TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese video game maker Nintendo Co Ltd plans to launch a new model of its DS handheld machine that can take pictures and play music by the end of the year, the Nikkei business daily said on Sunday.
The move would pit the top-selling portable game gear with Apple Inc iPod and camera-embedded cellphones in general.
The price for the new machine, which will also be equipped with advanced wireless communications functions, is expected to be below 20,000 yen ($189) in Japan, compared with 16,800 yen for the current model, the Nikkei said.
The Wii game console and DS have been Nintendo's twin growth engines, helping its share price to grow more than three-fold over the past three years.
The DS far outsells Sony Corp's rival machine, PlayStation Portable (PSP), globally.
But in Japan, the PSP's unit sales exceeded the DS's in five consecutive months through July, according to game magazine publisher Enterbrain, in a potential sign of slowing momentum for the current DS model.
Nintendo officials were not immediately available for comment.
($1=105.97 Yen)
(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
This seems like the next logical step for the DS. I wonder how big the HD will be? 8GB & 16GB models to keep up with the iPhone?
Chris
Baron Of Hell
09-28-08, 01:28 AM
Good idea but they should have made pda apps for this thing also. I wonder if they are going to make an adapter to use SD cards or maybe make a their own memory cards.
spainlinx0
09-28-08, 12:12 PM
I need a new DS, and have been holding off on buying one. Maybe I'll pick up this version.
Keith6601
09-28-08, 12:20 PM
I just picked up a DS for my son the other day and have been thinking I need my own since it's so much fun. This will probably only make me want one more.
dvdsteve2000
09-28-08, 02:20 PM
I bought my son a DS when they first came out. Six months later I bought my other son a DS-Lite. Nintendo decided that they would no longer make any accessories that work on the regular DS (All for the Lite), so I bought another DS for my son to replace his regular DS. Nintendo will not be getting any more of my money for a handheld.
It was really frustrating buying accessories for my son that had the Lite because we couldn't buy anything 'cool' for the original DS. He wanted the skins, didn't fit...the 'Mario lunchbox carrying case', didn't fit, new stylus, didn't fit, etc... Screw you, Nintendo!
Suprmallet
09-28-08, 04:11 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
mrpayroll
09-28-08, 05:20 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
Well, most cellphones don't have the type of games that the DS has.
Chris
Kelkee
09-28-08, 05:24 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
They are losing sales to PSP and adding these things allow for another model to go to market. Plus its just in time for Christmas rush.
Kelkee
09-28-08, 05:32 PM
I bought my son a DS when they first came out. Six months later I bought my other son a DS-Lite. Nintendo decided that they would no longer make any accessories that work on the regular DS (All for the Lite), so I bought another DS for my son to replace his regular DS. Nintendo will not be getting any more of my money for a handheld.
It was really frustrating buying accessories for my son that had the Lite because we couldn't buy anything 'cool' for the original DS. He wanted the skins, didn't fit...the 'Mario lunchbox carrying case', didn't fit, new stylus, didn't fit, etc... Screw you, Nintendo!
Why did you not upgrade the DS to a DSLite when it came time to replace it?
Nintendos track record of refreshing the portable lately is about every 8-12 months.
Jay G.
09-28-08, 05:34 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
I imagine it's targeted at kids who are too young to have a cellphone.
Jay G.
09-28-08, 05:38 PM
Why did you not upgrade the DS to a DSLite when it came time to replace it?
dvdsteve2000's wording is a bit unclear, but I was under the impression that he did get a DS Lite to replace his son's "regular" DS. I think his point was that the older DS was still functioning, so technically didn't need to be replaced, but since no accessories existed for the older DS anymore, he had to re-buy a functioning device so that his sons would be on equal footing as far as DS accessories went.
So he has 3 DS systems, 2 DSLites that his sons use, and one regular DS that still functions but nobody uses.
dvdsteve2000
09-28-08, 05:51 PM
dvdsteve2000's wording is a bit unclear, but I was under the impression that he did get a DS Lite to replace his son's "regular" DS. I think his point was that the older DS was still functioning, so technically didn't need to be replaced, but since no accessories existed for the older DS anymore, he had to re-buy a functioning device so that his sons would be on equal footing as far as DS accessories went.
So he has 3 DS systems, 2 DSLites that his sons use, and one regular DS that still functions but nobody uses.
Thanks, that's it exactly. When the Lite came out I didn't see a reason to upgrade because they were using the same cartridges, and I thought the brighter screen was the only real difference. When we started getting some cool accessories for the Lite, my other son was more than jacked that he couldn't do the same. It actually got to the point that I felt bad enough to buy him a Lite to match his brother's. The big disappointment was the stylus. The Lite ones didn't even fit in the slot of the regular DS, and all of the 'fancy new ones' were designed for the Lite also. And yes, I have an extra 'regular DS' that's just collecting dust for no real reason. We talked about selling it off, but the value is so low, because of the DS being newer/better, that we figured we'd just hold onto it for them to use if their battery is dead or something.
The whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth...kind of like having to double dip for a DVD that just came out a couple months prior to a Das Boot release.
Drexl
09-28-08, 07:42 PM
Hopefully this one will support WPA encryption for the wireless networking.
tanman
09-29-08, 05:00 AM
I'm not sure about this upgrade. I still have the DS Phat waiting on a big upgrade on the DS Lite. I think it might be time to talk about a real successor to the DS. I would want to go forward especially with the power and size of the screen of the DS before adding accessories.
