The Nintendo DS Rumble Pak didn't show up on most people's radar back when it was first released with Metroid Prime Pinball a year and a half ago, but with over a dozen titles now using the force feedback cartridge, more and more people are looking to buy one for their compatible games. DS Lite owners, however, will be annoyed to hear that the only Rumble Paks sitting on North American shelves are the original, GBA-sized carts.
Though they've been available in Japan since last May, Nintendo hasn't yet brought the smaller DS Lite Rumble Paks to the states. If you're looking to purchase a cartridge that won't stick out of the GBA slot, buying Nintendo's DS Lite Rumble Pak would set you back about $24 (plus international s/h) at an import site.
eWin, a company known for manufacturing high-quality carts for the homebrew market, has produced a third-party alternative that puts the official Rumble Pak to shame. Available online for approximately $10, this new DS Lite Rumble Pak already has the advantage with its bargain price. Being cheap doesn't necessarily mean it's a second-rate product. According to GBAtemp's review, eWin's force feedback was more enjoyable than the "buzzing" from Nintendo's cart, and noticeably quieter too.
Unlike with Nintendo's product, you can match eWin's Rumble Paks with your own DS Lite, choosing from white, black or pink carts.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-19-2007 @ 7:11PM
Crazed Geek said...
Isn't 6.90 GBP = ~$13? Just making sure Google isn't lying.
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3-19-2007 @ 7:20PM
Eric Caoili said...
I'm basing the price on the $13AU sale at Bamboo Gaming:
http://www.bamboogaming.com/flash-cards/ewin-rumble-pak/prod_103.html
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3-19-2007 @ 7:22PM
Crazed Geek said...
Ah, I was going by the price at the store in the review. *smacks self*
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3-19-2007 @ 8:19PM
heliomass said...
I ordered one of these off eBay, and it is in fact cheap and quiet (at least, when compared to the original).
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3-19-2007 @ 9:40PM
theLoneYoshi said...
And here I am, trying to stay away from online shopping until Easter... it feels so FAR AWAY!!
I've been meaning to get my hands on a rumble pak for a while, but the original price has been keeping me away... Now, when I'm trying to cut down on online spending, you guys announce this...
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3-19-2007 @ 10:06PM
strider_mt2k said...
Seems to be hard to order from the US.
Been looking but not much luck.
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3-20-2007 @ 12:51AM
That Fuzzy Bastard said...
Americans can get it cheap at http://sky2k.com/shop/nds-lite-rumble-pack-colors-p-261.html
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3-20-2007 @ 4:57AM
geirskogul said...
I could swear they had DS Lite rumble packs in Wal*Mart a couple of weeks ago. Oh yeah, I don't have to swear, because I have one.
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3-20-2007 @ 7:54AM
strider_mt2k said...
Thanks for the info "That Fuzzy Bastard"!
I just ordered mine!
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3-20-2007 @ 1:30PM
Thomas said...
So these carts are cheaper and quieter than the official ones, but how do they compare as to their impact on the DS battery's charge?
The only reason I don't ever use my Rumble Pak is it noticeably cuts my playing time short.
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3-26-2007 @ 3:21PM
strider_mt2k said...
Dunno if anyone checks back on this stuff, but my Ewin Rumble Pak Lite arrived from sky2k no problems.
Very cool product! Glad to finally have a rumble pak.
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