Nintendo DS

A dual-screen Nintendo handheld family whose touch screen, stylus and wireless features support familiar adventures and new ways to interact.

Type: Handheld
Platform company: Nintendo
Launch date: Nov 21, 2004
Official website: www.nintendo.co.jp

Collected games: 577

www.nintendo.co.jp

Overview

What this platform is

Nintendo DS debuted in North America on November 21, 2004. Its folding body and two screens created a portable platform for traditional adventures as well as touch-driven puzzles, simulations and training games.

Key features

The screens can divide a game view, map or menu, while a stylus supports tapping, dragging and writing. A microphone and local wireless communication offer additional interaction. The family includes the original DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL. Original DS and DS Lite hardware also provide a second slot for Game Boy Advance games and compatible accessories.

What to know before playing

DSi models removed the GBA slot, so backward compatibility is not identical throughout the family. Nintendo 3DS is a later platform; its exclusive games do not run on DS. Check a game’s languages and multiplayer requirements. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ended in 2014, while supported local wireless play is a separate function that does not use that internet service.