# North American Release of Chrono Trigger for Nintendo DS
**Wikidata**: [Q15063320](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15063320)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/north-american-release-of-chrono-trigger-for-nintendo-ds

## Summary  
The North American release of *Chrono Trigger* for Nintendo DS, launched on November 20, 2008, is an enhanced edition of the classic 1995 role-playing game. It features dual-screen functionality, a new dungeon, and re-translated dialogue, preserving the original story while incorporating modern gameplay improvements. This version made the beloved title accessible to a new generation of players on a portable platform.  

## Key Facts  
- **Release Date**: November 20, 2008.  
- **Platform**: Nintendo DS.  
- **Language**: English.  
- **Developer/Publisher**: Square Enix (formerly Square).  
- **Key Features**: Dual-screen mode, new dungeon ("Lost Sanctum"), re-translated script, and optional "ATB 2.0" battle system.  
- **Based On**: The 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) original.  
- **Classification**: Video game edition (enhanced re-release).  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was *Chrono Trigger* released for Nintendo DS in North America?  
A: It was released on November 20, 2008.  

### Q: What new features does the Nintendo DS version include?  
A: Key additions are dual-screen functionality, a new dungeon called the "Lost Sanctum," and a reworked translation.  

### Q: Is this version different from the original SNES game?  
A: Yes, it includes quality-of-life improvements, optional battle system tweaks, and new content while retaining the original story and characters.  

## Why It Matters  
The Nintendo DS release of *Chrono Trigger* revitalized a seminal RPG for modern audiences, leveraging the DS’s dual-screen design to enhance gameplay and accessibility. By integrating new content and refining the original experience, it appealed to both nostalgic fans and newcomers. This re-release underscored the game’s enduring influence on the RPG genre and demonstrated Square Enix’s commitment to preserving classic titles. It also filled a gap for portable play, allowing players to enjoy the game on-the-go without sacrificing depth or visual fidelity.  

## Notable For  
- **Dual-Screen Integration**: Utilized the DS’s screens for map and battle displays, streamlining navigation.  
- **New Content**: Introduced the "Lost Sanctum" dungeon with unique mechanics and story elements.  
- **Revised Translation**: Improved dialogue clarity compared to the original SNES version.  
- **Cultural Impact**: Reintroduced a landmark RPG to a new audience, reinforcing its status as one of the greatest games of all time.  

## Body  
### Release Context  
- Launched in North America on November 20, 2008, as part of Square Enix’s efforts to re-release classic titles on modern platforms.  
- Developed by an internal team at Square Enix, with input from original creators like Yasunori Mitsuda (composer) and Yuji Horii (scenario writer).  

### Technical Enhancements  
- **Dual-Screen Mode**: The DS’s lower screen displayed maps, character stats, and battle commands, while the upper screen showed the main game action.  
- **Optional Battle System**: Players could choose between the original Active Time Battle (ATB) system and a faster "ATB 2.0" mode.  
- **New Dungeon**: The "Lost Sanctum" featured time-travel puzzles and optional side quests.  

### Legacy  
- Sold over 100,000 copies in its first month in Japan (DS version), indicating strong demand for retro re-releases.  
- Laid groundwork for future ports, including mobile and PC releases, ensuring *Chrono Trigger*’s availability across generations.  
- Critically praised for balancing nostalgia with modernization, though some purists criticized minor dialogue changes.