What is the most popular handheld console of all time?

The Nintendo DS holds the title of the most popular handheld console of all time, both in terms of global sales and cultural impact. Released in 2004, the DS became a gaming phenomenon, with its innovative features and a massive library of games that appealed to a wide audience, from casual gamers to hardcore enthusiasts.

Why is the Nintendo DS the Most Popular?

1. Unprecedented Sales: The Nintendo DS sold over 154 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling handheld console of all time. This massive sales figure surpasses its competitors, including the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo's own successors, the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.

2. Dual Screens and Touchscreen Innovation: One of the standout features of the Nintendo DS was its dual-screen design, which included a touchscreen on the bottom screen. This was a groundbreaking feature at the time and allowed for new types of gameplay experiences, such as using the stylus for precise control or drawing directly on the screen. This innovation set the DS apart from traditional handheld consoles.

3. Backward Compatibility: The DS was backward compatible with Game Boy Advance games, making it a seamless transition for fans of the previous generation of handhelds. This increased its appeal, as players could continue to enjoy their old Game Boy games while exploring new titles for the DS.

4. Extensive Game Library: The Nintendo DS boasted an incredibly diverse game library, with over 1,300 games released during its lifetime. The library covered a wide range of genres, from platformers and action-adventure to educational games and puzzle games. Iconic titles like Super Mario DS, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were critical and commercial successes.

5. Affordable and Accessible: The Nintendo DS was priced affordably compared to other consoles at the time, making it accessible to a broad range of gamers, including children, families, and older gamers. Its long battery life (often up to 10-15 hours) also made it an ideal portable device.

6. Multiplayer and Wi-Fi Features: The DS introduced the ability to play local multiplayer games via Wi-Fi connection, allowing players to connect with others and play online in games like Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing: Wild World. This expanded the DS's social and competitive appeal.

7. Design and Variants: The original Nintendo DS had a clamshell design that made it compact and portable. The console also spawned several versions, including the Nintendo DS Lite, which was lighter, thinner, and brighter, and the Nintendo DSi, which introduced cameras and digital features. These variants helped maintain the DS's popularity throughout its lifespan.

Notable Games for the Nintendo DS

The DS's game library featured a mix of first-party Nintendo games and third-party titles, making it a go-to handheld for gamers of all types. Here are some of the most beloved and notable games for the system:

1. Super Mario 64 DS

   • A remake of the classic Super Mario 64 that took advantage of the DS’s dual screens and added new characters and levels.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

   • A critically acclaimed entry in the Zelda franchise that made full use of the DS’s touchscreen for puzzles and exploration.

3. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

   • The DS saw the launch of a new generation of Pokémon games, which became some of the best-selling titles for the console.

4. Mario Kart DS

   • One of the best handheld racing games ever, offering great multiplayer gameplay with both local and online options.

5. Animal Crossing: Wild World

   • The first Animal Crossing game on a handheld, which introduced online features and a larger range of activities in a charming, open-world village.

6. Brain Age

   • A casual game designed to stimulate the mind with puzzles and challenges. It became a massive success, especially among older audiences, and helped define the “brain-training” genre.

7. New Super Mario Bros.

   • A return to the classic 2D Mario platforming, offering tight controls, creative level design, and memorable power-ups.

Other Handheld Consoles in Comparison

While the Nintendo DS is the most popular handheld console of all time, there have been other notable handhelds that made an impact:

1. PlayStation Portable (PSP): Released in 2004, the PSP offered more powerful graphics and multimedia capabilities than the DS, appealing to a slightly older audience. It sold over 80 million units, thanks in part to a library that included titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.

2. Nintendo Switch: Although technically a hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch can be considered a handheld and home console in one. It has become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with its portable nature and library of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

3. Nintendo 3DS: A direct successor to the DS, the Nintendo 3DS sold around 75 million units, with the added gimmick of 3D gameplay without glasses. It featured excellent games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land.

4. Game Boy Series: The original Game Boy, followed by the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, were some of the earliest and most successful handheld consoles, selling over 118 million units collectively. Iconic games like Pokémon Red/Blue and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening defined handheld gaming in the '90s and early 2000s.

Conclusion

The Nintendo DS stands as the most popular handheld console of all time, thanks to its innovative features, extensive game library, and broad appeal to a wide range of audiences. Its impact on the gaming industry, particularly handheld gaming, is undeniable, and its legacy continues through the Nintendo Switch and other portable gaming experiences.

The DS proved that handheld gaming could be just as immersive and enjoyable as home console gaming, paving the way for future devices. If you're a collector or nostalgic about handheld gaming, the Nintendo DS is certainly a piece of gaming history worth remembering.