Nintendo DS Released

Released on November 21, 2004, in North America, the Nintendo DS marked a bold and innovative leap in handheld gaming. With its unique dual-screen design, including a touchscreen on the lower display, the DS offered new ways to interact with games—inviting both developers and players to rethink portable gameplay. It also featured a built-in microphone, Wi-Fi connectivity for local and online multiplayer, and backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance titles. The DS initially drew skepticism for its unconventional features, but quickly silenced critics with a series of groundbreaking and accessible titles that defined a new era of handheld gaming. The DS became a global phenomenon thanks to its diverse and inclusive library. Titles like Brain Age, Nintendogs, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Animal Crossing: Wild World, and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl helped it reach a wide audience—including casual gamers, children, and adults alike. With over 154 million units sold, the Nintendo DS remains one of the best-selling video game systems of all time. It not only reshaped the portable market but also reinforced Nintendo’s reputation for innovation and risk-taking in hardware design.