Nintendo has long been the leader in handheld gaming devices. Starting with the GameBoy in 1989, Nintendo has constantly been ahead in the field of portable gameplay. The original GameBoy remains the best-selling game system to date. Nintendo has now released the Nintendo DS, another hand-held gameplay device. The DS is not meant to compete with the GameBoy but instead to serve as a third pillar for the company, alongside the GameBoy and GameCube.

Nintendo's hope for the DS is that it spurs innovative game design by developers. Several features are included on the DS that make it unique among all systems. The first is a dual-screen display. Each three inch screen is capable of graphics greater than that of the Nintendo 64. The lower screen is also a touch screen, similar to that on a Palm Pilot. The DS also comes with a stylus for use with this touch screen.

The DS also features stereo sound, 801.11b wireless capability, and a microphone. Mario Kart DS takes advantage of this feature, as will many DS games in development. The DS also has what it calls 'PictoChat,' which allows users to communicate via text, handwritten, and even drawn messages.

Among the DS games available at launch were Spider-Man 2, Super Mario 64 DS, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, and The Urbz: Sims in the City. Literally dozens of other games have been announced, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors, and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. Additionally, most GameBoy Advance games can be played on the DS.