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The system's code-name was Nitro, which is where the letters NTR in the serial number written on the back of game cards and the system itself come from. NTR-XXX indicates the model numbers found on the original style Nintendo DS and its accessories.
Nintendo's own custom [[firmware]] boots the system. A health and safety warning is displayed first, which is bypassed by pressing any button or the touchscreen. The main menu presents the player with four main options to select: play a DS game, use PictoChat, initiate DS Download Play, or play a Game Boy Advance Game.
===Firmware===
Nintendo's own custom [[firmware]] boots the system (first requiring the player to read health information, but it is easily skipped by pressing any button on the system or touching any place on the screen): from here, the user chooses to run a Nintendo DS or Game Boy Advance game, use [[PictoChat]], or search for downloadable games. The latter is an adaptation of the Game Boy Advance's popular "single cartridge multiplayer" feature, adapted to support the system's wireless link capabilities (players without the game search for content, while players with the game broadcast it; the game host is able to set the rules of the game).
The firmware also features an alarm clock, several options for customization (such as boot priority for when games are inserted and GBA screen preference), and the ability to input user information (such as name, birthday, favorite color, etc.)
In November 2004, Nintendo announced that there could be some sort of "download kiosk" that would transmit a signal for a Nintendo DS in the area to pick up, and download a [[Game demo|demo]] of a game (just like the "Download Play" feature that it in fact, uses). As of 2006, there are now download kiosks placed in select [[Electronics Boutique|EB Games]], [[GameStop]], [[Movie Gallery#Game Crazy|Game Crazy]], [[Toys "R" Us]], [[Wal-Mart]], and [[_target Corporation|_target]] stores.
The PictoChat program, which is permanently stored on the unit, allows users to communicate with other Nintendo DS users within range over the wireless network by text, handwriting, or drawings, using the DS's touchscreen and stylus for input, or a small visual keyboard on the screen.
The DS's main menu also features an [[alarm clock]] and the ability to set preferences for boot priority (booting to games when inserted, or always booting to the main menu), Game Boy Advance game screen usage (top or bottom), and user information (name, date of birth, favorite color, time, etc.).
===Battery life===
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