Nine reasons why the Nintendo DS is far from obsolete

In the 2000s, there was hardly anyone who didn't have a Nintendo DS. The folding handheld was sold almost 155 million times. This makes it the second best-selling console of all time. Despite its success story, Nintendo discontinued production of the subsequent 3DS family in 2020. The stores for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U were closed in March 2023. Most recently, Nintendo ended online services for the two devices on 8 April 2024.

Even without the eShop or online multiplayer, you can still have a lot of fun with the Nintendo (3)DS. I'll show you nine reasons to get the dusty device out of the drawer.

1. devices and games at a bargain price

Thanks to the large selection of different Nintendo (3)DS handhelds, there are many affordable devices on the second-hand market. If you can make do with the first Nintendo DS or its successor, the Nintendo DS Lite, then you can find devices for the price of a kebab on the internet.

You can even play Game Boy Advance games on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite if you still have some lying around. In fact, the price point for both devices is so low that it's worth buying just to try them out.

If price is a topic, it's best to first look at which games interest you. Many "Pokémon" games from the DS generation have a proud price tag of CHF 100 or more, even in used condition. Other iconic games such as "Nintendogs" or "Super Mario 64 DS" are available for a favourable price.

2. the choice of good games is enormous

As a "Pokémon" fan, you will be very happy with the Nintendo (3)DS thanks to the many exclusive main games and spin-offs. Other first-class franchises such as "Super Mario" and "The Legend of Zelda" also have a number of exclusive titles. You can't play many of these games anywhere else because they have not yet been ported to current devices.

In the large Nintendo DS library, you will also find many small game gems because the development teams behind them were keen to experiment with the games. For example, have you ever heard of "Solatorobo Red the Hunter" or "Elite Beat Agents"? If not, then it's high time you did.

Less obscure series such as "Fire Emblem" are also worth a look. After all, the success of "Fire Emblem: Awakening" saved the series from going under. The "Professor Layton" games are also largely DS-exclusive and worth recommending, especially as a new spin-off, "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam", will be released next year.

3. exclusive remakes of gaming gems

To this day, many games can only be played on the Nintendo DS. This also applies to successful remakes of classic games. If you want to experience a crisp round of "Diddy Kong Racing", you'll have to get out your clunky Nintendo 64. It's easier if you plug the "Diddy Kong Racing DS" module into your Nintendo DS and experience the game in comfort with better graphics and controls.

The same applies to the hit "Star Fox 64", which became known as "Lylat Wars". Even though the game is included on sale with the Nintendo Switch Online Plus membership, the issue of portability arises again here. An internet connection is required to use Switch Online, which can be difficult when travelling. Not to mention the fact that emulating the old game removes convenient functions such as the gyro controls.

Even "Pokémon" games are sometimes only playable on a DS; "Pokémon HeartGold" and "SoulSilver" are currently the only new editions of the second generation. In addition, unlike "Star Fox 64", the silver and gold editions are not included on sale in Nintendo Switch Online. Before the eShop closure, you could download some "Pokémon" games exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS, which is also history.

4. the DS system is still unique today

Did you know that the "DS" in Nintendo DS stands for "Dual Screen"? If not, here you go. The two screens are the unique selling point of the Nintendo DS. The lower screen has a touch function - and that was before this became the norm for mobile phones. An in-built microphone and a camera from the DSi models onwards complete the hardware.

Some games make particularly creative use of the DS hardware. "Hotel Dusk: Room 215" and "Dr Kawashima's Brain Jogging" are both fundamentally different games and yet they share the characteristic that you have to turn the DS 90 degrees to the left to play them properly. Nobody would think of that today.

Developers have also come up with unique functionalities for other games. In "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass", for example, you are faced with a puzzle in which you have to transfer a symbol from a foreign map to your own. To do this, you press the two maps together, which you do by closing the handheld. That blew my socks off as a child. You can only experience this feeling on the original devices with their unique hardware. With emulation, some of the magic disappears.

At this point, however, I can also warn you if the touch controls or blowing into the microphone drive you crazy: If you're not a fan of these gimmicks, you'll find plenty of games that get by without such functions.

5. different devices for different tastes

In a total of 16 years, many devices have appeared that cater to every taste. This not only applies to cost and collector's value. You should also consider (backwards) compatibility and technical features when choosing the perfect Nintendo DS

You want to play both DS and GBA games? No problem, both the classic Nintendo DS and the successor model Nintendo DS Lite are suitable for this. If you prefer to play all the games in the Nintendo DS family instead, then the 3DS or 2DS models are best for you. In contrast to the older devices, the modern ones usually cost a little more.

If you want to experience the original DS games in their best resolution instead, then I recommend the Nintendo DSi XL. The screens of the 3DS handhelds unfortunately distort the original DS games a little. But you can worry about that kind of thing later.

6. modernity despite retro

The common denominator of all devices is their modernity. I clearly prefer the Nintendo DS to the Game Boy or the Game Boy Advance. The Nintendo DS is just as handy and easy to use as the older devices, but without their weaknesses.

Nowadays, I can hardly recognise anything on the screen of the old Game Boy. Unlike in my nostalgically romanticised memories, the screen is tiny and unlit. The screens of the older DS models may not quite reach today's standard, but they have developed enough since the first handhelds. What's more, thanks to the lighting, I can recognise what's happening on my screen even on the train.

With the Nintendo DS, the days of batteries being built into game modules are also over. These batteries eventually run out and are the reason why you can no longer save in the "Pokémon" Game Boy games, for example. Although initial concerns have been expressed about the longevity of the DS modules, the current status looks stable for the near future.

7. a handheld that also fits in the hand

"Everything used to be better..." Yes, the video game boomer comes out of me for a moment - even though I'm only 27 years old. But I'm certainly not the only person who longs for the handy little devices of the past. If I take my Nintendo DS with me when I'm out and about, I can always pop it in my trouser or jacket pocket. I don't need a case either, because I can simply close the Nintendo DS.

This is not so easy with the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck - not to mention the PlayStation Portal, which requires an internet connection to play. I only put these devices in my rucksack after I've put them safely in their protective case. This makes handhelds like the Steam Deck even bulkier.

8. even more possibilities thanks to custom firmware

This point only applies to 3DS models, as custom firmware is less useful or not possible at all for older devices. Custom firmware is an alternative software that extends the functionality of the handheld. Installation is relatively simple. I only had to sit down for a few hours to get a good result.

A modded device opens up even more possibilities. You'll experience your handheld in a whole new way. For example, I am thrilled that the regional lock of the devices disappears. As a result, my Japanese "The Legend of Zelda" Nintendo 3DS XL has finally found a use that goes beyond the pure exhibition purpose.

I also no longer have to take my DS modules with me. Instead, I load them from the cartridge directly onto my 3DS. Finally, I'm also spoilt for choice when it comes to the look of my home screen. The Community has created many beautiful and customised designs.

9th collector in the land of milk and honey

If you are a collector, then I have good (or bad) news for you: there are umpteen (3)DS models that you can buy and display.

The variety of devices applies to both the wide range of colours and the limited editions. You can get an older DS device for a bargain price or alternatively spend several hundred francs on a collector's edition. If you need an ambitious goal, you can try to collect all the "Pokémon" or "The Legend of Zelda" devices, for example.

The choice is enormous for collectors. When you delve deeper into the subject matter, you are suddenly faced with regional differences and potentially high prices.

As you can see, the possibilities for such a small device are enormous. The time is ripe to breathe new life into your old DS or finally add a suitable device to your console collection. <p