The “Nintendo DS ML” is not established as an official Nintendo model. In a teardown described by Hackaday, the device was found to contain original Nintendo DS hardware inside a custom shell styled to resemble a later model.
What is the Nintendo DS ML?
“DS ML” is the label used for the unusual handheld in Tom Nardi’s Hackaday report published April 16, 2021. The report does not identify it as an official Nintendo product name. Its central finding, based on The Retro Future’s teardown, is that the device used an original Nintendo DS transplanted into a custom enclosure.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo DS Lite Console Handheld System Black (Renewed) | $129.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo DS Lite - Metallic Rose | $114.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt/Black (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YXfQ3-DeL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt/Black (Renewed) [video game] | $125.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Nintendo DS Lite Polar White (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31j3rrzt2tL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo DS Lite Polar White (Renewed) [video game] | $115.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo DS Lite - Crimson Red & Black (Renewed) | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon |
How did the unusual DS look?
Hackaday described the exterior as resembling a refreshed DS Lite, but larger than expected. Dated-looking screens and the placement of the buttons and controls were also clues that the device might not be the upgraded hardware its shell suggested. These are visual observations reported in the article; the teardown’s stated identification was the original DS hardware inside.
What does “ML” stand for?
The meaning of “ML” is unknown. Hackaday noted that commenters speculated about the initials, but no authoritative explanation is established. Treat “DS ML” as a label for this unusual device, not a verified Nintendo model designation.
#1 Best Overall
- The DS Lite system is a region free device, it can plays all Nintendo DS Lite games and Gameboy Advance Games
What is known about the console’s history?
The report does not resolve whether the original DS donor was new old stock or a previously used console refreshed with a new case. Either possibility remains open. Hackaday also reported an approximately $25 USD Taobao listing in 2021; that is a historical listing price, not evidence of a current price, completed sale, or present availability.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- DS Lite doesn't just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
- Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
- Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
- Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
- Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering
Rank #3
- DS Lite doesn't just play DS games it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
- Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
- Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
- Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
- Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering
Rank #2
- DS Lite doesn't just play DS games – it also features an additional port for Game Boy Advance Game Paks
- Get up to 19 hours continuous gameplay on one charge
- Ready to take on the world? With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, you can connect wirelessly, chat with friends while you play and compete with Nintendo DS owners across the globe. All you need to play is a Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi-ready game
- Twin ultra bright LCD screens that combine crisp, punchy colors, along with touch-screen technology on the lower screen
- Powerful dual processors bring 3D graphics to life with lightning-fast rendering
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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