Nintendo DS (2005)
The Nintendo DS is a portable gaming system with dual screens the bottom of which is a touch screen. The DS also includes loads of new features never before seen on a handheld console. Each of the consoles 3 inch screen is capable of displaying proper 3D graphics even better than the Nintendo 64’s visuals. The DS also comes with the built in PictoChat software which can be used to chat with your friends over a wireless communication between DS systems in range of the DS’s wireless receiver. Up to 16 players can connect to the DS at once over a local wireless network for hours of multiplayer fun. The wireless capabilities of the DS can connect to other systems at a range from 30 - 100 feet. Certain games will require more than one game cart for multiplayer play and some will only need one and send the game wirelessly to another DS. The wireless capabilities of the DS also allow it to connect to the Wii console in games like Pokemon Battle Revolution. The DS also sports a microphone which can be used to control certain elements of games or be used to voice chat with other people over the internet. The DS also has stereo speakers and can simulate surround sound in certain games like Super Mario 64 DS with Virtual Surround Sound. The DS is also backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance software with its Slot 2 which is a GBA slot and Slot 1 being the DS card slot. Unfortunately original Game Boy and Game Boy Colour games cannot be played on the DS and GBA games are not playable in multiplayer. Overall the DS is a very good console and worth checking out.
Technical Specs
Size (closed) - 5.85" wide / 3.33" long / 1.13" tall
Top Screen - Backlit, 3-inch, semitransparent reflective TFT colour LCD with 256x192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch
Touch Screen - Same as upper screen, but with transparent analogue Touch Screen
Screen Colours - Capable of displaying 260,000 colours
Wireless Communication - IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS Game Card (with certain titles).
Controls - Touch Screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, +Control Pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons
Input/Output - Ports for both Nintendo DS Game Cards and Game Boy Advance Game Paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone
Other Features - Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; Touch Screen calibration
CPUs - One ARM9 and one ARM7
Sound - Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software
Battery - Lithium ion battery delivering six to ten hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter
Languages - English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian
Colour - Silver/Blue/Pink
Accessories
DS Browser
The DS Browser allows you to browse the internet on your DS. It also includes the Nintendo DS Memory Expansion Pak and requires it to run.
Nintendo MP3 Player
The Nintendo MP3 Player requires an SD card and allows you to play MP3 files through the DSs GBA slot. Unfortunately the MP3 player doesn’t use any of the DSs exclusive features and runs as a Game Boy Game. As a result the Nintendo MP3 Player is also useable on any of the Game Boy Advance line of consoles.
DS Rumble Pak
The DS Rumble Pak adds the rumble function found on home console controllers to your DS. Note that only supported games use the Rumble Pak.
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector
The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector allows you to connect your DS to the internet through your PC if you don’t have a compatible wireless network in your home.
Activity Meter
The Activity Meter is an accessory bundled with the game Walk With Me! It measures your movement patterns and can be synched with a Nintendo DS Console to show the results.
Also compatible with: