A stylus that can up your game? We put it to the test.

by Mark Bozon

http://gear.ign.com/articles/701/701023p1.html

April 10, 2006 - While there's no arguing with the momentum Nintendo's latest handheld has gained, the company is showing no major end to its attack. Not only did Tetris DS and Metroid DS release in the last month, Nintendo also launched the DS Lite, a system upgrade in Japan which is rumored to hit states later this summer. Sales have been through the roof, and import shops around the world are reporting low inventory based on huge Japanese demand. In short, the Nintendo DS is priming to be one of the most successful systems in videogame history, with the end nowhere in sight.

It is natural, therefore, that DS fans would want the best gaming experience possible. Luckily, there's a new contender in the world of comfort, as Prime Global Enterprises has released a new alternative for stylus users, appropriately named the Comfort Stylus. The Comfort Stylus isn't specifically a DS stylus, rather it's an alternative for all digital users. The companies' site boasts that the stylus can be used for PDA or DS, fitting comfortably on either the user's finger or thumb for different experiences. Our own DS boards have been buzzing about the stylus since Nintendo's new system debut, so we thought it was high time for us to give it a play through as well. We are pleasantly surprised.

The mere concept of improving your game based on a chunk of plastic (or in this case, rubber and wire) seems admittedly silly. However, one of the main concerns DS players have had since the system's release is the amazingly small stylus that Nintendo has offered. If the system is based on a touch screen, pin-point control is essential, and it damn well better be as comfortable as a standard controller. When the DS Lite released in Japan a few weeks ago, gamers were treated to a newer stylus which was both thicker and quite a bit longer than the original. Though Nintendo provided a solution to the uncomfortable 1st generation input device, the Comfort Stylus still has it beat in every way.

The basic concept behind the Comfort Stylus is simple: Release a flexible, rubber-coated stylus that can mold and shape to the user's liking. The stylus is comprised of copper wire about as thick as standard pencil lead, teamed with a rubber coating and plastic ends. The length is quite a bit longer than both the original and updated DS pointers, adding approximately another half-length of the original gray DS stylus. The Comfort Stylus measures in a 4 ½'' compared to the 2 ¾'' DS stylus and the 3 ¼'' Lite stylus. The product arrived in a very small shipping envelope only two shipping days after our order, and starts out in standard stylus form.
 

From there, the Comfort Stylus can be molded to any shape desired (within reason). The overall feel can be best described as that of a paper-clip, though the rubber coating gives it a bit less mobility. Still, the Comfort Stylus fit great around my tiny hobbit hands, as well as Matt's slightly larger digits. The length seems to be a perfect balance, and the stylus can be used however the player requires. Not too shabby.

There are a few things to consider before jumping on the bandwagon, however. While the stylus feels amazing and will seriously up your game (especially Metroid Hunters), it isn't meant for the careless. While it does have a great amount of molding capacity, it is still a bit delicate, since the core of the pointer is essentially a piece of wire. We conducted a stress test on the item, and while it did stand all reasonable amounts of movement, it ended up breaking after repetitive bends. The copper wire heats up just like any other metal would when bent repetitively, so putting this in the hands of children could send the Comfort Stylus to an early end. Still, this is to be expected, and we really had to work to break it.

The tip itself is a little more concerning, however, as many DS gamers will want this around their thumb (to replace the thumb strap of the DS). The stylus holds up fine as long as you remember to give it a bit of space between the plastic tip and the initial bend. If players try to cut it too close, having only the head of the stylus pointing down from the thumb, it will eventually break from the stress. Again, this should all be common sense as you're dealing with a piece of wire and rubber, but it is still worth mentioning, especially when thinking about the Comfort Stylus for a younger gamer.

When dealing with any peripheral, however, the main concern is how it feels. We're happy to report that the Comfort Stylus is by far the best DS stylus on the market. It's comfortable when molding it to your finger, works great with Metroid Prime's control scheme, has helped us reduce cramps when playing the D-pad/stylus hybrid controls, and is an all-around success as a gaming stylus. In fact, the stylus also works great when dealing with DS titles that use the stylus only semi-frequently. Since the actual stylus wraps around your finger, it is amazingly convenient for games that require both stylus and button management. Every DS owner has dealt with the clumsy transition from button to stylus at some point, trying to slide it into the holder or quickly sticking it in your mouth or in your lap to save time. The Comfort Stylus turns the tip of your pointer finger into a stylus on demand, and since most gaming is done with your thumbs the stylus is out of the way when it isn't needed. It's so simple, yet it literally changes the way we play.

Conclusion
So, as a final wrap-up to this somewhat bizarre review, can we really recommend a hunk of wire and rubber to gamers everywhere? You bet we can. The stylus is relatively cheap at $5.99, with shipping around a buck. The control is well worth the change, and though there isn't really anywhere good to stick the thing while not in use it's still worth the hassle of carrying around a single stylus in your DS pouch or pocket. I personally would love to have the option of a premium product, offering thicker wire and metal endings with the standard stylus tip for a $9.99 price, but as it stands the Comfort Stylus is still leagues above any alternative. Don't get suckered in by random 3rd party stylus packs. If you're truly serious about your game, the Comfort Stylus is the only option.

IGN's Ratings for Comfort Stylus

Reference:

http://gear.ign.com/articles/701/701023p1.html