Cameras are cheap enough to put in and it could be useful gameplay wise. However a music player doesn't add anything and to me, depending on how big the push it, could harbor bad things. Like a push towards multimedia to compete with the PSP. The DS doesn't need that. Just focus on games. Again it's not the feature itself but the mindset of Nintendo that I'm worried about.
I guarantee it won't have a built in HD. Maybe some on board memory with a possible optional SD, maybe micro SD card slot. I thought I read something about it communicating with the Wii through an SD card.
Things that I would like to see:
Bigger better screen.
Built in software ie web browser or pda functionality. Pictochat WiFi.
Built in rumble.
Standard mini usb charge plug
Built in memory with SD card slot. Maybe to open up the virtual console to GB, GBC and GBA games.
If they are giving us music they should give us video too.
Or just give us a brand new platform. Rarely do I push for a next generation to come sooner then it does but the DS is kind of at the power of the ugly 64 era. I'd like to see it push past that.
Chris_D
09-29-08, 09:09 AM
Yeah, a good looking PSP game makes the 3D DS games look really cruddy. Of course the 2D stuff is still fine, but I'd also like a bigger screen. And the PSP 2000 is lighter than the DS lite so I'm sure there must be some room to drop a few more grams from it.
mmconhea
09-29-08, 11:12 AM
1. Nintendo is not losing sales to the PSP.
2. What's wrong with trying to improve on a product? Would it be better keep the same hardware for th life of a platform just so the people that are bitching about it can stop bitching.
3. Nintendo may be trying to take advantage of this trend: http://gizmodo.com/5054092/third-parties-are-ditching-the-psp
and put the PSP away for good.
fujishig
09-29-08, 12:44 PM
I was going to ask, I hadn't heard of any DS sales being lost to the PSP... was there a killer app that was launched recently that I didn't know about? I have both, but the DS still seems to get a lot more great software (or at least stuff that I'm interested in) than the PSP, graphics aside. Looking at the Target aisles, for instance, there are two cases full of DS titles, and one half-full glass case of PSP titles, with some slots still taken up by UMD movies... however, the article does mention that PSP sales in Japan have been over DS sales for the past 5 months. That's astonishing... did another Monster Hunter come out or something?
However, this is par for the course for Nintendo, giving incremental improvements to their hardware designs. As long as the majority of games don't force us to upgrade to use the new features, I'm fine standing pat with the Lite.
Kelkee
09-29-08, 01:03 PM
But in Japan, the PSP's unit sales exceeded the DS's in five consecutive months through July, according to game magazine publisher Enterbrain, in a potential sign of slowing momentum for the current DS model.
So the article is wrong and the PSP is NOT outselling the DS in Japan?
Michael Corvin
09-29-08, 01:19 PM
I think it might be time to talk about a real successor to the DS.
What? The DS has only been out for what, three years? They floated on the Gameboy for 15 years. GBA was a good 5-6 years. I don't think we'll see a true successor for a few more years. They'll probably stick to this incremental shit (Gameboy -> GB Color, GBA -> GBA SP) for a while.
rennervision
09-29-08, 01:20 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
They need to make a DS that can take pictures, play music, AND place cellphone calls.
Drexl
09-29-08, 03:55 PM
What? The DS has only been out for what, three years? They floated on the Gameboy for 15 years. GBA was a good 5-6 years. I don't think we'll see a true successor for a few more years. They'll probably stick to this incremental shit (Gameboy -> GB Color, GBA -> GBA SP) for a while.
It's been nearly 4 years, and the time between the GBA and the DS was about 3 and a half years, so there was some overlap. They claimed the DS was a "side" system and not really a successor to the GBA.
However, with the DS still going strong, it will probably be a couple more years before another platform is released. Also, given that the DS is essentially the competitor to the PSP (despite being such a different system), it may take a new competing platform to spur on a new Nintendo handheld.
This allegedly leaked photo of new Nintendo DS screens has played a game of Google Translate telephone before making its way to Giz wearing red sox and green hair, but from what we can make out from the source, the big difference in the updated display is a shift in screen size from 3 inches to 3.25 inches. It's still not a widescreen system like many of us would prefer, but then again, the alteration shouldn't mess with the aspect ratio of existing DS titles, either. [Byokan Sunday via GoNintendo]
Seems 'bulkier' this way, if this is true.
Chris
Chris_D
09-29-08, 07:19 PM
So the article is wrong and the PSP is NOT outselling the DS in Japan?
The article is quite correct. Basically the Japanese market appears to be saturated with the DS, and even software sales have been lagging a little of late (although games like Dragonquest rereleases are still selling boatloads).
Drexl
09-29-08, 07:21 PM
Widescreen wouldn't make sense now, but it would be nice if the next system had two wide screens, assuming it would be backwards compatible. Then the current DS games would take up the 4:3 area on each screen, and next-gen games would use all of both.
fujishig
09-29-08, 07:39 PM
Uh... where are the controls (dpad, buttons)?
mrpayroll
09-29-08, 07:49 PM
Uh... where are the controls (dpad, buttons)?
Duh, it's all controlled wirelessly by the mind!
Chris
fujishig
09-29-08, 07:57 PM
Ah, that's just the display screens, taken out of the shell.
tanman
09-30-08, 12:29 AM
What? The DS has only been out for what, three years? They floated on the Gameboy for 15 years. GBA was a good 5-6 years. I don't think we'll see a true successor for a few more years. They'll probably stick to this incremental shit (Gameboy -> GB Color, GBA -> GBA SP) for a while.
