The Nintendo DSis a portable game console generated by Nintendo, released worldwide across 2004 as well as 2005. The DS, an initialism for “Developers’ System” or “Twin Screen”, presented distinctive new attributes to portable video games: 2 LCD displays working in tandem (the bottom one being a touchscreen), a built-in microphone and also assistance for wireless connectivity.Both displays are encompassed within a clamshell style comparable to the Game Child Breakthrough SP. The Nintendo DS also includes the capacity for several DS gaming consoles to straight interact with each other over Wi-Fi within a short variety without the need to attach to an existing cordless network. Additionally, they can connect online using the now-defunct Nintendo Wi-Fi Link solution. Its main rival was Sony’s PlayStation Portable during the 7th generation of computer game gaming consoles.
Before its launch, the Nintendo DS was marketed as an experimental “3rd pillar” in Nintendo’s console schedule, implied to complement the Game Kid Advance (GBA) household as well as GameCube. However, backward compatibility with Game Young boy Development titles as well as strong sales ultimately established it as the follower to the Video game Child series.On March 2, 2006, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo DS Lite, a slimmer and lighter redesign of the initial Nintendo DS with brighter displays and also a much longer battery. On November 1, 2008, Nintendo released the Nintendo DSi, another redesign with numerous hardware renovations as well as brand-new features, although it lost backwards compatibility for Game Child Development titles and also a couple of DS games that used the GBA slot. On November 21, 2009, Nintendo released a bigger version of the DSi, called the Nintendo DSi XL. All Nintendo DS designs integrated have actually marketed 154.02 million devices, making it the very popular Nintendo system, the best-selling handheld video game console to day, and the 2nd very popular computer game console of all time, on the whole, behind Sony’s PlayStation 2. The Nintendo DS line was been successful by the Nintendo 3DS family in February 2011, which maintains backwards compatibility with almost all Nintendo DS, including Nintendo DSi, software program besides some software application that needs the GBA port for use.
History
Growth
Advancement on the Nintendo DS started around mid-2002, following an initial suggestion from former Nintendo head of state Hiroshi Yamauchi about a dual-screened console.On November 13, 2003, Nintendo revealed that it would be releasing a new video game product in 2004. The company did not supply lots of information, but mentioned it would certainly not be successful the Game Child Advancement or GameCube.On January 20, 2004, the console was introduced under the codename “Nintendo DS”. Nintendo launched just a few information at that time, claiming that the console would have two different, 3-inch TFT LCD display panels, different cpus, and up to 1 gigabit (128 Megabytes) of semiconductor memory.Current Nintendo president at the time, Satoru Iwata, said, “We have created Nintendo DS based upon a completely various concept from existing video game tools in order to offer gamers with an unique amusement experience for the 21st century.” He also shared optimism that the DS would assist put Nintendo back at the forefront of technology and also relocate far from the traditional image that has actually been explained regarding the company in years past.In March 2004, a record consisting of most of the console’s technological specifications was leaked, also revealing its inner development name, “Nitro”. In May 2004, the console was displayed in model type at E3 2004, still under the name “Nintendo DS”. On July 28, 2004, Nintendo disclosed a brand-new layout that was called “sleeker as well as much more classy” than the one revealed at E3 as well as revealed Nintendo DS as the device’s official name.Following warm GameCube sales, Hiroshi Yamauchi stressed the importance of its success to the company’s future, making a statement which can be equated from Japanese as, “If the DS prospers, we will rise to heaven, yet if it fails we will certainly sink to hell.
Introduce
Head of state Iwata described Nintendo DS as “Nintendo’s first equipment launch in support of the basic technique ‘Video gaming Population Growth'” due to the fact that the touch-based device “allows individuals to play without effort”. On September 20, 2004, Nintendo revealed that the Nintendo DS would be launched in The United States and Canada on November 21, 2004, for US$ 149.99. It was readied to release on December 2, 2004, in Japan for JP ¥ 15,000; on February 24, 2005, in Australia for A$ 199.95; as well as on March 11, 2005, in Europe for EUR149.99 (₤ 99.99 in the United Kingdom). The nds roms was released in North America with a midnight launch event at Universal CityWalk EB Gamings in Los Angeles, California. The console was launched quietly in Japan compared to the The United States and Canada launch; one resource pointed out the winter as the reason.Regarding the European launch, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata stated this:
Europe is a very important market for Nintendo, and also we delight in we can supply such a short time period between the US and European launch. Our team believe that the Nintendo DS will alter the way individuals play video games and also our objective stays to increase the game play experience. Nintendo DS provides for the requirements of all players whether for more dedicated players who desire the real obstacle they anticipate, or the more casual players who desire quick, pick up and play fun.
