The Nintendo DS had a bit of a slow start, but eventually went on to become one of Nintendo’s best selling pieces of hardware ever released. It boasted some very unusual features for its time. For one thing it used a clamshell design with two screens. The lower display was a touch screen, and built into the system was a slot for a stylus to be stored. Additionally this was Nintendo’s first 3D forward handheld unit. It had power that was about on par with the Nintendo 64, and for a handheld back then this was truly impressive. Nintendo managed to capture the casual market with inventive titles that pushed new levels of interactivity. Games like Nintendogs and Brain Age sold millions to a market that previously didn’t exist. The Nintendo DS also had more than its fair share of hardcore games too including all of their big first party franchises as well as third party hits. This is a system that’s still highly regarded today and is praised by collectors.
Official Names:
Nintendo DS / Nintendo DS Lite / Nintendo DSi / Nintendo DS XL
Release Dates:
JP:Â 2004
US:Â 2004
EU:Â 2005
Power:
64-bit
Media Type:
Cartridge