View source for Nintendo DS

{{Short description|Handheld game console}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Hatnote group|
{{other uses}} {{distinguish|Nintendo DSi|Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 2DS}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Nintendo DS
| logo = Nintendo DS Logo.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| image = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Nintendo-DS-Fat-Blue.png
| photo2a = Nintendo-DS-Lite-Black-Open.png
| spacing = 0
| color = transparent
| border = 0
}}
| caption = {{Ubl|Top: Original Nintendo DS in Electric Blue|Bottom: Nintendo DS Lite in Onyx}}
| developer = [[Nintendo]]
| manufacturer = [[Foxconn]]
| family = Nintendo DS
| codename = Nitro
| type = [[Handheld game console]]
| price = {{ubli
| {{USD|149.99|link=yes|year=2004|round=-1}}
| {{Japanese yen|15,000|link=yes|year=2004|round=-1}}
| {{£|99|link=yes|year=2005|round=-1}}
| {{Euro|149.99|link=yes|year=2005|round=-1}}
}}
| generation = [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh]]
| release_date = {{Collapsible list
|title={{nobold|November 21, 2004}}|DS: {{Video game release
|NA|November 21, 2004
|JP|December 2, 2004
|AUS|February 24, 2005
|EU|March 11, 2005
}}DS Lite: {{Video game release
|JP|March 2, 2006
|AUS|June 1, 2006
|NA|June 11, 2006
|EU|June 23, 2006
}}}}
| discontinued = <!-- Do not add a year or date without a reliable source that directly verifies it, or it will be removed. --> Yes; date undisclosed<ref name="COJP Discontinued">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/index.html|title= ニンテンドーDS: DSシリーズ本体|access-date=February 20, 2022|publisher=Nintendo|language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706221835/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/index.html|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live|ref=none}}</ref>
| units_sold = 154&nbsp;million{{Efn |name=sales |group=lower-alpha}} ([[Nintendo DS sales|details]])
| media = {{Ubli
| [[Nintendo DS Game Card]]
| [[Game Boy Advance Game Pak]]
}}
| cpu = 67&nbsp;MHz [[ARM946E-S]]<br />33&nbsp;MHz [[ARM7TDMI]]
| memory = 4&nbsp;MB [[RAM]]
| storage = [[Saved game|Cartridge save]]<br />256&nbsp;MB flash memory
| display = Two 3" [[TFT LCD]]s, 256 × 192 pixels
| connectivity = [[Wi-Fi]] (802.11b)<ref>{{cite web |title=BKENTR001 Exhibits |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/498/~/compatible-wireless-modes-and-wireless-security-types |website=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=7 January 2023 |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921064923/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/498/~/compatible-wireless-modes-and-wireless-security-types |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo DS Specifications |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Nintendo-DS/Product-Information/Technical-data/Product-Information-619794.html |website=Nintendo UK & Ireland |access-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207094551/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Nintendo-DS/Product-Information/Technical-data/Product-Information-619794.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| dimensions = {{Indented plainlist|
* DS: {{Cvt|148.7|xx|84.7|xx|28.9|mm}}
* DS Lite: {{Cvt|133|xx|73.9|xx|21.5|mm}}
}}
| weight = {{Indented plainlist|
* DS: {{Cvt|275|g}}
* DS Lite: {{Cvt|218|g}}
}}
| online_services = [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
| top_game = ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' ({{nowrap|30.80 million}})<ref name="nintendo_topsales">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html |title=Sales Data&nbsp;— Top Selling Software Sales Units&nbsp;— Nintendo DS Software |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=March 31, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2014 |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427092514/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/ds.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[List of best-selling Nintendo DS video games|list]])
| compatibility = [[Game Boy Advance]]
| predecessor = Game Boy Advance<!-- No need to link this. It is already linked above. See [[WP:MOS]] for more info. -->
| related = [[Nintendo DSi]]
| successor = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| input = * D-Pad
* 8 x digital buttons (Y, B, A, X, L, R, Select, Start)
* [[Resistive touchscreen]]
* Microphone
}}

The {{nihongo foot|'''Nintendo DS'''|ニンテンドーDS|Nintendō Dī Esu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a foldable [[handheld game console]] developed by [[Nintendo]] and released worldwide between 2004 and 2005. The "DS" in the name is an [[initialism]] for "Dual Screen",<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo DS Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3904/p/606 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117095231/http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3904/p/606 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> reflecting the system's most distinctive feature: two [[LCD]] screens working in tandem, with the lower screen functioning as a [[touchscreen]]. Both screens are housed in a [[clamshell design]] similar to that of the [[Game Boy Advance SP]] and some models of the [[Game & Watch]] series. The DS was among the first portable consoles to support [[Wireless network|wireless connectivity]] for local multiplayer over short distances, as well as online play through the now-defunct [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] service.<ref>{{cite web |author=Darkain |date=January 21, 2005 |title=Nintendo DS&nbsp;– WI-FI vs NI-FI |url=http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217195147/http://www.darkain.com/nintendo_ds/nifi.php |archive-date=February 17, 2005 |access-date=April 2, 2006}}</ref> Its primary competitor during the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]] was [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation Portable]].

Initially marketed as an experimental "third pillar" in Nintendo's console lineup—complementing the handheld [[Game Boy Advance]] family and the home console [[GameCube]]—the DS's [[backward compatibility]] with Game Boy Advance titles and strong sales led it to be widely regarded as the successor to the [[Game Boy family|Game Boy line]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2011 |title=A Pillar Too Many |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/features/specials/a-pillar-too-many |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202235258/http://www.nintendojo.com/features/specials/a-pillar-too-many |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2019}}</ref> A slimmer model, the '''Nintendo DS Lite''', which features brighter screens and improved battery life, was released in 2006.

The DS and DS Lite were followed by the [[Nintendo DSi]], a revision released on November 1, 2008. The DSi added dual [[digital camera]]s, larger screens, more memory, a faster processor, and internal flash memory, and it was later offered in a larger DSi&nbsp;XL model. It also introduced [[digital distribution]] of games, but lost compatibility with Game Boy Advance cartridges. Although hundreds of downloadable titles were available, only six DSi-exclusive game cards were released. The DS line was ultimately succeeded by the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in February 2011.

Including the DS Lite and DSi models, the Nintendo DS [[Nintendo DS sales|has sold]] 154&nbsp;million units, becoming the best-selling [[Nintendo console]] until it was surpassed by the [[Nintendo Switch]] in 2025. It also ranks as the [[List of best-selling game consoles|third best-selling video game console of all time]], behind the [[PlayStation 2]] and the Switch. The DS Lite accounted for over 60 percent of total DS hardware shipments.{{Efn|{{Unbulleted list | Total: 154.02&nbsp;million<ref name="nintendosales">{{cite web |date=April 27, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084600/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> | DS (original): 19.57&nbsp;million (12.9%) | DS Lite: 93.08&nbsp;million (60.4%) | DSi: 28.44&nbsp;million (18.5%) | DSi XL: 12.93&nbsp;million (8.4%) }} |name=sales |group=lower-alpha}}

== History ==
=== Development ===
Development of the Nintendo DS began around mid-2002, as company president [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]] stepped down and assumed an advisory role. At the time, he proposed that Nintendo explore a system built around two screens.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Yamauchi |first=Hiroshi |date=February 13, 2004 |title=Nintendo DS Invented by Advisor Yamauchi – Interview |url=http://gameonline.jp:80/news/2004/02/13013.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405140350/http://gameonline.jp/news/2004/02/13013.html |archive-date=April 5, 2004 |access-date=April 19, 2020 |website=Game Online citing Nikkei Shimbun}}</ref>

[[Satoru Iwata]] succeeded Yamauchi as president in May 2002.<ref name=":0" /> He acknowledged that Nintendo had fallen behind industry trends, particularly online gaming, and sought to broaden the company's audience beyond traditional gamers.<ref name="IGN iwata bio">{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=James |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Profile: Satoru Iwata |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423205933/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |page=3}}</ref> Internal research suggested that Nintendo's past emphasis on unconventional hardware had complicated third-party development and weakened its competitiveness.<ref>{{cite book |last=Inoue |first=Osamu |title=Nintendo Magic: Winning the Video Game Wars |publisher=[[Vertical (company)|Vertical]] |others=Translated by Paul Tuttle Starr |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-934287-22-4 |location=Tokyo, Japan |publication-date=April 27, 2010 |pages=27–31}}</ref> Iwata therefore supported development of a dual-screen handheld that would offer distinctive new ways to play, be more accessible to non-traditional audiences, and easier for developers to support. Because Nintendo believed consumers were unlikely to pay recurring fees for online services, the design emphasized wireless functionality to enable local multiplayer and new interactive experiences without subscriptions.<ref name=":0" />

