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Nintendo DS Overview
The Nintendo DS is the newest step for Nintendo in the handheld gaming market. Released in 2004 and succeeding the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS introduces two entirely new aspects for a Nintendo handheld--the touch screen and dual screen display.
The Nintendo DS takes advantage of a dual screen display. The two 3-inch screens are positioned next to each other vertically. The bottom screen has touch input that can directly affect gameplay. The system functions with a stylus that comes packaged with the hardware. The DS can read only one point of input at one time, meaning the screen will only recognize one stylus at a time.
These aren't the only things new to the handheld, though. Each system has a microphone built straight into it, between the two screens. Some games take advantage of this technology, requiring players to yell, blow, or talk into the microphone. In addition, Wi-Fi capabilities are built straight into the system as well through an IEEE 802.11b device. Most online capable games for the DS are integrated into Nintendo's own Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This service, introduced in 2005 with Mario Kart DS, is completely free and is focused on providing the user with a simple interface for online gameplay. As of today, there are over 90 games released that are online compatible and that number is expected to grow to a total of 130 games in the near future.
As of 3/12/2009 Nintendo has shipped 100 million DSs.
Nintendo DSi
On October 2, 2008 Nintendo announced that it would be releasing its latest version of the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DSi. The DSi is 12% thinner then the DSlite due to the lose of the GBA slot at the bottom of the system. The screens on the system will be slightly larger then those on previous versions at 3.25 inches. The DSi will come with an external 3 MP (megapixel) camera and a front facing camera built into the hinge of the system. The DSi will also come with a SD card slot on the side and will also have built in storage (although how much is not currently known).
Nintendo will also be launching a DSi Shop that will be accessible from the system via WiFi or for free at "Nintendo Zone" hotspots, which will be located in Japanese McDonalds. Currently the only content known to be available at launch will be a free Web Browsers app, a free notebook app and " DSiWare". The store will use the renamed Nintendo Points, 1000 of which will come free with the DSi until March 2010 and content will be priced in 0, 200, 500, 800 points.
Wii Points will be renamed Nintendo Points. Nintendo Points cards can only be used for one platform at a time, and Points from a single card cannot be shared between the two platforms.
The DSi launched in Japan on November 1st, 2008 for ¥18,900 ($178). It was released in Europe on April 3rd, and in the Americas on April 5th for $169.99.
The Nintendo DSi comes with a free Web Browser made by Opera which uses built in ram & will use it more efficiently then the DS add-on web browser which came with ram that went into the GBA port.
The DSi's menu is based off the Wii Channel interface. You will be able to add new programs that will be listed on the screen. Its unknown at this time how many programs can be seen on the screen at one time, but there is an all view option.
one on the outer shell. Selecting DSi Camera from the menu will transform your system into a digital camera. Photos that you take can be to a SD card and then taken to a PC or cellphone. You can also share photos, wirelessly between two DSis or uploaded to a central server. images can also be downloaded from the server.
The camera will also include some game elements. Among the features are a facial blending tool, a method for changing facial expressions, and a means of measuring similarity between two faces. The camera itself can be set to take photos in a various modes, including normal mode, "trick" mode, and frame mode.
Unfortunately, those looking for MP3 support are out of luck, DSi Sound will only support AAC format.
Release Date (Americas)
DSi: April 2009
DS Lite: June 2006
DS: November 2004
Total Weight (including battery pack, stylus, and GBA cover)
DSi: 214g
DS Lite: 218g (21% lighter than DS)
DS: 275g
Dimensions
DSi: 137 mm * 74.9 mm * 18.9 mm / 5.4 in * 3 in * .74 in (12% smaller then DS Lite)
DS Lite: 133 mm * 73.9 mm * 21.5 mm / 5.24 in * 2.9 in * 0.85 in (42% less volume than DS)
DS: 148.7 mm * 84.7 mm * 28.9 mm / 5.85 in * 3.33 in * 1.13 in
Screens
DSi: 3.25 in.
