Nintendo DS

by Nintendo

Product Features

• Dual Screens open up new possibilities - use the touch screen as an inventory reference for role-playing games, to view maps for your favorite strategy game, or see racing action from two perspectives at once
• Navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with stylus or fingertip; tough film over touchscreen protects it
• Advanced 3D graphics engine and 16-channel audio, for graphics and sound that are superior to other portable game systems
• All-new PictoChat feature allows DS users to write messages with an on-screen keyboard or the stylus and send them wirelessly
• Built-in microphone port for voice control of games, or for voice chat with other DS players

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00064MUIA
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 2.2 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: June 15, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,475 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,813 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #28 in Video Games > Nintendo DS > Hardware > Consoles
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Color: Standard | Edition: Standard

Amazon.com Product Description

Modern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet, backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for a player.

Handheld Console Choices

	Nintendo 3DS View larger	Nintendo DSi/DSi XL View larger	PSP View larger	PSPgo View larger	PlayStation Vita View larger
Suggested Retail Price (prices may vary)	$169.99	$149.99/$169.99	$149.99	$199.99	$249.99 - $299.99 (February 2012)
Display	Dual screen: upper - 3.53" LCD, lower - 3.02" LCD touch screen	Dual screen, backlit, 3.25"/4.2", LCD with 256 x 192 resolution	4.3" full transparent	3.8" full transparent	5" OLED multi-touch screen
Internal Usable Memory	64 MB	NA	64 MB	16 GB	TBD
External Media Storage	SD memory card	SD memory card	Sony Memory Stick Duo	Memory stick micro	New proprietary "NVG" flash cards
Size	5.3" (l) x 2.9" (w) x 0.8" (h)	5.4" (w) x 2.9" (l) x 0.74" (h) / 6.3" (w) x 3.6" (l) x 0.84" (h)	6.7 (w) x 2.7" (w) x 0.7" (h)	5.0 (w) x 2.71" (h) x 0.65" (d)	7.2 (l) x 3.3" (w) x 0.73" (d)
Weight	8 oz.	7.5/11.1 oz.	6.7 oz.	5.5 oz.	TBD
Colors	Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black	7.5 oz.	Piano black (other colors via bundles)	Piano black, Pearl white	Black (other colors to follow)
Backwards Compatibility	Plays most DS and DSi games	Plays all DS games	Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP
Wireless Communications	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	3G support in one or two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both
Online Media Portal	Nintendo eShop	Nintendo DSi Shop	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network
Streaming Video	Netflix*	No	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content
Internet Browser	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Console Integration	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3
Game Media	Game card and digital download	Game card and digital download	UMD disc and digital download	Digital download	Digital download, alternate media TBD
Online Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Wireless Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Estimated Battery Life	3-8 hrs	3-14 hrs	4-6 hours	4-6 hours	TBD
Input Method	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons
Digital Camera(s)	3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities	2 (0.3 megapixels)	No	No	2
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Graphic Quality	Top adjustable 3D screen - 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen - 320 x 240 resolution	256 x 192 resolution	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	960 x 544 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)
General Game Price Range	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99

Online Play and Functionality

The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that has either been built specifically for it, or that has been adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform's potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall entertainment value of their devices.

The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable "Virtual Console" games starring Mario, Link, many other faces from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more. Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any title in seconds, then view screenshots, game info, and even video to help you make your purchase. You'll even find details and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores. All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you can always remember the titles you want to get.

DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay, fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download, and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points. Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold separately).

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive of the PSPgo.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.

Product Description

Nintendo DS - Silver - Game Not Included

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

338 of 352 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Own It, It is Amazing!, June 27, 2005

By 

Coding Genius "CG" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS Electric Blue (Video Game)

I just bought one for myself over the weekend (thanks to a tip from a friend who works at a store that one would not think of shopping for games at, and they just happened to have a few left!)

This unit is great! I already own a GBA SP, but wanted to buy a DS for the following reasons:

* Advanced graphics: The 3D capabilities of this machine are AMAZING. Mario64 DS looks better on a handheld than Mario 64 looked on the Nintendo 64 and a TV!

* Great sound: You can choose between surround sound, stereo, or headphones optimized. It also includes a built-in headphone jack, something that was noticeably absent from the SP.

* Backwards compatibility: It will play all GameBoy Advance games (though not original GB or GB Color), and can hold a DS game and a GameBoy Advance game at the same time.

* Touch screen: Gimmick or revolution? I like how touch was integrated into Mario64 and the Metroid Prime:Hunters demo that is included with the DS. I think future games will bear out whether it will be a true success or just a niche idea.

As it states in the product description, it comes with two screens, the bottom one being touch-sensitive. To touch the bottom screen you can use one of the 2 styluses that comes with the product, or a thumb strap that has a plastic piece that can be used for certain types of games.

Currently, the DS library is fairly limited (fewer than 20 games at present), but there are many games announced for the future. There are literally dozens of great GBA games, so if you're buying this as a present, don't be afraid to buy a GBA game if you can't decide on a DS one.

