(c) 2005-2006 A. Karoutas ._____________________. V 0.66 (28-08-06) |\ /| | Touch Screen | | Types Comparison | | for Nintendo DS | |/___________________\| ============================================================================== *GUIDE INFORMATION* ============================================================================== --SYSTEM-----> Nintendo DS --BRAND------> Nintendo --REGION-----> Region Free (JAPAN, USA, EUROPE) --RELEASED---> 2004-2005 --FAQ AUTHOR-> GreyRainCloud ============================================================================== *LEGAL INFORMATION* ============================================================================== (c) 2004, Andreas Karoutas. This guide was written by Andreas Karoutas. You are not allowed to modify or change this file in any way. Use of this guide to profit, is strictly prohibited and illegal. If you want to add this guide to your website, please ask for my permission first. .__________________. |\ /| You can e-mail me at: | karoutas@gmx.net | |/________________\| If you found this guide in any site other than those listed below, you probably have an UNAUTHORIZED copy. If you find an UNAUTHORIZED copy, then you should e-mail me so that I can take legal action. List of AUTHORIZED sites: /-----------------------\ | www.gamefaqs.com | |-----------------------| | www.ds-gamer.com | |-----------------------| | - | |-----------------------| | - | \---------*~.~*---------/ Nintendo DS is (c) 2004-2005 Nintendo Corp. LTD Other used terms are registered trademarks of their respective owners. I shall not be liable for any damages, incidental or consequential, caused by the use of this guide. If you have any inquiries, please e-mail me. ============================================================================== *CONTENTS* ============================================================================== To move quickly across this guide, find what you are looking for in the Guide Key below, then type it in the Search String. To bring up the Search, press together CTRL+F. For example, if you wish to go to "Grid Screen", you should type "PART 1-c". Contents Guide Key ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -PART-1-> GUIDE INTRODUCTION [ PART 1-/ ] |_a. Version History [ PART 1-a ] \_b. Introduction [ PART 1-b ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -PART-2-> THE SCREEN TYPES [ PART 2-/ ] |_a. Why Different Types? [ PART 2-a ] |_b. Grainy Screen [ PART 2-b ] |_c. Grid Screen [ PART 2-c ] |_d. Comparisons & Other Comments [ PART 2-d ] \_e. Myths & Lies [ PART 2-3 ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -PART-3-> OTHER STUFF [ PART 3-/ ] |_a. Frequently Asked Questions [ PART 3-a ] |_b. Credits [ PART 3-b ] \_c. Thanks [ PART 3-c ] ============================================================================== [ PART 1-a ] *Version History* [ PART 1-a ] ============================================================================== -0.66-> Updated most of the file and added final information on the touch screens. Answered many questions in the FAQ section. This FAQ will from now on concetrate on DS Lite and its touch screen types and differences, if there are any. Next update will include information on DS Lite and its touch screen. File Updated [ 28-08-06 ] -0.33-> Addressed a few questions and slightly updated some of the information included within the FAQ. Most of the FAQ is now considered final as far as the original DS is concerned. File Updated [ 07-03-06 ] -0.01-> Created the basic file layouts, and the first version of the FAQ. Most information is already added, and future updates will only include any new information received about the screen types of the Nintendo DS. File Created [ 20-02-05 ] ============================================================================== [ PART 1-b ] *INTRODUCTION* [ PART 1-b ] ============================================================================== ___________________________________________________________________________ / \ | THIS IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC FAQ, AND AS SUCH SOME OF THE WORDS USED MIGHT BE | | IMPROPER OR WRONG!! IF YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE THIS FAQ BETTER, E-MAIL ME!!! | \___________________________________________________________________________/ First of all, let's start by introducing you to what this FAQ is about. Since the release of the Nintendo DS, it became evident that they were two different touch-screen types (or potentially even more) used in the systems. We don't have concrete information on the exact reasons, or even if they are indeed actually made by different companies (according to the rumours). But what we are quite aware of is exactly that: That they are different. Depending on the circumstance and the user, one type of screen might be preferred over the other; and since the differences are apparent, I thought that I would make a guide to inform people on what kind of Nintendo DS they have, and also to stop the recent trend of people prefering a certain kind of screen over another. The difference, although obvious, is still superficial. ============================================================================== [ PART 2-a ] *WHY DIFFERENT TYPES?