On January 20, 2004, Nintendo announced that it would release a new dual-screen game device under the codename "Nintendo DS", describing it as an experimental "third pillar" alongside the [[Game Boy Advance]] and [[GameCube]] rather than a replacement for either.<ref name="janpress">{{cite web |date=January 20, 2004 |title=Nintendo Announces Dual-Screened Portable Game System |url=http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040120/206239_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040402004236/http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040120/206239_1.html |archive-date=April 2, 2004 |access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="newconsole">{{cite web |date=November 13, 2003 |title=Nintendo Going Back to the Basics. Full story about the company offering a new system in 2004. |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/541/541729p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211003913/http://ds.ign.com/articles/541/541729p1.html |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=October 4, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Few technical details were initially disclosed, other than that it would feature two 3-inch TFT LCD displays, dual processors, and up to 128 MB of memory.<ref name="janpress" /><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Billy Berghammer |date=January 21, 2004 |title=GI Online Interviews NOA's Beth Llewelyn About The Nintendo DS |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200401/N04.0121.1808.42530.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612012800/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200401/N04.0121.1808.42530.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2007 |access-date=July 10, 2007 |magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref>

In March 2004, a leaked document revealed additional technical specifications, including that one of the screens would be touch sensitive, and identified the internal development name "Nitro".<ref>{{cite web |author=Kavanagh, Rich |date=March 13, 2004 |title=More Nintendo DS (or Nitro?) specs leaked |url=http://it.vibe.co.uk/technology/2003/12/more-nintendo-ds-or-nitro-specs-leaked/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106073212/http://it.vibe.co.uk/technology/2003/12/more-nintendo-ds-or-nitro-specs-leaked/ |archive-date=November 6, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2007}}</ref> The prototype was shown publicly in May at [[E3 2004]] in Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite news |author=Kent, Steve |date=May 5, 2004 |title=Nintendo unveiling new portable |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-05-11-nintendo-ds_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209140747/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-05-11-nintendo-ds_x.htm |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2007 |work=USA Today}}</ref> where Nintendo of America president [[Reggie Fils-Aimé]] noted that the design would change before launch. On July 28, 2004, Nintendo unveiled a redesigned, "sleeker and more elegant" version and confirmed Nintendo DS as the final name.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 28, 2004 |title=Nintendo keeps 'DS' codename, tweaks hardware |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-07-28-no-really-its-ds_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013040532/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-07-28-no-really-its-ds_x.htm |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=July 13, 2007 |work=USA Today}}</ref>

Iwata characterized the DS as Nintendo's first hardware launch in support of its "Gaming Population Expansion" strategy, highlighting that its touch-based interface would allow for intuitive play, and described the project as "a completely different concept from existing game devices", intended to reassert the company's reputation for innovation.<ref name="janpress" /><ref name="Message from the President Dec 2008">{{cite web |date=2008 |title=Message from the President: To shareholders and investors |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/message/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221204655/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/message/index.html |archive-date=December 21, 2008 |access-date=November 25, 2015 |work=Investor Relations Information |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |location=Japan}}</ref><ref name="thirdpillar">{{cite web |author=Glen Bayer |date=March 1, 2004 |title=Various Satoru Iwata comments regarding the Nintendo DS |url=http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=515 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009134201/http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=515 |archive-date=October 9, 2008 |access-date=October 4, 2007 |publisher=N-sider.com}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

In February 2004, while the Nintendo DS was still in development and amid concern over the GameCube's lukewarm performance, Yamauchi stated, "If the DS succeeds, we will rise to heaven, but if it fails we will sink to hell".<ref name=":0" />

=== Launch ===
On September 20, 2004, Nintendo announced that the Nintendo DS would launch in North America on November 21, 2004, for {{USD|149.99|2004|link=yes|round=-1}}<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=September 20, 2004 |title=Official Nintendo DS Launch Details |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/549/549919p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509205923/http://ds.ign.com/articles/549/549919p1.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=August 13, 2007}}</ref> followed by releases in Japan on December 2 for {{Japanese yen|15,000|link=yes|year=2004|round=-1}},<ref name="JAPprice">{{cite web |date=October 7, 2004 |title=IGN: NDS Japanese Launch Details |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/554/554890p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103125005/http://ds.ign.com/articles/554/554890p1.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2008 |website=IGN}}</ref> in Australia and New Zealand on February 24, 2005, for {{Australian dollar|link=yes|199.95|2005|round=-1}} or {{New Zealand dollar|249|link=yes|year=2005|round=-1}},<ref name="AUSprice">{{cite web |title=PALGN: Australian DS Launch |url=http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/1885/australian-ds-launch/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525223342/http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/1885/australian-ds-launch/ |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> and in Europe on March 11, 2005, for {{Euro|149.99|link=yes}} or {{£|99.99|2005|round=-1}}.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="EURprice">{{cite web |date=February 28, 2005 |title=Nintendo claims most successful launch ever for DS in Australia |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-claims-most-successful-launch-ever-for-ds-in-australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515222238/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-claims-most-successful-launch-ever-for-ds-in-australia |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> The North American debut was marked by a midnight launch event in Los Angeles, while the Japanese launch was comparatively subdued, reportedly in part because of the winter weather.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=December 1, 2004 |title=NDS Launches in Japan |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/569/569911p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103141706/http://ds.ign.com/articles/569/569911p1.html |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |access-date=July 16, 2007}}</ref>

Nintendo released the DS in North America ahead of Japan, its first hardware launch to follow that order, to position the system for the U.S. holiday shopping season and [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 12, 2004 |title=Nintendo reacts to DS demand; orders, share price on the rise |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-reacts-to-ds-demand-orders-share-price-on-the-rise-6113031 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929082854/http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-reacts-to-ds-demand-orders-share-price-on-the-rise-6113031 |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |access-date=October 11, 2012 |publisher=GameSpot.com}}</ref> Demand exceeded expectations: more than three million preorders were placed across North America and Japan, quickly exhausting many retailers' allocations. Nintendo initially planned to ship about one million units combined for both launches but added production capacity after seeing preorder volumes. For the U.S. launch, 550,000 units were shipped (up from a planned 300,000), with just over 500,000 sold in the first week. The system reached one million units sold in the United States by December 21, 2004, and worldwide shipments totaled 2.8 million by the end of the year—roughly 800,000 above Nintendo's forecast.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 7, 2005 |title=Nintendo News, Previews, Reviews, Editorials and Interaction |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/archives/infocus/view_item.php?1105105971 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115505/http://www.nintendojo.com/archives/infocus/view_item.php?1105105971 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=October 11, 2012 |publisher=Nintendojo.com}}</ref> By June 2005, global sales had reached 6.65 million units,<ref>{{cite web |date=September 30, 2007 |title=Consolidated Financial Highlights |url=https://www.nintendo.com/corp/report/FY06_1Qfinancials.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930024617/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/report/FY06_1Qfinancials.pdf |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=October 11, 2012 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> and some commentators likened its popularity to the "[[Tickle Me Elmo]]" craze of 1996.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 23, 2005|title=Nintendo's DS player emerges as Tickle Me Elmo of 2004|url=http://www.sacticket.com/gamers/story/11763629p-12648524c.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223235049/http://www.sacticket.com/gamers/story/11763629p-12648524c.html|archive-date=February 23, 2005|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref>

Some early units were reported to have [[Defective pixel|stuck pixels]], as was common with LCD displays of the time. Nintendo of America launched a program to repair or replace screens if the owner felt that the stuck pixels interfered with their gaming experience.

