It's hard to believe, but it's been 14 years since the first Nintendo DS system came out, making it a platform with a library of games that many have carried from childhood to early adult life.
Even if its dual display was a form factor experience that could have happened one way or another, we think the number of consoles that have appeared since the first DS is a good sign. In the past 13 years, we've seen DS, DS Lite, DSi, 2DS, 3DS, and many XL versions, and they've had some of the best games we've ever played. We got so used to the dual-screen console that we couldn't do without it now.
This is Nintendo's refusal to play safe, which has likely helped it continue to be so successful in this area. The dual-screen design may have been a risk, but it was obviously worth it as we watched it evolve and improve from the DS to the new 3DS, and even the Nintendo Switch.
That said, whatever the quality of a console's design and its innovations, it won't stand the test of time without good games that interest gamers. Thankfully, the Nintendo DS didn't miss out - from the great entries in the Castelvania series to the notable Pokemon starters, the Nintendo DS is the all-you-can-eat buffet of cell phone classics.
As good as the DS is, most of us will probably have replaced our Nintendo DS with its larger and more powerful successor, the Nintendo 3DS. That said, as it is still part of the DS family, the new handheld offers full upward compatibility, giving full access to some must-see DS titles, as well as the best titles on the 3DS.
To give you a better idea of the games you should be looking for, we've put together this list of what we think are the best titles on the market. From original titles like Pokemon Black and White 2 to classic SNES ports like Kirby Super Star Ultra, you're sure to find what you love.
Although many of the games available on the Nintendo DS are ports, they have been significantly improved and their effective dual-screen console integration has redefined the gaming experience on the handheld.
It should be noted that you may be able to buy some of these cheap Nintendo DS games during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so check it out.