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Nintendo DS

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Nintendo DS
ManufacturerNintendo
Product familyNintendo DS
TypeHandheld game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
Units soldWorldwide: 77.54 million, including DS Lite units (as of June 30, 2008)[1][2] (details)
MediaGBA cartridges
Nintendo DS game cards
CPUOne 67 MHz[3] (ARM) and one 33 MHz ARM7TDMI
StorageCartridge save, 4 MB tRAM
ConnectivityWi-Fi, WLAN
Online servicesNintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Best-selling gameNintendogs, 18.67 million, all versions combined (as of March 31, 2008)[4]
New Super Mario Bros., 14.16 million (as of March 31, 2008)[4]
SuccessorNintendo DS Lite (redesign)

The Nintendo DS (sometimes abbreviated to DS or NDS, and now officially renamed original style Nintendo DS)[5] is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in 2004 in Canada, the United States, and Japan. The console features a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP, with two LCD screens inside - with the bottom one being a touchscreen. The Nintendo DS also features a built-in microphone and supports wireless IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standards,[6] allowing players to interact with each other within short range (10–30 m, depending on conditions) or online with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which launched later in the console's lifespan. This was the first Nintendo console to be released in North America prior to Japan.

The system's code name was Nitro,[7] and this can be seen in the model number that appear on the unit (NTR-001).[5] The console's name officially refers to "Developers' System", in reference to the new game design the system was meant to inspire, and "Dual Screen", the system's most obvious and distinct feature.[8]

On March 2, 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS Lite, a redesign of the Nintendo DS, in Japan. It was later released in North America, Europe, and Australia in June 2006. The DS Lite is a slimmer and lighter version of the Nintendo DS and has brighter screens. Nintendo of America refers to the older model as the "original style" Nintendo DS.[5] On October 2, 2008, Nintendo announced the Nintendo DSi, another redesign of the Nintendo DS, at the Nintendo Press Conference. The DSi is thinner, has bigger screens than the DS Lite, no Game Boy Advance cartridge port, MP3 capability, and two cameras.[9]

Development and launch

See also: Nintendo DS launches

On November 13, 2003, Nintendo announced that it would be creating a new console for release in 2004.[10] Nintendo stated that it would not be the successor to either the Nintendo GameCube or the Game Boy Advance,[10] but rather it would be considered a "third pillar" alongside the other two consoles.[11] On January 20, 2004, the console was announced under the codename "Nintendo DS".[12] Nintendo released very few details at that time, only saying that the console would have two separate 3 in. TFT LCD display panels, separate processors, and up to 1 gigabit of semiconductor memory.[12][13] Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, "We have developed Nintendo DS based upon a completely different concept from existing game devices in order to provide players with a unique entertainment experience for the 21st century."[12] In March, the codename was changed to "Nitro" and a document containing most of the console's technical specifications was leaked.[14] In May, the codename was changed back to "Nintendo DS" (DS standing for Dual Screen)[8] and the console was shown in prototype form at E3. All of the features of the console were released by Nintendo at E3.[15] On July 28, 2004, Nintendo revealed a new design, one that was described as "sleeker and more elegant" than the one shown at E3. Also, the codename "Nintendo DS" became the official name of the console that day.[16]

File:Donkeykong1 ingame.jpg
The Donkey Kong version of the Game & Watch.

The Nintendo DS bears a striking resemblance to Nintendo's first handheld, the Game & Watch, specifically the multi-screen versions such as Donkey Kong.

