Nintendo Headphones Views
The Nintendo DS features stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound (depending on the software) located on either side of the upper display screen. This is a first for a Nintendo handheld, as the Game Boy line of systems has only supported stereo sound through the use of headphones or external speakers. A built-in microphone is located below the left side of the bottom screen. It has been used for a variety of purposes, including speech recognition, chatting online between and during gameplay sessions, and minigames that require the player to blow or shout into the microphone.
There are a handful of games for the Nintendo DS that take advantage of the system's onboard microphone. So far, finding a solution that allows you to use headphones as well as the microphone has left you with few options. The Nintendo-branded headset we reviewed attempted to solve this, but some design flaws really held back its true potential. Its most noteworthy shortcomings were the lack of stereo support and the short microphone boom. The latter was an issue primarily for the admittedly small list of games (for example, WarioWare Touched!) that require you to blow into the mic, ... Expand full review
There are a handful of games for the Nintendo DS that take advantage of the system's onboard microphone. So far, finding a solution that allows you to use headphones as well as the microphone has left you with few options. The Nintendo-branded headset we reviewed attempted to solve this, but some design flaws really held back its true potential. Its most noteworthy shortcomings were the lack of stereo support and the short microphone boom. The latter was an issue primarily for the admittedly small list of games (for example, WarioWare Touched!) that require you to blow into the mic, rather than just speak commands or utilize multiplayer voice chat.
Turtle Beach has improved where Nintendo left off with the release of the Ear Force D2 microphone headset for the DS. Available in black, white, and pink, the Ear Force D2 provides stereo sound and an adjustable boom microphone for voice commands and multiplayer chatting for less than $20. This boom also alleviates the problems with using a blow command now that the mic can be situated directly in front of your mouth. If you are not using the microphone, it can be tucked away, out of sight. The attached cord is approximately three feet long and features a convenient inline volume control knob. Pivoting ear pads allow for the D2 to adjust to your ears, increasing the overall comfort of the headphones.
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