Nintendo DS
http://news.fayetteville.net/articles/81/1/Nintendo-DS/Page1.html
John Zaun
Just here to write. By John Zaun
Published on 07/13/2008
For gamers and non-gamers alike.
Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS a.k.a, the number one selling piece of video game hardware worldwide.
The Nintendo DS is Nintendo's newest edition to their roster of portable gaming systems. Having pioneered hand held gaming since the 1980 release of the first "Game and Watch", The company still holds strong with durable systems, classic and memorable games, and strong steady sales.
The DS takes hand held gaming to a new plane. First by introducing dual screens instead of just a single screen which is features in all other hand held releases. ("DS" itself stands for "dual screen"). Players now have two screens in which to manage their gaming experience on. Often times, one screen will feature a menu,maps,character dialog, item lists, health displays ect. while the other features the actual in game play. The bottom screen also doubles as a touch screen. the system comes with a stylus which can be used to manipulate the screen much like a palm pilot. This innovation is the backbone for the majority of the hand held's games. Everything from menu and command selection, to item collecting and actual character movement and actions. The touch screen is surprisingly intuitive and sensitive to any motions created on it, and it's games follow suit with intuitive software to read this touch screen activity.
The system also has built in "Wi-Fi" connection capabilities. This feature allows players to connect wireless to the internet for gaming with players worldwide. This feature really shines however, with it's local ability. Players can connect with one another instantly simply be being in the same room as one another. There is no set-up required. Most games feature multi-player modes which utilize this feature to it's fullest, whether it be competitive, or cooperative. Everything from mini games featuring a game's characters, used to unlock additional items or settings in the single player version of the game, To full blown cooperative gaming where players can join one another's single player campaign and enjoy cooperative play.
One of the major highlights of the DS for many gamers however is, it's new found support for older "retro" or "old-school" games. Whether through official or unofficial release. Many older games have been ported to the system, Many of which have been given a new updated look (often times rendering older 2d games into full 3d), and also new controls (to feature more use of the stylus). Often the game still has an option to use classic controls to appeal to gamers who prefer their button mashing. There are also unofficial releases for "retro" games and unofficial software modifications and add-ons. These generally fall under the Title of "Homebrew Applications" Which range from everything from emulation of older video games systems from both Nintendo, and non-Nintendo releases. Everything from NES, to SNES, to Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Gameboy, Turbo-grafix, ect.
These "Homebrew Applications" also feature software such as a full working version of the Linux operating system software, to internet browsers, online chat systems, Media players, and even some ported PC games.
The system Features a vast variety of games to cater to gamers of any age. Everything from educational and learning tools software such as the game "Brain Age", to full fledged RPG, Action/Adventure, First Person Shooter,Puzzle, and platforming games. The system continues with new additions to long standing Nintendo franchises such as the obvious Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Donkey Kong, Pokemon ect.
All in all the system carries potential for all breeds of gamers, and also for those who are not even gamers at all. The system sells for an average of $130.00 U.S. Dollars. Which is still a low enough price to give competitors a run for their money, and clearly through it's record sales, and current top position in sales, the DS is succeeding in doing just that.
The Nintendo DS is Nintendo's newest edition to their roster of portable gaming systems. Having pioneered hand held gaming since the 1980 release of the first "Game and Watch", The company still holds strong with durable systems, classic and memorable games, and strong steady sales.
The DS takes hand held gaming to a new plane. First by introducing dual screens instead of just a single screen which is features in all other hand held releases. ("DS" itself stands for "dual screen"). Players now have two screens in which to manage their gaming experience on. Often times, one screen will feature a menu,maps,character dialog, item lists, health displays ect. while the other features the actual in game play. The bottom screen also doubles as a touch screen. the system comes with a stylus which can be used to manipulate the screen much like a palm pilot. This innovation is the backbone for the majority of the hand held's games. Everything from menu and command selection, to item collecting and actual character movement and actions. The touch screen is surprisingly intuitive and sensitive to any motions created on it, and it's games follow suit with intuitive software to read this touch screen activity.
The system also has built in "Wi-Fi" connection capabilities. This feature allows players to connect wireless to the internet for gaming with players worldwide. This feature really shines however, with it's local ability. Players can connect with one another instantly simply be being in the same room as one another. There is no set-up required. Most games feature multi-player modes which utilize this feature to it's fullest, whether it be competitive, or cooperative. Everything from mini games featuring a game's characters, used to unlock additional items or settings in the single player version of the game, To full blown cooperative gaming where players can join one another's single player campaign and enjoy cooperative play.
One of the major highlights of the DS for many gamers however is, it's new found support for older "retro" or "old-school" games. Whether through official or unofficial release. Many older games have been ported to the system, Many of which have been given a new updated look (often times rendering older 2d games into full 3d), and also new controls (to feature more use of the stylus). Often the game still has an option to use classic controls to appeal to gamers who prefer their button mashing. There are also unofficial releases for "retro" games and unofficial software modifications and add-ons. These generally fall under the Title of "Homebrew Applications" Which range from everything from emulation of older video games systems from both Nintendo, and non-Nintendo releases. Everything from NES, to SNES, to Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Gameboy, Turbo-grafix, ect.
These "Homebrew Applications" also feature software such as a full working version of the Linux operating system software, to internet browsers, online chat systems, Media players, and even some ported PC games.
The system Features a vast variety of games to cater to gamers of any age. Everything from educational and learning tools software such as the game "Brain Age", to full fledged RPG, Action/Adventure, First Person Shooter,Puzzle, and platforming games. The system continues with new additions to long standing Nintendo franchises such as the obvious Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Donkey Kong, Pokemon ect.
All in all the system carries potential for all breeds of gamers, and also for those who are not even gamers at all. The system sells for an average of $130.00 U.S. Dollars. Which is still a low enough price to give competitors a run for their money, and clearly through it's record sales, and current top position in sales, the DS is succeeding in doing just that.