DS Lite: 3.0 in.
DS: 3.0 in.
Battery Life (listed by screen brightness, lowest to highest)
DSi: up to 14 hours, 8-12, 6-9, 4-6, 3-4 (840mAh)
DS Lite: up to 19 hours, 10-15, 7-11, 5-8 (1000mAh- Reduced battery life after 500 charges)
DS: up to 10 hrs (850mAh)
Charge Time
DSi: 2 hours 30 minutes.
DS Lite: 3 hours.
DS: 4 hours.
Brightness
DSi: Five levels of brightness.
DS Lite: Four levels of brightness: no off in main menu.
DS: Two levels of brightness: on and off.
Stylus Length
DSi: 92 mm
DS Lite: 87.5 mm * 4.9 mm (side-loaded on the right, just below power switch)
DS: 75.0 mm * 4.0 mm
Wrist Strap & Thumb Stylus
DSi: none
DS Lite: None.
DS: Wrist strap. (Japan: Thumb Stylus)
Button Changes
DSi: D-pad and Start Select A B Y X buttons same position as DS Lite, but sit slightly lower. Power button moved to the right side of bottom screen directly across from the Select button, and now has the power symbol (circle with line cut) on it. All have the "clicky" feel similar to the GameBoy Advance SP.
DS Lite: D-Pad was reduced in size to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller than DS). D-Pad has lines on it. Start and select buttons were moved from above the A B Y X buttons to below them, and were also shrunk. Power button is now a slider on the right side of the handheld.
Backwards Compatibility & Expansion Changes
DSi: No longer has a GBA slot on the bottom. SD card slot on the right side.
DS Lite: The depth of the GBA cartridge slot has been shrunk 50% so games now stick out 1 cm. The charging port now is a different size and is only used for charging, as apposed to the original that could also used for accessories.
Microphone Location
DSi: Slightly moved over on the henge to accommodate front facing camera.
DS Lite: Between top and bottom screens.
DS: Below the left side of bottom screen.
CPUs
DSi: ARM-9 (133 MHz).
DS Lite: ARM946E-S (67 MHz), ARM7TDMI (33 MHz).
DS: ARM946E-S (67 MHz), ARM7TDMI (33 MHz).
RAM
DSi: 16 MB.
DS Lite: 4MB.
DS: 4MB.
Storage
DSi: 256 MB internal Flash Memory (Also has SD/SDHC card expansion slot.)
DS Lite: 256 kB Serial Flash Memory
DS: 256 kB Serial Flash Memory
Camera
DSi: Two VGA (0.3 megapixel - 640 * 480 resolution ) cameras: inner hinge and outer shell.
DS Lite: None.
DS: None.
DS Lite: B only
DS: B only
Pink Ribbon Limited edition: September 27, 2008
- Polar white with breast cancer awareness logo on the face
- $129.99
- Nintendo will donate $5 for every system sold to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity.
- Nintendo promises a minimum of $100,000 donation
Final Fantasy III edition: July 12, 2008 - Crystal White DS Lite with FFIII artwork on the front cover.
Pokemon DAISUKI Club edition: July 13, 2006
- Crystal White DS Lite Pikachu artwork on the front cover.
Pokemon Dialga and Palkia edition: Japan: September 28, 2006 North American: TBA
- Jet Black with a glitter design of two legendary Pokemon on the front. Dialga and Palkia.
Jump Ultimate Stars bundle:
- Has the words "JUMP ULTIMATE STARS" printed on its case.
Love and Berry bundle:
- Metalic pink and comes with a card reader.
Winning Eleven bundle:
- Jet Black DS Lite that comes with the soccer game Winning Eleven.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong edition:
Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings Sky Pirates edition: April 26, 2007
Pirate of the Caribbean edition: May 19, 2007
- Has the movies log on the front with a pictures of Jack Sparrow and the words "Where the adventure comes to life."
Seattle Mariners edition:
- Has the Seattle Mariners logo on the front and is available for purchase from Safeco Field.
