Is the DS family discontinued?

by

Is the DS Family Discontinued?

Quick answer
This page answers Is the DS family discontinued? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

  • Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
  • Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
  • Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
  • Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
  • Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
  • Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The DS family of handheld consoles, which includes the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, and New 3DS XL, has been officially discontinued by Nintendo, with the 3DS family hardware being discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop shutting down on March 27, 2023. The discontinuation of the DS family marks the end of an era for Nintendo’s dual-screened handhelds, which have been a staple of the gaming industry for nearly two decades, with the original DS being released in 2004 and the 3DS being released in 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  1. Did the DS get discontinued?: Yes, all DS models were discontinued worldwide in 2014, following the release of the Nintendo 3DS in early 2011.
  2. Is the DS series over?: Yes, the DS series is over, with Nintendo having discontinued the 3DS and all its various models, and the Switch becoming the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming.
  3. Are DS games still being produced?: No, the DS is no longer in production, and new games haven’t been released since around 2012, although some indie studios may produce unofficial limited prints.

History and Sales

  1. Why don’t they make DS anymore?: The biggest factor in Nintendo’s decision to stop making DS games was the rise of smartphones and their associated app stores, which changed the way people play games on the go.
  2. What was the last DS game?: The last DS game, Big Hero 6: Battle in the Bay, was released on October 28, 2014.
  3. How many DS did Nintendo make?: As of September 2023, the Nintendo DS had sold 154.02 million units across the world, including almost 52 million units in Europe.

Pricing and Availability

  1. Why are DS games so expensive?: DS games have become extremely expensive in recent years due to increased demand and limited supply, with rare games like Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times and Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier costing hundreds of dollars.
  2. Can I still buy a DS?: Although the DS is discontinued, you may still be able to find DS consoles and games for sale through online marketplaces or second-hand stores.

Technical Information

  1. What language are DS games written in?: Nintendo DS games are generally written in C, although some games may use other programming languages.
  2. What were the original DS colors?: The DS console was released in six basic colors: Light Blue, Silver, Pink, White, Red, and Black.

Related Consoles and Games

  1. What will replace the 3DS?: The Switch has become the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming, effectively replacing the 3DS.
  2. What is the Nintendo 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a Nintendo 4DS, and the Switch is currently the company’s focus for handheld gaming.
  3. What are the rarest 3DS games?: Some of the rarest 3DS games include Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters, and Etrian Mystery Dungeon.

Legacy and Impact

  1. Why did the DS sell so much?: The DS introduced touchscreen controls and wireless online gaming to a wide audience, making it a huge success and leaving an indelible impression on the gaming industry.
  2. What DS game sold the most?: The best-selling DS game is New Super Mario Bros., which sold nearly 31 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful games of all time.

Leave a Comment