On September 20, 2004, Nintendo announced that the Nintendo DS would be released in North America on November 21, 2004 for US$149.99.[17] It was set to release on December 2, 2004 in Japan and in the first quarter of 2005 in Europe and Australia. The console was released in North America with a midnight launch event at Universal CityWalk EB Games in Los Angeles, California. The console was launched quietly in Japan compared to the North America launch; one source cites the cold weather as the reason.[18] In January 2005, the Australia release date of February 24, 2005 and the Europe release date of March 11, 2005 were announced.[19][20] Regarding the European launch, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata said:

Europe is an extremely important market for Nintendo, and we are pleased we can offer such a short period of time between the US and European launch. We believe that the Nintendo DS will change the way people play video games and our mission remains to expand the game play experience. Nintendo DS caters for the needs of all gamers whether for more dedicated gamers who want the real challenge they expect, or the more casual gamers who want quick, pick up and play fun.[21]

Hardware

Input and output

The Nintendo DS stylus used for games played on the touchscreen.

The lower display of the Nintendo DS is overlaid with a touchscreen, designed to accept input from the included stylus, the user's fingers, or a curved plastic tab attached to the optional wrist strap. The touchscreen allows users to interact with in-game elements more directly than by pressing buttons; for example, in the included chatting software, PictoChat, the stylus is used to write messages or draw.

Traditional controls are located on either side of the touchscreen. To the left is a D-pad, with a narrow Power button above it, and to the right are the A, B, X, and Y buttons, with narrow Select and Start buttons above them. Shoulder buttons L and R are located on the upper corners of the lower half of the system. The overall button layout is similar to the controller of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom in Japan).

The Nintendo DS features stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound (depending on the software) located on either side of the upper display screen. This is a first for a Nintendo handheld, as the Game Boy line of systems has only supported stereo sound through the use of headphones or external speakers.

A built-in microphone is located below the left side of the bottom screen. It has been used for a variety of purposes, including speech recognition (Nintendogs, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!), chatting online between and during gameplay sessions (Pokémon Diamond and Pearl), and minigames that require the player to blow or shout into the microphone.

The newest version of the Nintendo DS, called DSi, will include 2 built in cameras. One, located on the top cover, is rated at 3.0 Megapixels (640x480 resolution), and the other is located centrally on the interior hinge next to the microphone, and is rated at 0.3 Megapixels.

Technical specifications

  • Mass: 275 grams (9.7 ounces).
  • Physical dimensions: 148.7 x 84.7 x 28.9 mm (5.85 x 3.33 x 1.13 inches).
  • Screens: Two separate 3-inch TFT LCD, resolution of 256 x 192 pixels, dimensions of 62 x 46 mm and 77 mm diagonal, and a dot pitch of 0.24 mm. The gap between the screens is approximately 21 mm, equivalent to about 92 "hidden" lines. The lowermost display of the Nintendo DS is overlaid with a resistive touchscreen, which registers pressure from one point on the screen at a time, averaging multiple points of contact if necessary.
  • CPUs: Two ARM processors, an ARM946E-S main CPU and ARM7TDMI co-processor at clock speeds of 67 MHz and 33 MHz respectively. The ARM946E-S CPU processes 3D rendering and the ARM7TDMI processes 2D rendering for DS games and Game boy Advance gameplay.
  • RAM: 4 MB of Mobile RAM
  • Voltage: 1.65 volts required
  • Storage: 256 kB of Serial Flash Memory
  • Wireless: 802.11 + Nintendo Original Protocol
  • Wi-Fi: Built-in 802.11 Wireless Network Connection (802.11b compatible with WEP encryption support only)[22]

The system's 3D hardware performs transform and lighting, texture-coordinate transformation, texture mapping, alpha blending, anti-aliasing, cel shading, and z-buffering; however, it uses point (nearest neighbor) texture filtering, leading to some titles having a blocky appearance. The system is theoretically capable of rendering about 120,000 triangles per second at 60 frames per second, which is comparable to the Nintendo 64.[citation needed] Unlike most 3D hardware, it has a set limit on the number of triangles it can render as part of a single scene; the maximum amount is about 6144 vertices, or 2048 triangles per frame. The 3D hardware is designed to render to a single screen at a time, so rendering 3D to both screens is difficult and decreases performance significantly. The DS is generally more limited by its polygon budget than by its pixel fill rate. There are also 512 kilobytes of texture memory, and the maximum texture size is 1024x1024 pixels.

