Pretty Interesting article on IGN about the DS lite today

[wubb]

http://ds.ign.com/articles/795/795747p1.html

First page deals with the history, page 2 and on deal with their thoughts on the 'next gen' DS. (I found that more interesting.)

Craig Harris's theory is Nintendo will start hinting at the next gen in early '08 and possibly release it for Christmas of that year. I'd be surprised if Nintendo releases a revised DS that has features making games developed specifically for it unplayable on the original and the lite that soon. Some of the features mentioned in the article that would fit this description are two touch screens and better touch technology - allowing two fingers or whatever to input on the screen at once, etc.

I could certainly see a v3 of the DS in that frame, but I'd only expect features that allow new games to be fully compatible - such as screens closer together; better speakers; thinner; maybe no GBA slot to make it even sleeker, but personally I wouldn't consider that an upgrade...

[Spades22]

ya read that yesterday(at night...past 12AM)...but still don't understand WHY they'd want to take GBA compatibility out and have a bigger battery or whatever...

[botticus]

For a next iteration, most of their points are either givens or very good ideas that I hope are taken into account - in addition to the need for a dashboard. I hate having to shut off the system in order to enter a different function.

However, GBA is far too recent to kill BC already. It would be the equivalent of a removing GC compatability from the Wii2... a lot of people have bought old software because of it, killing it would end that purchasing - maybe not as big a factor in a few years - and probably annoy people. Not to mention, the GBA slot is used as an expansion by DS games which would be messy (rumble, browser, Daigasso off the top of my head), hindering full BC if nothing else.

If the DS continues to sell anywhere near what it's doing right now, releasing a NEW handheld (DS2 or what have you) next Christmas (assuming no other drastic changes - PSP2 or some other competitor) would be foolish from a business standpoint. At best it would sell similarly, which won't be netting you as much profit, and more likely would sell less unless it was so far advanced beyond the DS that everyone had to have one immediately even though there were only the usual launch-calibur selection of titles.

Has anyone ever thought about using a pop-out analog stick for handhelds? Obviously having a fixed stick would just get broken off or be unable to hide, but why not something that you can push in and have pop out of its recessed chamber, use it, then click it back in when you're done with it. Not sure what its called, but similar to the mechanism generally used for SD cards/slots.

[nyprimus4]

Let's say Sony starts hinting at a PSP 2 in early 08 and plans to bring it out in time for the holidays 08. How does Nintendo respond? Do they let the DS/DS Lite do its thing or release the next-gen Gameboy? It will be interesting. Who knows what a PSP 2 can do to the market with the right revisions.

[dallow]

I have no clue what Nintendo will do next, an am excited to see what they come up with.

I know what Sony will do. PSP2 will just be a nice technology upgrade.
I don't see either system coming out until 2009 though.

[johnnypark]

Sony will release a re-designed PSP, but still carry the $170 and it won't sell as well as it could.

Nintendo will release more colors, and the few who want a DS and still haven't gotten one will say, "Ooh, pretty! Now I want one even more!" and Sony will scratch it's poor, collective head.

Not trying to Sony bash, BTW. Just think about how many people waited to buy a DS until the black and pink ones came out; new designs = new interest, plus the DS has already secured excellent 3rd party support, and is cheaper. If Sony wants to gain significant ground on Nintendo (I won't be a hater and say, "if they want to save the PSP :) ) they need to come closer to price-matching.

[crazytalkx]

They should really keep the GBA compatibility, it's far too soon to get rid of it as botticus said. Game Boy Advances are still selling more than Playstation 3s, to put things in perspective.

[io]

Interesting article. I disagree entirely with this statement though: "Two touch screens. This is pretty much a given". I don't want two touch screens. I like that one screen is a pristine display-only device. Maybe that's just me.

I also don't want to see "multiple finger" touches on the touch screen (especially if this is to be done on both screens). I don't want fingers anywhere near my touch screen and I won't play games that require finger touching. Now if there was a way to use two styluses, then, OK, I'm open to that. However, that seems akward to me.

I'd be all for some of the other upgrades, though. The GC chipset within a handheld would be awesome. Along with that, a higher-res, widescreen display.

I also don't care if they ditch the GBA slot. I've played all of one GBA game ever on my DS's in the 2+ years I've had them. I've never played one on my DS Lite. It was kind of nice to carry around a GBA game within my old DS because it actually covered the open slot in there. Though I found that I played it very infrequently anyway.

I have a couple of GBA's anyway...

SD slot - THAT would be killer. They need to have some way of storing more substantial downloadable content (eg, new things for Animal Crossing, new missions for Star Fox, etc) and, clearly, it would help with Wii connectivity. Also, it would allow for mult-cart games so we could get some bigger, more complex games on the system. Clearly they'd have to increase cart size if they increase the processing power, but regardless it is always nice to have options.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Its too fancy. It wont be cost effective the way Nintendo wants to price the thing.