Pokemon Center Pikachu edition: November 17, 2007
- A Yellow DS Lite with a picture of Pikachu on the front.
RX-93 v Gundam edition: August 9, 2007
- A White DS Lite with a logo from the animated film on the front.
Wonderful World edition: July 27, 2007
- A glossy silver DS Lite with a black It's a Wonder World logo on the front left of the DS and the game title on the right.
Kirby: Squeak Squad edition: April 16, 2007
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Gemini edition: August 23, 2007
- Crystal White DS Lite with Ring of Fates line art on the front right and the title of the game on the left.
Nintendo Connection Tour '07 edition: July 2007
- Black DS Lite with "Nintendo DS Connection Tour '07 Champion." on the front. Only 15 exist in the world.
Wario: Master of Disguise edition: September 10, 2007
- 40 of them are in existence.
Super Mario 64 DS IQue DS edition:
- Another limited edition release of DS Lite from IQue.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass edition: November 20, 2007
- A gold DS Lite with a Triforce image in the bottom right of the Cover, bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom hourglass.
Nintendogs edition: November 20, 2007
- Metallic rose DS Lite bundled with Nintendogs. A pink paw is displayed on the front of the device.
Warhammer 40,000 Squad Command edition:
- Displays a design that looks like the power armor, worn by the Ultramarines in the game, on the front cover.
Crimson/Black Dragon IQue DS edition:
- Has images of dragons on the cover.
Bape Milo edition: April 1, 2008
- Released by fashion designer Nigo from Japan.
Honeyee x Fragment Design: March 19, 2008
- Displays an design from Hiroshi Fujiwara.
Guitar Hero On Tour edition: June 22, 2008
- A Silver/Black DS Lite with the Guitar Hero logo on the front cover.
Lock's Quest Contest:
- A Black DS Lite with illuminated buttons and flame emblem
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Bundle:
- A Black DSi with a Kingdom Hearts themed Checkerboard design on the top lid, and comes packaged with a copy of the game.
Gyakuten Kenji DSi Bundle:
- A white DSi with the Taihokun logo on the top lid, and comes packaged with a copy of the game. 
The Nintendo DS, Nintendo's latest handheld, features two screens including a touch screen on the bottom. Three different models are available: the original DS, the DS Lite, and the DSi. As of 06/04/2009, the DS and DS Lite have sold a combined total of over 100,000,000 units worldwide.
Nintendo DS Overview
Nintendo DS logo
The Nintendo DS is the newest step for Nintendo in the handheld gaming market. Released in 2004 and succeeding the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS introduces two entirely new aspects for a Nintendo handheld--the touch screen and dual screen display.
Nintendo DS logo
The Nintendo DS takes advantage of a dual screen display. The two 3-inch screens are positioned next to each other vertically. The bottom screen has touch input that can directly affect gameplay. The system functions with a stylus that comes packaged with the hardware. The DS can read only one point of input at one time, meaning the screen will only recognize one stylus at a time.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo
These aren't the only things new to the handheld, though. Each system has a microphone built straight into it, between the two screens. Some games take advantage of this technology, requiring players to yell, blow, or talk into the microphone. In addition, Wi-Fi capabilities are built straight into the system as well through an IEEE 802.11b device. Most online capable games for the DS are integrated into Nintendo's own Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This service, introduced in 2005 with Mario Kart DS, is completely free and is focused on providing the user with a simple interface for online gameplay. As of today, there are over 90 games released that are online compatible and that number is expected to grow to a total of 130 games in the near future.
As of 3/12/2009 Nintendo has shipped 100 million DSs.
