Initially known as Project Nitro during development, the Nintendo DS (Dual Screen) was first released in North America on 21 November 2004 and Japan on 2 December 2004, which is unusual for a Japanese product. The DS later launched in Europe on 11 March 2005. Visually distinguishable by its 'clamshell' design, the Nintendo DS is a handheld gaming device that succeeded the popular Game Boy Advance.
The main selling point behind the DS revolves around its innovative use of both dual screen and touch screen technology. Both of its screens work seamlessly together to deliver the gaming experience while the bottom screen is also touch sensitive to expand the boundaries of accepted gameplay. The DS also has Wi-Fi capability for global multiplayer gaming, as well as a built-in microphone that can also be manipulated in-game, a Rumble Pak slot, and backward compatibility for GBA games.
The Nintendo DS, and its newer, smaller iteration, the DS Lite, have sold more than 16 million units worldwide since release and mark Nintendo's continuing dominance over the handheld market.
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