Is "Game Boy" dead?

[daroga]

http://www.modojo.com/features/20061023/125/rip_game_boy/1/

An interesting read. I agree with their take on the Micro. The iPod of games it was not.

Your thoughts? Will we see another offically-labeled "Game Boy" system from Nintendo or doesn't the company's restructuring mean the death of the famous name?

[Dr Mario Kart]

As a side note: The GBA, in all its incarnations, for some reason is outselling the PSP in North America.

As far as the branding continuing, maybe someday, but the 3rd pillar talk really was just covering their asses. The name recognition is really huge, they could have the successor to the DS be a gameboy brand, even if it still is a dual screen device that is backwards compatible.

I'm sure they're always doing R&D experiments regarding whats next

[magikman]

Thanks. Interesting Read. I own a Micro, but only b/c it was clearanced for <$50 shipped a while back. Since getting a DS, I haven't touched it.

[SpottedNigel]

I love my micro. If it was cheaper and demo'd somewhere so that people could play it, it would have sold a whole hell of a lot more. it fits in my pocket comfortably, and thats more than I can say for any other portable.

[evilmax17]

The new Nintendo philosophy kind of leaves me wondering about how they could ever progress past the DS. When you look at the GB line, it was nothing but incremental graphics upgrades. Along comes the DS, which was a huge departure in most aspects. How do you one-up that, in keeping with their innovation>graphics strategy?

I'd imagine that they'd put motion-sensing, but I don't think it would translate too well to the handheld space (WarioWare Twisted withstanding). Of course, I don't see the DS going anywhere any time soon, as it's still selling like hotcakes.

[botticus]

Game Boy DS, most likely.

The thing is, Nintendo does not have to "innovate" every generation. There are only so many different ways you can innovate in gaming every few years. So it's not as if the DS will be obsolete because they can never think of a new way to change gaming. The next DS/GB will just be a more powerful DS.

[furyk]

The brand Game Boy has some real power, but I sincerely doubt that the next Nintendo branded handheld won't bear the DS name.

[Kendro]

Game Boy isn't dead, it lives on in the DS. It isn't the Game Boy name itself that has the "power," but what it signifies, ie. "Nintendo handheld." Nintendo handhelds will have dominance regardless of what name it has, as long as it is a Nintendo handheld. With that being said, I cannot imagine a handheld or system that can "1-up" the DS. It is the most amazing video game system or handheld IMO ever, and I am "sad" that it has already been 2 years since its release, which means its life will end in 2-3 years (as does any system). Ironically, it literally feels like just yesterday the system came out.

[anarchyburger]

i think the DS is definitely the next gen of gameboy and it still carries gameboy legacy by supporting GBA games... but if only it had full backwards compatibility then it would be that much more awesome...

[El Gray]

I love my micro. If it was cheaper and demo'd somewhere so that people could play it, it would have sold a whole hell of a lot more. it fits in my pocket comfortably, and thats more than I can say for any other portable.
Amen to the demo statement... you couldn't actually put your hands on these little bastards ANYWHERE that I found. I was totally eager to buy when at launch, but backed off for the DS Lite.

I would still kinda like to own a Micro, and would buy one for the right price.

[encendido5]

http://www.modojo.com/media/features/125/4swords.jpgThe only way to hook up the Game Boy Micro to the GameCube is through this handmade modification.
Wasn't this picture posted on CAG originally? I didn't see any credit given...

Edit: found it, Troz1820 made these cables and posted it in the forums:

http://www.cheapyd.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79849&highlight=micro

[Reality's Fringe]

Amen to the demo statement... you couldn't actually put your hands on these little bastards ANYWHERE that I found. I was totally eager to buy when at launch, but backed off for the DS Lite.

I would still kinda like to own a Micro, and would buy one for the right price.

They have demo units at EB/GS. You have to askk for it, though.

[mykevermin]

I'd make several arguments:

The DS is a "Game Boy," since it includes a slot to play GBA games. I'm broken-hearted since it won't play GB/GBC titles, but that's 8 year old technology, so I can't grouse too much. If you only own a DS, then, you still have access to a Game Boy, and should be considered a "Game Boy" owner. The price differential between a GBA/Micro and DS is too insignificant, IMO, to warrant purchasing the former over the latter.

2) I'd argue that Game Boy is dying in terms of software. Most of the stuff coming out now is licensed pap and "value" software; I'd say, aside from the FF Advance titles (all two of them), there's nothing noteworthy coming out for a gamer who isn't a child strapped to the back of a Dodge Caravan as mom goes to market. Nintendo has every right to focus on the DS due to its success, but it seems to have abandoned a very strong brand name (in the Game Boy line) in the process. Not a smart move, but not a dumb one, either. Just a change.

