How Much Did Nintendo DS Cost?
The Nintendo DS launched in 2004 at an MSRP of $149.99. While not cheap, it matched past Game Boy pricing and began Nintendo‘s most successful portable console run ever.
Pricing Strategy and Sales
Nintendo kept things simple – the DS matched the GBA SP‘s $99 launch from 2003. And sales took off immediately, with the original model selling 118 million units over its 6 year lifespan.
Handheld Pricing Comparison:
| System | Launch Year | Launch MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy | 1989 | $89.99 |
| Game Boy Color | 1998 | $69.95 |
| Game Boy Advance | 2001 | $99.99 |
| DS | 2004 | $149.99 |
| DS Lite | 2006 | $129.99 |
| DSi | 2008 | $169.99 |
| 3DS | 2011 | $249.99 |
For $150 in 2004, early adopters got a glimpse of the future – two screens, touch controls, voice chat and wireless local multiplayer. Groundbreaking! Some still prefer clamshell DS to the compact 3DS.
The DS family ranks second all-time in sales behind only the PS2, moving over 154 million units before its discontinuation in 2020. An astounding legacy cemented by universally appealing innovations for developers and an enormous catalog of games.
Unique Dual Screen Design
Beyond just pricing and marketing, the DS itself captured lightning in a bottle for on-the-go multiplayer gaming. Those pioneering dual screens with a touch interface gave developers canvas for ideas unseen on Game Boy.
Iconic entries like Nintendogs let friends care for virtual pets together. Zelda DS games used the 2nd screen for maps and inventory. Mario Kart DS and others catapulted local wireless play. And Brain Age took the world by storm as a mental workout.
Simply put – two screens made gaming more social and introduced gameplay concepts not possible before. It completely changed how we game on the go.
The Rise of Collectible DS Games
With the 3DS discontinued and digital re-releases unlikely, Nintendo DS games have become surprisingly collectible. Fan nostalgia and speculation now drives prices for rare titles previously treated as bargain bin fodder.
In fact, complete copies in good condition of the Top 10 rarest DS games below can sell for between $150 to $500! Prices continue to test new highs each year.
Most Valuable and Rarest Nintendo DS Games
- My Chinese Coach (2007) – $499
- Master of Illusion (2006) – $299
- Glory of Heracles (2008) – $150
- Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team DS (2005) – $140
- Shepherd‘s Crossing 2 (2008) – $115
- Harvest Moon DS (2005) – $100
- Lost Magic (2006) – $90
- Pheasants Forever Wingshooter (2006) – $85
- Best Friends Dogs And Cats (2009) – $75
- Overlord Minions (2009) – $68
For collectors, always check for reproduction cartridges which carry no value. Verify serial codes imprinted on backs and quality of box, labels, and manuals where applicable. Near-mint condition drives top dollar.
Whether for love or money, the Nintendo DS library offers surprising nostalgia and collectibility today. We can only hope it gets immortalized someday.
