I really hate it when companies bring out a slightly better version of a product that I've already purchased. The DS Lite however is a genuine improvement on the Nintendo DS. I had to have it, and my impatient self set about importing one from Japan immediately. It was therefore no surprise to me to see the reaction to the release of the DS Lite in the US at the weekend. New York was the heart of the mania, where keen shoppers queued from 12 midday to be the first to get their hands on the "lighter, brighter" DS. Not only were customers treated to a warm welcome from Mario himself (I always thought Mario was a fictional character, apparently not!), but also the first 100 people through the door of the Nintendo World store were treated to a free carry case and a copy of the brilliant Brain-age brain training game. Some chose to come dressed as their favourite characters (unlike Mario - he was definitely real), while others were happy to play wirelessly with each other on their 1st generation DS systems. One member of the line was even seen wearing a tuxedo, having left a wedding party early to join the fun.