I agree and like I said I am usually the last person that wants a hardware change but I would like a more powerful system with a much bigger and better screen.
Plus I really just want another Mario Kart :)
Jay G.
09-30-08, 08:59 AM
What? The DS has only been out for what, three years? They floated on the Gameboy for 15 years. GBA was a good 5-6 years. I don't think we'll see a true successor for a few more years. They'll probably stick to this incremental shit (Gameboy -> GB Color, GBA -> GBA SP) for a while.
I don't think GB color is comparable to the other "incremental" examples you've given. The GB color actually was a change in the gameplay and game design, enough so that certain GB color cartridges won't play in a regular GB. A better example would be a cosmetic change that doesn't affect the actual programming, like Gameboy -> Gameboy Pocket -> Game Boy Light.
milo bloom
09-30-08, 11:41 AM
I'd still like them to put the old GB and GBC backwards compatibility in a DS like the GBA had, so it could be one complete system.
And my pie-in-the-sky wish would be a video out so you can play on a big screen when you're at home.
firteen88
09-30-08, 12:03 PM
What's the purpose for this? Whose cellphone doesn't take pictures and either streams or stores music?
This is exactly what I said when I first read about this. It's clear that Nintendo is trying to take a page from the iphone, but I think they are going about it completely wrong.
When it comes to a good handheld gaming system, the last thing I need or want is a camera and the ability to play music. I have a digital camera that I use to take pictures (or my iphone) and I have an ipod to listen to my music.
What Nintendo should focus on:
- Making a system small enough to fit in my pocket. I wouldn't carry my iphone with me if it were the size of the DS
- A screen big enough to enjoy games (the iphone screen is perfect)
- The ability to purchase games from the device (like the App store)
- a big enough hard drive
So basically, the iphone/touch would be the perfect gaming device if it had physical buttons. I don't need the camera to play games.
My perfect device would be
- the size of the iphone (maybe a bit bigger)
- with the psp buttons (joystick on left, 4 buttons on the right and 2 shoulder buttons)
- a game store ( like the app store with only games)
CreatureX
09-30-08, 04:29 PM
Well if the new DS does feature a camera, it's obvious Nintendo will utilize it somehow with upcoming DS games. So if Nintendo can make these new "camera games" as fun as Nintendogs and Brain Age, they will have yet another winner on their hands...
firteen88
09-30-08, 04:49 PM
Well if the new DS does feature a camera, it's obvious Nintendo will utilize it somehow with upcoming DS games.
Yuck...i just want good games! no gimmicks!
shumway
09-30-08, 04:58 PM
Yeah, and when the DS came out, everyone thought the touch screen was a gimmick. I say have a little faith in Nintendo and let's see what they do with their next hardware iteration.
firteen88
09-30-08, 06:09 PM
Yeah, and when the DS came out, everyone thought the touch screen was a gimmick.
I don't remember anyone saying the touchscreen was a gimmick. I just remember people saying the 2 screens was a gimmick, and I still say it is. I've played alot of DS games and there hasn't been one where I needed that second screen. Just make one big high quality touchscreen.
fujishig
09-30-08, 07:31 PM
I still say that some of my favorite DS games didn't even really need the touchscreen...
firteen88
10-01-08, 04:02 PM
Well.....it looks like this thing's gonna be announced tomorrow! I don't have very high hopes.
http://gizmodo.com/5057573/mcv-new-ds-announced-tomorrow
tanman
10-01-08, 04:05 PM
Well.....it looks like this thing's gonna be announced tomorrow! I don't have very high hopes.
http://gizmodo.com/5057573/mcv-new-ds-announced-tomorrow
Then why the "!" ?
firteen88
10-01-08, 04:26 PM
lol, I dunno...I'm excited about it, just don't have very high hopes.
CreatureX
10-01-08, 07:38 PM
They are losing sales to PSP and adding these things allow for another model to go to market. Losing sales?
Japan sales 9/15 - 9/21:
DS - 61,242
PSP - 28,674
Japanese LTD:
DS - 23,479,609
PSP - 10,422,606
U.S. sales August 2008:
DS - 518,300
PSP - 253,000
U.S. LTD:
DS - 25,750,000
PSP - 13,780,000
Worldwide:
DS - 81,390,000
PSP - 38,460,000
source: media create; NPD; vgchartz
firteen88
10-01-08, 07:59 PM
it's simple. The ds isn't selling as well in japan as Nintendo would like
Nintendo DS Shop," you can download "Nintendo DS Ware." Software will be split into four categories: Free, 200, 500, Premium (800). And until March 2010, you'll get a free 1000 points (1000 yen or $10) when you buy a DSi.
Nintendo DS Shop," you can download "Nintendo DS Ware." Software will be split into four categories: Free, 200, 500, Premium (800). And until March 2010, you'll get a free 1000 points (1000 yen or $10) when you buy a DSi.
gotrice487
10-02-08, 02:25 AM
Wow...I think I might be in for one of these
Decker
10-02-08, 03:03 AM
I must be in the minority here, but I honestly can't even remember the last time I picked up my DS. I haven't bought a game for it in eons.
firteen88
10-02-08, 07:48 AM
it's an OK upgrade from the DS.lite, but not enough for me to upgrade.
