB model, recently upgraded to 320MB. I am also very familiar with the latest 80GB model (which is basically this one with a larger disk) because one of my neighbors has one and I am the neighborhood's unofficial and unpaid 'computer' consultant :). I also did some research in anticipation of us purchasing a second unit because I promised the kids 'their own' if their grades were going to meet a certain standard.

As compared to the 60GB model (see this model's pluses and minuses and what all PS3s have in common):
______________________________________________
+ Less expensive (I paid [....] for my 60GB PS3)
+ Amazon Blu-ray movies promotion (buy 4 movies from list and get [...] off through end of 2008)
= Wireless Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet network connections
= Blue-tooth for controllers, keyboards, earpieces, etc.
= Controllers charged via USB wires
= Free, unlimited access to the PSN network, including online play
= Full PSOne compatibility
= Blu-ray/DVD/CD player
= HDMI, component video (component wire included)
= Surround sound
= Internet browser
= Allows for installation of third-party operating systems such as Linux
= Disk is easily upgradeable without voiding warranty
= Quiet operation
- 50% less storage
- No memory card interfaces
- 2 USB ports vs. 4 USB ports on the 60GB
- No PS2 compatibility
- No chrome trim
______________________________________________


STORAGE and STORAGE UPGRADE:
----------------------------
This model comes with an 40GB drive. As crazy as this may sound, this is a pretty good buy IF you are planning to upgrade your storage. On the other hand, DO NOT buy this model if you do not consider upgrading the disk because 40GB won't take you very far. To give you an idea of the amount of storage you may need on your PS3, I recently checked the status of my 320GB disk and I found that I had 198GB free. That means that, less than one year after urchasing my (then) 60GB box I was using 122GB already. The space is taken by family pictures, a little music, lots of demos, many 'disk' games that to dump gigabytes of data to the disk to improve performance, many videos the kids are making with the 'Eye' camera, game saves. I suspect that 'Home', when it becomes available, may require a few more GB's for its own use so 320GB may be what you need if you don't want to constantly worry about managing your disk.

An extra [...] would buy you a 320GB drive. I used the Western Digital WD3200BEVT 320 GB Scorpio Sata 5400 Rpm 8MB 2.5 inch myself. 1TB drives are available these days for a few $$ more and you should try to get one of those if you are planning to store lots of videos. The nice thing about upgrading your disk is that you are also going to be left with a perfectly good 40GB drive which you can place into a cheap enclosure, and the StarTech AT2510U2 InfoSafe 2.5-Inch USB/SATA Hard Drive Enclosure worked for me. I'd be using the 40GB drive as a backup device for family photos. Digital, of course.

Upgrading the disk is (relatively) easy and you can find a lot of advice if you Google for it. Try first Googling "PlayStation 3 Hard Drive Upgrade (HOWTO)" for a nice video so you'll decide if you are comfortable. If upgrading is the first thing you do, everything becomes very easy because you need not worry about backups or restores. I upgraded my box in a couple of hours WITH the backup/restore steps.


MEMORY CARD INTERFACES:
-----------------------
The lack of memory card interfaces is annoying but you can get around it. Copy your stuff to a USB drive or flash drive and... problem solved. You can then upload your things through the USB. It's somewhat inconvenient but it's no big deal.


USB PORTS:
----------
My old 60GB model has 4 USB ports and I am using all of them. One for the PS3 Eye (camera), a second has a wireless keyboard dongle, the third is where the racing wheel plugs in and the last one I use to charge controllers. Of course, you can and you WILL be able to live with 2 slots but it is likely that you will be doing some plugging/unplugging if you begin adding peripherals. One way around it is to get a USB port multiplexer. Another solution is seek Blue-tooth peripherals (wireless) if you can find them. Blue-tooth keyboards, for example, are available.


PS2 COMPATIBILITY:
------------------
This model does not support PS2 software. Since the original PS2-compatible PS3's are hard to get, this has to be accepted as reality. I assume that Sony, after polling existing and future PS3 users, found that most users don't need PS2 compatibility. Soon after we upgraded to a PS3 my kids were playing Kingdom Hearts and Destroy All Humans but I haven't seen them doing so in quite a while. It is nice to have PS2 compatibility but its lacking would not stop me from buying a PS3.

PSOne GAMES:
------------
The PS3 has full PSOne compatilibity. Lots of them are available for download at the PSN store. They are quite inexpensive and some of them are still fun to play.


SUMMARY:
--------
- Buy this model if you consider upgrading to larger storage and, for whatever reason, you do not want the 40GB MSG4 bundle that comes with a DualShock controller.
- If you feel that you can live with 160GB AND then wait for a few more weeks for the 160GB bundle and you won't have to upgrade your storage.
- Get yourself a USB port multiplexer if you need more than 2 ports.
- Transfer your photos to flash drives to get around the missing memory card interfaces.
- Keep your PS2 if you have one and still wish to play PS2 games in the future.

Go with the 80GB
This is a good product but the 80Gb Metal Gear Solid 4 Package is the
way to go if you want to play your old PS2 games and have lots of room
for storage