The United States And Canada and also Japan
The Nintendo DS was introduced in North America for US$ 149.99 on November 21, 2004; in Japan for JP ¥ 15,000 on December 2 in the shade “Titanium”. Well over three million preorders were absorbed The United States and Canada as well as Japan; preorders at on the internet stores were launched on November 3 and finished the very same day as merchants had actually already sold their allocation. Initially, Nintendo intended to provide one million units integrated at the North American and also Japanese launches; when it saw the preorder numbers, it brought one more manufacturing facility online to increase manufacturing. Nintendo originally slated 300,000 devices for the U.S. debut; 550,000 were delivered, as well as just over 500,000 of those sold via in the initial week. Later in 2005, the producer suggested list price for the Nintendo DS was gone down to US$ 129.99.
Both launches proved to be effective, but Nintendo selected to launch the DS in The United States and Canada prior to Japan, a first for a hardware launch from the Kyoto-based business. This choice was made to get the DS out for the largest buying day of the year in the U.S. (the day after Thanksgiving, additionally known as “Black Friday”). Maybe partially as a result of the release date, the DS met suddenly high demand in the USA, selling 1 million devices by December 21, 2004. By the end of December, the overall number delivered worldwide was 2.8 million, regarding 800,000 greater than Nintendo’s initial forecast.At the very least 1.2 million of them were sold in the UNITED STATE. Some sector reporters referred to it as “the Tickle Me Elmo of 2004”. In June 2005, Nintendo notified the press that a total of 6.65 million units had actually been sold worldwide.
As is regular for electronic devices, some were reported as having issues with stuck pixels in either of the two displays. Return policies for LCD display screens range manufacturers as well as regions, nonetheless, in The United States and Canada, Nintendo has actually selected to replace a system with dealt with pixels only if the owner declares that it interferes with their video gaming experience. There were 2 exchange programs in place for The United States and Canada. In the very first, the owner of the defective DS concerned would certainly provide a valid credit card number and also, later, Nintendo would ship a brand-new DS system to the owner with delivery materials to return the faulty system. In the 2nd, the owner of the faulty DS in question would have shipped their system to Nintendo for examination. After examination, Nintendo professionals would have either delivered a substitute system or fixed the defective system. The first option allowed the proprietor to have a new DS in 3– 5 business days.
Several games were released together with the DS during its North American launch on November 21, 2004. At launch there was one pack-in trial, along with the built-in PictoChat program: Metroid Prime Hunters: First Quest (released by Nintendo and is a trial for Metroid Prime Hunters, a video game launched in March 2006). At the time of the “Electric Blue” DS launch in June 2005, Nintendo bundled the system with Super Mario 64 DS.
In Japan, the video games were released at the same time as the system’s first launch (December 2, 2004). In the launch period, The Royal prince of Tennis 2005 -Crystal Drive- (Konami) and also Puyo High Temperature (Puyo Pop Fever) (Sega) were launched.
As is regular for electronic devices, some were reported as having troubles with stuck pixels in either of the two displays. Return policies for LCD screens range manufacturers and also areas, however, in The United States and Canada, Nintendo has selected to change a system with dealt with pixels only if the owner asserts that it disrupts their gaming experience. There were 2 exchange programs in position for North America. In the first, the proprietor of the defective DS in question would certainly offer a legitimate charge card number and also, afterward, Nintendo would certainly ship a new DS system to the proprietor with shipping products to return the faulty system. In the second, the proprietor of the faulty DS in question would have delivered their system to Nintendo for evaluation. After examination, Nintendo specialists would have either shipped a substitute system or taken care of the defective system. The first option enabled the owner to have a new DS in 3– 5 organization days.
Numerous games were released along with the DS throughout its North American launch on November 21, 2004. At launch there was one pack-in demo, in addition to the built-in PictoChat program: Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt (released by Nintendo and is a trial for Metroid Prime Hunters, a game released in March 2006). At the time of the “Electric Blue” DS launch in June 2005, Nintendo bundled the system with Super Mario 64 DS.