- Still too big for me to carry around everywhere
- The screens are a tiny bit bigger but still can't compare to the iPhone or PSP screen
- Built in memory but how much? And what happens when you upgrade to a new system? Do you lose everything you have stored on the hard drive?
- I'll never use the web browser. I have so many better devices to do that with.
- sd card slot with a 2gb limit
- the DS store sounds cool if done right.
- I'll never use the camera to take pics with
I'm sure many people will love some of these features though. It won't be released in the U.S until 2009. There's still a while to go before we see it.
chuckd21
10-02-08, 08:12 AM
Sorry, but the lack of a GBA slot is a dealbreaker for me. Gotta keep my current DS. Too many good GBA games.
Drexl
10-02-08, 08:13 AM
I think you'll have to just wait for the next platform. They can't really make the screens bigger without making the unit bigger (the hinge takes up some room), and the extra screen adds more thickness to the unit when closed. They won't switch to wide screens.
Maybe next time they'll just forgo DS compatibility and have one wide screen.
That's a good question about the stored games. After all, they don't allow you to transfer games from one Wii to another, but this is a bit different. There's no reason to buy a new Wii unless it breaks, but what if you lose your DS or want a new model (or color, for the fashion-conscious)?
steebo777
10-02-08, 08:58 AM
Very interesting... I ike it but still like my DS Lite as well.
SonOfAStu
10-02-08, 09:07 AM
What does the "i" signify here? Is that just something that everyone and their dogs are copying from Apple? Or did Apple copy it from somewhere as well?
firteen88
10-02-08, 09:18 AM
I posted this in the other DS thread, might as well put it here as well.
I think it's an OK upgrade from the DS lite, but not enough to make me upgrade.
- Still too big for me to carry around everywhere.
- The screens are a tiny bit bigger but still can't compare to the iPhone or PSP screen. I would prefer a widescreen.
- Built in memory but how much? And what happens when you upgrade to a new system? Do you lose everything you have stored on the hard drive?
- I'll never use the web browser. I have so many better devices to do that with.
- sd card slot but it has a 2gb limit
- I'm actually in favor of getting rid of the GBA slot to make the system thinner. I never once used the GBA slot. I bet the developers of guitar hero are pretty pissed though.
- the DS store sounds cool if done right. Who will be developing for this? Will it be like the App store and allow anyone to make games? Will it be full fledged DS games? Or will it just be some crappy shovelware games? And why not allow the user to use a credit card to purchase games? I don't want to have to go to the store to purchase a points card.
- The camera on the outside is sort of stupid. I'm not gonna use the thing as my digital camera. The camera on the inside can be good if developers can find a way to make it fun.
I'm sure many people will love this thing, I think I'm just spoiled by the iphone. It won't be released in the U.S until 2009. There's still a while to go before we see it.
I must be in the minority here, but I honestly can't even remember the last time I picked up my DS. I haven't bought a game for it in eons.
Same here. Since the App store for the iphone came out, I haven't touched my DS and I have no desire to.
glasschicken
10-02-08, 09:21 AM
I'll probably be getting this. I don't use the GBA slot all that much and I can always use the older ds for that. I skipped the DS lite, so I have no problem with this. I like the idea of the downloadable games too. Now if we could download NES games from the Virtual Console over to this with the SD card I'd be in heaven.
bunkaroo
10-02-08, 09:26 AM
I never got a DS Lite - still have the original DS. I'll definitely be in for this.
dvdsteve2000
10-02-08, 09:28 AM
... Now if we could download NES games from the Virtual Console over to this with the SD card I'd be in heaven.
I don't understand the love for the VC games. They are sub-par games that have been out forever without change...move on, and up to better things. Is Nintendo's current line-up that bad that 20 year old+ games are a selling point for a Next-Gen system, without updated gameplay & graphics? Sad. At least XBL takes retro games and pumps new life into them, like PacMan CE, Galaga Legions, Missile Command, etc...
It just goes to show you that Nintendo could put their logo on a turd and people would still follow. Who actually owns Nintendo, Jim Jones? My advice...Don't drink the Kool Aid!!
"2.6 millimeters lighter" - wow, the units of measurement have changed... damn you Hadron Collider for messing with the world!!!!!!!!!!!
glasschicken
10-02-08, 11:32 AM
I don't understand the love for the VC games. They are sub-par games that have been out forever without change...move on, and up to better things. Is Nintendo's current line-up that bad that 20 year old+ games are a selling point for a Next-Gen system, without updated gameplay & graphics? Sad. At least XBL takes retro games and pumps new life into them, like PacMan CE, Galaga Legions, Missile Command, etc...
It just goes to show you that Nintendo could put their logo on a turd and people would still follow. Who actually owns Nintendo, Jim Jones? My advice...Don't drink the Kool Aid!!
While I agree that a new system should be judged on the current crop of games for that system it's nice to go back and play some of the older games I haven't seen in 20 years or haven't played at all. I haven't downloaded a lot of VC, just some of my favorites and things I've always wanted to play. Plus, it would be nice to take them on the go. Wouldn't mind playing some Super Dodge Ball or Super Metroid while on the train the next time.
I agree, PacMan CE is awesome, I've been meaning to upgrade from the demo to the full game.
steebo777
10-02-08, 12:02 PM
I don't understand the love for the VC games. They are sub-par games that have been out forever without change...move on, and up to better things. Is Nintendo's current line-up that bad that 20 year old+ games are a selling point for a Next-Gen system, without updated gameplay & graphics? Sad. At least XBL takes retro games and pumps new life into them, like PacMan CE, Galaga Legions, Missile Command, etc...