DSi black and white version side by side
Nintendo DSi
On October 2, 2008 Nintendo announced that it would be releasing its latest version of the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DSi. The DSi is 12% thinner then the DSlite due to the lose of the GBA slot at the bottom of the system. The screens on the system will be slightly larger then those on previous versions at 3.25 inches. The DSi will come with an external 3 MP (megapixel) camera and a front facing camera built into the hinge of the system. The DSi will also come with a SD card slot on the side and will also have built in storage (although how much is not currently known).Nintendo will also be launching a DSi Shop that will be accessible from the system via WiFi or for free at "Nintendo Zone" hotspots, which will be located in Japanese McDonalds. Currently the only content known to be available at launch will be a free Web Browsers app, a free notebook app and " DSiWare". The store will use the renamed Nintendo Points, 1000 of which will come free with the DSi until March 2010 and content will be priced in 0, 200, 500, 800 points.
Wii Points will be renamed Nintendo Points. Nintendo Points cards can only be used for one platform at a time, and Points from a single card cannot be shared between the two platforms.
Nintendo Points Card
The DSi launched in Japan on November 1st, 2008 for ¥18,900 ($178). It was released in Europe on April 3rd, and in the Americas on April 5th for $169.99.
New Interface
Nintendo has also updated the DS interface menu to accommodate new software. Initially you will be able to access the following programs from the main menu: DSi Camera, DSi Sound, DSi Shop, PictoChat, and download play. The menu also includes icons for starting a game from a DS cartridge and accessing system settings.The Nintendo DSi comes with a free Web Browser made by Opera which uses built in ram & will use it more efficiently then the DS add-on web browser which came with ram that went into the GBA port.
The DSi's menu is based off the Wii Channel interface. You will be able to add new programs that will be listed on the screen. Its unknown at this time how many programs can be seen on the screen at one time, but there is an all view option.
Dsi Cartridges & DSi Enhanced Cards
At GDC 2009, DSi project leader Matsato Kuwahara revealed that the company will be releasing 2 different kinds of DS cartridges. "DSi Cards" will only work on the DSi itself, while "DSi Enhanced Cards" will work in all DS systems, with extra features when put into the DSi. This strategy will allow developers to take advantage of DSi-specific features. Cartridges can now be "hotswapped" in and out of the DSi system, while powered on.DSi Camera
The DSi has two VGA (0.3 megapixel) cameras, one on the inner hinge and
DSi's camera
The camera will also include some game elements. Among the features are a facial blending tool, a method for changing facial expressions, and a means of measuring similarity between two faces. The camera itself can be set to take photos in a various modes, including normal mode, "trick" mode, and frame mode.
DSi Sound
Selecting DSi Sound from the menu will take you to a mini music player, complete with a variety of visualizers and audio tools. The system will be able to remove vocals, allowing you to possible sing along with your favorite song. There also appears to a "music creator" included. You will be able to tap buttons with rhythm in order to overlay sounds. You can also record 10 second audio samples through the system's microphone for use in your music sessions.Unfortunately, those looking for MP3 support are out of luck, DSi Sound will only support AAC format.
Specs Comparison - DSi vs. DS Lite vs. DS
Release Date (Americas)
DSi: April 2009
DS Lite: June 2006
DS: November 2004
Total Weight (including battery pack, stylus, and GBA cover)
DSi: 214g
Comparison of the DSi (left) and DS Lite (right), showing off the larger screens, camera and new power lights
DS Lite: 218g (21% lighter than DS)
DS: 275g
Dimensions
DSi: 137 mm * 74.9 mm * 18.9 mm / 5.4 in * 3 in * .74 in (12% smaller then DS Lite)
DS Lite: 133 mm * 73.9 mm * 21.5 mm / 5.24 in * 2.9 in * 0.85 in (42% less volume than DS)
DS: 148.7 mm * 84.7 mm * 28.9 mm / 5.85 in * 3.33 in * 1.13 in
Screens
DSi: 3.25 in.
DS Lite: 3.0 in.
DS: 3.0 in.
Battery Life (listed by screen brightness, lowest to highest)
DSi: up to 14 hours, 8-12, 6-9, 4-6, 3-4 (840mAh)
DS Lite: up to 19 hours, 10-15, 7-11, 5-8 (1000mAh- Reduced battery life after 500 charges)
DS: up to 10 hrs (850mAh)
Charge Time
DSi: 2 hours 30 minutes.
