Is the DS series over?
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 series is indeed over, with Nintendo having officially discontinued the production of all DS handhelds in 2020, and the entire line is now inaccessible in its original form, with no new copies left at major retailers. The Nintendo DS line was a huge success for Nintendo, selling over 150 million units worldwide, but after the Nintendo Switch came out in 2017, the DS line gradually faded away and was eventually discontinued.
Introduction to the DS Series
The Nintendo DS console series was a groundbreaking lineup of handheld gaming consoles that introduced innovative features like dual screens, touch controls, and backward compatibility. The series included various models, such as the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL, each with its unique features and improvements.
Factors that Led to the End of the DS Series
Several factors contributed to the end of the DS series, including the rise of smartphones and their associated app stores, which changed the way people played games on the go. Additionally, the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017 marked a shift in Nintendo’s focus towards a more modern and versatile gaming console.
FAQs about the DS Series
General Questions
- Are any DS still being made?: No, Nintendo has not only ended production on all DS handhelds in 2020, but the entire line is now inaccessible in its original form, and there are no new copies left at major retailers.
- Is the Nintendo DS line discontinued?: Yes, the Nintendo DS line was discontinued in 2020, after the Nintendo Switch came out in 2017.
- Why did they stop making DS games?: The biggest factor in Nintendo’s decision to stop making DS games was undoubtedly the rise of smartphones and their associated app stores.
Technical Questions
- Is the 3DS discontinued?: Yes, 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023.
- Will there be a 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a 4DS, but a new system called the Nintendo 4DS was released on November 15, 2022.
- Is the 2DS discontinued?: Yes, the Nintendo 2DS was discontinued in Japan in 2019 and in the rest of the world in 2020, along with the other systems in the Nintendo 3DS family.
Gaming Questions
- Are DS games rare now?: Yes, DS titles became even rarer when the Wii U eShop closed in March 2023, and there is no way to buy DS games officially.
- Why did the DS sell so well?: The success of the Nintendo DS introduced touchscreen controls and wireless online gaming to a wide audience.
- Why are DS games so expensive?: Games like Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts 3D, and Kid Icarus are expensive because only a certain amount of copies were released, leading to high demand and limited supply.
Historical Questions
- What is the oldest DS console?: The original Nintendo DS Console was introduced by Nintendo and brought to market in late 2004.
- Will the Nintendo DS ever come back?: It’s unlikely that Nintendo will ever go back to the DS line again, except maybe for a nostalgia product.
- When did DS WIFI end?: The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service was discontinued on May 20, 2014.
Sales and Performance Questions
- Was the DS a failure?: No, the DS became the second best-selling console ever made, landing just shy of PlayStation 2, and saved Nintendo during a difficult period.
- What DS game sold the most?: The best-selling game on the Nintendo DS is New Super Mario Bros, which sold nearly 31 million units worldwide.
- Which DS model sold the most?: The DS Lite sold the most, with 93.86 million units sold worldwide, making it the best-selling model in the DS product line.