It just goes to show you that Nintendo could put their logo on a turd and people would still follow. Who actually owns Nintendo, Jim Jones? My advice...Don't drink the Kool Aid!!
Sounds like you've already drank the Microsoft Kool Aid ;)
Ever play Super Metroid, SMB3 or even Zelda: Ocarina of Time (highest rated VG of all time right behind GTA4)? I would say those are above you statement of "sub-par games".
firteen88
10-02-08, 12:03 PM
I don't understand the love for the VC games. They are sub-par games that have been out forever without change...move on, and up to better things. Is Nintendo's current line-up that bad that 20 year old+ games are a selling point for a Next-Gen system, without updated gameplay & graphics? Sad. At least XBL takes retro games and pumps new life into them, like PacMan CE, Galaga Legions, Missile Command, etc...
i guess it's more about nastolgia than anything else. It was fun back in the day playing Mike tysons punch out, kid icarus, etc...so to be able to play them now brings back good memories. I agree that most of them suck (even the one's I remembered as being awesome) but it's just fun to play them again.
John Slider
10-02-08, 12:06 PM
Ugh! No widescreen, no sale.
firteen88
10-02-08, 12:12 PM
I think (and hope) that Ninendo has bigger ideas for a handheld system. The DSI hardware itself isn't much different from the DS lite (other than the cameras), the main difference is in the software (nintendo store). I think they may be testing out the new store with this updated DSI and once it starts picking up steam they will release a truly new handheld that will utilize the store well.
dvdsteve2000
10-02-08, 12:26 PM
Sounds like you've already drank the Microsoft Kool Aid ;)
Ever play Super Metroid, SMB3 or even Zelda: Ocarina of Time (highest rated VG of all time right behind GTA4)? I would say those are above you statement of "sub-par games".
My point is, if the games are so awesome, buy an old Nintendo & play away. It shouldn't be a selling point for a new console. I was so excited to see Midevil on the PSN network thing for my PS3. I loved that game on the original PS. I bought it instantly, played it for about 4 minutes, and that was it. Games have come such a long way that I don't see the need to go back and replay those old "great then/bad now" games. Obviously you've played the Zelda game, does it truly warrant a re-purchase? Does Nintendo provide anything new that is even close to it's greatness? I couldn't see (through my Microsoft Kool-Aid eyes) paying for Halo 1 when I have H2 & 3 that I can play, even though at the time of it's release Halo:CE was stunning.
I don't really follow Nintendo, but how many Metroid & Zelda games have there been from the original Nintendo up to the Wii, including handhelds? How about Super Mario games? Is SMB3 THAT awesome that it's a selling point for a new HD Console or porting it to a handheld? Seeing people going nuts for a 20 year old game tells me that Nintendo hasn't made any good advancements on a beaten-horse title in alot of years.
steebo777
10-02-08, 12:59 PM
I guess it all depends whether you think current games are actually better than older games. Some I would say yes, other I would say no. I love going back and playing games that have stood the test of time, and there are a lot of those on the VC. It is much cheaper for me to buy a VC game from a lot of different platforms to play nearly instantly, than to buy another console and hook it up to my rig.
I personally don't play many current gen games because, to me, they're all flash and not much substance. Of course, there are some games out there that I do like from this gen, and a lot of those happen to be Nintendo games. I guess I drank too much Big N Kool Aid :)
But you know what, we derailed this thread a lot, and maybe this should be taken on a side chat.
nickdawgy
10-02-08, 01:21 PM
I'll pass.
Kelkee
10-02-08, 01:24 PM
I don't really follow Microsoft, but how many Halo games have there been from the original XBOX up to the 360? How about DOOM clone games? Is DOOM THAT awesome that it's a selling point for a new HD Console is prettying it up with flashy HD graphics? Seeing people going nuts for a 15 year old game tells me that Microsoft hasn't made any good advancements on a beaten-horse title in alot of years.
fumanstan
10-02-08, 01:26 PM
My point is, if the games are so awesome, buy an old Nintendo & play away. It shouldn't be a selling point for a new console. I was so excited to see Midevil on the PSN network thing for my PS3. I loved that game on the original PS. I bought it instantly, played it for about 4 minutes, and that was it. Games have come such a long way that I don't see the need to go back and replay those old "great then/bad now" games. Obviously you've played the Zelda game, does it truly warrant a re-purchase? Does Nintendo provide anything new that is even close to it's greatness? I couldn't see (through my Microsoft Kool-Aid eyes) paying for Halo 1 when I have H2 & 3 that I can play, even though at the time of it's release Halo:CE was stunning.
I don't really follow Nintendo, but how many Metroid & Zelda games have there been from the original Nintendo up to the Wii, including handhelds? How about Super Mario games? Is SMB3 THAT awesome that it's a selling point for a new HD Console or porting it to a handheld? Seeing people going nuts for a 20 year old game tells me that Nintendo hasn't made any good advancements on a beaten-horse title in alot of years.
Honestly, I think it is a pretty big selling point. Nostalgia and retro games are big these days, and an easy way to replay old games is a pretty big perk. For those that always complain about recent games or that there isn't as many good games these days, surely having an avenue for easy access to these games via the Wii or DS is a big plus. I also don't see how wanting to play older games means anything in relation to new games. It's just a matter of old games still being fun.