==== China ====
The Nintendo DS was released in China on July 23, 2005, by Nintendo's [[Video game localization|localization]] partner [[iQue]] as the iQue DS. This version featured updated firmware to block [[Video game piracy|game piracy]] and was also released in a new red color. Five games were localized for the system. The iQue DS is the only Nintendo DS model with regional lockout: games designed for it cannot be played on DS systems from other regions, although games from other regions are compatible with the iQue DS.<ref name=":0" />

==== Games available on launch ====
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Publisher
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | [[North America|NA]]
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | [[Japan|JP]]
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | [[Europe|EU]]
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | [[Australia|AU]]/<br />[[New Zealand|NZ]]
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | [[China|CN]]
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Asphalt: Urban GT]]''
| [[Gameloft]]
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Daigasso! Band Brothers]]''
| [[Nintendo]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Feel the Magic: XY/XX]]''
| [[Sega]]
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''Kensyūi Dokuta Tendo'' ({{lit|Resident Doctor Tendo}})
| [[Spike Chunsoft]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Madden NFL 2005]]''
| [[Electronic Arts]]
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''Mahjong Taikai''
| [[Koei]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt]]''
| Nintendo
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Mr. Driller Drill Spirits]]''
| [[Namco]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Ping Pals]]''
| [[THQ]]
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Pokémon Dash]]''
| Nintendo
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Polarium]]''
| Nintendo
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Rayman DS]]''
| [[Ubisoft]]
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Retro Atari Classics]]''
| [[Atari]]
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Robots (2005 video game)|Robots]]''
| [[VU Games]]
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Spider-Man 2 (2004 video game)|Spider-Man 2]]''
| [[Activision]]
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Sprung (video game)|Sprung]]''
| Ubisoft
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]''
| Nintendo
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Tiger Woods PGA Tour]]''
| Electronic Arts
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[The Urbz: Sims in the City]]''
| Electronic Arts
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[WarioWare: Touched!]]''
| Nintendo
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Zoo Keeper (2003 video game)|Zoo Keeper]]''
| [[Success (company)|Success]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
|-
! scope="row" | ''Zunō ni Asekaku Game Series Vol. 1: Cool 104 Joker & Setline''
| [[Aruze]]
| {{na}}
| {{ya}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
| {{na}}
|}

=== Promotion ===
The system's promotional slogans use the word "Touch" in almost all countries, with the North American slogan being "Touching is good."<ref name="nbcnews">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6471849|title=Nintendo DS targets teens, young adults|date=November 15, 2004|publisher=NBC News|access-date=May 24, 2016|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924003738/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6471849/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/nintendo-ds-targets-teens-young-adults/#.V0TbC5MrLao|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Nintendo DS was seen by many analysts to be in the same market as [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation Portable]], although representatives from both companies stated that each system targeted a different audience.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Competitive Intelligence: The New Sony PSP Handheld: a Clear Victory of Form Over Function|url=https://www.aurorawdc.com/ci/000311.html|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=www.aurorawdc.com|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608185913/http://www.aurorawdc.com/ci/000311.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nintendo DS targets teens, young adults|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6471849|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=NBC News|date=November 15, 2004 |language=en|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418034710/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6471849|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]] awarded the DS a Gadget of the Week award.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rothman|first=Wilson|date=June 14, 2006|title=Time Magazine: Gadget of the Week|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1204187,00.html|url-status=dead|access-date=February 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060703110018/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1204187,00.html|archive-date=July 3, 2006}}</ref>

At the time of its release in the United States, the Nintendo DS retailed for {{USD|149.99}}. The price dropped to {{USD|129.99}} on August 21, 2005, one day before the release of ''[[Nintendogs]]'' and ''[[Advance Wars: Dual Strike]]''.

Nine official colors of the Nintendo DS were available through standard retailers. Titanium-colored units were available worldwide; Electric Blue was exclusive to North and Latin America. There was also a red version which was bundled with the game ''[[Mario Kart DS]]''. Graphite Black, Pure White, Turquoise Blue, and Candy Pink were available in Japan. Mystic Pink and Cosmic Blue<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nintendo-colours-in-ds/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216130443/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nintendo-colours-in-ds/ | archive-date=2023-02-16 | date=2008-08-14 | title=Nintendo colours in DS | publisher=[[CNET]] | url-status=live}}</ref> were available in Australia and New Zealand. Japan's Candy Pink and Australia's Cosmic Blue were also available in Europe and North America through a ''Nintendogs'' bundle, although the colors are just referred to as pink and blue; however, these colors were available only for the original style Nintendo DS; a different and more-limited set of colors were used for the Nintendo DS Lite.

=== DS Lite ===
{{Redirect|DS Lite|the IPv6 transition mechanism|DS-Lite}}
[[File:Nintendo DS Compare.jpg|thumb|A Nintendo DS Lite (left) and an original DS (right)]]

<!-- Launch and supply shortages -->
The Nintendo DS Lite was announced on January 26, 2006,<ref>{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=January 26, 2006 |title=DS Lite officially announced |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news260106dslite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105224255/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news260106dslite |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> and showcased at [[E3 2006]] the following May.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Lucas |date=16 May 2011 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2006 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=IGN}}</ref> The system launched in Japan on March 2, 2006.<ref name="reggie_interview">{{cite web |last=Rojas |first=Peter |date=2006-02-20 |title=The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626231958/https://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/ |archive-date=2017-06-26 |access-date=2006-06-01 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref> Heavy demand led to widespread shortages, and some retailers raised prices above [[list price]]. Nintendo shipped 550,000 units in March 2006, exceeding expectations, yet the console sold out quickly.<ref name="reggie_interview" /> To address demand, the company shipped an additional 700,000 units in April, but retailers were again sold out by late May.<ref>{{cite web |author=Danny Choo |title=Japan DS Lite |url=http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/528/Japan+DS+Lite.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402020606/http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/528/Japan+DS+Lite.html |archive-date=2012-04-02 |access-date=2006-06-11}}</ref> Shortages continued through much of 2006 and 2007.<ref name="soldout">{{cite web |author=David Radd |date=2008-11-05 |title=DSi Sells Out in Japan in Four Days |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/dsi-sells-out-in-japan-in-four-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210080015/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/dsi-sells-out-in-japan-in-four-days/ |archive-date=2008-12-10 |access-date=2008-12-07 |work=[[GameDaily]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Analyst Predicts Wii Shortages Into 2009 |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/analyst-predicts-wii-shortages-into-2009 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}}</ref>

<!-- International releases -->
The DS Lite launched in Australia on June 1, 2006, bundled with a demo of ''[[Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!|Brain Age]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brain Training demo with DS lite launch in Australia |url=http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=2830 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909084154/http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=2830 |archive-date=2009-09-09 |access-date=2009-04-06 |work=GoNintendo}}</ref> North America followed on June 11, 2006,<ref name="litemario">{{cite web |date=2006-05-04 |title=New Nintendo DS Lites The Way For Mario |url=https://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=Og1MrMU-BTmhVNcRMku_yhCWtXhjFheh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012183822/http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=Og1MrMU-BTmhVNcRMku_yhCWtXhjFheh |archive-date=2007-10-12 |access-date=2006-06-01 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> with reports that some major chains sold units ahead of the official date.<ref name="rumor_early">{{cite web |author=Polybren |date=2006-05-31 |title=DS Lite launches early? |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=24673325 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930192431/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=24673325 |archive-date=2007-09-30 |access-date=2006-05-31 |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> By June 12, most major U.S. retailers had sold out,<ref name="US sellout">{{cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |date=2006-06-12 |title=DS Lites up US retailers |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6152621.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615030940/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6152621.html |archive-date=2006-06-15 |access-date=2006-05-31 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CNET}}</ref> and Nintendo reported sales of 136,500 units within the first two days.<ref name="twodays">{{cite web |date=2006-06-12 |title=Nintendo news: Nintendo DS continues to dominate portable video games |url=http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=9872 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108072705/http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=9872 |archive-date=2007-01-08 |access-date=2006-06-14 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>

In Europe, the DS Lite was released on June 23, 2006, with early launches in [[Finland]] and [[Sweden]] to avoid the [[Juhannus|Midsummer]] holiday. Nintendo reported sales of 200,000 units across Europe in the first ten days.<ref name="launch Europe">{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=July 11, 2006 |title=DS Lite: Euro sales hit 200,000 in ten days |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ds-lite-euro-sales-hit-200000-in-ten-days |website=gamesIndustry.biz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207154751/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ds-lite-euro-sales-hit-200000-in-ten-days |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=January 9, 2026 }}</ref> During the launch period, a shipment of consoles and games valued at {{HK$|18 million|link=yes}} (US$2.32&nbsp;million, equivalent to {{Inflation|index=US|value=2.32|start_year=2008|r=2}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|index=US}}) was stolen in [[Hong Kong]] while in transit to Europe.<ref>{{cite web |date=2006-06-12 |title=Robbers steal 18 million worth of NDSL handheld (AP) |url=http://games.sina.com.cn/t/n/2006-06-12/1526154872.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015191702/http://games.sina.com.cn/t/n/2006-06-12/1526154872.shtml |archive-date=2008-10-15 |access-date=2008-01-07 |publisher=[[Sina.com]] |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=2006-06-19 |title=Nintendo confirms theft of DS Lite shipment |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-confirms-theft-of-ds-lite-shipment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424021638/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-confirms-theft-of-ds-lite-shipment |archive-date=2008-04-24 |access-date=2008-01-06 |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref>