* [ PART 2-a ] ============================================================================== The answer is tough. In fact, there is no directly relevant information that points to the reason behind the system appearing with two (or potentially more) touch-screen types. One would probably believe that either the Grid Screen or the Grainy Screen is the "older version", and the other is a recent "revision" that was done to fix some initial problems. This is not the case because to my knowledge, both screen types are still being made in a 7:3 ratio in favour of the Grainy Screen. The rumour that they are made by different factories seems logical enough. But still there are a lots of interesting tidbits that disagree with it and even completely contradict with the rumour. If they were made by different factories, then why the systems "Made In Japan", "Made In Hong Kong" and "Made In Indonesia" all have apparently appeared with both screen types? So, in search of an answer, we are just making more questions. So, let's forget for a decent answer, and just face the situation as is: There are currently two different versions of the touch-screen, which I am going to describe in detail below, and there are no apparent reasons behind this. UPDATE: We now know that the original GRAINY SCREEN was only used in the first models and how now been completely out of production. If you happen to own a DS bought at a later date and still have the GRAINY SCREEN, then you probably found a launch unit or one unit from a batch of later produced systems that still had stocked grainy screens. ============================================================================== [ PART 2-b ] *GRAINY SCREEN* [ PART 2-b ] ============================================================================== 1) Both the upper and the touch-screen look similar in this model. The catch is that the touch-screen looks desaturated (grainy) slightly if you compare both more carefully. The touch-screen feels flat and smooth when you use the stylus or your finger. Screen is FLAT and SMOOTH. You can't tell the difference between the upper and the touch screen. 2) There is seemingly only one layer comprising of both the screen matrix and the touch-screen. As soon as you touch it, you have near instant input on the screen in the games. 3) The screen is very durable and not prone to scratch under most circumstances. A screen protector is still recommended for extra protection. 4) When playing games with the back-light off, picture is slightly more blurry and less vibrant. ============================================================================== [ PART 2-c ] *GRID SCREEN* [ PART 2-c ] ============================================================================== 1) The touch-screen looks significantly different when compared to the upper screen. Though the image is as sharp, there are small dots placed in a grid that can be seen when you examine the system at an angle. 2) There are two obvious layers. The bottom layer is screen matrix, which is the one that has the dots placed in a grid. The overlaying layer is the protective coating which has diagonal lines (or bumps) from the top right to the bottom left, evenly spaced from each other (~0.04mm). 3) Because of the two layers, the time it takes until you touch the screen with the stylus or finger, and the time until it actually receives it as an input, is delayed slightly. Additionally, if you use the stylus at a certain angle, the diagonal bumps (or lines) can slightly make the surface less smooth to the movement. 4) The screen is also very durable and not prone to scratches under most circumstances. However, there is a rumour that in comparison to the other screen type(s), it is significantly more prone to scratches. Since this part of the guide is listing facts and not rumours, I can't help but dismiss them. Personally, I believe that both screen types are equally prone to scratches and while the chances are very low, I suggest you purchase a screen protector. 5) When playing games with the back-light off, the image is sharp and vibrant. ============================================================================== [ PART 2-d ] *COMPARISONS & OTHER* [ PART 2-d ] ============================================================================== -> You need to use slightly more force to have input on a GRID SCREEN. -> Unconfirmed rumours depict that the GRID SCREEN is less durable. -> The GRID SCREEN is more vibrant in colours and more sharp in lines. -> The GRAINY SCREEN makes drawing slightly harder, because of the near instant input on screen. Also makes it more prones for "drawing mistakes". -> However the same can be said about the GRID SCREEN which has a non-instant touch recognition system. ============================================================================== [ PART 2-e ] *MYTHS & LIES* [ PART 2-e ] ============================================================================== ------------------------- GRAINY SCREEN -------------------------------------- 1) It's better, it's the newer version! -> Both screens are in production. We don't know why Nintendo keeps making both systems, but apparently they are. There is a 7:3 ratio in favor of the GRAINY SCREEN in terms of production numbers. However, there are no points to this rumour being true, otherwise Nintendo would have stopped the production of the GRID SCREEN. UPDATE: Indeed we now know that it was the GRID SCREEN that was the new model, instead of what we originally thought. In addition, the GRAINY SCREEN has been completely pulled out of production for whatever reasons unknown. 