The Story of the Nintendo DS (Complete Series)

The story behind Nintendo's most successful console of all time.
0:00 - Prologue
1:20 - Part 1 - Creating Nintendo's Third Pillar
11:15 - Part 2 - Revisions and Revolutionary Releases
21:44 - Part 3 - Battle Against the App Store
33:45 - Part 4 - The Legacy of Dual Screens
43:26 - Credits

[@DoubleDog]

Here's some information on how this series came to be: In 2019 I ended up releasing only a handful of videos. I was working a grueling retail job that I hated and I was, quiet frankly, depressed. I finally quit that job and made some other changes that quickly brought me back to my feet by the end of the year. So I started working on a five step plan to get everything in my life on track. This series ended up being the fourth of those five. This video idea was actually recommended by a comment on another video that I sadly did not get a screen cap of. I thought the DS was at that perfect nostalgic point like the GameCube was for me in 2018 and it led me to using this series as a jumping off point on what I thought would be my final rodeo on KZbin. Work for this series began sometime in either March or February of 2020. Right around when the pandemic hit! This series was held back by some online classes I was taking at the time so it took a lot longer for me to make this than anticipated. But I had a lot of fun researching the series and getting back into the groove of video making after taking nearly a year off. And now? I honestly don't remember much about this series. It's so weird that this series that I used to make a leap back into the KZbin grind has so few memories associated with it. I still love my DS and I had some fun tracking down all the DS consoles used in the video. I ended up buying all of my extra models in the lead up to this series from local sellers during the start of the pandemic. I guess you could say that early covid defined this work. It was a way to stave off the boredom of quarantine and flex my creative muscles. I hope you all enjoy the series a little over a year after it came out!

[@NT-sx2bd]

You did awesome, This video is great!

[@ravajbains8672]

Dude I look your Documentaries, You've a huge talent and skillset. I'm glad you got through your depression, I was badly hit by dep a few years ago, and would like to thank you for being you. Keep doing you and stay strong.

[@leeartlee915]

I love your retrospectives. I hope you keep making them (maybe even some that weren’t from your youth… like SNES?)

[@DoubleDog]

@@leeartlee915 still working on stuff. SNES was covered in the great console war. I think my nostalgic bits are in the final episode, but it's been like two years since I made it.

[@leeartlee915]

@@DoubleDog Oh duh, I always forget you covered those systems since it was console wars. Well I was mainly kidding. You do whatever you feel inspired to do…. 3DS would be cool ;-)

[@widdowson91]

The DS is the greatest handheld game console ever made. I do like the PSP also, but the DS was just an incredible juggernaut. That era was easily the golden age of portable gaming.

[@skeliskull]

Its wild that nintendo didn’t discontinue the GBA until 2010. That handheld felt ancient by that time.

[@Luigi64]

I love the DS, this series is great!

[@joeb2588]

I tell everyone it literally had the best library out of every console ever launched.

[@Onotosho]

The ds was a major staple of my childhood and got me thru some rather dark times. So it holds a special place in my heart

[@enzowarren9832]

same. My ds was a much-needed source of enjoyment during a very bad time for my family.

[@PTMRAKIBA]

Me too!

[@Diwasho]

I theorize that DSi was actually not a DS but rather an early 3DS prototype modified for commercial release as a DS system. It has more in common with a 3DS than it does with previous DS devices, and even its charger is all-new and forward compatible with all 3DSes but none of the other DSes.

[@ydw2749]

Love your stuff, here at 5 views, this channel will be big very soon, very well edited and presented - please keep it up

[@DoubleDog]

Hopefully gonna have a new series out in July.

[@mayamanign]

Great piece. As an old man who reminisces about the 70s and 80s playing games it’s nice to hear about your journey with one of your favorite consoles.

[@Z1ng1s]

Still my favorite handhelds of all time! I still have my 3DS XL. 🤩

[@AnthroCatTidal]

WHY DOES CONTENT THIS GOOD ONLY HAVE 1900 SUBS?!?!?!

[@highnootnoot7254]

You’re telling me that this channel only gained 3.5k subs in a month?! Bullshit!

