Newer DS's-different build quality?

[Weinberg]

Having received an electric blue DS this morning, I immediately noticed when trying it out, that there are key differences between this one, and the silver DS bought at launch in the US.

First of all, the touch screen seems much improved. On my other DS, it was a completely flat surface like any screen, yet on this one, it seems slightly 'padded' which in a way makes it more satisfying to use, tapping it makes no noise now unlike the small noise before. And looking at the screen in the light, it seems there is a different texture to it.

Also, the L and R buttons now seem much better-the ones on my silver DS wobbled a little and didn't seem too firm and rigid, whilst on this new DS, they make a definite click when pressed inwards (like on the Xbox analogue pads for example) and seem better built.

Am I imagining this, or has anyone else found these things?

[Papercut]

There are a few variations in DS hardware, and the different touch screens have been discussed here before.

This seems to have been the case from launch though - I got a launch US DS with the 'padded' touch screen, where other people had 'mottled' touch screens. I think the mottled screens are slightly more hard wearing, although as you say those models seem to have cheaper button moldings on them.

I read on a homebrew forum that there are meant to be four hardware variations out there, although I only know about these two.

[Mofoman]

Yeah my silver unit does not feel as good as the demo unit's that I used in Tokyo.

I really want to get one of the newer DS's but I am skint at the moment, I think I will wait and get a limited edition one now.Thanks for reaffirming that I was not just imagining that too.

[Keitaro]

Hm...I dunno, my friend had one of the new blue ones and that broke for no seeable reason. Luckily it's still under warranty and it has to be a weird fluke. I'd expect an easy break from, say, Sony...