Nintendo DS vs Nintendo Game Boy Pocket

The Nintendo DS and Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are both iconic handheld gaming consoles from different eras. The DS offers dual screens and touch capabilities, while the Game Boy Pocket is a classic monochrome device known for its simplicity and portability.

General information

Nintendo DS
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Introduction :
The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that featured dual screens, touch screen technology, and a wide range of popular games. It quickly became a hit with gamers of all ages, selling over 150 million units worldwide. The DS has since become a classic and collectible item for many gaming enthusiasts, with a vast library of games that continue to be enjoyed by players today.
Introduction :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996 as a smaller and lighter version of the original Game Boy. It quickly became popular among gamers for its portability and improved screen visibility. The Game Boy Pocket is considered a classic in the handheld gaming market and is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgic value and iconic library of games.
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design for gaming on the go.
  • Dual screens offer unique gameplay experiences.
  • Touch screen functionality adds interactivity to games.
  • Wide range of game titles available for all ages.
  • Backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance games.
Advantages :
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry around.
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Game Boy games.
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Durable design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
  • Small screen size may not be ideal for all players.
  • Limited online capabilities and multiplayer options.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
  • Lack of modern features such as HD graphics and streaming services.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited screen visibility in low light
  • Lack of backlight for screen
  • Short battery life compared to newer consoles
  • Limited color options for display
  • Limited sound quality compared to newer consoles
Year launched : 2004
The Nintendo DS was launched in 2004, introducing dual screens and touch screen capabilities. It quickly became popular for its innovative features and diverse game library.
Year launched : 1996
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was launched in 1996, offering a more compact and lightweight version of the original Game Boy, making it easier for gamers to take their favorite games on the go.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo DS, a popular handheld gaming console that was released in 2004. Known for its innovative dual-screen design and extensive game library.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Game Boy Pocket was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned and iconic company in the gaming industry known for creating popular consoles and games loved by fans worldwide.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo DS was a popular handheld console with over 154 million units sold worldwide. It had a significant market share in the handheld gaming market, but faced competition from other consoles.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket had moderate popularity during its release, with a significant number of units sold. It was a popular choice among handheld gaming enthusiasts, but faced competition from other portable consoles.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo DS is a portable console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and dual-screen layout make it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is designed as a portable handheld console, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/ds/
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Nintendo DS
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Console markets :
The Nintendo DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time.
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was widely popular and sold in many countries during its release.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo DS is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal, unique dual-screen design, and library of classic games. Collectors are willing to pay premium prices for rare editions.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal and limited availability. It holds value among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo DS is still relatively available in the secondhand market, with a decent amount of units being sold. However, finding brand new consoles may be more challenging as they are no longer in production.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo DS is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable compared to newer consoles on the market.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It can be found at affordable prices for retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
While new games for the Nintendo DS are no longer being produced, there is still a decent selection available through secondhand markets, online retailers, and used game stores. Collectible availability varies.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are still available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature.
๐ŸŸข Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo DS is low due to the console being older and games being readily available in the second-hand market at affordable prices.
๐ŸŸข Game costs : Low.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are relatively inexpensive due to their age and availability in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for retro gaming enthusiasts.


Technology

Nintendo DS
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Nintendo DS uses a 32-bit architecture, providing sufficient processing power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and engaging graphics on the go.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for handheld consoles in the early 1990s. Despite its lower processing power compared to modern consoles, it was highly popular for its time.
CPU : ARM946E-S
The Nintendo DS uses an ARM946E-S CPU, which is a 32-bit processor with a clock speed of 67 MHz. It is known for its power efficiency and suitability for handheld gaming devices.
CPU : Sharp LR35902
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses the Sharp LR35902 CPU, which is a modified version of the Zilog Z80 processor. It is a low-power, 8-bit processor known for its efficiency.
Memory : 4 MB
The Nintendo DS has 4 MB of memory, which was sufficient for its time and allowed for a variety of games to be played on the handheld console.
Memory : 32 Kb
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has 32 Kb of memory, allowing players to save game progress and data. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo DS only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to a modern TV that typically uses HDMI inputs.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo DS features a dedicated GPU for handling graphics processing tasks, providing enhanced visuals and performance for games on the console.
โšช Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about the GPU in the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are not widely documented. Due to the console's age and simplicity, it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo DS can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with others around the world.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo DS is cartridges. These small cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play games.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.


Gaming

Nintendo DS
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers/players
The Nintendo DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. This allows for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family on a single console.
Controllers : 1 controller, 1 player
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is a handheld console designed for single-player gaming, with one controller built into the device for solo play on the go.
๐ŸŸข Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo DS allows multiplayer online play for certain games, providing an interactive gaming experience with friends and players worldwide. However, the online service for the DS has been discontinued, limiting some multiplayer capabilities.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may support link cables for local multiplayer, but online multiplayer is not possible.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Nintendo DS game titles were released consistently with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many games are still highly sought after in the secondhand market, making it a collectible console for gamers.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket were released in physical cartridges, with a decent selection available. While some titles are harder to find now, the secondhand market offers a variety of options for collectors.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo DS has many exclusive and iconic games such as Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Animal Crossing: Wild World, making it a beloved console for gamers.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as Pokemon Red and Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.


Ultimately, the choice between the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Pocket comes down to personal preference. If you prefer modern features and a wider game library, the DS is the way to go. However, if you appreciate retro charm and a more nostalgic gaming experience, the Game Boy Pocket may be the perfect choice for you.