In Japan, the video games were released at the same time as the system’s first launch (December 2, 2004). In the launch period, The Royal prince of Tennis 2005 -Crystal Drive- (Konami) and also Puyo High Temperature (Puyo Pop High Temperature) (Sega) were released.
Europe
The DS was launched in Europe on March 11, 2005, for EUR149. A tiny supply of systems was available before this in a package with an advertising “VIP” Tees, Metroid Prime Hunters – Initial Quest, a WarioWare: Touched! demo and a beta version of Super Mario 64 DS, via the Nintendo Stars Brochure; the bundle was valued at ₤ 129.99 for the UK and also EUR189.99 for the remainder of Europe, plus 1,000 of Nintendo’s “celebrity” commitment factors (to cover postage). Since 23 January 2006, 1 million DS devices had actually been marketed in Europe, establishing a sales document for a portable console.
The European launch of the DS, like the U.S., was initially packaged with a Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt trial. The European product packaging for the console is significantly extra “hostile” than that of the UNITED STATE/ Japanese launch. [clarification required] [citation needed] The European video game cases are additionally regarding 1/4 inch thicker than their North American counterparts and transparent instead of strong black. Inside the case, there is room for one Video game Child Advancement game pak and a DS card with the instructions on the left side of the situation.
Australia as well as New Zealand
The DS launched in Australia and New Zealand on February 24, 2005. It retailed in Australia for AU$ 199 and in New Zealand for NZ$ 249. Like the North American launch, it includes the Metroid Prime Hunters – Initial Hunt demonstration. The very first week of sales for the system broke Australian launch sales records for a console, with 19,191 devices offered by the 27th.
China
” iQue DS”, the main name of the Chinese Nintendo DS, was released in China on June 15, 2005. The rate of the iQue DS was 980 RMB (about US$ 130) since April 2006. This version of the DS includes updated firmware to block out making use of the PassMe gadget, along with the new Red DS. Chinese launch games were Zhi Gan Yi Bi (Polarium) (Nintendo/iQue) and also Momo Waliou Zhizao (WarioWare: Touched!) (Nintendo/iQue). The iQue was additionally the name of the device that China got rather than the Nintendo 64.
Promotion
The system’s promotional slogans revolve around the word “Touch” in almost all nations, with the North American motto being “Pressing is good.”
The Nintendo DS was seen by several experts to be in the very same market as Sony’s PlayStation Portable, although representatives from both firms stated that each system targeted a different audience.Time publication granted the DS a Gadget of the Week honor.
At the time of its release in the USA, the Nintendo DS retailed for US$ 149.99. The price dropped to US$ 129.99 on August 21, 2005, one day prior to the launches of Nintendogs as well as Breakthrough Wars: Twin Strike.
9 official colors of the Nintendo DS were offered through common retailers. Titanium-colored devices were available around the world, Electric Blue was exclusive to North and Latin America. There was likewise a red version which was packed with the video game Mario Kart DS. Graphite Black, Pure White, Blue-green Blue, as well as Sweet Pink were offered in Japan. Mystic Pink and also Cosmic Blue were offered in Australia as well as New Zealand. Japan’s Sweet Pink as well as Australia’s Planetary Blue were likewise offered in Europe as well as The United States And Canada with a Nintendogs bundle, although the colors are simply referred to as pink and also blue; nevertheless, these shades were readily available only for the initial design Nintendo DS; a various and more-limited collection of colors were utilized for the Nintendo DS Lite.
Sales
Key write-up: Nintendo DS sales
As of March 31, 2016, all Nintendo DS designs integrated have sold 154.02 million systems, making it the best-selling handheld video game console to date, and also the 2nd best-selling computer game console of all time.
Heritage
See likewise: Nintendo 3DS
The success of the Nintendo DS introduced touchscreen controls as well as wireless online gaming to a large audience. According to Damien McFerran of Nintendo Life, the “DS was the initial experience many people had with touch-based technology, and it left an enduring impact.”