As for the new DSi, not really interested. I haven't played much on my DS lately and the extra features don't seem that useful to me.
fumanstan
10-02-08, 01:44 PM
It looks like this won't be coming to the US until late next year.
tanman
10-02-08, 01:55 PM
Games have come such a long way that I don't see the need to go back and replay those old "great then/bad now" games. Obviously you've played the Zelda game, does it truly warrant a re-purchase? Does Nintendo provide anything new that is even close to it's greatness? I couldn't see (through my Microsoft Kool-Aid eyes) paying for Halo 1 when I have H2 & 3 that I can play, even though at the time of it's release Halo:CE was stunning.
That's a ridiculous statement. That's like saying why should you watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark when you have the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull?
Each game is different and each era in gaming is different and has it pros and cons. Just because you don't want to go back and play games of yore doesn't mean it can't be a selling point for a game console. It's much easier to download and play the games on a current system. That's not even including the fact that you can reach a brand new audience who never grew up on those old systems. Why should they release old movies on DVD? Besides the action genre has come a long way since Seven Samurai who would want to watch that old thing anyways when there is the Last Samurai?
zero
10-02-08, 01:55 PM
It looks like this won't be coming to the US until late next year.
Good thing I import! ;) I'm a sucker for upgrades so I'm definitely there first day.
firteen88
10-02-08, 02:28 PM
Good thing I import! I'm a sucker for upgrades so I'm definitely there first day.
What do you lose by importing? I assume the Nintendo store will all be in japanese, so you won't even be able to use it (unless you speak the language of course)
FatTony
10-02-08, 02:38 PM
No GBA slot sucks for those who bought the Guitar Hero game (but I'm sure their wrists will thank them), but I haven't used the GBA slot once in my DS Lite. I don't even use the wireless capabilities very often. I still play my DS Lite all the time, but there really isn't enough new here to warrant an upgrade from me. Odd that they aren't rushing it to US market in time for the holidays though.
xmiyux
10-02-08, 03:35 PM
What do you lose by importing? I assume the Nintendo store will all be in japanese, so you won't even be able to use it (unless you speak the language of course)
If it is anything like the GB Advance and the GB SP then there will be not difference in a Japanese model versus an American model other than color.
As you pointed out, this might change with the virtual store, but i don't think Nintendo has ever done region locking on the handhelds (is the Wii region coded)?
fujishig
10-02-08, 04:28 PM
If it is anything like the GB Advance and the GB SP then there will be not difference in a Japanese model versus an American model other than color.
As you pointed out, this might change with the virtual store, but i don't think Nintendo has ever done region locking on the handhelds (is the Wii region coded)?
I believe the Wii is region coded, as was the Gamecube. I also think the original gameboy had a pseudo region lock, where you had to cut off a piece of plastic or something like that, to get the cartridge to fit...
firteen88
10-02-08, 04:32 PM
Now I'm reading that it prob won't come to the US until the holidays 2009. The US is basically getting punished because sales of the DS lite are too good here.
GreenMonkey
10-02-08, 05:10 PM
I like:
The bigger screen
Dislike:
No GBA slot
It would be nice if you could download VC games to the DSi to play. :(
Baron Of Hell
10-02-08, 05:21 PM
Now I'm reading that it prob won't come to the US until the holidays 2009. The US is basically getting punished because sales of the DS lite are too good here.
They always release stuff in Japan first.
darkside
10-02-08, 06:19 PM
Knowing Nintendo every cool feature will be gimped in some way. I'm also not down with giving up the GBA slot and have no need for the camera and music ability which I'm sure won't work the way I would want. I'll pass, but hopefully the regular DS drops in price.
sniper308
10-02-08, 07:51 PM
Now I'm reading that it prob won't come to the US until the holidays 2009. The US is basically getting punished because sales of the DS lite are too good here.
More likely Nintendo is not ready for the US with the DS Shop capability.
firteen88
10-02-08, 08:32 PM
reggie theus or whatever his name is, already said it's because the ds lite Is still selling too well in the US
pinata242
10-03-08, 10:40 AM
Re: missing GBA slot. This is what needs to occur:
1) GBA titles need to be offered as part of this "DS Ware" concept.
2) The DSi needs to chat it up with the Wii and allow exporting/sharing of VC titles. I want to push my copy of SMB, Zelda, Super Dodge Ball, etc to my DSi for on the go VC goodness. If it must be like the DS demos that they only last until power-off, so be it, but I think the better option would be some sort of existence management where the Wii removes/greys out my VC channel until I put the game back from my DSi to prevent pirating/sharing to various DSis and redownloading from the Wii Shop.
This is a must for me. Absolute top priority - I want to take my VC games on the go and I want GBA titles added - be it to the DSi solely or the Wii.
rennervision
10-03-08, 11:16 AM
No GBA slot means no more rumblepak support for some of my DS games.
firteen88
10-03-08, 11:18 AM
GBA titles need to be offered as part of this "DS Ware" concept.
that's fine, but I think most people use the GBA slot for GBA games that they already own. I don't think these people will want to purchase the game AGAIN just to play it on the DSI
pinata242
10-03-08, 11:25 AM
You're preaching to the choir there, but you can't change that now. The DSi is what it is. The best you an do is look for the silver lining. And keep your DS Lite.
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has stated that the newly unveiled DSi will not go on sale in North America until the next fiscal year, sometime after April 2009.