Following the establishment of Nintendo of Korea in July 2006, the DS Lite became the subsidiary's first console release on January 18, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Opens Korean Offices |url=http://thewiire.com/blog/post/4881-nintendo-opens-korean-offices |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907141429/http://thewiire.com/blog/post/4881-nintendo-opens-korean-offices |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |access-date=2006-12-22 |publisher=The Wiire}}</ref> Promoted by actors [[Jang Dong-gun]] and [[Ahn Sung-ki]], it sold more than one million units in South Korea within its first year, reaching 1.4 million by April 2008.<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-04-14 |title=Nintendo Korea Press Release |url=http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DS/PressRelease.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414160851/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DS/PressRelease.php |archive-date=2008-04-14 |access-date=2010-04-26}}</ref>

<!-- Discontinuation -->
The Nintendo DS Lite was reportedly discontinued in April 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=April 22, 2011 |title=Nintendo discontinues DS Lite handheld and ends support for GameBoy Advance |url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/04/22/nintendo-discontinues-ds-lite-handheld-and-ends-support-for-gameboy-advance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105224254/https://venturebeat.com/2011/04/22/nintendo-discontinues-ds-lite-handheld-and-ends-support-for-gameboy-advance/ |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |work=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sliwinski |first=A. |date=April 25, 2011 |title=GameStop no longer stocking Nintendo DS Lite |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/gamestop-no-longer-stocking-nintendo-ds-lite/ |access-date=November 5, 2021 |work=[[Engadget]]}}</ref>

=== Sales ===
{{Main|Nintendo DS sales}}

As of March 31, 2016, all Nintendo DS models combined have sold 154.02&nbsp;million units.<ref name="nintendosales" /> The majority of these were made up of the first revision model, the DS Lite, according to Nintendo.<ref name="nintendosales" />

=== Legacy ===
{{See also|Nintendo DSi|Nintendo 3DS}}

The Nintendo DS introduced [[touchscreen]] controls and wireless [[Online game|online gaming]] to a broad audience. Damien McFerran of ''Nintendo Life'' wrote that the "DS was the first encounter many people had with touch-based tech, and it left an indelible impression."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Retrospective: The Awkward Birth of the DS, Nintendo's Most Successful System |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/retrospective_the_awkward_birth_of_the_ds_nintendos_most_successful_system |access-date=14 August 2021 |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=19 May 2017 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028031923/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/retrospective_the_awkward_birth_of_the_ds_nintendos_most_successful_system |url-status=live }}</ref> It established a large [[casual gaming]] market, attracting non-traditional gamers and setting touchscreens as a standard for future portable devices. Jeremy Parish, writing for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' stated that the DS, "had basically primed the entire world for" the iPhone (released in January 2007), laying the groundwork for touchscreen [[Mobile game|mobile gaming apps]], though he noted that the success of the iPhone "effectively caused the DS market to implode" by the early 2010s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |date=22 October 2018 |title=The DS saved Nintendo while destroying handheld gaming as we knew it |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/22/18000592/nintendo-ds-mobile-casual-gaming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814221703/https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/22/18000592/nintendo-ds-mobile-casual-gaming |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |access-date=14 August 2021 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>

The DS also broadened the market for female gamers. In 2006, Nintendo reported that 44% of DS owners were female, with the majority of ''[[Nintendogs]]'' players being women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Jon |date=27 October 2006 |title=How DS created a new generation of girl gamers |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/news/how-ds-created-a-new-generation-of-girl-gamers/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519202853/https://www.pocketgamer.com/news/how-ds-created-a-new-generation-of-girl-gamers/ }}</ref>

The system was followed by the Nintendo DSi, released on November 1, 2008, which added dual digital cameras and digital game distribution, while removing backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance titles. A larger variant, originally planned as a DS Lite variant, was released as the Nintendo DSi XL.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 14, 2009 |title=DSi XL Was Once DS Lite XL |url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/105/1054873p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204211709/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/105/1054873p1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=January 2, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Briefing">{{cite web |date=October 30, 2009 |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Semi-annual Financial Results Briefing |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/091030/09.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106150931/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/091030/09.html |archive-date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo |pages=9–10 |location=Minami-ku, Kyoto}}</ref><ref name="fourth">{{cite web |author=Tor Thorsen |date=October 29, 2009 |title=DSi XL hits US & EU Q1 2010, DS sales top 113 million |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/dsi-xl-hits-us-and-eu-q1-2010-ds-sales-top-113-million-6238345 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105131637/http://www.gamespot.com/news/dsi-xl-hits-us-and-eu-q1-2010-ds-sales-top-113-million-6238345 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |location=[[San Francisco]]}}</ref><ref name="Christopher2009a">{{cite web |author=Christopher Dring |date=October 29, 2009 |title=Nintendo reveals DSi LL |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nintendo-reveals-dsi-ll |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001192333/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nintendo-reveals-dsi-ll |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |work=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]] |publisher=Intent Media |location=United Kingdom}}</ref>

The success of the DS also paved the way for the Nintendo 3DS, a dual-screen handheld capable of displaying stereoscopic 3D on the top screen.<ref name="Nintendo to unveil 3-D gaming console">{{cite web |last=Frum |first=Larry |title=Nintendo to unveil 3-D gaming console |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/23/nintendo.3d/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013201558/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/23/nintendo.3d/index.html |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2013 |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref>

On January 29, 2014, Nintendo announced that DS games would be added to the [[Wii U]]'s Virtual Console, with ''Brain Age'' being the first released in Japan on June 3, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |date=January 29, 2013 |title=Nintendo DS games coming to Wii U Virtual Console |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/29/5359746/nintendo-ds-games-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131080446/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/29/5359746/nintendo-ds-games-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console |archive-date=January 31, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2014 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref name="VCJPrelease">{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=June 4, 2014 |title=Nintendo's first DS title for Wii U now available in Japan |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-04-nintendos-first-ds-title-for-wii-u-now-available-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608201653/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-04-nintendos-first-ds-title-for-wii-u-now-available-in-japan |archive-date=June 8, 2014 |access-date=June 4, 2014 |publisher=Eurogamer.net}}</ref>

== Hardware ==
[[File:Nintendo-DS-Styli.jpg|thumb|Stylus for the DS Lite]]

The design of the Nintendo DS recalls earlier Nintendo products, including the dual-screen series of the [[Game & Watch]] line—such as ''[[Donkey Kong (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong]]'' and ''[[Zelda Game & Watch|Zelda]]''—as well as the clamshell ''[[Game Boy Advance SP]]''.

The system uses two 3-inch (diagonal) [[TFT LCD]]s, each with a resolution of 256&nbsp;×&nbsp;192 pixels and a 4:3 [[aspect ratio]]. The lower screen is covered by a [[resistive touchscreen]] that accepts input from a finger or the included [[Stylus (computing)|stylus]], which is stored in a holder on the device. The system also features a [[D-pad]] (referred to by Nintendo as the "+Control Pad"), six [[action button]]s on its front (A, B, X, Y, Start, and Select), and two [[shoulder button]]s (L and R). The overall layout resembles the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] controller. The top edge houses the game card slot and power connector (the same as used with the [[Game Boy Advance SP]]), while the bottom includes the slot for [[Game Boy Advance]] cartridges.

[[Stereophonic sound|Stereo speakers]]—positioned on either side of the upper display—can provide [[virtual surround]] sound. A built-in microphone sits below the lower screen and is used for features such as [[speech recognition]], [[Voice chat in online gaming|voice chat]], and gameplay actions that require the player to blow or shout into it.