The DS established a large laid-back pc gaming market, drawing in large non-gamer audiences and also establishing touchscreens as the conventional controls for future mobile gaming devices. According to Jeremy Parish, composing for Polygon, the Nintendo DS laid the foundations for touchscreen mobile gaming on mobile phones. He mentioned that the DS “had actually primarily topped the whole globe for” the apple iphone, launched in 2007, which the DS led the way for apple iphone pc gaming mobile apps. Nevertheless, the success of the apple iphone “properly created the DS market to implode” by the early 2010s, according to Parish.
The success of the DS paved the way for its successor, the Nintendo 3DS, a portable gaming console with a similar dual-screen configuration that can present images on the top screen in stereoscopic 3D.
On January 29, 2014, Nintendo revealed that Nintendo DS games would certainly be contributed to the Wii U’s Virtual Console, with the first video game, Brain Age: Train Your Mind in Minutes a Day!, being released in Japan on June 3, 2014.
Hardware
See also: List of Nintendo DS shades as well as styles
Stylus for the DS Lite
The Nintendo DS style resembles that of the multi-screen games from the Video game & Watch line, such as Donkey Kong and Zelda, which was additionally made by Nintendo.
The lower screen of the Nintendo DS is superimposed with a resistive touchscreen created to approve input from the consisted of stylus, the customer’s fingers, or a bent plastic tab connected to the optional wrist strap. The touchscreen allows individuals engage with in-game aspects more directly than by pressing switches; as an example, in the consisted of chatting software, PictoChat, the stylus is used to write messages or draw.
The portable functions 4 lettered buttons (X, Y, A, B), a directional pad, and Beginning, Select, and also Power buttons. On the top of the gadget are two shoulder buttons, a video game card slot, a stylus pen owner and also a power line input. All-time low features the Game Boy Advance video game card port. The total button design looks like that of the Super Nintendo Home entertainment System controller. When making use of backwards compatibility mode on the DS, buttons X as well as Y and the touchscreen are not utilized as the Video game Kid Advance line of systems do not feature these controls.
It also has stereo speakers supplying virtual border audio (depending upon the software) located on either side of the upper display screen. This was an initial for a Nintendo portable, as the Video game Child line of systems had just sustained stereo audio with the use of earphones or exterior speakers. An integrated microphone lies listed below the left side of the bottom display. It has actually been utilized for a selection of objectives, including speech acknowledgment, chatting online in between and during gameplay sessions, and minigames that need the gamer to blow or scream into it.
Promotion
The system’s marketing mottos focus on words “Touch” in mostly all countries, with the North American motto being “Pressing is great.”
The Nintendo DS was seen by many analysts to be in the exact same market as Sony’s PlayStation Portable, although representatives from both business specified that each system targeted a various audience.Time publication awarded the DS a Device of the Week honor.
At the time of its launch in the USA, the Nintendo DS retailed for US$ 149.99. The price dropped to US$ 129.99 on August 21, 2005, eventually before the launches of Nintendogs and Advancement Wars: Twin Strike.
Nine main colors of the Nintendo DS were readily available with typical merchants. Titanium-colored units were readily available worldwide, Electric Blue was exclusive to North as well as Latin America. There was likewise a red version which was bundled with the game Mario Kart DS. Graphite Black, Pure White, Turquoise Blue, and Sweet Pink were available in Japan. Mystic Pink as well as Planetary Blue were available in Australia and New Zealand. Japan’s Candy Pink and also Australia’s Cosmic Blue were likewise offered in Europe and also North America via a Nintendogs package, although the shades are just described as pink as well as blue; however, these colors were offered only for the initial style Nintendo DS; a various as well as more-limited set of colors were used for the Nintendo DS Lite.
Sales
Main short article: Nintendo DS sales
Since March 31, 2016, all Nintendo DS models integrated have marketed 154.02 million systems, making it the best-selling handheld video game console to date, and also the 2nd very popular video game console of perpetuity.
Legacy
See also: Nintendo 3DS
The success of the Nintendo DS introduced touchscreen controls and cordless online pc gaming to a vast audience. According to Damien McFerran of Nintendo Life, the “DS was the first experience lots of people had with touch-based technology, and also it left an enduring impact.”
The DS established a big casual video gaming market, drawing in huge non-gamer target markets and also developing touchscreens as the conventional controls for future portable pc gaming devices. According to Jeremy Parish, creating for Polygon, the Nintendo DS laid the foundations for touchscreen mobile gaming on smart devices. He stated that the DS “had generally keyed the whole world for” the apple iphone, released in 2007, which the DS led the way for iPhone gaming mobile apps. Nevertheless, the success of the iPhone “effectively triggered the DS market to implode” by the early 2010s, according to Church.