DS Lite: 3 hours.
DS: 4 hours.
Brightness
Brightness Comparison
DSi: Five levels of brightness.
DS Lite: Four levels of brightness: no off in main menu.
DS: Two levels of brightness: on and off.
Stylus Length
DSi: 92 mm
DS Lite: 87.5 mm * 4.9 mm (side-loaded on the right, just below power switch)
DS: 75.0 mm * 4.0 mm
Wrist Strap & Thumb Stylus
DSi: none
DS Lite: None.
DS: Wrist strap. (Japan: Thumb Stylus)
Button Changes
DSi: D-pad and Start Select A B Y X buttons same position as DS Lite, but sit slightly lower. Power button moved to the right side of bottom screen directly across from the Select button, and now has the power symbol (circle with line cut) on it. All have the "clicky" feel similar to the GameBoy Advance SP.
DS Lite: D-Pad was reduced in size to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller than DS). D-Pad has lines on it. Start and select buttons were moved from above the A B Y X buttons to below them, and were also shrunk. Power button is now a slider on the right side of the handheld.
Backwards Compatibility & Expansion Changes
DSi: No longer has a GBA slot on the bottom. SD card slot on the right side.
DS Lite: The depth of the GBA cartridge slot has been shrunk 50% so games now stick out 1 cm. The charging port now is a different size and is only used for charging, as apposed to the original that could also used for accessories.
Microphone Location
DSi: Slightly moved over on the henge to accommodate front facing camera.
DS Lite: Between top and bottom screens.
DS: Below the left side of bottom screen.
CPUs
DSi: ARM-9 (133 MHz).
DS Lite: ARM946E-S (67 MHz), ARM7TDMI (33 MHz).
DS: ARM946E-S (67 MHz), ARM7TDMI (33 MHz).
RAM
DSi: 16 MB.
DS Lite: 4MB.
DS: 4MB.
Storage
DSi: 256 MB internal Flash Memory (Also has SD/SDHC card expansion slot.)
DS Lite: 256 kB Serial Flash Memory
DS: 256 kB Serial Flash Memory
Camera
DSi: Two VGA (0.3 megapixel - 640 * 480 resolution ) cameras: inner hinge and outer shell.
DS Lite: None.
DS: None.
Wireless signal
DSi: B & GDS Lite: B only
DS: B only
Limited Editions
DS Limited Editons:
Pink Ribbon edition for cancer research
- Polar white with breast cancer awareness logo on the face
- $129.99
- Nintendo will donate $5 for every system sold to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity.
- Nintendo promises a minimum of $100,000 donation
Final Fantasy III edition: July 12, 2008 - Crystal White DS Lite with FFIII artwork on the front cover.
Pokemon DAISUKI Club edition: July 13, 2006
- Crystal White DS Lite Pikachu artwork on the front cover.
Pokemon Dialga and Palkia edition: Japan: September 28, 2006 North American: TBA
- Jet Black with a glitter design of two legendary Pokemon on the front. Dialga and Palkia.
Final Fantasy III DS Lite
- Has the words "JUMP ULTIMATE STARS" printed on its case.
Love and Berry bundle:
- Metalic pink and comes with a card reader.
Winning Eleven bundle:
- Jet Black DS Lite that comes with the soccer game Winning Eleven.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong edition:
Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings Sky Pirates edition: April 26, 2007
Winning Eleven DS Lite
Pirate of the Caribbean edition: May 19, 2007
- Has the movies log on the front with a pictures of Jack Sparrow and the words "Where the adventure comes to life."
Seattle Mariners edition:
- Has the Seattle Mariners logo on the front and is available for purchase from Safeco Field.
Pokemon Center Pikachu edition: November 17, 2007
- A Yellow DS Lite with a picture of Pikachu on the front.
Pokemon Center Pikachu DS Lite
RX-93 v Gundam edition: August 9, 2007
- A White DS Lite with a logo from the animated film on the front.
