Do you also feel that current game consoles lack excitement? I do. They seem to lack the whimsical and eclectic elements that made them unique in the past, with the exception of the Nintendo Switch. However, even with the Switch’s innovative hybrid format, it doesn’t fundamentally change how games function; it simply offers new ways to play. While this is characteristic of Nintendo – known for its quirky and influential designs – I find myself yearning for something more.
Interestingly, Nintendo actually created the perfect solution to my longing 20 years ago: the DS. What a remarkable console it was! From the moment I first saw it as a child, I knew it was something special. By the end of its lifespan, the DS became the second best-selling console of all time, indicating that many others shared my admiration for it.
The dual screens that defined the DS (yes, that’s what DS stands for) were not entirely new to Nintendo, as they had previously experimented with such design in the Game & Watch series. However, the DS was a significant leap forward in terms of power and capabilities, especially in comparison to the Game Boy Advance. The standout feature was, undoubtedly, the second screen – a feature that sparked curiosity and intrigue.
Having a second screen, particularly one that was touchscreen, opened up a world of new gameplay possibilities. Numerous games on the DS utilized this feature in innovative ways, with Nintendo leading the charge. Titles like Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time showcased the potential of the dual screens, allowing players to control different characters simultaneously to solve puzzles. The World Ends With You required players to coordinate actions on both screens to succeed in battles, offering a unique gameplay experience.
These innovative gameplay mechanics fundamentally changed my perspective on games and how we interact with them. The DS transformed gaming into a more immersive and engaging experience, unlike any other console at the time. It expanded the possibilities of game design and encouraged creativity in game development.
Reflecting on my experience with the DS, I realize that it taught me to view games as playful and interactive spaces, inspiring me to think critically about game design and player engagement. In a gaming landscape dominated by homogeneous designs and standardized interfaces, the DS stood out as a beacon of creativity and innovation.
While I may not play my original DS as frequently now, its spirit lives on in its successor, the 3DS. The playful essence of the DS continues to shape my gaming preferences and has left a lasting impact on how I perceive interactive entertainment. Even after two decades, the DS remains a groundbreaking handheld console that continues to influence the gaming industry.