[@thenintendogamer1542]

@@highnootnoot7254 I just found his channel and its SO GOOD! the quality and subscribers are not even close I would think it would have at least 300-500K

[@FernandoNoki]

KZbin is missing a few zeros

[@findantu]

alot of the various documentaries are all about the same but theres a few that go into about how nintendo is a yakuza front that just got lucky

[@xavierkrantz1098]

he has 17,000 Subs. Thats right, 17 THOUSAND Subscribers dude

[@DP3com]

KZbin algorithm recommended this video and I'm so glad it did. Great video and voice presentation. I remember launch being pretty rough though. I picked up my pre-order and after a bit, I was finding it difficult to justify the purchase to myself. I even bought a PSP off a friend in December '04 as there weren't many titles worth playing on DS. Then Kirby: Canvas Curse released in March 2005. Oh man, loved that game. I think that's when the DS hit its stride with noteworthy follow up 2005 releases such as Trauma Center, Phoenix Wright, Castlevania DoS, Sonic Rush, and Mario Kart DS. Sold my PSP (needed money for college books) towards the end of that summer as I was barely using it.

[@arturoehr]

I’m glad you showed on my recommendations, quality content right here.

[@aurathedraak7909]

Such memories. Such time has gone. I hope they remake gen 4 and 5 games.

[@PFworth]

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl came out! dreams come true

[@aurathedraak7909]

@@PFworth ye now I can't for battle Network now

[@enzowarren9832]

Thank you for this! I absolutely love the DS, and I’ve been building my DS library since I was about 11 years old (over a decade ago). Currently playing Phantasy Star Zero on my DS while watching this.

[@novustalks7525]

I cherish the DS/3DS so many phenomenal games. I’m still really sad the era is over

[@enzowarren9832]

with over 3500+ games in the DS/3DS library there’s enough to last a lifetime.

[@novustalks7525]

@@enzowarren9832 and so many of them are fantastic

[@enzowarren9832]

@@novustalks7525 Agreed!

[@midgetsparkle]

I'm here at the end of 2023, looks like he's gained some more (22K). I love this kind of content. So Mr double dog, or anyone, feel free to tell me a bunch of channels that are like this. And keep your content coming. I'm working through your back lot, but I'll watch anything like this!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

These retrospectives you do are so well made and researched.

[@maddosshmillore]

This dude need s more Subs and views.

[@Lunar_Pendragon]

This video was absolutely fantastic, thank you for taking me down the trip of nostalgia lane man, this really brought me back to the simpler and happier times of my childhood :)

[@chrisdelavictoria4520]

Remember me when your really big.

[@graceyang9022]

I love the Phantom Hourglass, and it’s totally underrated, so I love seeing it here!

[@FTChomp9980]

This is still my favorite Nintendo Handheld to this day still have my DS Lite its nearly broken but it still works. I've played so many DS games like Fossil Fighters,New Super Mario Bros,My Sims Kingdom,and Mario Kart DS I've had such a good childhood because of it.

[@reagandow850]

FANTASTIC CREATION!!! You’ve got some great talent my friend. This is a great retrospective

[@KMJ187]

Your channel is amazing. I have been binge watching this week! Thank you for doing this!

[@drjtyson]

Such a great channel, man. I’ve been catching up on all of your content

[@jamesstrummer2695]

Can't believe you only have 5k subs, you genuinely deserve way more with content like this!

[@genxtasy9914]

Never bothered much with the DS but this was entertaining. Good job.

[@VinylEldred]

Thank you for this video it's exactly what I was looking for

[@gianpopo2007]

Hey I'm totally binge watching all of the series, they're great! Amazing analysis between what the effects were for both the companies and the consumers!

[@huntoi]

Great video sir! Just discovered your channel this week on a Wii U video much like this and I love your content now. You probably already have this on the pipeline, but a 3DS and Vita history treatment would sure be awesome!

[@zombiefriend]

Man, I loved the DS. I want to go back to those days.

[@leeartlee915]

So happy to have these videos back. Don’t ever leave us again Double Dog (sorry you got hacked).

[@mrjojo2836]

Great content as usual man! Keep it up!!

[@ZekeLawl]

Dude this is a great video, seriously awesome job.

[@jorgeanimates4443]

I love the format of your videos, its like an world history Ap DBQ essay

[@graysonezernack]

you deserve more attention ! much love ! !

[@blasthf]

love your work man keep it up!