They could bring the name back down the line. It has a decade and a half long legacy of success, so it could happen quite easily in their next portable iteration.

[Cream]

They have demo units at EB/GS. You have to askk for it, though.
Would you happen to know how much they're asking for the demo units?

[jkam]

The one main feature I could see the next gameboy having would be a virtual console.

[Scobie]

I'm really disappointed to see the GBA has been dying a slow death in terms of top notch software for about a year and a half now.

Nintendo is really missing the boat, given the user base that *continues* to expand. It shouldn't be unreasonable to expect 2-4 must-haves from Nintendo every year in addition to some of the big 3rd party titles like the Final Fantasies.

I still play my GBA SP1 and micro from time to time and actually prefer to use them for GBA titles vs. the DS.

[mforge]

The Game Boy is dead, long live Game Boy.

Nintendo now has two surefire brands to trade in on for the handheld market. I assure you a new iteration of Game Boy would sell through the roof, as would the next DS. As Nintendo is never in a hurry to introduce new hardware, especially in handhelds, expect them to alternate--a new Game Boy in 2008, a new DS in 2010.

[RegalSin2020]

Nope not really the creator might not be here but his work will be followed. The Gameboy media is still not dead. We might see a rise in new Gameboy games soon.

Personally if you mean people will not buy gameoby games anymore is far from truth but by people playing them is a diffrent story.

I am personally still discovering Gameboy and what it has to offer. Gameboy itself is like the SNES and GBC could still be a hit.

However the NDS and PSP has knocked out the Gameboy like Compact Disc Verses Tapes but there will still be players. Then again this new world is teribble enough without family and well the Gameboy life might as well fly off with it's creator.

Yet I still see the medium as a popular breed.

[daroga]

Nope not really the creator might not be here but his work will be followed. The Gameboy media is still not dead. We might see a rise in new Gameboy games soon.

Personally if you mean people will not buy gameoby games anymore is far from truth but by people playing them is a diffrent story.

I am personally still discovering Gameboy and what it has to offer. Gameboy itself is like the SNES and GBC could still be a hit.

However the NDS and PSP has knocked out the Gameboy like Compact Disc Verses Tapes but there will still be players. Then again this new world is teribble enough without family and well the Gameboy life might as well fly off with it's creator.

Yet I still see the medium as a popular breed.
I'm not sure I understood even 2 words of your post...

[Strell]

Look, it's very simple.

Nintendo didn't expect the DS to become the juggernaut that it is.

They came out a few months before details arrived about the system - with its kooky double screens and touch controls - and said, quite specifically, that "we're working on something new, and we'll be surprised if it captures 10% of the market."

They knew it was a huge departure from what they were doing, and they approached it somewhat cautiously. Then Nintendogs and Brain Age came out, stormed the crap out of Japan, and has lead to the DS becoming unstoppable. There is no reason for Nintendo to compete with itself, especially when it is ultimately going to attack something that is proving to be so lucrative.

Now they can make something for the DS and sells sytems, or they can make a GBA game and still cater to both crowds. It's really win-win for them - they can't hurt themselves either way.

However, they are going to ramp up DS game development as time goes on. We've already seen this. Which is why the Game Boy, in technical terms, is somewhat gone. However, to those who have said the GBA lives on through the DS, that's completely correct.

What's going to happen is that Nintendo will probably make the DS2, and it will be backwards compatible with both GBA and DS games, and have some new gameplay twist to make it the DS2. Like maybe it has tilt technology built in or something, I have no idea.

I don't think the Game Boy, as an industry icon, will ever die. It'll just be reborn in different costumes.

That's what happens when you create a Frankenstein. You forget about the zombie.

I like pirates m'self.

[Droogs]

And i'm just happy to have gotten my micro for $15 from gamecrazy a month or so ago.

[dafunkk12]

Gamecube Boy, perhaps?

[xghostsniperx]

I don't see any reason why the Game Boy name needs to live. It's not like Nintendo has named their consoles with successive prefixes/suffixes after NES-->Super NES. It really is just the name, the spirit of it lives on in the DS.

[b3b0p]

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance are the best systems ever created. It's pointless to argue otherwise, because you are wrong.

The micro is the best form factor of all the incarnations.

[Strell]

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance are the best systems ever created. It's pointless to argue otherwise, because you are wrong.

The micro is the best form factor of all the incarnations.