The system has 656 kilobytes of video memory[23] and two 2D engines (one per screen). These are similar to (but more powerful than) the Game Boy Advance's single 2D engine; however, the cores are divided into the main core and sub core. Only the main core is capable of vertex 3D rendering.

The Nintendo DS has compatibility with Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11. The unit also supports a special wireless format created by Nintendo and secured using RSA security signing (used by the wireless drawing and chatting program PictoChat for the DS). Wi-Fi is used for accessing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where users can use the internet or compete with other users playing the same Wi-Fi compatible game.

Media specifications

Nintendo DS games use a proprietary solid state ROM "game card" format resembling the memory cards used in other portable electronic devices such as digital cameras. It currently supports cards up to 2 gigabit (2048 Mb or 256 MB) in size (with ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat being the first DS game to use a 2 gigabit card),[24][25] which is four times the amount of memory that the largest Nintendo 64 cartridge was able to store (512 Mbit or 64 MB). The cards always 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 33.0 mm × 35.0 mm × 3.8 mm (approximately half the width and half as thick as Game Boy Advance cartridges) and weigh around 3.5 g (1/8 ounce).

Based on an IGN blog by the developer of MechAssault: Phantom War, larger (such as 128 MB) cards have a slower data transfer rate than the more common smaller (such as 64 MB) cards; however, the specific rates were not mentioned.[26]

The system's code-name was Nitro, resulting in the letters "NTR" appearing in the serial number written on the back of game cards and the system itself. NTR-XXX indicates the model numbers found on the original style Nintendo DS and its accessories.

Firmware

Nintendo's own custom firmware boots the system. A health and safety warning is displayed first, then the main menu is loaded, similar to the Wii console. 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 firmware also features an alarm clock, several options for customization (such as boot priority for when games are inserted and GBA screen preference), and the ability to input user information (such as name, birthday, favorite color, etc.) that can be used in games.

Battery life

The Nintendo DS contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 850 mAH.[citation needed] On a full four-hour charge, the factory 850 mAH battery lasts about 10 hours.[27] Battery life is affected by multiple factors including speaker volume, use of one or both screens, back lighting, and use of wireless connectivity. The biggest effect on battery life is caused by using the backlight, which can be turned off in the main menu screen, or in selected games (such as Super Mario 64 DS). The battery is designed to be removed only when it expires.

To sustain battery life in the midst of a game, users can close the Nintendo DS system, putting the DS in sleep mode that also pauses the game that is being played; however, closing the lid while playing a Game Boy Advance game will not put the Nintendo DS into sleep mode; the game will continue to run normally, including the back light. Certain DS games (such as Animal Crossing: Wild World) also will not pause but the backlight, screens, and speakers will turn off. When saving the game in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Zoo Tycoon DS, SimCity DS, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, or Mega Man Battle Network 5, the DS will not go into sleep mode.

Features

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Main article: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is a free online game service run by Nintendo. Players with a compatible Nintendo DS game can 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 on November 14, 2005 with the release of Mario Kart DS. Various online games, and a web browser (see below) are now available.

Download Play

With Download Play it is possible for users to play multiplayer games with other Nintendo DS systems using only one game card. Players must have their systems within wireless range (up to approximately 30 feet) of each other and the guest system to download the necessary data from the host system.

Some Nintendo DS retailers features DS Download Stations that allow users to download demos of upcoming and currently available DS games; however, due to memory limitations, the downloads are erased once the system is powered off. The Download Station is 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 Nintendo Channel for download on the Wii. The Nintendo Channel uses Nintendo's WiiConnect24 to download Nintendo DS demos through the Nintendo Channel. From there, a person can select the game demo they wish to play and, similar to the Nintendo DS Download Stations at retail outlets, download the demo (temporarily) to their DS.