[@rezarfar]

It can't be understated how much the DS literally saved Nintendo from going 3rd party or even worse, going bust completely. I remember reading in a magazine around 2007 that the DS by end of 2006 was responsible for some 300% growth since the release of the handheld until 2006. In that short of a period it had basically made a bigger impact on Nintendo's size as a business than anything they ever made before, combined.

[@Transientimage]

I quite enjoyed this. I love listening to retrospectives of gaming consoles and hearing people's personal memories of them. I didn't get a DS until 2009 when I moved out of the country and didn't really play it much. I didn't get a 3DS until 2016 right before Pokemon Sun & Moon launched. I love collecting for both these consoles and I will continue to keep collecting them for as long as possible. Great video ^^

[@Dman130]

Loving these video documentaries. Reminds me of what the gaming historian does/did. Keep up the great work man!!

[@DoubleDog]

Norm is a huge influence of mine so I appreciate it!

[@vitorkk328]

Awesome, just Awesome

[@gianpopo2007]

Your channel is an amazing!

[@Catchsilver007]

Love these quality videos !!!

[@holydezmondgamez1728]

So much nostalgia.

[@chipocludodragonfan]

YOU ARE A GOD, SO MUCH QUALITY CONTENT

[@StarsAndSticks]

Great work again, really enjoyed this video I love gaming marketing history

[@thaiboypsp3000]

God i love your videos so much. Thank you

[@nosewaxjawkavic431]

Bruuuh.. 'the story of' videos are so nostalgic. I need a list of all the background music lol.

[@friendlynightmares]

It's so strange but I think I have the most nostalgia for the Metroid Prime Hunters demo than any other DS game. And I think it's because I got my DS on Christmas and played this demo for a while that day, but did not really play it much afterward (I also received Super Mario 64 DS that day).

[@DreMurf313]

Dude your channel is 🔥 fire. You remind me of The Gaming Historian. Keep it up 👍🏾⭐❤

[@swaggerllama6766]

Such a good video you deserve more views

[@jenisia3600]

Great vid. To this day i still play Pokemon HG and Black 2.

[@board-qu9iu]

I subscribe easily. Your videos are amazing

[@Francisco-Danconia]

Very very good content man. Subscribed 👍

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

Can u sub to me too?

[@1989TS..]

omfg words cannot describe how much I love the DS- PinkoChat with the family on long car rides was so fun. Thank you for helping me revisit my nostalgia, this makes me want to find my DS.

[@fresh0885]

The App store did not originally launch with the first iPhone

[@alekeihero7760]

Amazing Video, Man! :D

[@alexarce8790]

the Ds and 3DS is my childhood

[@moonlightequilibrium8924]

I play my DSi XL almost daily to this day. Between that, my Wii U and Switch.

[@sergioescarfuller8941]

Great video bro

[@martinharris3539]

Nice video, up there with the gaming historians work

[@wetteryan]

The fact that the 3ds can run the massive ds games as well as 3ds games is the reason I smile.

[@mwbgaming28]

I remember getting the PSP before it even released in australia, my dad got a friend in japan to send one over as soon as it released I was the king of the schoolyard for a few months (until I made my battery operated mobile PS2 slim as a science project in 2007, where even the teachers wanted to play it)

[@MaggieAMoscaZoadora]

I'm just glad this is on my reccomended...

[@Hoclem]

Great video! I have to say though, the App Store didn't release until the 2nd generation iPhone (3G) in 2008. The first one had only preinstalled apps. But seriously, great work on this whole thing!

[@randallf8675]

Excellent content here

[@obskyr2810]

Please don't ever give up on you tube we need well made stuff not made by crummy companies thanks a lot this was a ton of fun to watch

[@stewietk]

Metroid prime hunters, best fps I ever experienced to this day

[@imSpirit_]

What an amazing video. Seriously. The editing, voice-over and footage is all brilliant. Subscribed :)

[@auralunaprettycure]

I see Lucario, and I click. But I'm really glad I checked out these videos. Great series.

[@sakuraanime122]

Im loving this stuff!

[@drummergirl4239]

I still have my DSi XL in matte blue in near mint condition to this very day with the only cosmetic flaws being the clear plastic on the outside being all scratched up and very visible wear on the areas around the A, B, left & right D-pad buttons from playing literal thousands of hours of mario kart.