The success of the DS led the way for its follower, the Nintendo 3DS, a portable pc gaming console with a comparable dual-screen setup that can show photos on the top display in stereoscopic 3D.
On January 29, 2014, Nintendo introduced that Nintendo DS games would certainly be included in the Wii U’s Virtual Console, with the initial video game, Mind Age: Train Your Mind in Minutes a Day!, being released in Japan on June 3, 2014.
Equipment
See likewise: Checklist of Nintendo DS colors as well as styles
Stylus pen for the DS Lite
The Nintendo DS design resembles that of the multi-screen games from the Game & Watch line, such as Donkey Kong and also Zelda, which was additionally made by Nintendo.
The reduced screen of the Nintendo DS is superimposed with a resisting touchscreen designed to approve input from the included stylus, the individual’s fingers, or a bent plastic tab connected to the optional wrist strap. The touchscreen allows users communicate with in-game aspects extra directly than by pressing buttons; as an example, in the consisted of chatting software application, PictoChat, the stylus is used to write messages or draw.
The handheld functions 4 lettered buttons (X, Y, A, B), a directional pad, and Start, Select, and Power buttons. On the top of the tool are 2 shoulder switches, a game card port, a stylus owner and a power cable input. All-time low includes the Game Kid Advance video game card slot. The general button format resembles that of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System controller. When using in reverse compatibility mode on the DS, buttons X and also Y as well as the touchscreen are not used as the Game Kid Development line of systems do not feature these controls.
It likewise has stereo speakers giving online border noise (depending on the software) situated on either side of the upper display screen. This was a first for a Nintendo portable, as the Game Boy line of systems had just supported stereo sound via using headphones or exterior audio speakers. A built-in microphone lies below the left side of the bottom screen. It has been used for a range of purposes, including speech acknowledgment, chatting online in between and also throughout gameplay sessions, as well as minigames that require the player to blow or scream right into it.
Devices
Main post: Nintendo DS accessories
Although the secondary port on the Nintendo DS does approve and support Game Child Advancement cartridges (but not Game Boy or Video game Boy Shade cartridges), Nintendo emphasized that the major objective for its addition was to permit a wide range of accessories to be launched for the system.
As a result of the lack of a 2nd port on the Nintendo DSi, it is not compatible with any type of device that uses it.
Grumble Pak
The Rumble Pak was the very first official development port accessory. In the form of a Game Boy Advance cartridge, the Rumble Pak shakes to show the activity in compatible games, such as when the gamer run across an obstacle or sheds a life. It was launched in North America and also Japan in 2005 bundled with Metroid Prime Pinball.In Europe, it was first readily available with the video game Actionloop, as well as later Metroid Prime Pinball. The Rumble Pak was also released independently in those regions.
Headset
The Nintendo DS Headset is the official headset for the Nintendo DS. It links into the headset port (which is a combination of a conventional 3.5 mm (1/8 in) headphone adapter and a proprietary microphone adapter) under of the system. It includes one earphone as well as a microphone, and works with all video games that use the interior microphone. It was released alongside Pokémon Ruby and also Pearl in Japan, The United States And Canada, as well as Australia.
Web browser
On February 15, 2006, Nintendo announced a version of the cross-platform web browser Opera for the DS system.The web browser can utilize one screen as a summary, a zoomed section of which shows up on the various other screen, or both screens together to provide a single tall sight of the page.The browser went on sale in Japan and also Europe in 2006, as well as in The United States And Canada on June 4, 2007. Internet browser operation calls for that a consisted of memory development pak is put into the GBA slot. The DSi has a web browser readily available for download from the Nintendo DSi purchase cost-free.
Wi-Fi USB Port
This USB-flash-disk-sized accessory links into a COMPUTER’s USB port and produces a small hotspot/wireless accessibility factor, enabling a Wii and also approximately five Nintendo DS systems to access the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service via the host computer’s Net link. When tried under Linux and also Mac, it works as a regular cordless adapter, connecting to wireless networks, an LED blinks when there is data being moved. There is also a hacked chauffeur for Windows XP/Vista/7/ 8/10 to make it function similarly. The Wi-Fi USB Connector was stopped from retail stores.