21st January 2004
Nintendo releases the Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS (NDS or DS) is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo.

The Nintendo DS is distinguishable by its LCD dual screens, with the bottom panel being a touch screen. The touch screen is designed to accept input from the included stylus, the user’s fingers, or the tab attached to the optional wrist strap. The touch screen allows users to interact with in-game elements more directly than by pressing buttons; for example, in the included chatting software, PictoChat, the stylus is used to write messages or draw.

It also features a built-in microphone and supports wireless communications. The console’s main controls are located on the lower part of the console with seven buttons: A, B, Y, X, Start, Select, and a power button. The Nintendo DS also has a directional pad (D-Pad), with two more buttons L and R located on the shoulders of the device.

Nintendo released the Nintendo DS in North America on 21st November 2004, Japan on 2nd December 2004, Australia on 24th February 2005, and Europe on 11th March 2005.

Related information:

• Centre for Computing History: Nintendo DS

Image:

• Nintendo DS
  Credit: The Centre for Computing History, item CH4596

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