The Nintendo DS contains two processors that operate together in an [[asymmetric multiprocessing|asymmetric configuration]]. One is an [[ARM7TDMI]]—the same as in the Game Boy Advance but clocked at twice the speed, 34&nbsp;MHz—which handles input/output functions and provides backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance software. The second is an [[ARM946E-S]] running at 67&nbsp;MHz, which performs most of the system's primary processing. The two processors share tasks and exchange data as required by software.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Copetti |first=Rodrigo |date=2020-08-11 |title=Nintendo DS Architecture - A Practical Analysis |url=https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/nintendo-ds/ |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=Architecture of Consoles |language=en}}</ref>

The console includes several types of memory: 32&nbsp;kB of work RAM shared between both processors, an additional 64&nbsp;kB accessible only to the ARM7, and 4&nbsp;MB of [[Pseudostatic RAM|PSRAM]] used as the main system memory. The system also contains 256&nbsp;kB of flash memory that stores the firmware, user preferences, and certain system settings; firmware updates were not intended to be installed by the user.<ref name=":1" />

The DS has 656&nbsp;kB of video memory<ref>{{cite web |title=A guide to homebrew development for the Nintendo DS |url=https://osdl.sourceforge.net/main/documentation/misc/nintendo-DS/homebrew-guide/HomebrewForDS.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805085134/http://osdl.sourceforge.net/main/documentation/misc/nintendo-DS/homebrew-guide/HomebrewForDS.html |archive-date=August 5, 2009 |access-date=July 16, 2009}}</ref> and two 2D graphics engines (one for each screen), which are more capable than the single engine in the Game Boy Advance. The system's [[3D computer graphics|3D]] hardware<ref name="problemkaputt.de">{{cite web |title=GBATEK – GBA/NDS Technical Info |url=http://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm#dstechnicaldata |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727034359/http://problemkaputt.de/gbatek.htm#dstechnicaldata |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> includes a geometry and rendering engine capable of effects such as [[texture mapping]], [[alpha blending]], [[Gouraud shading]], [[cel shading]], and basic lighting. Because it uses [[nearest-neighbor interpolation|nearest-neighbor]] [[texture filtering]], some games appear blocky. It is also constrained by a fixed polygon budget—about 2,048 triangles per frame—and renders 3D to only one screen at a time, making dual-screen 3D difficult and performance-intensive. The DS also includes 512&nbsp;kB of texture memory and supports textures up to 1024 × 1024 pixels.<ref>{{cite conference |last1=Homic |first1=Chuck |last2=Oberg |first2=Greg |date=5–9 March 2007 |title=3D Tricks: Engineering Innovation on the Nintendo DS |url=http://twvideo01.ubm-us.net/o1/vault/gdc07/slides/S3727i1.pdf |conference=Take Control: Game Developers Conference |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421234338/http://twvideo01.ubm-us.net/o1/vault/gdc07/slides/S3727i1.pdf |archive-date=April 21, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Nintendo DS supports [[Wi-Fi]] via the [[IEEE 802.11]]b standard, optionally with [[Wired Equivalent Privacy|WEP]] encryption, enabling local multiplayer over short distances and online play through the now-defunct Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 2, 2009 |title=Nintendo DS wi-fi protocol information |url=http://masscat.afraid.org/ninds/proto_info.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202194241/http://masscat.afraid.org/ninds/proto_info.php |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=September 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Service Discontinuation: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6026/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNzQwOTE5NjU3L2dlbi8xNzQwOTE5NjU3L3NpZC9mVTRZbFZyd2FHVnhuNHJMV3lTUnlCb3Y1QXZ0JTdFM1QyeW9pZkZXNzNjQ29WZ0theHBoeW5wblo3TGdXa0hFWiU3RVYzWWZUeVY3b0NyeVYlN0VWbXFiZTMwUyU3RXltVDdzSXBNc1AxT1RWTEczaGRmRm5qTF9BMXAlN0V5ZyU3RUElMjElMjE%3D |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Nintendo Support |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> These standards are now considered outdated, and WEP in particular is regarded as insecure.

Nintendo states that the rechargeable 850&nbsp;mAh lithium-ion battery lasts up to 10 hours under ideal conditions after a 4-hour charge, though actual life depends on factors such as volume, screen brightness, wireless use, and whether one or both screens are active. The battery is user-replaceable with a Phillips screwdriver, and capacity declines after roughly 500 charge cycles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo DS – Charging the Battery |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/ds/battery_faq.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123004258/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/ds/battery_faq.jsp |archive-date=January 23, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2014 |website=Nintendo Customer Service}}</ref>

Closing the system activates a sleep mode that pauses most games and conserves power by turning off the screens, speakers, and wireless features. Sleep mode does not function while playing Game Boy Advance titles, and some DS games do not pause.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo DS Fitting Guides, NDSL Repair Guides |url=http://www.consolewerks.co.uk/console%20info/nintendo-ds-information.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109090226/http://www.consolewerks.co.uk/console%20info/nintendo-ds-information.html |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=September 11, 2012 |publisher=Consolewerks}}</ref> A few titles incorporate closing the system into gameplay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=2021-08-31 |title=Did You Know That Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Borrows Its Most Ingenious Puzzle From Another Game? |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/did_you_know_that_zelda_phantom_hourglass_borrows_its_most_ingenious_puzzle_from_another_game |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Stephen |date=2007-10-15 |title=Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck Review – Nintendo DS |url=http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32341.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105154640/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32341.htm |archive-date=2008-11-05 |website=GameZone}}</ref>

=== Nintendo DS Lite ===
The Nintendo DS Lite is a redesign of the Nintendo DS. While retaining the original model's core features, it features a slimmer case, a larger stylus, improved battery life, and brighter displays.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Is the Difference between the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DS Lite? {{!}} Nintendo Support |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4111/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-nintendo-ds-and-the-nintendo-ds-lite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124904/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4111/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-nintendo-ds-and-the-nintendo-ds-lite |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref> The top screen has a maximum brightness of 200{{nbsp}}[[Candela per square metre|cd/m<sup>2</sup>]], while the lower touch screen reaches 190{{nbsp}}cd/m<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soneira |first=Raymond Soneira |date=2006 |title=Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Lite LCD Shoot-Out |url=http://www.displaymate.com/psp_ds_shootout.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427214640/http://www.displaymate.com/psp_ds_shootout.htm |archive-date=2020-04-27 |access-date=2020-06-14 |website=www.displaymate.com}}</ref> Its 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery provides approximately 15–19 hours of play after about three hours of charging. The DS Lite uses a different AC adapter from the original Nintendo DS and the Game Boy Advance SP due to a smaller power port on the top of the unit.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dslite/accessories.jsp Customer Service | Nintendo DS Lite – Accessories] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033149/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dslite/accessories.jsp|date=2016-03-04}}. Nintendo. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.</ref> The included stylus is 1&nbsp;cm longer and 2&nbsp;mm thicker than that of the original model.

{{Gallery
| title = Nintendo DS Lite hardware gallery
| align = center
| File:Nintendo DS Lite (closed).jpg
| The Nintendo DS Lite, closed
| File:Nintendo DS Lite (top open on).jpg
| The Nintendo DS Lite, turned on and fully open
| File:Nintendo DS Lite (front).jpg
| The front, with the volume slider, Game Boy Advance slot, and headphone/microphone jack
| File:Nintendo DS Lite (right side).jpg
| Remodeled stylus and relocated Start and Select buttons, and power switch
}}