[@abezyx999]

The DS was still popular even after 2010 and I got my copy of the DS back in 2011 and got new super Mario bros and it felt like it was 2006 but I didn’t know at the time and I played the heck out of my DS

[@overlandranger4012]

Love this video and the Wii U video, maybe one on the Wii next? Not even a huge fan of the system just love your videos!

[@BronzeLincolns81]

Nintendo has gone mostly unchallenged in the handheld market since the OG Gameboy.

[@rickysarmientofernandez9136]

I played with my DS lite during lockdown here in Spain. I still have the original R4DS v2 card. It was nice to download some games and forget about the pandemic, being a prisoner in your own home and death.

[@concretebuilding]

Love to see you've got the red Advance SP. I've got mine right here in front of me as I type, same exact console that's been with me almost since launch day. GB version of Pokemon TCG occupies its slot.

[@invokeshakmeier4392]

You deserve more subs.

[@starlostmochi]

Am I the only one that thinks that this guy’s voice is eerily similar to that of the Defunctland guy? Is it just me? Great video by the way!

[@DoubleDog]

I love Kevin Perjurer's work so I'll take it, but my voice has changed a lot in the year since I made this.

[@paulbrennan5807]

just got a new referb ds lite for my 48th birthday man this thing is still good also great video

[@Fascistbeast]

I just Subd Quality content nice channel 👍

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

Can u sub to me too?

[@doaflip4176]

35:14 nice save

[@Max-256]

My DS also had the hinges break 😂 and of course I too have multiple DS's in my collection 😂

[@AxleMyths]

I remember getting Pokemon Diamond... My grandparents were in town, and ir was also a sunday. They took us to radio shack (... Game stop was right next to it, so i could be remembering wrong), and they asked if we wanted anything. And they got us Pokemon Diamond and Pearl

[@retrogamestudios7649]

I hope u had a pokemon themed wedding. Congrats nice video

[@hendripurwanto431]

Nice video good game system i am have nintendo ds and play zelda game for the first time and i love phantom hourglass

[@JaminWarrenPMS]

Weird that playing video games wasn't cool when you were in high school? When I was in high school my friends and I ditched all the time to play games. Good video!

[@Tweaked818]

The ds was my childhood

[@sph9nx]

The ds is hands down my favorite console! Its the one i have the most memories with as a kid, and even nowadays i prefer playing my dslite more than my switch sometimes haha! My fav game to play on my ds is love plus :)

[@matt.willoughby]

Spent an inordinate amount of time on MarioKart DS, awesome game

[@leeartlee915]

I’d love for you to do a story on the Wii (or really any Nintendo system you haven’t covered yet).

[@DryPaperHammerBro]

Ay! Started off right with Mystery Dungeon Blue!

[@holy9781]

I love getting my ds!

[@XbroxBroxii]

You made me relive my childhood again the DS for me was a great journey with a rather bad ending as i lost my girlfriend in early 2011

[@enzowarren9832]

“lost” as in breakup or lost as in she died?

[@XbroxBroxii]

@@enzowarren9832 it’s been more of a break up but you can’t even call it that as we were forced to do by our parents

[@josecastilleo8425]

I love the DS, because I feel like if Nintendo made games on the PS1 back in the day and they didn't have the fallout with Sony. The games would be like what we have on DS.

[@mind-of-neo]

The app store was not launched until just before the release of the iPhone 3g, a year after the launch of the first iPhone.

[@peterschadenberg9045]

25:39 I got that on Christmas 2007.

[@axelwoni.m.8940]

This video makes me sad that I missed out on the DS era. The system has so many great games and it brought so many good and interesting ideas to the table, and once I finally got one, it quickly became my favorite portable system of all time! I just wish I could've gotten it sooner

[@kalexis6484]

How come you missed out on the ds era??? That’s how I felt for the Nintendo switch, I got it years later then the pandemic started and the console started selling out everywhere. A new era.

[@axelwoni.m.8940]

@@kalexis6484 At the time, videogames and consoles weren't really my focus per say, even though now I wish they were after realizing how good they were, specially the DS

[@1989TS..]

NOOO WAYYY! that's how i lost my ds too! the hinge was broken! I still managed to play it for a month or so afterwards. but it was done for. i dropped it one last time and it snapped- I hope to God I still have it somewhere- this video is golden

[@XD-rd8zd]

plz do most underrated ds games :3