Wonderful World edition: July 27, 2007
- A glossy silver DS Lite with a black It's a Wonder World logo on the front left of the DS and the game title on the right.
Kirby: Squeak Squad edition: April 16, 2007
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates Gemini edition: August 23, 2007
- Crystal White DS Lite with Ring of Fates line art on the front right and the title of the game on the left.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles DS Lite
Nintendo Connection Tour '07 edition: July 2007
- Black DS Lite with "Nintendo DS Connection Tour '07 Champion." on the front. Only 15 exist in the world.
Wario: Master of Disguise edition: September 10, 2007
- 40 of them are in existence.
Super Mario 64 DS IQue DS edition:
- Another limited edition release of DS Lite from IQue.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass edition: November 20, 2007
- A gold DS Lite with a Triforce image in the bottom right of the Cover, bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom hourglass.
Legend of Zelda DS Lite
Nintendogs edition: November 20, 2007
- Metallic rose DS Lite bundled with Nintendogs. A pink paw is displayed on the front of the device.
Warhammer 40,000 Squad Command edition:
- Displays a design that looks like the power armor, worn by the Ultramarines in the game, on the front cover.
Crimson/Black Dragon IQue DS edition:
- Has images of dragons on the cover.
Bape Milo edition: April 1, 2008
Guitar Hero: On Tour DS
- Released by fashion designer Nigo from Japan.
Honeyee x Fragment Design: March 19, 2008
- Displays an design from Hiroshi Fujiwara.
Guitar Hero On Tour edition: June 22, 2008
- A Silver/Black DS Lite with the Guitar Hero logo on the front cover.
Lock's Quest Contest:
- A Black DS Lite with illuminated buttons and flame emblem
DSi Limited Editions:
Kingdom Hearts DSi
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Bundle:
- A Black DSi with a Kingdom Hearts themed Checkerboard design on the top lid, and comes packaged with a copy of the game.
Gyakuten Kenji DSi Bundle:
- A white DSi with the Taihokun logo on the top lid, and comes packaged with a copy of the game.
Gyakuten Kenji DSi
Nintendo DS games
Edit
| Platform Name: | Nintendo DS |
| Release Date: | Nov. 21, 2004 |
| Online Support: | True |
| Install Base: | 100,000,000 |
| Original Price: | $150 |
| Producing Company: | Nintendo |
| Total Games: | games |
Consoles
a list of 9 items by EvilDingo
a list of 9 items by EvilDingo
Big List of Stuff
a list of 60 items by Bigbombomb
a list of 60 items by Bigbombomb
Consoles
a list of 8 items by G0rd0nFr33m4n
a list of 8 items by G0rd0nFr33m4n
|
Mario first in Donkey Kong |
19
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Princess Peach first in Super Mario Bros. |
16
|
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Bowser first in Super Mario Bros. |
14
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Luigi first in Mario Bros. |
13
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Lakitu first in Super Mario Bros. |
12
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Donkey Kong first in Donkey Kong Jr. |
12
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Yoshi first in Super Mario World |
11
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Wario first in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins |
11
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Spider-Man first in Spider-Man |
10
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David Beckham first in |
10
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Japan first in |
57
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Space first in Spacewar! |
37
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New York first in |
34
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Castle first in |
29
|
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Cave first in |
26
|
|
The Beach first in |
21
|
|
Underwater first in |
18
|
|
The United States of America first in The Oregon Trail |
17
|
|
Jungle first in |
15
|
|
China first in |
14
|
|
E3 2008 first in |
145
|
|
3D first in Elite |
113
|
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E3 2007 first in |
108
|
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Tie-In first in |
106
|
|
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection first in Mario Kart DS |
105
|
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Minigames first in SwordQuest: EarthWorld |
102
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Touch Controls first in |
102
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Health first in |
96
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Female-Targeted Game first in |
96
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Movie Tie-in first in |
91
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