The Nintendo DS, often abbreviated NDS or DS, is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo, and first released in 2004. The console features a clamshell design, with two LCD screens inside - one of which is a touch screen that uses a pen.
The DS can stand for "Dual Screen" or "Developers' System," from Nintendo's belief that the system "gives game creators brand new tools which will lead to more innovative games for the world's players.
On March 2, 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS Lite in Japan, a redesigned system which is slimmer and lighter with brighter screens, a longer and thicker stylus for the touch screen, an improved battery, and a relocated microphone. It was released later the same year in North America, Europe, Australia, and China.
A Nintendo DS console