2) It's the only working with Wario Ware Touched. -> I can confirm that BOTH screens work perfectly with Wario Ware: Touched & the Wario Ware: Touched Demo. ------------------------- GRID SCREEN -------------------------------------- 1) The GRID SCREEN is not durable. -> Partially true, because it FEELS slightly less durable. The two layers make for what appears to be a slightly less solid build. But since I have had both systems since launch and with no visible signs of wear on either, this is still a glorified myth in my opinion. UPDATE: More than a year later, with both of my systems installed with a protective film, I can confirm that both screens have proved to be equally resistant to scratches and wear. Neither has outperformed and both still work as new. 2) Pictochat appears to be less responsive. -> Again, partially true. But not because of the hardware or the screen. It just appears that if you are used to the GRAINY DS, and you use pictochat on a GRID DS, because you are used for INSTANT INPUT on the touch screen, you think it is less responsive. Well it is. But with practice you will get used to it. ============================================================================== [ PART 3-a ] *FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS* [ PART 3-a ] ============================================================================== Here I will answer stuff that people asked through e-mails. I will try to include as much replies as possible, to as many different problems as possible. Q: I have a GRID SCREEN. Do you think that I should return it as a defect? -> Since there are no proven defects or problems caused by the use of the GRID SCREEN, it is not only dishonest to return it as a defect, but also plain stupid. All systems need care from the user's side, and if you are careless then no matter which screen you have, you will end up with a good share of scratches. So, be careful! Blaming a company on your own mistakes is at least childish. Q: Gamespot had a news page a month ago reporting that "a certain batch of Nintendo DS systems were not fully compatible with Wario Ware: Touched". Does this have anything to do with the two different touch-screen types? -> As far as I can tell, it does not seem possible. I have tested those mini- games in question on both system types with no problems at all. What is more likely is that there was a minor batch of Nintendo DS systems with an earlier revision hardware, which somehow caused problems with the game. Since those systems have already been replaced and are not in circulation anymore, I would not worry that much if I were you. Q: Thank you very much for this comparison FAQ! It really cleared things up! -> I know, I know! It was a pleasure to help you. Anybody should be playing this awesome handheld, and I hope that you will now enjoy a lifetime of Nintendo gaming with it! No matter what screen type you have, you really should stop worrying and just look forward to the many gaming years ahead! If you really wish to help me with my research and FAQ/Guide Writing, then you might wish to surprise my PayPal account (karoutas@gmx.net) where I can accept any donation! Q: Do you know if there are any problems in gameplay if I use a screen protector from a palm computer? -> Obviously not. Feel free to use any kind of screen protector even if it is not especially made for the DS. Try to specially buy a screen protector for touch screens though and not just for general LCD screens (as the latter are more prone to scratches). Q: Do you know if Nintendo will replace a badly scratched screen for free? -> Nintendo will not replace any systems damaged by misuse. A screen damaged is considered a misuse and abuse of the system because, as it has been proven, the DS is very scratch resistant. Q: What happens if my touch screen stops working or is working improperly? -> The first thing to do, obviously, is try to re-calibrate the screen using the system's menu. If that will not help then try to see if any minor dust particles are trapped on the screen and for some reason confuse the input. If that is the case, try to clean the screen. Oil, sand, dust particles and grease can all confuse the touch screen input. In the end if nothing helps, try to contact Nintendo Customer Support Line. Q: I have noticed that after playing Meteos, my GRID SCREEN became scratched! -> Meteos puts the touch screen to heavy use and is not as gentle on the system as it should have been. My recommendation after reading your e-mail, and to everybody that plays touch screen heavy games is one: Buy a screen protector! Q: My screen got scratched eventually. Is there anything I can do to make the scratches go away? -> Some of those "scratches" are actually dirt and can go away with a careful and thorough clean. In addition, some minor marks can almost disappear if you put on the official Hori Screen Protector (licensed by Nintendo). Because of its almost grainy like features, it will absorb some of the minor scratches. The official Hory Screen Protector is not yet available out of Japan to the best of my knowledge, so contact a japanese vendor that exports it such as lik-sang or play-asia. Q: I have found some dead dots or pixels on my system. What is this? -> Technically it is not the nature of this FAQ to discuss about dead pixels, but since you asked I will explain: During production, it is very hard to maintain a perfect rate of screens with absolutely no defects. Some screens slip by the testing phase including a few (usually 1-3) dead pixels. Sadly there is nothing you can do about it as it is not considered a system defect and rather a cosmetic defect. Nintendo is though very happy to replace your system free of charge if your dead pixels are in the centre of the screen or if you believe they affect your gameplay and enjoyment. Contact Nintendo Customer Support Line for more information. ============================================================================== [ PART 3-b ] *Credits* [ PART 3-b ] ============================================================================== Grey Rain Cloud Weeping Shadow Andreas Karoutas Kari Casady Thomas (ds-gamer.com) ============================================================================== [ PART 3-c ] *Thanks* [ PART 3-c ] ============================================================================== Nintendo (For making the beautiful Nintendo DS) GameFAQs (For giving us an awesome site to live our electronic lives on) /==============\ |*END O F FILE*| \==============/