=== Technical specifications ===
{| class="wikitable outercollapse" style="width: 100%; text-align: center;" |
|-
! style="width: 10%;" | Name
! style="width: 15%;" | Nintendo DS
! style="width: 15%;" | Nintendo DS Lite
! style="width: 15%;" | Nintendo DSi
! style="width: 15%;" | Nintendo DSi XL
|- class="skin-invert-image"
! Logo
! [[File:Nintendo DS Logo.svg|130x130px]]
! [[File:Nintendo DS Lite logo.svg|130x130px]]
! [[File:Nintendo DSi logo.svg|130x130px]]
! [[File:Nintendo DSi XL logo.svg|130x130px]]
|-
! Console
| [[File:Nintendo-DS-Fat-Blue.jpg|alt=|125x125px]]
| [[File:Nintendo DS Lite Ice Blue 01.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[File:Nintendo-DSi-Bl-Open.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[File:Nintendo-DSi-XL-Burg.jpg|150x150px]]
|-
! In production
| colspan="4" {{N/a|Discontinued}}
|-
! Generation
| colspan="4" | [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|Seventh generation]]
|-
! Release date
| {{Video game release|NA|November 21, 2004|JP|December 2, 2004|AU|February 24, 2005|EU|March 11, 2005}}
| {{Video game release|JP|March 2, 2006|AU|June 1, 2006|NA|June 11, 2006|EU|June 23, 2006}}
| {{Video game release|JP|November 1, 2008|AU|April 2, 2009|EU|April 3, 2009|NA|April 5, 2009}}
| {{Video game release|JP|November 21, 2009|EU|March 5, 2010|NA|March 28, 2010|AU|April 15, 2010}}
|- style="text-align: left;"
! Launch price <!-- DO NOT CHANGE PRICES IN THIS SECTION. This section is about the LAUNCH PRICE, as in, the price WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED. -->
| {{Unbulleted list|US$149.99}}
| {{Unbulleted list|US$129.99}}
| {{Unbulleted list|US$169.99}}
| {{Unbulleted list|US$189.99}}
|-
! Current price
| colspan="4" {{N/a|Discontinued}}
|-
! Units shipped
| colspan="4" | '''Worldwide:''' 154.02&nbsp;million <small>(as of June 30, 2016)</small>
|-
! rowspan="2" | [[Display device|Display]]
| colspan="2" | {{cvt|3.00|in|order=flip}}
| {{cvt|3.25|in|order=flip}}
| {{cvt|4.2|in|order=flip}}
|-
| colspan="4" | 256x192&nbsp;px
|-
! [[Central processing unit|Processor]]
| colspan="2" | 67&nbsp;MHz [[ARM9|ARM946E-S]] & 33&nbsp;MHz [[ARM7]]TDMI
| colspan="2" | 133&nbsp;MHz ARM9 & 33&nbsp;MHz [[ARM7]]
|-
! [[Random-access memory|Memory]]
| colspan="2" | 4&nbsp;MB PSRAM
| colspan="2" | 16&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]]
|-
! Camera
| colspan="2" | No
| colspan="2" | One front-facing and one outward-facing 0.3&nbsp;[[Megapixel|MP]]
|-
! [[Data storage device|Storage]]
| colspan="2" | 256&nbsp;KB of serial flash memory
| colspan="2" | 256&nbsp;MB of internal [[flash memory]] with an [[SD card]] (up to 2 [[Gigabyte|GB]]) and SDHC card (up to 32&nbsp;GB) [[expansion slot]]
|-
! Physical media
| colspan="2" | [[Game Boy Advance Game Pak]]<br />[[Nintendo DS game card|Nintendo DS Game Card]]
| colspan="2" | [[Nintendo DS game card|Nintendo DS Game Card]]<br />[[Nintendo DSi Game Card]]
|-
! Input controls
|
* Power Button
* Volume slider
* Eight digital buttons (A, B, X, Y, L, R, Start, Select)
* [[D-pad]]
* [[Resistive touchscreen]] (lower screen only)
* Microphone
|
* Power flick-switch
* Volume slider
* Eight digital buttons (A, B, X, Y, L, R, Start, Select)
* [[D-pad]]
* [[Resistive touchscreen]] (lower screen only)
* Microphone
| colspan="2" |
* Power button
* Ten digital buttons (A, B, X, Y, L, R, Start, Select, Volume Up, Volume Down)
* [[D-pad]]
* [[Resistive touchscreen]] (lower screen only)
* Microphone
* Front and back cameras
|-
! Battery
| 850&nbsp;mAh lithium-ion battery<br />~10 hours{{efn|group="Comparison Table"|name=Battery}}
| 1000&nbsp;mAh lithium-ion battery<br />15–19 hours{{efn|group="Comparison Table"|name=Battery}}
| 840&nbsp;mAh lithium-ion battery<br />9–14 hours{{efn|group="Comparison Table"|name=Battery}}
| 1040&nbsp;mAh lithium-ion battery<br />4–17 hours{{efn|group="Comparison Table"|name=Battery}}
|-
! Weight
| {{cvt|275|g}}
| {{cvt|218|g}}
| {{cvt|214|g}}
| {{cvt|314|g}}
|-
! Dimensions
| {{ubl
| '''W:''' {{cvt|148.7|mm}}
| '''H:''' {{cvt|84.7|mm}}
| '''D:''' {{cvt|28.9|mm}}
}}
| {{ubl
| '''W:''' {{cvt|133|mm|2}}
| '''H:''' {{cvt|73.9|mm}}
| '''D:''' {{cvt|21.5|mm}}
}}
| {{ubl
| '''W:''' {{cvt|136.9|mm}}
| '''H:''' {{cvt|74.9|mm}}
| '''D:''' {{cvt|18.8|mm}}
}}
| {{ubl
| '''W:''' {{cvt|161|mm|2}}
| '''H:''' {{cvt|91.4|mm}}
| '''D:''' {{cvt|21|mm}}
}}
|-
! [[Region lock|Regional lockout]]
| colspan="2" {{good|No}}
| colspan="2" {{maybe|Only for DSiWare and DSi-enhanced/exclusive Game Cards}}
|-
! [[Backward compatibility]]
| colspan="2" | '''Physical only'''<br />[[Game Boy Advance]] Cartridge
| colspan="2" | '''Physical only'''<br />'''[[Nintendo game card#Nintendo DS Game Card|Nintendo DS Game Cards]]'''
|}
{{Notelist|group=upper-alpha}}
{{notelist|group="Comparison Table"|refs=
{{efn|group="Comparison Table"|name=Battery|Determined by screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume}}
}}

=== Accessories ===
{{Main|Nintendo DS accessories}}

Although the secondary port on the Nintendo DS accepts Game Boy Advance cartridges (but not Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges), Nintendo stated that its primary purpose was to support a range of accessories for the system.

==== Rumble Pak ====
{{Main|Rumble Pak#Nintendo DS}}

The Rumble Pak was the first accessory designed for the expansion slot. Shaped like a Game Boy Advance cartridge, it provides [[force feedback]] in compatible games. It was released in North America and Japan in 2005 bundled with ''[[Metroid Prime Pinball]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Online Store |url=https://store.nintendo.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405142126/http://store.nintendo.com/ |archive-date=April 5, 2006 |access-date=April 2, 2006}}</ref> In Europe, it was first bundled with ''[[Magnetica|Actionloop]]'' and later with ''Metroid Prime Pinball'', and was also sold separately.

==== Headset ====
The Nintendo DS Headset is an official headset that connects to the combination headphone–microphone jack on the bottom of the system. It includes a single earphone and microphone and works with games that support voice input. It was released alongside [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl|''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl'']] in North America and Australia.

==== Browser ====
{{Main|Nintendo DS Browser}}

On February 15, 2006, Nintendo announced a version of the [[Opera (web browser)|Opera]] web browser for the system.<ref name="Opera PR">{{cite press release |title=Giving gamers two windows to the Web: The Opera Browser for Nintendo DS |date=February 15, 2006 |publisher=Opera Software |url=http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2006/02/15/ |access-date=April 2, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223143601/http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2006/02/15/ |archive-date=2013-02-23}}</ref> The browser can use one screen as an overview with a zoomed view on the other, or combine both screens into a single tall page view.<ref name="Opera Berit">{{cite web |author=Berit Hanson |date=February 16, 2006 |title=Opera for Nintendo DS |url=http://my.opera.com/berit/blog/show.dml/146280 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518001036/http://my.opera.com/berit/blog/show.dml/146280 |archive-date=May 18, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2006 |work=Berit's Blog}}</ref> It was released in Japan and Europe in 2006 and in North America in 2007.<ref name="Opera Japan">{{cite press release |title=Mark your calendars: Opera announces Nintendo DS browser release date in Japan |date=June 21, 2006 |publisher=Opera Software ASA |url=http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2006/06/21/ |access-date=June 21, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806062805/http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2006/06/21/ |archive-date=August 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Chris Playo |title=Japan: Nintendo DS Press Conference |url=http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2006/07/17/new-release-dates-for-europe/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516013411/http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2006/07/17/new-release-dates-for-europe/ |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |access-date=April 2, 2006 |publisher=NintendoDS Advanced}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Craig Harris |date=March 7, 2007 |title=GDC 2007: Nintendo DS Browser US Bound |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/771/771323p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706145309/http://ds.ign.com/articles/771/771323p1.html |archive-date=July 6, 2007 |access-date=September 19, 2007 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Operation requires the included memory expansion pak in the Game Boy Advance slot.

==== Wi-Fi USB Connector ====
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector}}

This accessory connects to a PC's USB port and creates a small [[wireless access point]] in homes without Wi-Fi, allowing a Wii and up to five Nintendo DS systems to connect to the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] service through the host computer's Internet connection. The Wi-Fi USB Connector was eventually discontinued, and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service ended in 2014.

