Nintendo DS Top 10 Christmas Toys 2004

Nintendo DS Top 10 Christmas Toys 2004

The Nintendo DS of 2004 revolutionised handheld gaming with its dual screens, touch controls, and wireless multiplayer features. Arriving just in time for Christmas, it quickly became one of the most sought-after consoles of the year. For children unwrapping a DS under the tree, it wasn’t just another gaming device—it was a glimpse into the future of portable play.

2004: A Year in Context

2004 in the UK was a time when gaming was exploding in popularity. The PlayStation 2 dominated home consoles, while Game Boy Advance ruled the handheld market. Nintendo’s bold move with the DS introduced something completely new: two screens, one of them touch-sensitive, opening up a whole new style of gameplay.

A New Era of Handheld Gaming

The Nintendo DS (short for “Dual Screen”) featured innovative mechanics that set it apart. The lower touch screen allowed for stylus-based controls, while the top screen displayed action and status. The console also included a built-in microphone and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling voice commands and wireless play (see Nintendo DS history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Parents recall children eagerly unboxing their DS consoles and diving into launch titles like *Super Mario 64 DS*. The novelty of controlling characters with a stylus and experiencing dual-screen gameplay made the DS feel truly magical. For many kids, it became the centrepiece of Christmas 2004.

The Craze

Advertising campaigns highlighted the DS’s futuristic features, with taglines like “Touching is Good.” The buzz was enormous, and stores quickly sold out as families rushed to get their hands on the console. By the end of the year, millions of units had been sold worldwide, cementing the DS as a blockbuster success.

Price Then and Now

In 2004, the Nintendo DS retailed for around £99.99, or about £165 today. Considering its groundbreaking technology, it was a relatively affordable console. Today, the DS family (which grew to include the DS Lite, DSi, and 3DS) remains one of the best-selling handheld lines in history.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved the DS because it offered something completely new. The stylus controls made gameplay interactive in ways they’d never seen before, while wireless multiplayer brought friends together without cables. With its strong library of games, including Mario, Pokémon, and Nintendogs, the DS appealed to kids of all ages.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For adults today, the Nintendo DS is remembered as one of the most exciting console launches of their childhood. Many recall the joy of playing with friends wirelessly, experimenting with touch controls, and discovering a library of unforgettable games. The DS’s legacy lives on in modern handheld consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.

2004 Christmas Memories

Families remember the buzz around the DS that holiday season. Parents recall queuing outside shops to secure one, while children remember proudly showing off their new console at family gatherings. For many, Christmas 2004 was the year handheld gaming changed forever.

Conclusion

The Nintendo DS of 2004 was more than just a handheld console—it was a game-changer that transformed portable gaming. With its dual screens, touch controls, and wireless features, it became one of the most iconic gifts of the decade. If you remember unwrapping a DS and diving into *Super Mario 64 DS* or *Nintendogs*, revisit the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2004 archive. See how it compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and explore how Nintendo continues to innovate in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. The Nintendo DS remains a legendary symbol of Christmas 2004.

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