A DS ML Console? Whuuut?!

[retro junkie]

I purchased this console back in May of 2024. I have no idea why it has taken me this long to post something about it. Maybe it is because I have been enjoying it too much? When I saw it up on AliExpress I had to have it. I would say it was $50 well spent.

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Back when the first model of the DS console was released into the market from Nintendo, my personal thoughts were, "That has got to be the ugliest handheld ever." But I purchased it anyway. It was another innovation in gaming from Nintendo. The DS ML is that original console taken and re-shelled. This is a recycling of the original DS. I would say a big "thank you" to whoever that Chinese individual was. They are a genus. Because of it being a recycling of the old hardware it is a shot in the dark whether you get a nice unit or dead pixels on screen, etc. I am happy that the unit I got is perfect.

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The interesting thing about the console is that there is nothing anywhere on the box or the console itself which gives you any idea that it is Nintendo related in any way. Even the preview of games on the back of the box says nothing about them being Nintendo DS games.

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It came with some simple instructions and an AC adapter.

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All of the buttons work and feel like the original DS. It plays great, both GBA and DS games. Surprisingly the shell is solid and of good quality. A big thumbs up. 

[BLUEVOODU]

Great review @retro junkie - hats off to your reviews.  They are awesome.

I bet Nintendo is happy with this product... though doubt they can do anything about it.  This looks like a cool device.  I am wondering how long it will hold up in the future.  It would be cool if you provided an update on how it's going some time in the future. 

My concern would be with the controls.  However, you addressed that... as well as the screen.  You're also braver than I in terms of ordering from AliExpress.  I know others that have ordered from there... I just don't totally trust the site.

[retro junkie]

@BLUEVOODU I totally understand your suspicions concerning AliExpress. I have been ordering from them for years. You have to put a limit on how much money you are willing to lose.  AliExpress is made up of a multitude of vendors selling their stuff, or junk. I have learned to only order from those who have a rating above 90%. Then there is the feedback with photos. The photos tell the truth. I rarely get bamboozled any more. I purchase all my "fake" NES, Genesis, SNES, N64, GB, GBA, and DS games from Aliexpress. When there is a game I want and the price is out the roof, I go to AliExpress to see if someone is selling a copy. I have also purchased a few clone systems from them. I have also branched out and purchased other stuff. Some stuff is very cheap quality and other things have been surprisingly good. I have also learned to recognize the stuff when it shows up on eBay at a dozen times the price.

I will do a follow up on this console.