Cool Facts About the Nintendo DS
Easily one of the most interesting handhelds to ever hit the market, the Nintendo DS is the first of its kind, offering a dual-screen layout with a touch-screen that you can use to play your games and navigate menus. Along with the DS's layout are a number of other interesting facts regarding the console's design, makeup and history.
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Resemblance to Game & Watch
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As you may already be aware, the Nintendo DS isn't Nintendo's first foray into the market of dual-screen, handheld gaming. The Game & Watch series featured quick-to-learn, difficult-to-master LCD games that worked in a dual-screen format. While the Game & Watch series lacked the touch-screen technology of the Nintendo DS, they offered an abundance of replay value. Whether this likeness between the DS and Game & Watch series was intentional is unknown, but the similarities are uncanny.
PictoChat
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PictoChat is a free chat feature built into every Nintendo DS console. Using Wi-Fi, DS owners can interact with other DS owners using a wireless chatroom, where they can communicate using words and pictures drawn on the touch-screen. PictoChat has been recognized in a number of ways, including a level in "Super Smash Bros. Brawl." PictoChat also received an award at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival, which was the Excellence Prize for Entertainment.
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DSiWare
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The latest incarnation of the DS lineup, the Nintendo DSi introduces DSiWare. DSiWare is available for download to your DSi system and can be saved to an SD card in exchange for Nintendo Points, purchased separately or online. Many of these games, such as "Wario Ware Snapped," make special use of the DSi's dual-cameras and multimedia functionality, something unique to the DSi.
Built-In Mircrophone
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Since the original model's release, the Nintendo DS has included a built-in microphone. Some games that use the DS's microphone feature include "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass," "Brain Age," "Nintendogs," and "Feel The Magic: XY/XX."
Sleep Mode
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If you're on the go, but still haven't had a chance to save, take advantage of the Nintendo DS's sleep mode by simply closing the console. Not only does the console keep track of where you were in the game, it conserves battery power, keeping your place saved until you have a chance to play or plug in the console to recharge the battery.
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