Fils-Aime also said he didn't expect consumers to put off a purchase of the DS Lite in anticipation of the DSi release, instead the company is hoping users will upgrade from DS Lite to the new model at a later date.
"All through the Americas we continue to have great momentum on DS Lite and so for us we have a huge opportunity, much more consumers who want the original DS Lite, and so it will be for us a fantastic opportunity in our next fiscal," said Fils-Aime, speaking to G4TV.
"The critical decision for those consumers is how long do you wait? We haven't announced a launch date, and really for us it's going to be in our next fiscal, so certainly, after April – that's a long time to wait for a consumer who will be bypassing new titles like Chrono Trigger.
"We think most consumers are going to opt to jump into DS Lite now, enjoy all of the great games and then at some future point upgrade to the DSi."
The system is to launch in Japan this November – critical timing for the market said Fils-Aime, as DS Lite hardware sales have slowed.
"It's critically important in our Japanese home market that we announce and launch the new DSi.
"That's because they're reached such a huge level of penetration that this is a great way to keep driving momentum in their market."
No solid release date for the DSi in Europe has yet been announced, with Nintendo only pencilling in a spring release.
Smart move by Nintendo. Sell another couple of million during the holidays and then sell the new DSi's to those same people in the middle of 2009. That is why they are worth BILLIONS!
Chris
Drexl
10-03-08, 11:58 AM
It was good of him to take time out from his coaching duties in Sacramento to let us know about that.
Kelkee
10-03-08, 12:21 PM
This is a must for me. Absolute top priority - I want to take my VC games on the go and I want GBA titles added - be it to the DSi solely or the Wii.
This is the link Nintendo is missing to really dominate the market. Make the two units interact and work with each other. Like a Wii and a Wii Portable type complete gaming system where you can synch any WiiWare or VC to the Wii Portable and go.
They need to merge the two systems at some point and stop making them unique from each other.
mrpayroll
10-03-08, 12:24 PM
It was good of him to take time out from his coaching duties in Sacramento to let us know about that.
Hey, it's only training camp time!
Chris
firteen88
10-03-08, 12:25 PM
That enitre article is such a slap in the face to Americans. Especially this line
Fils-Aime also said he didn't expect consumers to put off a purchase of the DS Lite in anticipation of the DSi release, instead the company is hoping users will upgrade from DS Lite to the new model at a later date.
So he wants us to buy DS lite's NOW knowing that there is a better version already available, and then buy the DSI when it's released. I dunno, it just seems like such a dick move to me. Some will say that this is a smart move by Nintendo, and I completely agree that it is. I'm sure all companies have the next best thing waiting in the wings until sales die down on the current thing....but to release this in Japan now and make us wait probably close to a year KNOWING that it's ready to be released is unnaceptable to me.
pinata242
10-03-08, 12:32 PM
Of course a company "hopes" you buy multiple products from them.
You have a brain, you have the knowledge this is coming. Don't buy it.
It's not like they are waiting until after the holidays and then springing it on you.
"Hey, know those DS Lites you just bought? Yeah, they're obsolete now, you should buy the new DSi!"
Get over it.
firteen88
10-03-08, 12:39 PM
"Hey, know those DS Lites you just bought? Yeah, they're obsolete now, you should buy the new DSi!"
I would rather they say that to me. At least I'd have the option to buy the newer model or not. What they're doing now is showing us what's available and how much better (arguably) it is, but saying "We're giving this to Japan, but you can't have it for another year"
pinata242
10-03-08, 12:42 PM
Best case: November - April is only 5 months... This is nothing. The DS has always been region free, will this one be as well? If so, import it.
Kelkee
10-03-08, 12:54 PM
This is one of the reasons I have not owned a portable system since the original GB. In about 2 generations the hardware and software media are obsolete.
Another reason why they need to have a client/server type system for portable gaming. Get rid of the carts. Make it all downloadable content or setup kiosks to purchase games in-store.
Plus its alot "greener". Just where are all these millions and millions DS and DSL units and carts going to end up?
firteen88
10-03-08, 12:55 PM
Best case: November - April is only 5 months... This is nothing. The DS has always been region free, will this one be as well? If so, import it.
Best case: 5 months
Worst case : 14 months (christmas 2009)
"Sometime after April" leaves a pretty big gap. I actually don't even want it.Wether they release it in the US tomorrow or a year from now, I wouldn't buy it anyway. I was just sayin, while a smart business move on Nintendo's part, It puts a bad taste in my mouth with them. If they weren't releasnig it here because the American vitual store weren't ready yet then fine, but not releasing it because sales are still good on the old model doesn't sit well with me. I rather they just lie and say the vitual store won't be ready for America until sometime after April.
pinata242
10-03-08, 12:57 PM
Actually, the quote is Fiscal 2009 which begins April 2009 and therefore ends March 2010, so your worst case is November 1st, 2008 in Japan and March 31st, 2010 which is all of 17 months!
We're lucky 2009 and 2010 aren't Leap Years! :eek:
mmconhea
10-03-08, 12:58 PM
I like how there are actually people out there that think this makes all other incarnations of the DS obsolete. Do you even know what that word means? Is that really a reason no to buy a DS. So I should hold off on buying a car now, because eventually a better car will come along? It's still dive on the same roads and the old DSs will still play DS games. Nintendo is doing what they can to improve hardware and keep DS as a viable platform. Releasing improved models helps gamers- it does not hurt them. There is nothing saying you have to have the latest DS version. Stop using it as an excuse for not buying into a platform in the first place- it's not a logical reason.
pinata242
10-03-08, 12:59 PM
You took my use of that word completely out of context...
