The Nintendo DS is a handheld video game console released in 2004. “DS” stands for Developer’s System and, coincidentally, DS also stood for its other notable feature – its Dual Screen. The console has a built-in microphone and also supports Wi-Fi. It resembles Nintendo’s first handheld console – the Game and Watch.
The lower screen of the Nintendo DS is a pressure sensitive touch screen that accepts inputs from a stylus, or a curved plastic tab attached to a wrist strap. The touch screen allows better interaction with game elements. To the left of the touch screen is a D-pad with a power button above it. To the right are the A, B, X, and Y buttons, and the Select and Start buttons. The Shoulder buttons, L and R, are located in the lower half of the console. The console also has stereo speakers for virtual surround sound. It has a game card with a capacity of 2GB memory for storing game progress data and scores. It also contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which lasts for ten hours when fully charged. The powerful dual processors of the console create impressive 3D graphics.
A single game card allows you to connect with other Nintendo DS systems and play multi-player games. You can use the Pictochat option to chat with other DS users within a local wireless range. Though the Nintendo DS supports Game Boy Advance Cartridges, it is not compatible with games like the Game Boy Colour, the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Advance or the GameCube.
In 2005, Nintendo launched its online game service called the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection. This can be accessed through the DS using a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector or a wireless router. In 2007, the Nintendo DS Browser was released, which allows you to surf the Internet through the console. The DS browser is compatible with any Nintendo DS game purchased anywhere in the world (except the Chinese version).
The Nintendo DS console can be enhanced with a number of available accessories like the Rumble Pak (an expansion slot), the headset consisting of earphones and a microphone, the Opera Internet Browser, a Wi-Fi USB connector or a Nintendo MP3 player.
Some of the most popular Nintendo DS games include The Legend of Zelda: Phantom, Hourglass, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, Bleach: The Blade of Fate and Mario Party. Since its launch, the Nintendo DS has gained huge popularity with sales of over 50 million up to September 2007.
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