The micro is absolutely indispensable imo. I don't use it much, but it makes all the little frustrations in life much better. Like waiting in line at the post office and whatnot.

Nintendo really should have sold it at $50. It would have stormed out of control at that price, especially if the faceplate idea took off.

[Hibiwa]

I was all "hell no!" when the micro first came out full price at $99 next to the revamped brighter GBA SP. It seemed too small and expensive for a gimmick.

Then after many months ...err year? of constantly wishing I had my SP with me on a plane, car, bus, work, etc., but not wanting to because of the relative bulk, I actually craved a Micro -- the perfect answer.

The magic number $50 on sale finally appeared and I did not hesitate.

It would have definitely sold more with demo units. This sucker is built solid. I had no idea the body (excluding faceplate) was made of hefty cool to the touch quality metal! So, now it's all good. Even better that all those games can be put to use again - anywhere, anytime.

As long as people have their cartridges, the "Game Boy" will live on. And even if new games cease, there is a whole world of import games to discover and fall in love with on this most portable of systems.

[daroga]

The micro is the best form factor of all the incarnations.
The SP2's bigger screen, same brightness, sell-protecting clam shell and still pocket-sized wins out in every category over the Micro. :)

The micro's funky shoulder buttons and lack of GB Legacy support hurt it as well.

The SP2 is second only to the DS Lite as far as gaming bliss goes for me. :)

[Blind the Thief]

I don't think the Game Boy name will ever die...Hell, my mom calls my DS "your new Gameboy" whenever I play it while I visit.


...of course, she still refers to any system I play as "playing Nintendo" so...yeah, she might just be crazy.

[Hollow Man]

Just looking at the technical specs of the GBA vs. the DS tells you which system is really for the hardcore portable gamer. They've gotta be kidding me if they were seriously considering marketing the DS as a system for the casual player.

By adding more buttons, implementing a control system that mimics a mouse, plus including a wireless NIC in the DS (that you could use to connect to their FREE gaming service), it was bound to attract developers interested in making more sophisticated games.

-HM

[b3b0p]

The SP2's bigger screen, same brightness, sell-protecting clam shell and still pocket-sized wins out in every category over the Micro. :)

The micro's funky shoulder buttons and lack of GB Legacy support hurt it as well.

The SP2 is second only to the DS Lite as far as gaming bliss goes for me. :)
Hmm, perhaps I was not clear enough. Not only is there no point in arguing that Game Boy is the greatest invention ever created in the entire universe, but the Game Boy micro is the best of all the Game Boy form factors.

I don't want a larger screen. I like the smaller screen. I also <3 the Famicom version. And the SP is the one with fucked up shoulder buttons. The square form factor of the SP is just plain uncomfortable and cramped. If the original GBA had a backlit screen, the SP would be like a piece of manure, smelly.

The micro is perfect in every way. The only upgrade is adding two face buttons. Currently it is like an NES controller with a screen embedded in the middle. If they add the two face buttons, it's like a SNES controller with a screen in the middle and he the ultimate control setup for Street Fighter.

I like the DS, but Game Boy game play and fun factor wise put DS to shame.

[daroga]

Hmm, perhaps I was not clear enough. Not only is there no point in arguing that Game Boy is the greatest invention ever created in the entire universe, but the Game Boy micro is the best of all the Game Boy form factors.

I don't want a larger screen. I like the smaller screen. I also <3 the Famicom version. And the SP is the one with fucked up shoulder buttons. The square form factor of the SP is just plain uncomfortable and cramped. If the original GBA had a backlit screen, the SP would be like a piece of manure, smelly.

The micro is perfect in every way. The only upgrade is adding two face buttons. Currently it is like an NES controller with a screen embedded in the middle. If they add the two face buttons, it's like a SNES controller with a screen in the middle and he the ultimate control setup for Street Fighter.

I like the DS, but Game Boy game play and fun factor wise put DS to shame. To each his own. I couldn't stand the micro every time I've played it (which, granted, isn't too often, but enough to know that I wouldn't spend more than $30 on it).

As far as shoulder buttons go, I wasn't referring to placement but the feel. On the micro you you have to push down way too close to the center (or exert a good bit of pressure on the ends) to get the button to press. Compare that to the SNES's shoulder buttons where, regardless of where you push on it, it registers without any effort at all. It's not a huge issue, but enough to be a red mark against the micro for me.

