DS Lite unites the sexes - 48 per cent owned by females
Huge growth in female audience underpins continuing success of the 'console of the people'
When Nintendo set out its plans to singlehandedly open the games market to brand new audiences before the DS launch back in 2004, it's fair to say there were more than a few mocking voices.
Less than four years later, however, it's abundantly clear that the visionary gaming giant has achieved precisely what it set out to.
As part of its E3 2008 presentation, Nintendo confirmed that DS Lite is the first console ever to successfully manage the battle of the sexes and appeal equally to both male and female players. Whilst sales in 2006 already saw 30 per cent of the machines being purchased by or for females, by the end of 2007 this figure had risen to a remarkable 48 per cent.
Will 2008 see the scales tip further under another avalanche of virtual pet and cooking titles or will hardcore releases like Grand Theft Auto and Guitar Hero: On Tour ensure the boys battle back?
Either way, with sales showing no signs of stopping as the console pops into the pockets and bags of young, old, boys and girls one fact is indisputable: Nintendo has created the most democratic and universally appealing console ever.
 The DS Lite is truly the games console of the people.
