How Does a Nintendo DS Work

Have you ever asked yourself, "How does a Nintendo DS work?" There is quite a history in those small Nintendo handheld devices going all the way back to 1988. But what's inside the little machine that has captivated gamers for two decades? Let's find out and see how all the pieces work together to let you play all the Mario games you want. You might be surprised at how much isn't in the casing that is doing all the work.

Now for some tech talk. There are two processors running the DS. One of the processors runs at 67 MHz and is in charge of 3D rendering. The second processor kicks at 33 MHz and renders 2D data and GameBoy Advance games. There is 4 MB of mobile RAM (similar to computer RAM and used for the same purpose of speed) and 256 KB of serial flash memory. Really, the only other important internal part you need to know about is the WiFi antenna, which allows you to connect to the internet for downloads and online gameplay.

There are two screens located on the DS, one on each part of the hinge. Both screens are 3 inches of TFT glory measuring 256 x 192 pixels. However, the lower display is a touchscreen, allowing input through a stylus or a finger. this second display is a big part of how a Nintendo DS works.

Like most computers or anything that uses a chip, the Nintendo DS uses a firmware to boot the system. Now, the system checks your game ports for any cartridges. You have either a DS game ROM cartridge, an Advance cartridge, or nothing. If you have nothing, then the DS will allow you to use PictoChat. If you have an Advanced game inserted, the top screen will activate, allowing you to play the game.

One interesting note is that the Nintendo DS is region-free, which means you can play any game purchased anywhere in the world. The one exception is that a regular DS cannot play Chinese version games because of a special processor that is needed to display certain Chinese characters.

Nintendo DS

You pop in your game, turn on the DS, and let the system boot up. Now you've selected your game. This is where the DS really jumps into action. The processors begin their work of pushing graphics, which include 3D images and 2D images. Take a look at the next game you play, especially a 3D game like a racer or First Person Shooter, because you will notice that there are 3D objects and 2D objects (most likely in the background). With all that to push, you must think those two processors are working hard. You'd be right! Not only that, but if you are using a stylus or pushing buttons or using the D-Pad, then there's some extra work going on there.

How does the Nintendo DS work in terms of its battery life? Well, sometimes good and sometimes short. On average, the DS will get about 10 hours of battery life. All kinds of factors determine if this life is shorter. Basically, the more that is going on, the shorter the life. If you have the speakers and max volume, you are playing online (use the wireless capabilities), and playing a heavily-imaged 3D game that utilizes both screens and their backlights, then expect the battery to last a significantly shorter time.

Maybe some of your answers to "how does a Nintendo DS work" have been answered. There is a lot of going on, but Nintendo has done a phenomenal job in creating a brand that has lasted about 20 years. A hundred things have improved since we opened up that very first bulky, monochromed-screen Game Boy but one thing has remained the same: the games push the portable handheld with each screen, button press, and movement.

Does the Nintendo DS get a break? Sure it does...when you lose.

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