21 replies to this topic

[ShadowPirater]

Yeah, I have experienced soreness in my hands and definitely tiredness in my eyes from playing my games. I don't think Nintendo should design different sized DS's though, because that would be really costly and confusing. I would, however, like it if they didn't always try to shrink things down so much like they did with the GBA Micro. I think that was just overdoing it.

[Chiri Kitsu]

Ergonomics is always an issue with these sort of things. When you think about it, a portable console isn't designed in the best of ways for you to play long hours long on them without having cramps and other sort of things.When you think about computers, you see all these ergonomic products coming out for them: ergonomic mice, mouse pads, arm rests in front of keyboard, leg support, etc. For any office employees, working 8 hours ahead in front of a computer while sitting can cause many problems if the ergonomics are not respected. It's very recommended to take breaks also ever hour or so for 5 to 10 minutes.Having your hands cramped around a GBA SP, or a DS Lite all day will eventually lead to problems, unless you take the precautions to rest every once in a while.

[Folk You.]

That's why there is a safety disclaimer when you boot up your DS. Just like anything else you do with your hands, if you do it long enough it will cause cramping and soreness. I've been playing guitar for 13 years and my hands will still cramp up after a while.Eventually, you end up with carpal tunnel. But there are hand exercises you can do to keep this from happening.