[niceguyshawne]

Has anyone ever thought about using a pop-out analog stick for handhelds? Obviously having a fixed stick would just get broken off or be unable to hide, but why not something that you can push in and have pop out of its recessed chamber, use it, then click it back in when you're done with it. Not sure what its called, but similar to the mechanism generally used for SD cards/slots.

It is not a Pop out stick, but the Neo Geo Pocket Color had a really nice recessed stick. I like it much better than the stupid analog nub that the PSP has.

[Arkay Firestar]

Who said the new DS HAS to keep BC compatibility? They can just continue to make DS Lites and then have the DSII, which would be technologically more advanced without having to dedicate the internal room for GBA backwards compatibility. If they can't make the GBA games flush with the body of the system, then forget it. The system is dead.

As long as they keep the Lite around and the next-gen DS has DS backwards compatibility, I will not be upset at all.

[niceguyshawne]

I have not played any GBA games on either my phat or lite and I really don't plan to start any time soon. While it was nice to have that option in the beginning, I think it could go away in a redesign and no one would notice.

Besides, I imagine that SPs can be produced cheaply enough at this point that they could be sold below $50 for those that are hanging onto their old GB games. Or it could be offered in a combo pack for a limited time with a DS redesign.

Imagine an ad for "both of the best selling handhelds of all time for $150."

[RAMSTORIA]

if sony reveals plans for a psp2 in 08 you know what nintendo does...

NOTHING.

they own the market right now so theres no reason to rush out a new system. i wouldnt expect to see a new DS or GB at least until 09, and that would be assuming there was new compition like a psp2.

[pete5883]

However, GBA is far too recent to kill BC already. It would be the equivalent of a removing GC compatability from the Wii2...
Not quite the same... the GBA was considerably more popular than the GC.

[wubb]

Has anyone ever thought about using a pop-out analog stick for handhelds? Obviously having a fixed stick would just get broken off or be unable to hide, but why not something that you can push in and have pop out of its recessed chamber, use it, then click it back in when you're done with it. Not sure what its called, but similar to the mechanism generally used for SD cards/slots.

Interesting idea. Seems like something that might be prone to breaking, but smart engineering should be able to overcome that.

But with a clamshell design a better PSP-like nub would be a good option too. I haven't played much PSP but the nub on it now seems pretty nice to me. I've said it before - not putting two nubs on the thing was a gigantic mistake on Sony's part.

Interesting article. I disagree entirely with this statement though: "Two touch screens. This is pretty much a given". I don't want two touch screens. I like that one screen is a pristine display-only device. Maybe that's just me.

I also don't want to see "multiple finger" touches on the touch screen (especially if this is to be done on both screens). I don't want fingers anywhere near my touch screen and I won't play games that require finger touching. Now if there was a way to use two styluses, then, OK, I'm open to that. However, that seems akward to me.

Not with you on that one. I keep my systems as mint as possible, but first and foremost I want to use and enjoy them.

I do think two finger touches would have limited play possibilities. Personally I already have trouble seeing the screen at times with just one stylus controlling things. I'm sure there are cool things that could be done, but I could also see some games w/ lazy design becoming really annoying for me.

[dmaul1114]

The PSP nub is terrible IMO. I'd hate to see one on the DS2.

Either find a way to put a real anlog stick, or just keep it with a d-pad.

I prefer that personally, as it leads to more 2D games which is pretty much the only reason have bought the GBA and DS. I don't need a portable machine as I only game at home, but it's been the only place to get new 2D games for the most part.

[jer7583]

If the PSP2's rumored 8GB internal storage comes true, don't expect that one to drop for less than $250. Sony won't take huge losses on a product that's already had a hard time finding a place in the market.

I could see them doing another minor DS revision, or at least preparing one in case sales start to slow down a little bit around Christmastime 08.

I think I'd actually like to see a DS that's marketed as a simple, cheap MP3 player as well. It wouldn't increase the cost too much, and the mass market would flip their lid at being able to use it as an MP3 player with simple controls on a device they already love having with them all the time.

I agree with the analog nub statement. I never thought it was bad for the racing games I played. Then I started playing Daxter. I've had lots of bad deaths because of the nub slipping out from under my finger, not moving fast enough, and just not being responsive. It's a pain to play for very long too.

[wubb]

II agree with the analog nub statement. I never thought it was bad for the racing games I played. Then I started playing Daxter. I've had lots of bad deaths because of the nub slipping out from under my finger, not moving fast enough, and just not being responsive. It's a pain to play for very long too.

Well, like I said I haven't played the PSP much at all. Seems like an analog stick would be a lot easier to engineer on a system like the DS - it could stick out more or whatever and be protected when the system is shut. OTOH the touch screen is already an analog input device, although for me it doesn't work for a FPS type game - MPH is basically unplayable for me.

MP3 player + DS wouldn't interest me terribly much personally, but I think you are right that many would be thrilled about that. Maybe if that would open up custom soundtracks for the games... That could be cool.

[dcfox]

From a consumer stand point I think a newer iteration of the DS would be a mistake. What I would like to see is Nintendo expand the DS' capabilities via the GBA slot.

