To quote a friend of mine when asked why she loved playing The Sims: "It's not a game, it's a lifestyle." This line couldn't be more true now that Electronic Arts has unveiled, alongside the UK release of the MySims (Nintendo Wii and DS) game for the Nintendo Wii and DS, the My Sims Capsule Collection.

This limited edition of customized MySims accessories was made by four of UK's hottest fashion designers and based on the four core attributes of the game - Self Expression, Customization, Creativity and Collectibility. Asides from looking like your favorite Sims character, you can bring the experience of MySims to life with these nifty accessories, ranging from Wiimote carry cases to vinyl and foil artwork you can decorate your stuff with.

Here's the list of designers and their respective accessories, along with their estimated prices in the UK:

• Giles Deacon – Eek Wii-mote/Bag talisman – based on Giles’ signature avatar Eek will come with special MySims elements designed to stimulate the mind or just act as good luck. RRP £35
• Cassette Playa – Stuck on My Sims – Cassette Playa puts a unique twist on the MySims world with a series of vinyl and foil artworks rooted in customisation – give your DS that MySims make-over or simply customise your phone, laptop, nails or notebook. RRP £15
• House of Holland – My Sims Pouch Tee – designed for DS on the go, with a seamed in DS pouch/pocket – this limited edition tee bears the cult signature of Henry Holland’s irreverent take on life – with the slogan ‘Life Begins With MySims’. RRP £40
• Tatty Divine – My Sims Sushi Bag – designed to perfectly carry your Wii mote on the go, Tatty Divine’s exclusive bag takes design inspiration from MySims' sushi chef, and features hundreds of glittering Swarovski crystals. RRP £150

 

For those who haven't heard of the Nintendo World Store, it's essentially a place that sells licensed Nintendo merchandise. Located at the Rockefeller Center where the Pokemon Center used to be (it's now a part of the NWS) the place showed off a huge selection of apparel that might just appeal to the gamer in you.

Fans of Link will be pleased to note that the place has several shirts of the Legend of Zelda icon. Other clothes they are offering include prints of Mario, Yoshi, and the Gameboy, and slogans including the infamous "Just one more level" shirt for the hardcore gamer in you. Other items for sale at the store also include special DS cases made of Swarovski crystals and accessories to complete the ensemble.

While visiting the place, you might as well drop by and see the exhibits which is said to include a Gameboy which survived the Gulf War, the prototype for the NES and even Hanafuda cards which Nintendo was originally producing.

  

More pics behind the Full Article link.

  

At New York">Nintendo World Store in New York City, they have some really unique DS lite skins on display. They have colored crystal covers for the DS lite which is studded with Swarovski crystals.

In the past, we posted an article showing a "plain" Swarovski studded case, but now, even THAT case can't compare to having a Swarovski case with Mario, Yoshi, or Link on it. For the Nintendo afficionado, there is also a case with the Nintendo World logo on it, in case you can't decide which character to have on your DS exterior (too bad not all designs are for sale, though). However, we need to point out that the photos from Go Nintendo show that these cases are selling for US$ 600 each, so it's a pretty pricey accessory for your DS (its got the price of a PS3!).

All in all, we're sure that there are some people who will be willing to invest their money in this. Well, if we had that much money, then we'd probably buy a few for ourselves, too. Oh well.

The CNet staff recently compiled a list of the top ten gadgets with high WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) and Nintendo's DS came in at no. 9. If you're a 13-year old DS Fanboy and not married (and you shouldn't be) this doesn't concern you...yet. But better read on because it's only a matter of time.

WAF is a term used for electronic products that wives (or women in general) wouldn't mind getting as a gift from their husbands or boyfriends. The higher the WAF rating, the lower the chances the guy-giver gets the "look". Examples of products with low to zero WAF are the blender, vacuum cleaner, or a foot-jacuzzi. You're just asking for it, mister. On the other hand the DS, according to CNet, would be greatly appreciated by the missus.

The DS charm works on women because the console has a large title selection that appeals to women. Cooking Mama, Cake Mania, and Brain Age for starters. Sure, some women might get a kick out of Asphalt Urban GT or Final Fantasy III but better be sure. Hey, dude, she's your wife so ought to know.

In addition, the slim DS Lite fits in her purse quite nicely - something the bulkier PSP can't do - and it comes in a number of fashion-conscious colors. Check out the limited edition Love and Berry DS Lite and you know what we mean. Or if you really want to impress her (read: be forgiven for your big screw up) give her the Swarovski-studded DS Lite shown above.

Also on the wife-friendly gadget list is Sony's VPL-VW50 LCD projector, iPod 2GB Nano, and the Yamaha YSP 800 Sound Projector.

So. Let's say that you've already studded your DS Lite with Swarovski crystals. And you want it to look prettier (and less like a brick). What can a distraught Nintendo gamer like you do?

Well, if you think pink is the new blue, then you might want to purchase this pink semi-hard case from Play-Asia. It can be shipped to you within 24 hours, and it costs $8.90.

It's as simple as any handheld case is. And the fact that it's semi-hard makes it easy to carry around: it's durable and can absorb shock damage, and at the same time, not hard enough to be bulky.

This hard case also comes in black, if you're not into the whole pink-revolution. But see, we think that pink would match your eyes better (and the Swarovski crystals on your DS Lite).

  

While the DS Lite looks impressive as it is, wouldn't you want to make it look more razzly-dazzly? Oh yeah! If you're into the whole fad of shiny things, you can also get your DS Lite bilng-bling'd!

Now we bet you've heard about Swarovski crystals, and today, lots of things (e.g. mp3 players, ear plugs, and even refrigerators!) are studded with these sparkly stuff. From Japanese designer, Tikko, we have the Swarovski-decked DS Lite!

As you might have guessed though, things like these don't come without a price. If you find yourself in Japan and contacting Tikko to get your unit customized, be ready to dish out 45,000 Yen. That converts to 390USD. Which in turn, can buy you three brand-spanking new DS Lites. Oh my...