PictoChat

Main article: PictoChat

PictoChat allows users to communicate with other Nintendo DS users within local wireless range. Users can enter text (via a small 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.

Compatibility

The Nintendo DS is backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges. The smaller Nintendo DS game cards fit into Slot 1 on the top of the system, while Game Boy Advance games fit into Slot 2 on the bottom of the system. The Nintendo DS is not compatible with games for the Game Boy Color and the original Game Boy, due to a slightly different form factor, voltage requirements, and the absence of the Sharp Z80 compatible processor used in these systems.

The handheld does not have a port for the Game Boy Advance Link Cable, so multiplayer or 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.

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 × 192px (approx. 0.05 megapixels) for the Nintendo DS, and 240 × 160px (approx. 0.04 megapixels) for the Game Boy Advance).

Nintendo DS games inserted into Slot 1 are able to detect the presence of specific Game Boy Advance games in Slot 2. In many such games, either stated in the game during gameplay or mostly explained in the games' instruction manuals, extra content can be unlocked or added by starting the Nintendo DS game with the appropriate Game Boy Advance game inserted. Some of the content can stay permanent, even when the GBA game has been removed after content has been added.

Additionally, Slot 2 can be used to house expansion paks, such as the Rumble Pak and the Nintendo DS Memory Expansion Pak. The DSi will not retain the GBA slot.

Regional division

The Nintendo DS is region free in the sense that any console will run a Nintendo DS game purchased anywhere in the world; however, the Chinese version games can only be played on the Chinese iQue DS, whose larger firmware chip contains the required Chinese character glyph images. Although Nintendo DS of other regions cannot play the Chinese games, 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 Nintendo DS game, 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. It is unknown whether this is based on the region code of the console in use, the region of the game card, or geolocation of the IP address.

Accessories

Main article: Nintendo DS accessories
Game Boy Advance game slot on Game Boy Advance (above) and Nintendo DS (below).

Although the secondary port on the Nintendo DS does accept and support Game Boy Advance cartridges (but not Game Boy, and Game Boy Color cartridges), Nintendo has emphasized that its main intention for its inclusion was to allow a wide variety of accessories to be released for the system, the Game Boy Advance compatibility titles being a logical extension.

Nintendo announced at E3 2005 that it would launch "headset accessories" for voice over IP (VoIP) enabled games.

Rumble Pak

Main article: Rumble Pak § Nintendo DS

The Rumble Pak was the first official expansion slot accessory. In the form of a Game Boy Advance cartridge, the Rumble Pak vibrates to reflect the action in compatible games, such as when the player bumps into an obstacle or loses a life. It was released in North America and Japan in 2005, as a separate accessory and bundled with Metroid Prime Pinball.[28] Will not be compatible with the new DSi, due to the lack of GBA slot.

In Europe, the rumble pack was first available with the game Actionloop, and later Metroid Prime Pinball. It is also possible to buy the rumble pack straight from Nintendo.

Nintendo DS Headset

The Nintendo DS Headset is the official headset for the Nintendo DS. It plugs into the headset port (which is a combination of a standard 3.5 mm headphone connector and a proprietary microphone connector) on the bottom of the system. It features one earphone and a microphone, and is compatible with all games that use the internal microphone. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2006.[29] The headset was released in North America on April 22, 2007, alongside Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, two games that have built-in voice chat. Other communication headsets not made by Nintendo will also work as the mic.

Opera Internet browser

Main article: Nintendo DS Browser

On February 15, 2006, Nintendo announced a version of the cross-platform web browser Opera for the DS system.[30] The browser can use one screen as an overview, a zoomed portion of which appears on the other screen, or both screens together to present a single tall view of the page.[31] The browser went on sale in Japan and Europe in 2006,[32][33] and in the U.S. on June 4, 2007.[34] Will not be compatible with the new DSi, due to the lack of GBA slot, though the DSi will include a built in browser.

Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector

Main article: Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector

This accessory plugs into a PC's USB port and creates a wireless access point, allowing up to five Nintendo DS units to access the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service through the host computer's Internet connection. The operating systems fully supported by the Wi-Fi USB Connector's software are Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista. When tried under Linux, it acts as a regular wireless adapter, connecting to wireless networks, the LED blinking when there is data transferring. There is also a hacked driver for Windows XP/Vista to make it function the same way. The Wi-Fi USB Connector has been discontinued from retail stores.

Nintendo MP3 Player

Main article: Play-Yan

The Nintendo MP3 Player (a modified version of the device known as the Play-Yan in Japan) was released on December 8, 2006 by Nintendo of Europe at a retail price of £29.99/€30. The add-on uses removable SD cards to store MP3 audio files, and can be used in any device that features support for Game Boy Advance cartridges; however, due to this, it is limited in terms of its user-interface and functionality, as it does not support using both screens of the DS simultaneously, nor does it make use of its touch-screen capability. Will not be compatible with the new DSi, due to the lack of GBA slot.

Guitar grip controller

The "Guitar Grip" fits into the GBA slot on the Nintendo DS Lite to simulate the guitar controller.

The Guitar grip controller comes packaged with the game Guitar Hero: On Tour and is plugged into the GBA game slot. It features four colored buttons just like the ones that can be found on regular Guitar Hero guitar controllers for the stationary consoles, though it lacks the fifth orange button found on the guitar controllers. The DS Guitar Hero controller comes with a small "pick-stylus" (which is shaped like a guitar pick, as the name suggests) that can be put away into a small slot on the controller. It also features a hand strap. The game works with both the DS Lite and the original Nintendo DS as it comes with an adapter for the original DS. Will not be compatible with the new DSi, due to the lack of GBA slot.[35]

Hacking and homebrew

Main article: Nintendo DS homebrew

Since the release of the Nintendo DS, a great deal of hacking has occurred involving the DS's fully rewritable firmware, Wi-Fi connection, game cards that allow SD storage, and software use. There are now many different emulators for the DS such as: NES, SNES, Sega Master System, Sega Megadrive, Neo-Geo Pocket, Neo-Geo (arcade) as well as many other older consoles like Game boy Color. Due to the processor power and RAM limitations, the DS cannot emulate Nintendo 64, Playstation, PS2, Dreamcast, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360.

There are a number of cards which either have built-in flash memory, or a slot which can accept an SD, CompactFlash, or MicroSD cards. These cards allow the user to play music, movies and load homebrew and commercial games.

In South Korea, many video game consumers exploit illegal copies of video games, including for the Nintendo DS. In 2007, 500,000 copies of DS games were sold, while the sales of the DS hardware units was 800,000.[36]

Marketing and sales

Life-to-date number of units sold (DS and DS Lite combined), millions
Date Japan Americas Other Worldwide
2004-12-31[37] 1.45 1.36 0.03 2.84
2005-03-31[38] 2.12 2.19 0.95 5.27
2005-06-30[39] 6.65
2005-09-30[40] 3.63 2.87 2.34 8.83
2005-12-31[41] 5.70 4.63 4.10 14.43
2006-03-31[42] 6.91 5.11 4.71 16.73
2006-06-30[43] 9.24 5.90 6.13 21.27
2006-09-30[44] 11.52 7.51 7.79 26.82
2006-12-31[45] 14.43 10.18 11.00 35.61
2007-03-31[46] 16.02 11.74 12.52 40.29
2007-06-30[47] 18.11 14.14 15.03 47.27
2007-09-30[48] 19.71 16.06 17.88 53.64
2007-12-31[49] 21.66 20.18 22.94 64.79
2008-03-31[50] 22.38 22.39 25.82 70.60
2008-06-30[1][2] 22.97 25.11 29.47 77.54

