Despite the failure of the Virtual Boy, Nintendo had yet to give up the search for a "third pillar" system. A folding handheld with two displays and a resistive touch screen was their answer. Aiming for a more mature approach, they wanted a more mature idol, and that idol became the Nintendo DS!
DS had never expected to be working at Nintendo, and as an idol no less. Before her time, she attempted studies at Kyoto University but found it just didn't work for her. She considered her audition for Nintendo to be an act of desperation, but she got the job, and what a job it was!
The Nintendo DS's early years are notable for her more adult-oriented approach. Nintendo wanted to prove their systems and concerts weren't just for kids, and hiring an idol at the age of 19 was one way to go about it. There were a number of campaigns aimed at an older audience, particularly "Touching is good" in North America around the time of her debut.
DS's concerts are notable for being the first Nintendo concerts to primarily use both arms for choreography. That is, she had no need to be holding a mic onstage! The handless mic was placed somewhere on her outfit, allowing for greater freedom when choreographing. The unique two-screen display on stage was also a unique addition, with many of her concerts putting visual effects to great use. DS's sound was similar to that of GBA but with a stronger lower register, giving her a better range. While the audio hardware of the DS is nothing unique, the use of visuals in concerts is what really made her stand out.
As for her works, DS has what many consider to be the most diverse lineup of Nintendo games ever seen on one system. New Super Mario Bros. was her best seller, with a return to form that audiences loved. New installments of Kirby, Pokemon, Zelda, Metroid, Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem were seen, as well as many new titles such as the enormously popular pet simulation game Nintendogs or the musical synthesizer known as Electroplankton. Even unconventional game software such as Brain Age was considered significant enough to get CDs and concerts.
DS was rebranded twice throughout her storied career. The DS Lite opted for a cuter, slimmer look, with a costume that shined to reflect its brighter screen. According to her, said costume had some issues at the joints, causing a bit of uncomfortable chafing. Some years later she was rebranded as the sleek and stylish DSi, this time sporting a camera and a selection of new titles from the DSiware shop.
While all Nintendo idols are super stars to us, to many people DS shines a cut above the rest. Not only is her system cherished by many, but her games and concerts brought many new fans to Nintendo, proving that video games and idols are for everyone. She is no doubt proud of her work, even if it was something she never expected to become. In the early 2010s she graduated, making way for her 3D-based successor to enter the stage. Fun fact: The glasses she always wears are in fact real! Nintendo saw the potential of accessorizing, giving her the iconic look we love her for today.