Why did they stop making DS games?

The Nintendo DS console was discontinued due to the rise of smartphones and their associated app stores, which significantly impacted the market for handheld gaming devices, leading to a decline in sales and ultimately resulting in Nintendo‘s decision to stop producing DS games. The last DS game, Big Hero 6: Battle in the Bay, was released on October 28th, 2014, marking the end of an era for the DS console.

FAQs

General Questions

1. When did they stop making DS games?: The last DS game was released on October 28th, 2014, and Nintendo officially discontinued the DS console in 2020.
2. Are DS games rare now?: Yes, DS games have become rare and expensive due to the closure of the Wii U eShop in March 2023, which was the only way to buy DS games from Nintendo for many years.
3. Is Nintendo discontinuing the DS family?: Yes, the 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop shut down on March 27, 2023.

Gaming and Consoles

4. What was the last game made for the DS?: The last game for the Nintendo DS was Big Hero 6: Battle in the Bay, released on October 28, 2014.
5. Did Nintendo lie to us?: There is no evidence to suggest that Nintendo lied to its customers about the DS console or its discontinuation.
6. What is the lifespan of a DS game?: The lifespan of a DS game depends on various factors, including the quality of materials and manufacturing, and can range from 20-50 years or more.

Market and Sales

7. Why are DS games so expensive?: DS games have become expensive due to increased demand and limited supply, with rare games like Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times and Mega Man Star Force 3: Red Joker costing hundreds of dollars.
8. What replaces Nintendo DS?: The Nintendo 3DS was the successor to the DS console, and the Nintendo Switch is the current hybrid console that combines the features of a home console and a handheld device.
9. Why was the DS so successful?: The DS was successful due to its innovative touchscreen controls and wireless online gaming capabilities, which introduced touch-based tech to a wide audience.

Nintendo Consoles and Games

10. Why is 3DS discontinued?: The 3DS was discontinued because it was no longer selling as well as it used to, and Nintendo decided to focus on its newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch.
11. Which DS game is hardest?: Trauma Center: Under the Knife is considered one of the hardest games on the DS, requiring precise and accurate operations to progress.
12. What is the rarest game on the DS?: The rarest game on the DS is Veggy World, which can cost up to $388.

Technology and Compatibility

13. Do DS games go bad?: Yes, DS games can degrade over time due to the quality of materials and manufacturing, as well as the number of read/write cycles.
14. Will there be a 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a 4DS console, but the company has released the Nintendo Switch, which combines the features of a home console and a handheld device.
15. Can Nintendo DS play Gameboy games?: The Nintendo DS can play Game Boy Advance games, but it is not compatible with Game Boy Color or original Game Boy games due to the lack of a link cable port.