Ok, I'm one of the lucky ones that got one this morning, and all I can say is, it's bad ass. The touch screen is truly an innovative and fun aspect, it will change the way we play handheld games, for the better.

I foresee people trying to downplay this aspect of it, simply because it's competitors product doesn't support it, while the PSP offers a more robust system and better graphics, I think the DS takes the crown in innovation and fun. The pre-orders alone have been more than Nintendo has anticipated.

Kudos to Nintendo for taking this huge risk in trying something new, I hope they keep this mindset and do the same with the games they release.

I don't know how innovative a touch screen is, but I can see it being useful for rpgs, car racing games, etc.

How do you like the graphics? Are they closest to the snes, gamecube? Is it sprites, or can it render 3d?

The PSP does have impressive graphics, but if actions games only last 2 hours on it, they may find it failing. All of the gameboy's competition have been better than the gameboy in terms of colors, and options. Nintendo used KISS (keep it simple stupid), and made sure their portables were really portable - no need to be tethered to a wall socket.

Unfortunately, I don't see much reason to buy a DS. The PSP peaks my interest, but eh.... I don't play games much anymore.

Keep in mind I had a gameboy before you guys did (in the states) because I was in the asian market at the time, and got it the moment it came out. I've also had a turboexpress w/ tv tuner, lynx, neo geo, etc.

The graphics are on par with the nintendo 64, in fact the super mario 64 is almost exactly like the 64 mario! It has 3d capabilities, but it's not as good as PSP.

Some EB's have demo stations of the DS, so if you want you can try one out. I still got my lynx. lol.

i picked mine up today...it's quite nice actually...Of course i am also getting a PSP from Japan...shipping on the launch date....so i will compare them then...

The jury is still out on the touch screen though...metroid is annoying me...

how much is it going for?

I played it at EB Games and it's awsome, GameCube like graphics, I'm waiting for PSP for the movie aspect.

it's not quite GC like graphics...but they are better than the Advance...that's for sure...somewhere between the 64 and the GC...

it takes a while to get used to with metriod, but alas, finally I can aim, analog sticks never did it with me in FPS, always prefer the fluent motion of a mouse, dragging your thumb across the bottom screen pretty close.

How is the balance on the DS? The second screen up top seems like it would make it slightly top heavy. I should go check it out when I get off work. :D

Is the DS cartridge based? I know the PSP will have it's own media coming out with it.

I think it's still cartridge based. They're backwards compatible to Advanced games I believe, but the old square carts won't fit.