Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Handheld
Generation	Seventh
Lifespan	2004 - 2007/2011
CPU	67.028 MHz ARM946E-S 33.514 MHz ARM7TDMI
Media	DS Game cards Game Boy Advance Cartridge
Storage	Cartridge save 4MB RAM
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Online Service	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Release Date	Nintendo DS US November 21, 2004 JP December 2, 2004 EU March 1, 2005 AU February 24, 2005 Nintendo DS Lite JP March 2, 2006 AU June 2, 2006 US June 11, 2006 EU June 23, 2006 KO January 18, 2007
Units Sold	152.4 million (Original & Lite models combined)
Top Game	New Super Mario Bros.
Compatibility	Game Boy Advance
Predecessor	Game Boy Advance
Successor	Nintendo DSi

The Nintendo DS was Nintendo's seventh generation handheld system that succeeded Nintendo's Game Boy line as its primary handheld system. It featured a two screens, one of which was touch sensitive, and it was the first Nintendo handheld system to feature internet functionality. Originally known by the codename of "Project Nitro", its name is said to stand for both "Double Screen" and "Developer's System." It was succeeded by an enhanced version known as the DSi in 2008, but the DS remained in production until 2013, after it had been fully succeeded by the Nintendo 3DS.

Features

The DS came with a stylus that could be used to interact with the touch screen, which was the lower of the DS's two screens. Most DS games utilized the two screens and the touchpad for gameplay.

Firmware

The Nintendo DS's firmware was compatible with Nintendo DS Game Cards and Game Boy Advance game cartridges. It also had several additional features such as PictoChat, a chat program; DS Download Play, a program that allow multiple people to play a multiplayer game locally with only one game card; an alarm clock; and user information.

Backwards Compatibility

The DS was able to play Game Boy Advance games, but nothing from earlier Game Boy consoles due to a lack of a Zilog Z80 processor. In some instances, having Game Boy Advance games will unlock extra content in DS games. There are also Option Paks such as a Rumble Pak and a Memory Pak needed to use the DS Browser.

Connectivity

The game featured internet connectivity through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This was first launched with the release of Mario Kart DS in November 2005. The service was eventually discontinued in May 2014.

Nintendo DS Lite

Released in 2006, the DS Lite was very similar to the original DS. Differences included a longer, slimmer design, brighter screens, an improved stylus, a better battery, and a relocated microphone. It was discontinued in 2011.

See Also

List of Nintendo DS Games

Accessories

• Nintendo DS Rumble Pak