==== Guitar grip controller ====
The Guitar Grip controller, bundled with ''[[Guitar Hero: On Tour]]'', plugs into the GBA slot and features four buttons similar to those on full-size ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' controllers. It includes a stylus shaped like a guitar pick and a hand strap, and ships with an adapter for the original Nintendo DS. The Guitar Grip is also compatible with ''[[Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades]]'', ''[[Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits]]'', and ''[[Band Hero#DS version|Band Hero]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Brian Ekberg |date=April 14, 2008 |title=Guitar Hero: On Tour First Look |url=http://www.gamespot.com/guitar-hero-on-tour/previews/guitar-hero-on-tour-first-look-6189175/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204140938/http://www.gamespot.com/guitar-hero-on-tour/previews/guitar-hero-on-tour-first-look-6189175/ |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=May 26, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

== Software and features ==
=== Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ===
{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection was a free online game service run by Nintendo. Players with a compatible Nintendo DS game could connect to the service via a [[Wi-Fi]] network using a [[Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector]] or a [[wireless router]]. The service was launched in North America, Australia, Japan and Europe throughout November 2005. An online compatible Nintendo DS game was released on the same day for each region.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Nintendo WFC Service launch date by region
!Region
!Launch date
!Compatible launch title
!{{Refh}}
|-
|North America
|November 14, 2005
|''Mario Kart DS''
|<ref>{{cite web|date=November 15, 2005|title=Mario Kart, Nintendo Wi-Fi Launch|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/15/mario-kart-nintendo-wi-fi-launch|access-date=May 19, 2014|publisher=IGN.com|archive-date=May 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521032141/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/15/mario-kart-nintendo-wi-fi-launch|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Australia
|November 17, 2005
|''Mario Kart DS''
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-11-09|title=Aussie Nintendo Wifi Connection launch details, hotspots and more!|url=https://www.vooks.net/aussie-nintendo-wifi-connection-launch-details-hotspots-and-more/|access-date=2022-01-22|website=Vooks|language=en-AU|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122161632/https://www.vooks.net/aussie-nintendo-wifi-connection-launch-details-hotspots-and-more/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Japan
|November 23, 2005
|''[[Animal Crossing: Wild World]]''
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=2005-10-05|title=Nintendo Finalizes WiFi Plans in Japan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/nintendo-finalizes-wifi-plans-in-japan|access-date=2022-01-22|website=IGN|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122161633/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/nintendo-finalizes-wifi-plans-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Europe
|November 25, 2005
|''Mario Kart DS''
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Game Is On As Nintendo Wi-Fi Storms The Globe|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/the-game-is-on-as-nintendo-wi-fi-storms-the-globe|access-date=2022-01-22|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=February 9, 2006|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122161630/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/the-game-is-on-as-nintendo-wi-fi-storms-the-globe|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

Additional [[List of Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection games|Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection games]] and a dedicated [[Nintendo DS & DSi Browser|Nintendo DS web browser]] were released afterwards. Nintendo later believed that the online platform's success directly propelled the commercial success of the entire Nintendo DS platform. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection served as part of the basis of what would become the Wii.<ref name="Famitsu March 2006">{{cite magazine | magazine=Famitsu | title=The Zen of Wi-Fi | date=March 2006 | url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/25/103,1143298259,50588,0,0.html | language=ja | access-date=November 13, 2015 | archive-date=December 4, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204012924/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/25/103,1143298259,50588,0,0.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Most functions (for games on both the DS and Wii consoles) were discontinued worldwide on May 20, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 26, 2014|title=Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS and Wii to end in May|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/vyWpoM6CBIe6FjW8NIY7bvzOrgBURhzw|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227060752/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/vyWpoM6CBIe6FjW8NIY7bvzOrgBURhzw|archive-date=February 27, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2014|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref>

===Download Play===<!-- This section is linked from [[DS Download Play]] and [[Nintendo DS Download Play]] -->
{{See also|Nintendo Zone}}
With Download Play, it is possible for users to play [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] games with other Nintendo DS systems, and later Nintendo 3DS systems, using only one game card. Players must have their systems within wireless range (up to approximately 65&nbsp;feet) of each other for the guest system to download the necessary data from the host system. Only certain games supported this feature and usually played with much more limited features than the full game allowed.

Download Play is also utilized to migrate [[Pokémon]] from fourth generation games into the fifth generation [[Pokémon Black and White|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White'']], an example of a task requiring two different game cards and two handheld units, but only one player.

Some Nintendo DS retailers featured [[DS Download Station]]s that allowed users to download demos of current and upcoming DS games; however, due to memory limitations, the downloads were erased once the system was powered off. The Download Station was made up of 1 to 8 standard retail DS units, with a standard DS card containing the demo data. On May 7, 2008, Nintendo released the [[Wii Menu|Nintendo Channel]] for download on the Wii. The Nintendo Channel used WiiConnect24 to download Nintendo DS demos through it. From there, a user can select the demo they wish to play and, similar to the Nintendo DS Download Stations at retail outlets, download it to their DS and play it until it is powered off.

=== Multi-Card Play ===
Multi-Card Play, like Download Play, allows users to play multiplayer games with other Nintendo DS systems. In this case, each system requires a game card. This mode is accessed from an in-game menu, rather than the normal DS menu.

=== PictoChat ===
{{Main|PictoChat}}

PictoChat allows users to communicate with other Nintendo DS users within local wireless range. Users can enter text (via an on-screen keyboard), handwrite messages or draw pictures (via the stylus and touchscreen). There are four chatrooms (A, B, C, D) in which people can go to chat. Up to sixteen people can connect in any one room.

PictoChat was not available for the subsequent Nintendo 3DS series of systems.

=== Firmware ===
Nintendo's own [[firmware]] boots the system. A health and safety warning is displayed first, then the main menu is loaded. The main menu presents the player with four main options to select: play a DS game, use PictoChat, initiate DS Download Play, or play a Game Boy Advance game. The main menu also has secondary options such as turning on or off the backlight, the system settings, and an alarm.

The firmware also features a clock, several options for customization (such as boot priority for when games are inserted and GBA screen preferences), and the ability to input user information and preferences (such as name, birthday, favorite color, etc.) that can be used in games.

Japanese,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nintendo |script-title=ja:ニンテンドーDS Lite取扱説明書 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/support/pdf/dsLitemanual.pdf#page=30 |access-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120044023/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/support/pdf/dsLitemanual.pdf#page=30 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |page=30 |language=ja |format=PDF |url-status=live}}</ref> American,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nintendo of America |title=Nintendo DS Operations Manual |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/ds_english.pdf#page=12 |access-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205084346/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/ds_english.pdf#page=12 |archive-date=5 December 2021 |page=12 |language=en |format=PDF |url-status=live}}</ref> and European<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nintendo of Europe |title=Nintendo DS Manual |url=https://fs-prod-cdn.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/support_1/nintendo_ds_19/NDS_Manual_UK_DE_FR.pdf#page=12 |access-date=12 August 2022 |page=12 |language=English |format=PDF |url-status=live |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207094549/https://fs-prod-cdn.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/support_1/nintendo_ds_19/NDS_Manual_UK_DE_FR.pdf#page=12 }}</ref> consoles support the following languages: [[English language|English]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], and [[Italian language|Italian]].

On consoles from mainland China, [[Chinese language|Chinese]] replaces Japanese, and on Korean consoles,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nintendo of Korea |title=Nintendo DS Lite 사용설명서 |url=https://support.nintendo.co.kr/Download?category=manual&sfn=DS_Lite_manual.pdf&fn=DS_Lite_manual.pdf |access-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812163737/https://support.nintendo.co.kr/Download?category=manual&sfn=DS_Lite_manual.pdf&fn=DS_Lite_manual.pdf |archive-date=12 August 2022 |page=30 |language=ko |url-status=live}}</ref> Italian is replaced by [[Korean language|Korean]].

