DS ML: The Chinese Nintendo DS Lite Clone That Fooled Unsuspecting Buyers

The Nintendo DS, originally launched in 2004, stands as one of Nintendo's biggest commercial successes, reaching over 150 million units sold worldwide.

The DS family, including the original DS (commonly known as the 'phat'), the sleek DS Lite in 2006, the upgraded DSi in 2008, and the large-screen DSi XL in 2009, helped solidify Nintendo's dominance in the handheld gaming market.

This widespread popularity naturally led to a proliferation of imitators, with the Chinese-made DS ML standing out among the most notable DS clones attempting to replicate the classic gaming experience. The DS ML, recently spotlighted by retro gaming community Retro Handhelds, is not an official Nintendo product.

Manufactured in China, the DS ML distinguishes itself from typical imitations by ingeniously recycling authentic components from the original 2004 DS model—most notably, its screens and speakers—and encasing them in a shell closely resembling the popular DS Lite design.

This combination was marketed as a cost-effective alternative to the genuine hardware, making it an attractive option for budget-focused consumers or those inadvertently misled by its familiar appearance. However, differences between the DS ML and official Nintendo DS Lite systems are significant.

While the DS ML uses real Nintendo DS 'phat' parts, the display and audio quality do not match the improvements introduced with the 2006 DS Lite.

The DS Lite's enhanced brightness, more vivid screens, and superior speakers set a standard that the DS ML's recycled parts simply cannot achieve.

In essence, while the DS ML may look like a DS Lite externally, it delivers the original DS's less advanced visual and audio performance. One minor advantage noted among enthusiasts is the DS ML's Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridge slot, which, like the DS Lite, allows GBA carts to fit flush with the device casing—a benefit over the original DS's slightly protruding GBA cartridges.

Additionally, the DS ML originally retailed at a lower price, and continues to sell for less on online marketplaces, making it a lower-cost, albeit compromised, choice for handheld collectors or nostalgic players. The existence of the DS ML highlights both the enduring appeal of Nintendo's dual-screen handhelds and the lengths to which manufacturers will go to capitalize on that demand.

Despite the DS ML’s attempts to mimic the DS Lite, discerning fans and collectors are advised to seek authentic Nintendo hardware to ensure the best gameplay experience and ongoing support.

For those interested in exploring niche corners of handheld gaming history, the DS ML remains a unique if imperfect chapter in the legacy of the Nintendo DS family.

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