The Bus
10-03-08, 01:59 PM
Not region free? AAC only? Fuck that.
firteen88
10-03-08, 03:01 PM
I like how there are actually people out there that think this makes all other incarnations of the DS obsolete. Do you even know what that word means? Is that really a reason no to buy a DS. So I should hold off on buying a car now, because eventually a better car will come along? It's still dive on the same roads and the old DSs will still play DS games. Nintendo is doing what they can to improve hardware and keep DS as a viable platform. Releasing improved models helps gamers- it does not hurt them. There is nothing saying you have to have the latest DS version. Stop using it as an excuse for not buying into a platform in the first place- it's not a logical reason.
You've completely misread what people said.
darkside
10-03-08, 05:43 PM
Not region free? AAC only? Fuck that.
As usual with Nintendo there is always a catch and hardware is always gimped. I just knew they would fuck up the music player somehow. I can see having AAC support, but not having MP3 support is beyond stupid.
I was skipping this anyway since I want the GBA slot for games and my rumble pak and Arkanoid Paddle, but any temptation is gone as more details come out about the device. I can almost guarantee the downloadable games to SD option will not be nearly as cool as we would hope.
Chris_D
10-03-08, 08:18 PM
For me it's a pretty weak upgrade, I'll just keep my DS lite. Frankly the DS lite feels pretty heavy and bulky compared to the newer PSP models so I think they could stand to make the thing a bit lighter and smaller.
tanman
10-04-08, 01:22 AM
That enitre article is such a slap in the face to Americans. Especially this line
Fils-Aime also said he didn't expect consumers to put off a purchase of the DS Lite in anticipation of the DSi release, instead the company is hoping users will upgrade from DS Lite to the new model at a later date.
So he wants us to buy DS lite's NOW knowing that there is a better version already available, and then buy the DSI when it's released. I dunno, it just seems like such a dick move to me. Some will say that this is a smart move by Nintendo, and I completely agree that it is. I'm sure all companies have the next best thing waiting in the wings until sales die down on the current thing....but to release this in Japan now and make us wait probably close to a year KNOWING that it's ready to be released is unnaceptable to me.
I agree. It seems like something to say in a shareholders meeting or something business like rather then a general news press release.
Drexl
10-04-08, 01:30 AM
I think what he's really getting at is that many people won't know about the upcoming DSi. Let's face it - there have got to be a lot of people who don't follow the news on these things and just buy what shows up in stores.
Nintendo now says that software released specifically for the DSi will be region-locked, restricting gamers from downloading and loading games intended for other regions.
"DSi is region locked because DSi embeds net communication functionality within itself, and we are intending to provide net services specifically tailored for each region," said a statement given to UK consumer website CVG.
The statement reasons that region-locking its upcoming DS hardware upgrade is necessary as the new system will feature parental control features which will be dependent on each region's unique age limit.
The DSi, however, will be able to play standard Nintendo software from any region, similar to the original Nintendo DS model and the Nintendo DS Lite. Users will also be able to browse the Internet on their DSi from anywhere in there world and exchange photos with friends in other countries.
The statement runs contrary to recent comments from Nintendo of America's Sales and Marketing EVP Cammie Dunaway, who told Wired's GameLife blog, "I believe that just as you can currently buy a DS in Japan and use it here in the U.S., that you should be able to do that with DSi... I carry around my Ice Blue DS because I like the color, and I could find it in Japan and couldn’t find it here."
Further demonstrating the company's uncertainty over the DSi's region-lockout status, when asked by G4TV whether the forthcoming handheld will be able to play titles from other countries, NOA COO and president Reggie Fils-Aimé said, "To be honest I don’t know for sure, I will look into it."
According to recent indications from the company, the Nintendo DSi will launch on November 1st in Japan, after April 2009 in the U.S., in spring 2009 in Europe, and in the second half of 2009 in Australia.
This just shows again how NOA is really a useless corporate entity. They have no idea what "core" gamers want, and no idea what questions to ask Nintendo Japan ahead of time.
They really need to stop this "Cammie and Reggie" show. Get someone that is a real gamer and knows Nintendo's stuff both historically and technically to answer these "core gamer" questions.
firteen88
10-06-08, 12:57 PM
Nintendo sucks
darkside
10-06-08, 01:32 PM
This just shows again how NOA is really a useless corporate entity.
Nintendo of Japan has always been the only side of the company that matters. NOA has little input and the American market is just a place they want to sell their Japan software and hardware. The company only cares about Japan and has made that clear since the beginning.
Sony isn't perfect, but at least Europe and the US have some impact on the products they sell and the software they develop. Eyetoy, Buzz, Home, God of War and so on came from work outside of Sony Japan. Even Microsoft has gone to Japan to try and represent more than just American gaming with their console.
Nintendo though is about Nintendo of Japan. They do ocassionaly do something like Metroid Prime in the US or the recent publishing of The Conduit, but then they will turn around and pretend in Japan like those games don't exist. Did Metroid Prime 3 ever show up in Japan? I'm pretty much sick of Nintendo at this point. It took them being back on top to remember why I bought a Sega Genesis instead of a Super Nintendo all those years ago.
Buy: