The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, was a revolutionary handheld console that brought gaming to the next level. Its unique dual-screen design, touch screen capabilities, and impressive game library made it an instant hit among gamers of all ages. But how much did this innovative console cost when it first hit the UK market?
The Launch and Initial Pricing
The Nintendo DS was launched in the UK on March 11, 2005, with a recommended retail price of £99.99. This was a competitive price point, considering the console’s cutting-edge technology and features. The £99.99 price tag included the console, a stylus, and a demo of the popular game Metroid Prime: Hunters.
At launch, the Nintendo DS came in two colors: Polar White and Ebony. The console’s design was sleek and compact, making it easy to carry around. The dual screens, one of which was a touch-sensitive display, provided an immersive gaming experience like no other handheld console at the time.
The Early Years: Pricing and Bundles
In the first year after its launch, the Nintendo DS remained priced around £99.99. However, as the console’s popularity grew, Nintendo began to offer bundles and promotions to attract more customers.
One of the earliest bundles was the Nintendo DS Lite Bundle, which was released in June 2005. This bundle included the console, a copy of the popular game Nintendogs, and a carrying case, all for £129.99. This was a great value considering the console alone was £99.99.
Around the same time, Nintendo also released a limited edition Pokémon Edition Nintendo DS, which came with a Pokémon-themed console, a copy of Pokémon Dash, and a Pokémon carrying case, all for £139.99. This bundle was aimed at fans of the popular Pokémon franchise and was a great way to get started with the Nintendo DS.
The Impact of the Nintendo DS Lite
In June 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS Lite, a redesigned version of the original console. The DS Lite was smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient than its predecessor, with a brighter screen and a more stylish design.
The release of the DS Lite had a significant impact on the pricing of the original Nintendo DS. The price of the original console dropped to around £79.99, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
The DS Lite, on the other hand, was priced at £99.99, the same as the original console at launch. The DS Lite went on to become one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time, with over 18 million units sold in the UK alone.
The Later Years: Pricing and Competitors
By 2007, the Nintendo DS had established itself as a dominant force in the handheld gaming market. However, with the release of the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) and other competitors, the pricing of the Nintendo DS began to fluctuate.
In 2008, Nintendo released the Nintendo DSi, a further redesign of the console with new features such as camera capabilities and downloadable games. The DSi was priced at £149.99, significantly higher than the original console.
The DSi went on to become a huge success, with over 10 million units sold in the UK alone. However, the higher price point made it less accessible to some consumers, paving the way for competitors to enter the market.
The Rise of Budget-Friendly Options
As the Nintendo DSi became more established, Nintendo began to offer more budget-friendly options for gamers. In 2009, the company released the Nintendo DSi XL, a larger version of the DSi with a more affordable price tag of £129.99.
Around the same time, Nintendo also released the Nintendo DS Lite Budget, a stripped-down version of the original console with a lower price point of £69.99. This move was seen as a way to appeal to gamers on a tight budget and to compete with cheaper alternatives.
The Legacy of the Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized handheld gaming. With its innovative design, impressive game library, and competitive pricing, it became one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
The legacy of the Nintendo DS can be seen in its successors, the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Switch, both of which have built upon the foundation laid by the original console.
| Console | Release Year | Launch Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo DS | 2005 | £99.99 |
| Nintendo DS Lite | 2006 | £99.99 |
| Nintendo DSi | 2008 | £149.99 |
| Nintendo DSi XL | 2009 | £129.99 |
| Nintendo DS Lite Budget | 2009 | £69.99 |
In conclusion, the pricing history of the Nintendo DS in the UK is a testament to the console’s impact on the gaming industry. From its launch in 2005 to its eventual discontinuation, the Nintendo DS remained a popular choice among gamers, with its pricing adapting to changing market conditions and consumer demands.
What was the original price of the Nintendo DS in the UK?
The original price of the Nintendo DS in the UK was £99.99 when it was launched in 2005. This was a competitive price point for a handheld gaming console at the time, especially considering the innovative dual-screen design and touchscreen capabilities of the DS.
In comparison, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was launched in the UK in 2005 with a higher price point of £179.99. The Nintendo DS’s lower price point helped it to gain traction in the market and establish itself as a major player in the handheld gaming space.
How did the price of the Nintendo DS change over time in the UK?
The price of the Nintendo DS in the UK steadily decreased over time as newer models and revisions were released. For example, the Nintendo DS Lite, which was released in 2006, had a lower launch price of £89.99 compared to the original DS. This trend continued with the release of the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL, which had launch prices of £149.99 and £179.99 respectively.
As the DS range neared the end of its lifespan, prices continued to drop, with bundles and discounts becoming more common. By the time the Nintendo 3DS was released in 2011, the price of the original DS had fallen to around £50-£60, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
What was the most popular Nintendo DS model in the UK?
The most popular Nintendo DS model in the UK was the Nintendo DS Lite. This model was released in 2006 and was a redesign of the original DS, with a smaller and lighter body, brighter screens, and a longer battery life. The DS Lite was a huge success, with many retailers and online stores selling out of stock during the holiday season.
The DS Lite’s popularity can be attributed to its more portable design, improved screen quality, and lower price point compared to the original DS. The model was also released during a peak period for the DS, with popular games like Nintendogs, Mario Kart DS, and Brain Training dominating the charts.
How did the Nintendo DS compare to other handheld gaming consoles in the UK?
The Nintendo DS was a major player in the handheld gaming console market in the UK, competing directly with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and later the PlayStation Vita. While the PSP had a more powerful processor and better graphics capabilities, the DS’s innovative touchscreen and dual-screen design made it a unique and attractive option for gamers.
The DS’s focus on casual gaming and family-friendly titles also helped it to appeal to a wider audience, whereas the PSP was more geared towards hardcore gamers. This strategy paid off, with the DS ultimately outselling the PSP in the UK and cementing Nintendo’s position as a leader in the handheld gaming space.
What was the impact of the Nintendo DS on the gaming industry in the UK?
The Nintendo DS had a significant impact on the gaming industry in the UK, with its innovative design and family-friendly approach helping to attract new gamers and expand the market. The DS’s success also led to a shift towards more casual, pick-up-and-play style games, which appealed to a wider audience beyond traditional hardcore gamers.
The DS’s impact can also be seen in the development of subsequent handheld consoles, with many manufacturers incorporating touchscreen and dual-screen designs into their own products. The DS’s influence can still be felt today, with the Nintendo Switch and other modern handheld consoles owing a debt to the pioneering work of the DS.
What were some of the most popular games for the Nintendo DS in the UK?
Some of the most popular games for the Nintendo DS in the UK included Nintendogs, Mario Kart DS, Brain Training, and Pokémon games. These titles were huge sellers, with many becoming cultural phenomenons and appealing to a wide range of gamers. Other popular games included New Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Professor Layton.
These games were often praised for their innovative use of the DS’s touchscreen and dual-screen capabilities, as well as their pick-up-and-play style gameplay. Many of these titles have since become classics, with some still widely played and remembered today.
Is the Nintendo DS still worth playing today?
Despite being discontinued, the Nintendo DS is still worth playing today, with many of its games remaining fun and engaging. The DS has a vast library of titles, including many classic games that are still widely regarded as some of the best of all time. Additionally, the DS’s innovative design and touchscreen capabilities make it a unique gaming experience that is still enjoyable today.
For those looking to relive nostalgic memories or experience the DS for the first time, many of its titles are still widely available, either through online stores or second-hand retailers. The DS’s games may not have the same level of graphical fidelity as modern consoles, but its pick-up-and-play style gameplay and innovative design make it an enduring and enjoyable gaming experience.