The Most Sold Handheld Game Console: A Look at the Nintendo DS

Handheld gaming consoles have been a major part of the gaming industry for decades, offering portable entertainment for gamers on the go. With advancements in technology, these consoles have evolved from simple devices to full-fledged gaming systems capable of delivering immersive experiences. Among the many handheld gaming devices that have graced the market, one console stands out above the rest in terms of sales: the Nintendo DS.

In this blog, we'll explore why the Nintendo DS holds the title of the most sold handheld gaming console and how it has shaped the future of portable gaming.

1. Nintendo DS: The Undisputed Champion

As of 2024, the Nintendo DS remains the most sold handheld game console of all time, with over 154 million units sold globally. Released in 2004, the DS took the handheld gaming market by storm, offering a unique dual-screen design that would set it apart from previous consoles. The DS was not just a simple gaming device; it was a versatile machine that blended innovative features with an expansive library of games.

Key Features of the Nintendo DS:

• Dual Screens: The most notable feature of the Nintendo DS was its dual-screen setup, with the bottom screen being a touchscreen. This innovative design opened up new possibilities for gaming, allowing developers to create more interactive and engaging experiences.
• Backward Compatibility: The DS was compatible with the Game Boy Advance games, allowing players to continue enjoying their older library of games while embracing new ones.
• Multiplayer Functionality: The Nintendo DS was one of the first handheld consoles to support local wireless multiplayer, making it easier for friends to connect and play together on the go.

2. The Rise of the Nintendo DS: A Game-Changer

The Nintendo DS captured the hearts of gamers across the world for several reasons, including its innovative design, solid game library, and affordability. When it launched, it was priced competitively and offered a wide range of titles that appealed to both casual gamers and more dedicated fans of Nintendo franchises.

Some of the standout games that helped the Nintendo DS become a best-seller include:

• Super Mario 64 DS
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
• Mario Kart DS
• Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
• Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!

With a strong lineup of games across multiple genres, including platformers, adventure, puzzle games, and RPGs, the DS attracted a diverse audience.

3. Why Did the Nintendo DS Sell So Well?

There were several factors that contributed to the overwhelming success of the Nintendo DS:

• Innovative Features: The dual-screen design and touchscreen controls set the DS apart from previous handheld consoles. It also featured a microphone and a unique Game Card format for games, making it distinct in the market.

• Strong Game Library: Nintendo's beloved franchises, like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, were available on the DS, drawing in fans of the series. Additionally, the console supported a variety of third-party titles, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

• Affordability: The Nintendo DS was priced competitively compared to other gaming devices at the time, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. The DS Lite, a slimmer version released in 2006, further expanded its appeal with a more stylish design and improved battery life.

• Longevity: The Nintendo DS had a long lifespan, with multiple iterations and models released over the years. The Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL offered additional features such as better cameras, improved screens, and access to the Nintendo DSi Shop, where users could download games and apps.

4. The Successor: Nintendo 3DS

In 2011, Nintendo released the Nintendo 3DS, the successor to the DS. While the 3DS did not achieve the same sales figures as the DS, it still sold over 75 million units, thanks to its innovative 3D gaming feature without the need for glasses, along with backward compatibility for DS games.

The Nintendo 3DS continued to build on the legacy of the DS, and its success helped solidify Nintendo’s position as a leader in handheld gaming. However, the Nintendo DS remains the definitive king of handheld consoles when it comes to sales numbers.

5. Other Popular Handheld Consoles

While the Nintendo DS is the top-seller, it wasn’t the only handheld console to capture the public’s attention. Some other notable handheld gaming devices include:

• Game Boy: Launched in 1989, the Game Boy was Nintendo’s first major success in the handheld market, selling over 118 million units across various models, including the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance.

• PlayStation Portable (PSP): Sony’s first handheld console, the PSP, released in 2004, sold over 81 million units. It offered more advanced graphics compared to other handheld consoles at the time and had a strong library of games, including hits like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.

• Nintendo Switch: While not a traditional handheld, the Nintendo Switch has also seen incredible success, selling over 125 million units since its release in 2017. With the ability to seamlessly transition between handheld and docked play, the Switch has continued Nintendo’s dominance in portable gaming.

6. Conclusion

The Nintendo DS remains the most sold handheld gaming console of all time, with its innovative features, vast game library, and affordability making it a beloved device among gamers. With over 154 million units sold, it continues to be a fan favorite and a milestone in the history of portable gaming.

The DS’s impact on the industry is undeniable, and its legacy lives on in the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo 3DS, and future handheld consoles. If you're a fan of handheld gaming, the DS is undoubtedly a console worth remembering for shaping the way we play games on the go.

For those interested in exploring more about handheld gaming, be sure to check out the Nintendo DS on eBay and Nintendo’s Official Website for more gaming options. Happy gaming!