The Nintendo DS, launched in North America on November 21, 2004, initially seemed like an oddity. Positioned as a “third pillar” alongside the Game Boy Advance and GameCube, its dual-screen design and unconventional launch titles led many to predict its failure against the impending PlayStation Portable. History, however, tells a different story. The DS defied expectations, becoming Nintendo’s most successful system to date.
The DS’s initial game library was undeniably eclectic. Titles like Feel the Magic: XY/XX and Sprung deviated significantly from the Game Boy Advance era. Super Mario 64 DS showcased the system’s technical prowess but felt somewhat constrained by the lack of an analog stick. However, as developers grasped the DS’s unique capabilities, the library rapidly expanded with must-have titles. Nintendo strategically targeted casual gamers with innovative software like Nintendogs and Brain Age, broadening the gaming audience. Simultaneously, hardcore fans were catered to with games like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney demonstrated the DS’s potential for unique gameplay experiences.
The DS’s enduring legacy lies in its remarkable ability to inspire creativity. Developers ingeniously leveraged its dual screens and features. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword utilized a book-like vertical orientation, while WarioWare: Touched! incorporated microphone-based gameplay. Activision even adapted the popular Guitar Hero franchise with a peripheral that plugged into the GBA slot. Some developers used the second screen for maps, while others, like Thor: God of Thunder, extended boss battles across both screens for a grander scale. The DS also propelled niche genres into the mainstream, with the Ace Attorney series gaining widespread popularity.
In 2004, mobile gaming was in its nascent stages. The iPhone’s arrival three years later highlighted the DS’s influence on touch screen gaming, with titles like Pac-Pix and Pokemon Ranger foreshadowing the first generation of iPhone games. While Nintendo has largely (though not entirely) moved away from touch controls, the DS’s spirit and innovative software live on. Many DS games have found new life through remakes and re-releases, including Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, The World Ends With You, and Another Code: Two Memories.
Another Code: Two Memories received a remake for the Nintendo Switch, demonstrating the enduring appeal of DS titles.
However, these modern adaptations often require modifications or omissions due to the DS’s unique hardware. This makes the original DS experience irreplaceable. While the Nintendo Switch can faithfully emulate older consoles, the essence of DS games can be lost in translation. Numerous DS titles remain confined to the original hardware, unlikely to receive modern ports. Existing remakes and readily available alternatives further diminish the likelihood of seeing titles like Resident Evil: Deadly Silence or Tetris DS re-released. This also applies to cult classics like Elite Beat Agents.
Twenty years on, the Nintendo DS’s impact remains profound. In a contemporary gaming landscape where platforms often offer similar experiences, the DS stands out for its innovative hardware and diverse software library. Its legacy continues to grow as new generations discover its hidden gems. While not every DS game was a masterpiece, the sheer volume of creativity and quality makes it a platform worth revisiting. The Nintendo DS truly embodies a unique era of gaming innovation.
