Nintendo DS
Games | ||
| Release | ||
|---|---|---|
Platform | Date | |
DS | 2005 | |
DS Lite | 2006 | |
DSi | 2009 | |
DSi XL | 2010 | |
The Nintendo DS was the fourth handheld video game system developed by Nintendo (fifth if the Game Boy Advance SP is included). It had two screens (hence "DS," meaning double screen), the bottom of which being a touch screen. Players can use the stylus (a pen looking thing) to do actions on the bottom screen. It has a similar button layout/style as the SNES-controller; a D-pad, 4 buttons (A, B, X and Y), 2 shoulder-buttons (L and R), and Start & Select buttons. Additionally, the DS also has a microphone attachment to interact with certain games.
Versions
There were multiple versions of the original DS all listed below.
Original Nintendo DS
The original Nintendo DS has a much chunkier design than the later versions. The microphone is located below the touch screen (to the left), there are also two lights located below the bottom screen (one indicating power on/off and the other indicating whether the charger is connected).
On this particular version you can play Game Boy Advance games due to the bottom input for GBA CARTRIDGES - this input is also used for such games as Guitar Hero.
Nintendo DS Lite
The Nintendo DS Lite was much slimmed down from the original, and formed the basis for the designs of later DSes and Nintendo 3DSes There are a few minor differences than the original though, such as the microphone location (now located between the two screens) and a different charger.
Nintendo DSi
The Nintendo DSi has a similar design as the Nintendo DS Lite; however this version includes two cameras. One is located on the front (next to the microphone) and one on the back. It also features a micro-sd slot and improved speakers. This version, however, does not have a bottom input for Game Boy Advance games.
Nintendo DSi XL
The Nintendo DSi XL is the same design as the original DSi; however the screens are 93% larger.
Games
There were a total of three Zelda games released for the Nintendo DS:
Phantom Hourglass
- Main article: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass was available on cartridge. A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, it was controversial for its touchscreen-based controls.
Spirit Tracks
- Main article: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Spirit Tracks was a follow-up to Phantom Hourglass. Also released on cartridge, it used the same basic mechanics to follow a Link and Zelda several generations later than the The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass versions in New Hyrule.
Four Swords Anniversary Edition
- Main article: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Four Swords Anniversary Edition was a download-only "DSiWare" title and extended port of the GBA Four Swords title originally included with the GBA port of A Link to the Past. While it was available for free, it was only downloadable for a limited time.
Compared to the original GBA release, it added a single-player mode and two new worlds - the Realm of Memories, based on areas of A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening (Game Boy and The Legend of Zelda; and the Hero's Trial, harder versions of earlier levels.