Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Handheld
Generation	Seventh
Media	DS Game cards, Gameboy Advance Cartridge
Storage	Cartridge save, 4MB RAM
Connectivity	Wi-Fi and local wireless
Online Service	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, LAN
Release Date	JP December 2, 2004 US November 21, 2004 EU March 1, 2005 AU February 24, 2005 CN July 23, 2005
Units Sold	36.67 million
Top Game	Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
Compatibility	Gameboy Advance
Predecessor	Gameboy Advance

The Nintendo DS is Nintendo's latest handheld. It features a two screens, one touch sensitive screen, and internet functionality. The DS is not part of the earlier Gameboy line.

The DS is thought to stand for "Double Screen" or "Developer's System." It's codename was "Project Nitro."

Features

Firmware

The Nintendo DS's firmware will allow you to play DS and Gameboy Advance games. Along with that, there is PictoChat, a chat progam; DS Download Play, a program that lets you try new games or play multiplayer with other people; an alarm clock; and user information.

Backwards Compatiblity

The DS is able to play Gameboy Advance games, but not earlier games due to a lack of a Zilog Z80 processor. In many games, Gameboy 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.

Designs

Nintendo DS

The original DS is slightly inferior to it's redesign. It's a bit shorter and heavier. It's screen isn't as bright, the stylus is shorter and thinner, and it's battery doesn't last as long.

Nintendo DS Lite

Released in 2006, the DS Lite is very similar to the original DS. Differences include a longer, slimmer design, brighter screens, an improved stylus, a better battery, and a relocated microphone.