The system's promotional slogans revolve around the word "Touch" in almost all countries, with the US slogan being "Touching is good." The Nintendo DS is currently seen by many analysts to be in the same market as Sony's PlayStation Portable, although representatives from both companies have said that each system targets a different audience.[citation needed] At the time of its release in the United States, the Nintendo DS retailed for US $149.99. The price dropped to US$129.99 on August 21, 2005, one day before the anticipated North American releases of Nintendogs and Advance Wars: Dual Strike. At one point, Time magazine awarded the DS with a Gadget of the Week award.[51] Nine official colors of the Nintendo DS were available through standard retailers. Titanium (silver and black) were available worldwide, Electric Blue was exclusive to North and Latin America. There was also a red version of the DS 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 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 only available for the original style Nintendo DS; a different and more-limited set of colors have been used for the Nintendo DS Lite.

On October 3, 2006 Nintendo announced a 20.5% raise in net profit forecast partially attributed to strong DS sales.[52] The company also raised its estimated DS sales forecast by 18%.[52]

On July 25, 2007 Nintendo announced in its first quarter financial report that it had increased DS hardware shipments from 22 million to 26 million.[53] Nintendo also raised its DS software sales projection from 130 million units to 140 million.[53] On October 26, 2007, Nintendo announced an increase in DS hardware shipments to 28 million and software to 165 million.[citation needed]

As of September 26, 2007, the Nintendo DS has sold over 50 million units and is the fastest-selling handheld game console of all time.[54] On October 30, 2007, Chart-Track reported DS sales of over 4 million in the United Kingdom.[55][56] In November 2007, Media Create reported DS sales of 20 million in Japan.[57][58]

During the week of November 18 to November 24, Nintendo of America set a new Nintendo sales record by selling over 653,000 DS units in one week, breaking the previous record held by the Game Boy Advance, which sold 600,000 units.[59][60]

On November 27, 2007, Nintendo announced that the DS has set a new weekly hardware sales record in the UK, with over 191,000 units sold, according to Chart-Track; breaking the previous record held by the PSP, which sold 185,000 units in its first week of availability in the UK.[61]

As of December 27, 2007, the DS has sold over 1 million units in South Korea, according to Nintendo of Korea.[62][63]

In 2007, the DS was the best-selling game console in the US and Japan with 8.5 million and 7,143,702 units sold respectively, according to the NPD Group and Enterbrain.[64][65][66][67] In Europe, the DS sold 6.4 million units in 2006 and 8.7 million in 2007, according to estimates by Electronic Arts.[68][69]

On January 24, 2008, Nintendo Europe has revealed the DS has sold over 20 million units in Europe.[70]

On January 30, 2008, Nintendo Australia announced the DS has sold over 1 million units in Australia. [71]

As of March 30, 2008, the Nintendo DS has sold 22,169,761 units in Japan according to Famitsu/Enterbrain.[72][73]

As of June, 2008, The Nintendo DS has sold over 20 million units in the U.S.A, according to NPD Group. [74]

As of September 2008, the Nintendo DS has sold 7.1 million units in the UK, according to GfK Chart-Track.[75]

Special editions and promotional packages

Main article: Special versions of the Nintendo DS

Many special editions and promotional packages have been available for the Nintendo DS, starting with the first Nintendo DS bundle of a Metroid Prime Hunters demo version, which was included in the first line-up of US shipments. Other adjustments have been made to the DS / DS Lite including color and laser engravings made for promotional events. For example, during the release of Mario Kart DS in North America, a "Red Hot DS Bundle" was available, which was a red colored Nintendo DS, with the game Mario Kart DS packaged along with it.

The first Nintendo DS Lite promotional package was released in a very limited run as a promotional item at the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End on May 23, 2007. This package included a DS console with pirate graphics on the case, and the game pack of the same name. The first Nintendo DS Lite retail bundle became available in North America on August 21, 2007; it included Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!, a DS Lite carrying case, and an exclusive color DS Lite. The DS Lite has a crimson top outer casing, and the rest of the DS is matte black.[76]

Nintendo DS Lite

Main article: Nintendo DS Lite
The Nintendo DS Lite.

