Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS is a dual-screen portable handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. The name "DS" is short for either Dual Screen or Developer's System, the latter of which referring to the features of the handheld designed to encourage innovative gameplay ideas among developershttp://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/ds/faq.jsp. Its code name was "Project Nitro". The DS has a horizontal clamshell design, similar to some Game & Watch video games, and the Game Boy Advance SP.

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Handheld game console - Nintendo - Game & Watch - Video game - Game Boy Advance SP

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The DS is unique in that it has two screens (almost all game consoles use one screen) and also that it incorporates a touch screen. Additionally, it features a built-in microphone, and wireless connectivity with other DS users. Nintendo hopes that the new features present in the machine will provoke unique game development, attract developers, appeal to both older gamers and non-gamers alienated by normal input methods, and allow Nintendo to retain its status as leader of the handheld game console market. As such, Nintendo has placed the DS outside of its highly successful Game Boy line, which is targeted at the pre-existing gaming market. Some have suggested that this was a precautionary measure to ensure the Game Boy name remained untarnished if the DS were to fail commercially, but given the sales of the handheld to date, the issue is rather academic.

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Microphone - Nintendo - Game Boy

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The Nintendo DS is currently seen by many analysts to be in the same market as Sony's PlayStation Portable, although representatives from both companies have stated that each system targets a different audience. Nintendo particularly is attempting to differentiate the DS from other game machines, including the PSP, which is a somewhat more traditional gaming device. Even so, the Nintendo DS is currently the leader of the two in total worldwide unit sales with over 6 million units sold (as of September 29, 2005). The system's promotional slogans revolve around the word "Touch": in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand: Touching is Good; in Canada: Don't Touch, Touch; in Japan, and China: Touch!; and in Europe: Touch me!.

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Sony - PlayStation Portable - As of September 29, 2005 - United States - Australia - New Zealand - Canada - China - Europe

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At the time of its release in the United States, the Nintendo DS retailed for $150 USD. The price dropped to $130 USD on August 21st 2005, one day before the highly-anticipated North American releases of Nintendogs and '.

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August 21st - 2005 - Nintendogs

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