Launched in 2004, the Nintendo DS redefined handheld gaming with its dual screens and touch-based controls, setting it apart from anything that came before it. Variants like the DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL refined the hardware while expanding its audience worldwide. The system became home to an enormous and diverse game library that appealed to both casual players and dedicated fans. Today, the Nintendo DS family is widely regarded as part of the retro and classic handheld era, valued for its innovation, accessibility, and lasting impact on portable gaming.