The Nintendo DS Lite is a slimmer, more lightweight redesign of the original Nintendo DS model. It was announced on January 26, 2006, more than a month before its first territorial launch in Japan on March 2, 2006.[77]

The features and capabilities are the same as the original style DS, but the DS Lite has four levels of LCD screen brightness; however, the four levels do not include a level where the backlight is off. Despite having four brightness levels, even the lowest brightness setting on the Nintendo DS lite is in fact brighter than the Nintendo DS' original style screen, which had one brightness setting and an off setting. Unlike the casing of the original style DS, the DS Lite has a shiny glossy semi-transparent outside casing. The LED battery and charging light indicators have been moved to the upper right-hand corner of the unit, making it viewable regardless of whether the system is open or closed. The "start" and "select" buttons have been moved to the lower right-hand side of the touchscreen, the microphone has been moved to the direct center of the opened device, and the A, B, X, Y, and D-Pad seem to have been designed to match the Wii and Game Boy Micro.[78] The power button above the D-pad was removed and replaced with a switch placed on the right side of the unit. Another improvement is the longer and thicker stylus, significantly reducing the amount of hand cramps as its users use it extensively throughout game play; the stylus holster was moved from the top of the unit to the right side. Although a loop for a wrist strap was retained on the top of the unit, the DS Lite does not ship with a wrist strap. Along with the other advancements, the Game Boy port of the DS Lite is shorter than the original style DS's port. When inserted, the Game Boy Advance cartridge protrudes out approximately 1 cm from under the unit. Also, the charger connector is smaller, so a different charger must be used. Although the connector is similar in form factor to the Game Boy Micro, their AC adapters are not cross compatible. It also comes with a dust-protector for the GBA slot which also provides a seamless surface.

Nintendo DSi

The Nintendo DSi is the newest version of the DS, announced during the Nintendo Conference on October 2nd in Tokyo, Japan. The Nintendo DSi is a revised model of the Nintendo DS Lite. It is being touted by Nintendo as a "third pillar"; a complement to the regular Nintendo DS, not a replacement.[citation needed] Nintendo has announced that it will be thinner than the DS Lite thanks to the removal of the GBA slot.[citation needed] The new handheld will contain two cameras (one on cover rated at 3.0 Megapixels, interior is 0.3 megapixels), larger screens (3.25 inches as opposed to the previous 3 inches), and better speakers. A new SD card slot will be utilized for external storage of pictures and downloaded software. The DSi will have its own internal flash memory and will ship with a built-in web browser. Photos can be synced to the Wii's Photo Channel. [79] It is also possible to download games from an online store, called the DSi Shop, and store them on the DSi. The applications will either be free, 200, 500, or 800 Nintendo Points. The system will be released in Japan on November 1st, 2008 for 18,900 yen in matte black and white, and in 2009 in the rest of the world.

Software development

To be accepted into Nintendo's official developer support program, companies must have a game development team and adequate experience in certain areas. Additional information is available from the Nintendo Software Development Support Group.

Alternatively, anyone can use publicly available knowledge from sites such as NDSTech,[80] and tools to create their own programs. There are two development routes. One requires a method for running Nintendo DS programs from the Game Boy Advance port. At least five methods are available for this option: PassMe, PassMe2, WiFiMe, FlashMe, and NoPass. The second option is to use second-generation flashcards, which are simply either writable DS game cards or DS game cards with Micro-SD slots.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Consolidated Financial Highlights" (PDF). Nintendo. 2008-07-30. p. 11. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  2. ^ a b "Consolidated Sales Transition by Region" (PDF). Nintendo. 2008-07-30. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  3. ^ ARM946E-S
  4. ^ a b "Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2008" (PDF). Nintendo. 2008-04-25. p. 6. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
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