Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

Nintendo's unexpected system is said not to be a replacement for the GBA, but instead it will coexist with the current handheld. Nintendo's "third pillar" is driven by its two CPUs (an ARM7 and ARM9) and two backlit 3" screens. A rechargeable Li-ion battery supports the system, while its new game card format boasts over 128 Megabytes (1 Gigabit) of space and low production costs.

FACT SHEET [09/21/2004]

  • Launch Date and MSRP: Nov. 21, 2004, in North America ($149.99), Dec. 2, 2004, in Japan (15,000 yen), Q1 2005 in Europe and Australia

  • Size (when closed): 148.7 millimeters (5.85 inches) wide, 84.7 millimeters (3.33 inches) long, 28.9 millimeters (1.13 inches) tall

  • Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, semitransparent reflective TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors

  • Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen

  • 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

  • Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, plus 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 10 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter

  • Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian

  • Color: Silver and black
  • Genre
    Developer Nintendo

    Worldwide Releases

    na: Nintendo DS
    Release Nov 21, 2004
    PublisherNintendo
    jpn: Nintendo DS
    Release Dec 02, 2004
    PublisherNintendo
    eu: Nintendo DS
    Release Mar 11, 2005
    PublisherNintendo
    aus: Nintendo DS
    Release Feb 24, 2005
    PublisherNintendo
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