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic system for your children!, October 24, 2005

By 

Rosemary A. Bertinelli "Freelance Writer" (Carbondale, PA United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS Titanium (Video Game)

I purchased Nintendo DS system last year for 2 of my sons, ages 6 & 10. The purchase was actually on impulse because I happened to be in the store when they had just received a shipment. I really knew nothing about them and had never heard of them. This actually turned out to be one of the best electronic purchases I have ever made for the boys.

They each had Game Boy Advance's but were never really into "hand held" games as much as with their full sized TV games. I am really surprised at how much these systems are actually used!

Because the systems have a clock, the boys each use them for ALARM CLOCKS in the morning! I keep the chargers plugged into the outlets behind their nightstands. This insures the systems will always find their way back to that spot at the end of the day.

I like the fact that I don't have to buy batteries or battery packs or have charger stands. You just plug the cord into any household outlet and there is a little jack on the other end that plugs into the Nintendo DS. This charges up the system so it is ready. There are also indicator lights on the DS that let you know when the unit is charged or running low.

this system has a feature that my guys enjoy and use often. It is picto chat. You do not need additional software or accessories to use this. It is built right into the system. This feature enables anyone with a DS to wirelessly hook-up to each other and talk via text messaging. There is a little keyboard that shows up on the bottom screen and you use your little stylus to type in what you want to say. It is sent to the other DS. It is like a text messaging walkie talkie. My boys LOVE this feature.

There isn't an overwhelming selection of games...at least not yet. My boys keep going back to Yoshi's Touch and Go. The recent Nintendogs are great and are another favorite.

The games are tiny little square chips that slide easily into a port on the DS. I have purchased a plastic sweater box from the dollar store to hold the game cases. I have insisted that the games go into their cases and into the box because they are very small and could be easily misplaced.

There is a port to hold the older advance games so the investments we made in these games in the past are not dependant upon the older systems. I have found that my boys are playing the older games more and more on the DS than they did on their older systems.

The overall design is good for all sized hands. The fun of the games is in the use of the stylus to play the games. I am not into games but I enjoy picking them up on occasion and playing. There is a little slot on the system to hold the stylus when it is not in use.

The top closes so the screens are not exposed when not being used. This helps to avoid scratching.

An additional feature that the boys like is that by purchasing one game, both can play at the same time, what seems to be a mini-game version. Those of us with more than one chld knows that sometimes, two of the same are necessary but, it is nice to be able to buy only ONE of something on occasion.

I didn't buy any starter packs or other accessories because I wanted to see what exactly we would need. So far we have needed nothing except cases. The boys did not want these, I did.

This system also has a wrist strap that you can detach if you don't want it.

From a mom's perspective, this has proven to be a worthwhile investment. My boys love their systems and use them all the time. I cannot comment to the more technical aspects of the game because, well...I base my opinion on if the toy is great based on how much my children love it, how easy it is for me to set-up or break down, how much it costs me in accessories and add-ons after the initial purchase, and how much "play time" it receives.

Based upon that criterion, I give this system 5 stars.

It seems as if this system has not received the attention of the PSP, and I often wonder if my boys would have even asked for it if I did not get it for them last year. I am so happy and I am sure they are too that we have discovered this little gadget.

Rosemary

457 of 506 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a review from an actual ds OWNER, November 6, 2004

By 

Matt O. "Daffyphack" (Boone, NC) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo DS (Video Game)

I know that a good deal of you are probably skeptical, but my girlfriend's mother does merchandising for Nintendo, and she was recently sent her very own DS. In turn, she has asked me to figure out all the particulars and report them back to her.

I have to admit that I was originally very skeptical about the system. I love my SP, and the last thing I want is to replace it (though Nintendo makes the claim that this is not a GBA replacement...ha). However, having actually sat down with it for a while and browsed through all the menus, I must admit I'm really impressed. Ah, who am I kidding? I'm thrilled.

How is it different than the SP? Its bigger, for sure (shaped like the old Game & Watch systems), and we all know about the new touch screen, but won't that system be awkward, trying to use a stylus with a portable game system? Once again, I thought so too, but it basically turns your game system into the coolest palm pilot in the history of the planet. I had a lot of fun, just surfing through menus and personalizing it (you can enter in your birthdate and your nickname). You can choose whether or not you want to keep the backlight on, should you want to save energy, and of course there's that cool pictochat function, which unfortunately I can't really use until there's another user to talk to. And I did all of this without ever putting down the stylus. In fact, the buttons on the right side became kind of unnecessary.

And it held over for the included Metroid: Hunters. Once again, there's not a whole lot I can do with the game (Hunters is mainly multiplayer, and well, there's no one else to play), but I gave the training a shot. I quickly got the hang of it. Firing with L, moving forward and strafing with my left hand, and looking around with the stylus. Brought me back to my high school days, playing Quake with four keys and a mouse. Is it perfect? No. But is it close? Oh yes.

In review, I'd have to give 4.5 stars, and only that low because I won't have a real opportunity to explore the network aspect of it until the system is officially released. Even though I already have it, I'm still looking forward to the release date, because when you all wander into multiplayer Metroid looking for a fight, I'll have been training for the past two weeks.

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