I'm not really sure what you're talking about with the DS to GBA compairsons. While thew GB in all its incarnations have had great games, the DS trumps them all with it's amazing (and ever-growing) line up. It's also nice that the DS is only lacking the GB games before the advance. It's really like having the best of both world, unless you need yourself some Link's Awakening. :)

By adding more buttons, implementing a control system that mimics a mouse, plus including a wireless NIC in the DS (that you could use to connect to their FREE gaming service), it was bound to attract developers interested in making more sophisticated games. Or, like they have done, far more simple games like the Brain Training series, Nintendogs, Clubhouse Games, etc.

The touch screen isn't necessarily less complicated, but more intuitive. There's a difference. The complicated nature alows it to be used in the full breadth of games (Brain Age to an RTS or FPS), but its intuitive nature allows gamers of any callibur to catch on fairly quickly to what's going on and how to control it.

[Kawnhr]

Most of the stuff coming out now is licensed pap and "value" software; I'd say, aside from the FF Advance titles (all two of them), there's nothing noteworthy coming out for a gamer who isn't a child strapped to the back of a Dodge Caravan as mom goes to market.

Yggdra Union, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation/2 and Summon Night: Swordcraft Story/2 say hi :(

(Okay, so the first of SRT and SN are out, but they had small production runs.)

[Kawnhr]

Game Boy and Game Boy Advance are the best systems ever created. It's pointless to argue otherwise, because you are wrong.

The Dreamcast disagrees.

[Kendro]

I never understood the love affair with GBA games. Take out both Golden Sun games, and all the SNES ports, and your left with a great, but not legendary system. IMO, in the 2 years DS has been out, it has already eclipsed the GBA.

[Vinny]

I'm sure as the DS dies down a bit and Nintendo just gets the need for more money, they'll release something or another... probably a direct competitor to the PSP minus the media features.

[daroga]

in the 2 years DS has been out, it has already eclipsed the GBA.QFT

[Wolfpup]

I have exactly one problem with the Nintendo DS-it doesn't run Gameboy and Gameboy Color games. I'd gladly pay a bit extra for that, though I know from a marketing standpoint it doesn't work.

What I haven't understood is why anyone would buy a Gameboy Advance since late 2004 when the DS launched. The price difference is just too minuscule to make any sense. I know one person who bought one, but then they didn't know the DS existed (obviously not a big gamer...)

As for the games, I'll obviously buy a GBA game if there's one I want (though that's becoming increasingly rare). But all things being equal, I'd rather buy it on the DS, where it will have a larger display, two extra buttons, usually better music, a bit better production values (even if it's a minor thing), etc.

The other thing with the DS-I won't say I dislike it, but so far I've found the touchscreen to be pointless, aside from some mini-games (and I wouldn't design a system around Warioware, even if it's a great game).
Every game where there's been a choice, I've found the control pad to be far easier to use. I'm playing Advance Wars right now, and it's yet another example. I kept trying the stylus, just because it seemed like there must have been SOME reason to include it...but no. It's much faster and easier to control it with a pad. Too easy to make mistakes with the stylus (and you still need the pad to speed up navigation anyway).
And so far every game I've played has been like that. I like the dual screens (even if it isn't used for much most of the time), but the touch screen is worthless so far IMO.

[Puffa469]

If your not sold on the touch screen controls try playing Clubhouse Games. I couldnt imagine not using the stylus to control it.


I dont think the Gameboy is dead, either as a console, or a brand.

I just dont think Nintendo is in a rush to fix what aint broke. Its a known fact that the GBA was fully developed and ready to go, but Nintendo sat on it for a year or two before releasing it cos the Gameboy color and pocket were still selling so well. With the GBA and DS/DSL selling soo well, I wouldnt look for a new Gameboy or DS system for another 3-4 years at least.

But when we do get a new system... whoooo boy its gonna be something. Nintendo develops their handheld systems using the shrunken down tech of their old consoles. The Gameboy was a NES, the GBA was a SNES, the DS is an N64, and you know what that means... the new GB/DS will most likely be based off of Gamecube tech! Imagine a new Gameboy that launches with a revamped Windwaker as a launch title! =D

[foltzie]

The Nintendo DS was named as such in order to protect the Game Boy name in the event that the Nintendo DS failed.

The fact that the DS is such a success has undoubtedly changed whatever longterm plans Nintendo had at launch for the DS and Game Boy brand.

Those questions are probably:

1: Should we still persue the sucessor to the GBA? Rumors indicated that R&D went towards a portable Gamecube (which may have ended up in the Wii chipset).

2: Should the next handheld be based on the DS?

3: What, if anything, should now be called a Game Boy? The DS could be rebranded a Game Boy with no real problems.