Nintendo DS
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo DS.
Latest coverage
Why I’ve never liked playing handheld video game consoles - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses a long-standing dislike for handheld video game consoles, preferring the immersive experience of home consoles with large screens and dedicated sound systems. Despite the popularity of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, the author finds their smaller screens, controls, and performance drawbacks unappealing, even considering the expensive PlayStation Portal as merely a streaming device.
Anniversary: Super Mario First Went 'New' 20 Years Ago On The DS
New Super Mario Bros. launched 20 years ago on the Nintendo DS, marking the first new 2D side-scrolling Mario platformer in years and revitalizing the classic formula. The game introduced new power-ups and movement abilities, and offered wireless multiplayer. It became the best-selling Nintendo DS game of all time, selling over 30 million units.
How Mixtape became the biggest video game controversy of 2026
The indie game Mixtape has become the subject of a significant online controversy, with accusations of bribery and a general backlash against its narrative-focused, low-interactivity design. This backlash echoes past industry issues like Gamergate, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding diverse game design and representation in the industry.
Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery Review: An Enticing, But Overly Simplified, Murder Mystery
Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery is a debut title from Nobody Crown that offers a simplified take on the murder mystery genre. While its laid-back atmosphere and cozy aesthetic are charming, the game's overly automated clue gathering and bloated menus may not satisfy hardcore fans of adventure games.
My Nintendo Store will change its name to Nintendo Store in various regions
Nintendo is rebranding its online store from 'My Nintendo Store' to simply 'Nintendo Store' in Japan, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, effective May 27th. The name change will not affect the service's content or offerings.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sales at 19.86 Million Units With Nintendo Switch Sales Pushing to 155.92 Million Units
Nintendo's latest fiscal report reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold 19.86 million units in its first fiscal year, while the original Nintendo Switch reached 155.92 million units sold, surpassing the Nintendo DS. The company forecasts 16.5 million Nintendo Switch 2 units for the next fiscal year and plans to increase its price by $50 in North America starting September 1st.
Switch Lifetime Sales Inch Toward PS2, But Price Hikes May Hurt Its Chances
The Nintendo Switch is nearing the lifetime sales of the PlayStation 2, having sold 155.92 million units as of March 31, 2026. However, recent price increases for the console family in the US and Japan, along with Nintendo's own forecast of only 2 million sales in the next fiscal year, may hinder its chances of surpassing the PS2's 160 million mark.
The Nintendo Switch Refuses To Retire, And The PS2 Should Probably Be Nervous
The Nintendo Switch is nearing the sales record of the PlayStation 2, with 155.92 million units sold compared to the PS2's 160 million. Despite a predicted slowdown for the upcoming Switch 2, the current Switch model has surpassed the Nintendo DS and continues to sell well. Factors like potential price hikes could influence whether the Switch ultimately overtakes the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console of all time.
Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales
This article compares the North American and European/Japanese box art for the Nintendo DS game Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales. The author discusses the merits of each design, with the European/Japanese version featuring a large, central Chocobo and the North American version showcasing a more detailed, picture-book aesthetic. The piece also briefly mentions other games and the author's personal preferences.
Ex-Nintendo President Reveals Amazon’s “Illegal Demands” Ahead of Switch 2 Era Tensions
Former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aimé revealed that Amazon made "illegal" demands for financial backing during the Nintendo Wii and DS era to undercut competitors. This led to Nintendo temporarily ceasing inventory supply to Amazon. While relations improved with the Nintendo Switch, tensions resurfaced around the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly concerning third-party sellers and pricing.
Will We See a New Casino in the Upcoming Mario Games
The Mario series has a history of incorporating casino-like mini-games, such as video poker, roulette, and slots, in titles like Super Mario 64 DS and New Super Mario Bros. While these elements have typically been minor distractions, there is potential for them to be expanded upon in future games. However, Nintendo's family-friendly approach may limit the extent to which a full casino theme could be implemented.
Poll: Box Art Brawl: Yoshi's Universal Gravitation (GBA)
This edition of Box Art Brawl pits the regional box art for Yoshi's Universal Gravitation against each other. The article details the differences between the European, North American, and Japanese versions, highlighting the game's unique tilt-based gameplay mechanic and its release in 2004/2005.
Chrono Trigger Chrono and Marle Form-ism Figures Set for September
Square Enix has announced a Japanese release date of September 16, 2026, for their Chrono Trigger Form-ism figures featuring Chrono and Marle. These static figures, standing approximately six and a half inches tall, will cost 8,800 yen in Japan and are expected to be available worldwide later. The article also mentions similar figures released for Kingdom Hearts, NieR, and Atlus titles.
The 28 Best Nintendo DS Games Of All Time
This article ranks the 25 best games released for the Nintendo DS, highlighting titles that leveraged the handheld's unique dual-screen and touchscreen capabilities. The list includes a variety of genres, from RPGs like Radiant Historia and Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver to unique experiences like Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and Elite Beat Agents, showcasing the DS's impact on handheld gaming.
Poll: Box Art Brawl: Professor Layton And Pandora's Box
This article compares the box art for Professor Layton and Pandora's Box (also known as Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box) across its European, North American, and Japanese releases. The European version features a busy design with highlighted puzzles, while North America and Japan showcase the main characters and the Molentary Express, with subtle differences in puzzle presentation or plot summary.
Please Give My Decades-Old Pokemon Something Fun To Do
The author expresses disappointment with Pokemon Champions, finding it lacking for long-time collectors who want more interactive experiences for their Pokemon beyond static storage. Despite supporting Pokemon Home transfers, the game's limited roster and storage, coupled with subscription costs, make it unappealing compared to older titles like My Pokemon Ranch and Poke Pelago which offered more engaging ways to interact with collected creatures.
The classic Xenosaga series is finally making its PC debut, but don't get too excited because it's a 2004…
The classic JRPG Xenosaga: Pied Piper, originally released for Japanese mobile phones in 2004, is coming to PC via Steam. Developed by Monolith Soft and published by G-Mode, this port will not include an English translation or modern quality-of-life improvements. This release highlights G-Mode's efforts in game preservation, though it is unlikely to lead to modern ports of the main Xenosaga trilogy due to Nintendo's ownership of Monolith Soft.
The Prince of Tennis Otome Dating Sims 'Sweet School Festival' and 'Doki Doki Survival' Get Worldwide Release in July
Konami has announced that The Prince of Tennis otome dating sims 'Sweet School Festival ~♡-40 and more…~' and 'Doki Doki Survival ~eternal passion! Tie break ♡ game~' will receive worldwide releases on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch on July 30. These rereleases feature English translations, newly drawn illustrations, and improved UI, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version offering additional features like full-screen display and mouse support.
The indie metroidvania that started it all just got a huge update on PC, adding co-op and mod support after 22 years
Cave Story+, the revamped version of the influential 2004 indie metroidvania, has received a significant update on Steam for PC. This update adds co-op and mod support, bringing the PC version in line with the Nintendo Switch version released nine years ago. The game, created by Daisuke Amaya, is credited with shaping the modern indie game landscape and demonstrating the potential of solo development.
Review: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Encourages Creativity
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for the Nintendo Switch offers extensive customization options, allowing players to create unique islands and Mii characters. While minigames can be frustrating, the game excels in its creative freedom and simulation depth. The title is set to release on April 16, 2026, with a demo currently available.