== Games ==
{{See also|List of Nintendo DS games|List of Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection games|List of cancelled Nintendo DS games}}
{{more citations needed section|date=May 2015}}

=== Compatibility ===
[[File:Game-Boy-Nintendo-DS-Slots.jpg|thumb|[[Game Boy Advance]] game slot on Game Boy Advance SP (below) and Nintendo DS Lite (above)]]
[[File:Nintendo Game Cartridge Size Comparison.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Clockwise from left: A [[Game Boy]] game cartridge, a [[Game Boy Advance]] game cartridge, and a Nintendo DS game cartridge. On the far right is a [[Nickel (United States coin)|United States Nickel]] shown for scale.]]
The Nintendo DS is [[backward compatibility|backward compatible]] with [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA) cartridges. The smaller [[Nintendo Game Card|Nintendo DS game cards]] fit into a slot on the top of the system, while Game Boy Advance games fit into a slot on the bottom. The Nintendo DS, like the [[Game Boy Micro]], is not backward compatible with games made for the original [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]] because the required hardware is not included and the console has physical incompatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3900/p/606|title=Can the Nintendo DS or DS Lite Play Game Boy Games? {{pipe}} Nintendo DS Family {{pipe}} Nintendo Support|website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com|language=en-US|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701192538/http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3900/p/606|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/micro/faq.jsp|title=Nintendo – Customer Service {{pipe}} Game Boy micro – Frequently Asked Questions|website=www.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150657/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/micro/faq.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref>

The handheld does not have a port for the Game Boy Advance Link Cable, so multiplayer and GameCube–Game Boy Advance link-up modes are not available in Game Boy Advance titles. Only single-player mode is supported on the Nintendo DS, as is the case with Game Boy Advance games played via the [[Virtual Console]] on the Nintendo 3DS (Ambassadors only) and Wii U.

The Nintendo DS only uses one screen when playing Game Boy Advance games. The user can configure the system to use either the top or bottom screen by default. The games are displayed within a black border on the screen, due to the slightly different screen resolution between the two systems (256 × 192 px for the Nintendo DS, and 240 × 160&nbsp;px for the Game Boy Advance).

Nintendo DS games inserted into the top slot are able to detect the presence of specific Game Boy Advance games in the bottom slot. In many such games, either stated in-game during gameplay or explained in its instruction manual, extra content can be unlocked or added by starting the Nintendo DS game with the appropriate Game Boy Advance game inserted. Among those games were the popular [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl|''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl'']] or ''[[Pokémon Platinum]]'', which allowed the player to find more/exclusive Pokémon in the wild if a suitable Game Boy Advance cartridge was inserted. Some of the content can stay permanently, even after the GBA game has been removed.

Additionally, the GBA slot can be used to house expansion paks, such as the [[List of Nintendo DS Rumble Pak games|Rumble Pak]], [[Nintendo DS Browser#DS memory expansion pak|Nintendo DS Memory Expansion Pak]], and Guitar Grips for the ''[[Guitar Hero: On Tour series|Guitar Hero: On Tour]]'' series. The Nintendo DSi and the DSi XL have an SD card slot instead of a second cartridge slot and cannot play Game Boy Advance games or ''[[Guitar Hero: On Tour series|Guitar Hero: On Tour]]''. In certain Wii games such as [[Band Hero]], the player can use a Nintendo DS for additional features.

=== Regional division ===
The Nintendo DS is [[regional lockout|region free]] in the sense that any console will run a Nintendo DS game purchased anywhere in the world; however, the Chinese iQue DS games cannot be played on other versions of the original DS, whose firmware chip does not contain the required [[Chinese character]] glyph images; this restriction is removed on Nintendo DSi and 3DS systems.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023|reason=Any reference source that DSi/3DS can be playable switchable vice-versa Chinese/Non-Chinese devices/cartridges?}} Although the Nintendo DS of other regions cannot play the Chinese games, the iQue DS can play games of other regions. Also, as with Game Boy games, some games that require both players to have a [[Nintendo DS game card]] for multiplayer play will not necessarily work together if the games are from different regions (e.g. a Japanese Nintendo DS game may not work with a North American copy, even though some titles, such as ''Mario Kart DS'' are mutually compatible). With the addition of the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], certain games can be played over the Internet with users of a different region game.

Some Wi-Fi enabled games (e.g. ''Mario Kart DS'') allow the selection of opponents by region. The options are "Regional" ("Continent" in Europe) and "Worldwide", as well as two non-location-specific settings. This allows the player to limit competitors to only those opponents based in the same geographical area. This is based on the region code of the game in use.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}

=== Media specifications ===
{{Main|Nintendo Game Card}}

Nintendo DS games use a proprietary [[solid state (electronics)|solid state]] [[mask ROM]] in their game cards.<ref name="darkfader">{{cite web|url=http://files.darkfader.net/ds/files/cartridge.txt|title=First Nintendo DS cartridge information|first=Rafael|last=Vuijk|website=Dark Fader |date=October 11, 2006|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002074532/http://files.darkfader.net/ds/files/cartridge.txt|url-status=usurped}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=March 2025}} The mask ROM chips are manufactured by Macronix and have an access time of 150&nbsp;[[nanoseconds|ns]].<ref name="gaingame">{{cite web|url=http://blog.gaingame.com/2010/01/31/nintendo-disassembly-3/|title=Nintendo: NDS Disassembly|date=January 31, 2010|publisher=GainGame's Blog|access-date=February 10, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225161503/http://blog.gaingame.com/2010/01/31/nintendo-disassembly-3/|archive-date=February 25, 2010}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=September 2011}} Cards range from 8 to 512&nbsp;[[mebibyte|MiB]] (64&nbsp;[[mebibit|Mibit]] to 4&nbsp;[[gibibit|Gibit]]) in size (although data on the maximum capacity has not been released).<ref>''[[Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn]]'' was the first DS game to use a 4-gigabit card. {{cite web |url=http://gonintendo.com/?p=94312 |website=GoNintendo |title=Level 5's press conference&nbsp;– massive info roundup (Fantasy Life announced, Ninokuni's massive DS cart, and much more!) |date=August 25, 2009 |access-date=February 13, 2013 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103170010/http://gonintendo.com/?p=94312 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/8133/|title=E3 2007 News &#124;Archaic Sealed Heat (Nintendo DS) RPG Details|first=Adam |last=Riley |work=Cubed3 |date=July 15, 2007|access-date=November 4, 2007|archive-date=September 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003049/http://www.cubed3.com/news/8133/|url-status=live}}</ref> Larger cards have a 25% slower data transfer rate than more common smaller cards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ign.com/MechAssaultDS/2006/06/16/21863/|title=MechAssault DS Developer Diary|first=Sara |last=Guinness |work=IGN |date=June 16, 2006|access-date=November 4, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509124121/http://blogs.ign.com/MechAssaultDS/2006/06/16/21863/|archive-date=May 9, 2007}}</ref> The cards usually have a small amount of [[flash memory]] or an [[EEPROM]] to save user data such as game progress or high scores. The game cards are {{convert|35|x|33|x|3.8|mm|in|abbr=on}} (about half the width and depth of Game Boy Advance cartridges) and weigh around {{cvt|1/8|oz|g|order=flip}}.

== Hacking and homebrew ==
{{Main|Nintendo DS homebrew}}

The [[R4 cartridge]] (also known as Revolution for DS) is a popular [[flash cartridge]] for the Nintendo DS. It allows ROMs and [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew games]] to be booted on the DS from a [[SD card|microSD card]].

In South Korea, many video game consumers exploit illegal copies of video games, including those compatible with the DS. In 2007, over 500,000 copies of DS games were sold, while the sales of the DS hardware units was 800,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20071211000038|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207215151/http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20071211000038|archive-date=February 7, 2010|title=ニンテンドーDSの違法コピーにご注意!|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|language=ja|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=September 10, 2008}}</ref>

Another modification device called [[Action Replay]], manufactured by the company Datel, is a device which allows the user to input cheat codes that allows it to hack games, granting the player infinite [[Health points|health]], [[power-ups]], access to any part of the game, infinite in game currency, the ability to walk through walls, and various other abilities depending on the game and code used.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Datel|date=2007|title=Datel Trainer Toolkit for Nintendo DS User Manual|url=http://us.codejunkies.com/support_downloads/Trainer-Toolkit-for-Nintendo-DS-User-Manual.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007175921/http://us.codejunkies.com/support_downloads/Trainer-Toolkit-for-Nintendo-DS-User-Manual.pdf|archive-date=October 7, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=Codejunkies}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
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[[Category:Nintendo DS| ]]
[[Category:2000s toys]]
[[Category:2010s toys]]
[[Category:ARM-based video game consoles]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld game consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld game consoles]]
[[Category:IQue consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles|DS]]
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