Nintendo’s dominance of the handheld scene was threatened when Sony decided to enter the market with their PSP in 2005. While they were dethroned by Sony in the console market, Nintendo refused to cede the handheld market too. Rather than challenging the PSP on specs, they surprised everyone with the release of the DS series, which has had over 10 years of success.

The naming of the DS series can get pretty confusing, so I'll do my best to keep it clear and simple.

Nintendo DS

The DS was a significant change from the Game Boy series. The system focused on its new features rather than horsepower to push new gaming experiences. Equipped with two screens, the bottom being a touchscreen, built-in microphone and wi-fi support, the DS produced games that could only work on its unique hardware. Additionally, earlier models included a port for backwards compatibility with all generations of Game Boy games.

Original Model (the ‘Fat’)

The first generation of the DS was bulky and clunky, but showed where Nintendo planned to take handheld gaming in the future. It was originally available in a small number of colors.

DS Lite

Quickly realizing the shortcomings of the original model, a much improved successor was pushed to market in short order. The new model was much more streamlined and generally improved all around. It was released in about twice as many colors as the original model.

DSi

The DSi is a significant upgrade of the DS series. This version added a camera for games and apps that would take advantage of the feature, and support for downloads of games from the Nintendo eShop. However, support for Game Boy games was removed from the DSi and all future DS models.

A variation of the DSi was eventually released, the DSi XL, which offered a screen that was almost an inch larger than the one on the standard DSi.

3DS

After a full and healthy lifespan, the DS was eventually phased out in favor of the new Nintendo 3DS. The primary feature of this handheld is the 3D images its capable without the need for special glasses. A slider on the side of the system allows the user to adjust how pronounced the 3D effect is.

Original model

The first generation of the system is a solid machine, while not terribly different than the DS series it does offer the new 3D capability and adds a thumbpad as a new control option in addition to a traditional dpad. Backwards compatibility with DS games is also supported.

An XL model was later released, which has a larger screen than the standard edition.

2DS

To cut costs and introduce a more child-friendly design, Nintendo released a revision of the 3DS with the 3D capabilities removed, predictably named the 2DS. The console also featured a radical redesign that changed the hinged model that's been standard since the Game Boy Advance SP to a single solid shape that no longer folds closed. It was available in nearly a dozen different colors worldwide.

An XL version of the 2DS was also released, though it oddly went back to using a closable, hinged design of previous models. It's more powerful than the standard 2DS and compatible with games that require the more powerful 'New' 3DS, which I'll be discussing next.

‘NEW’ 3DS

The final version of the 3DS is the awkwardly named 'New' 3DS. It boasts new features like a more powerful processor, additional c-stick for more input options, face-tracking to improve 3D functionality and NFC support for Amiibos. It too was released in standard and XL versions.

Switch

While not really a handheld or console, the Switch is a unique machine. At this time, there is only a single model of System, with various bundles including various pack-in games like Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey or the choice between black or blue and red Joycon controllers.

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This completes the both the Nintendo handheld series and also the Nintendo hardware series. Moving on, we'll be looking at hardware guides for Sony, Sega and Atari consoles.

More articles from the Retro Room hardware guide series:

• Nintendo consoles part 1 (NES, SNES and N64)
• Nintendo consoles part 2 (Gamecube, Wii and Wii U)
• Nintendo handhelds part 1 (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance)

Thanks for reading. As always, upvotes, resteems and comments are appreciated!