Nintendo DS Video Game Reviews

The Nintendo DS (Dual Screen) is the latest handheld from Nintendo, the makers of the Game Boy line of systems. The Nintendo DS is unlike any other handheld device on the market due to its number of unique features. Nintendo unveiled the DS in 2004 and released the system the same year in Japan and North America. Although it seems to go head-to-head with Sony's PlayStation Portable, Nintendo insists the DS is not a part of the mainstream market, including their own Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Micro units. The DS is a "third-tier" system that exists alongside the other systems and aims to offer something different to the gaming community.

Nintendo DS Unique Features

What sets the DS apart from other gaming systems is a plethora of unique features that, at first glance, seem to have very little to do with traditional gaming. Video game developers are constantly challenged to come up with new uses for these features to deliver fresh experience to gamers.

• Two screens
• Wireless multiplayer
• Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
• Built-in microphone
• Touch screen control

Two Screens

The Nintendo DS is designed like a rectangular clam-shell. The top lid contains one screen, while the thicker bottom part of the unit holds the d-pad, buttons and the second screen. Having two screens at once (each with an independent processor) allows for maps, items and other info to be displayed simultaneously. It also lets designers extend the playing field to the top screen or incorporate other views into the gaming experience.

Wireless Multiplayer

The Nintendo DS has wireless Multiplayer capabilities that extend to 100 feet around the player. Games that have multiplayer support can be played using this feature.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

The full article has lots more info than stated here, but Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is a free online service for Nintendo DS gamers. Using wireless internet points, gamers can battle against anyone in the world. Currently Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing: Wild World are two of Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection offerings.

Built-in Microphone

The small slit at the bottom of the DS system is actually a microphone. By speaking or blowing into it, gamers can interact with their games. For example, Nintendogs allows players to speak to their pets, train them or call their name. Feel the Magic XY/XX has a mini-game where players blow out a candle.

Touch Screen

Using the touch screen, the Nintendo DS can lend a completely new experience to gaming. Many games use this feature heavily while some rarely incorporate it. Either way, the touch screen allows for direct input from the user and opens the door for mouse-like control. The possibilities for the touch screen are just beginning to be explored by developers.

Nintendo DS Video Game Reviews

In our Nintendo DS Video Game Reviews category, find the latest and the greatest video games for this unique system. Don't see one of your favorites on the list? Why not write your own review?