[io]

Not with you on that one. I keep my systems as mint as possible, but first and foremost I want to use and enjoy them.

I do think two finger touches would have limited play possibilities. Personally I already have trouble seeing the screen at times with just one stylus controlling things. I'm sure there are cool things that could be done, but I could also see some games w/ lazy design becoming really annoying for me.

Well, who said I didn't want to enjoy them? I just don't see the use in one-finger touching, let alone two. You can't be very accurate with your finger vs a stylus anyway. I suppose I'd be OK with 2 touch screens since, after all, I keep the one I have mint as can be. But 2 screens requiring 4 fingered-touching - no thanks ;).

[Kaijufan]

ya read that yesterday(at night...past 12AM)...but still don't understand WHY they'd want to take GBA compatibility out and have a bigger battery or whatever...
Taking out GBA compatibility would allow Nintendo to remove the GBA chips in the DS2, something they did with the orginal DS with Gameboy chips to save money. Of course if the DS2 does have Gamecube specs, it might be powerful enough to emulate the GB and GBA.

No matter what happens, I doubt we'll see the successor to the DS for a few more years, 2009 at the earliest. Nintendo has no reason to compete with its own handheld in the near future.

[briandadude]

No matter what happens, I doubt we'll see the successor to the DS for a few more years, 2009 at the earliest. Nintendo has no reason to compete with its own handheld in the near future.

The DS was still selling out in Japan when they announced the DS lite.

It's not all about squeezing every last dime out of a console, you have to consider the fact that Nintendo is seen as a pioneer in the gaming industry.

[Kaijufan]

The DS was still selling out in Japan when they announced the DS lite.

It's not all about squeezing every last dime out of a console, you have to consider the fact that Nintendo is seen as a pioneer in the gaming industry. True, but wasn't the DS phat pretty neck and neck sales wise with the PSP here in the US until the Lite came out?
I still stand by what I said about the next DS (not nessicarly a hardware revision, which I could see coming out as early as this fall or early next year) not coming out until at least 2009. The DS shows no signs of slowing down (and it Japan I'm sure Dragon Quest 9 will move a few million extra hardware units), and there is really no reason for Nintendo to release a DS 2 until sales are slowing down and they can easily fit the Gamecube or Wii chipset into a handheld and still make a profit on it.

[johnnypark]

The Lite is probably also significantly cheaper to manufacture, so it makes sense for them to introduce a more attractive model which will sell better AND have higher profits.

The DS sequel, though, probably won't come for another 2-3 years, since hardware sales have been highest the past year. That's kind a big Fuck-you to everyone who's investing in one and then suddenly they stop producing them. I realize it happened/semi-worked w/ the GBA, but the GBA had also been on the market longer, and the DS was something significantly different to compete with the PSP (something the GBA couldn't have done).

[TheUnsane1]

As a left handed gamer who likes the ds I almost never use a stylus because it is rather uncomfortable for me. I usually use my finger for touch controls but honestly if it's possible to avoid the touch screen I usually do. Before they move on to another system I would really like to see games evolve to the point where EVERYONE puts handedness options into their games. Some games are nearly unplayable for me because of the control layout and my handedness ( I'm Looking at you Metroid Prime: Hunters) and really it's nothing short of lazy coding (I have this very issue with wii as well but thats another issue).

[furyk]

I love how the consensus opinion is how this generation on the consoles came far too soon, and here's IGN coming in to talk about a system that really nobody is anticipating that much three years into the DS life cycle (and barely one into the DS Lite's life cycle). The DS still has another two years of triple A titles in it at least. Personally, I think if a new console comes out, Nintendo should re-adopt the whole "Game Boy and DS are two separate platforms" philosophy.

[wubb]

Well, who said I didn't want to enjoy them?

Read it on the internet somewhere so it must be true. :mrgreen:

[Halo05]

Let's say Sony starts hinting at a PSP 2 in early 08 and plans to bring it out in time for the holidays 08. How does Nintendo respond? Do they let the DS/DS Lite do its thing or release the next-gen Gameboy? It will be interesting. Who knows what a PSP 2 can do to the market with the right revisions.

Well, Sega, NEC, SNK and Bandai all tried to dethrone variations of the original Gameboy with various, more powerful handhelds and made no progress.

Nintendo is printing money with the DS at this point, I can't see them sweating a PSP 2 too much unless public opinion of the PSP drastically shifts. For the record, I don't think it will.

There will eventually be another portable system from Nintendo but I can't see them unveiling it as any kind of kneejerk reaction towards Sony. All Ninty will have to do when Sony (or anyone) unveils their new handheld is say, "Ok, that's nice, wait until you see what ours will do."

[SaraAB]

If Nintendo removes the GBA slot then the pokemon games will become useless pretty much as its almost REQUIRED to get all the pokemon, you must transfer them from your GBA games unless you have a friend with those pokemon on their DS game to trade to you. With pokemon as big of a selling franchise as it is and with millions of gamers wanting to catch em all I seriously doubt they would remove the GBA slot when it is used by such a core game for the system.

[buttle]

this will not happen. if they make any changes at all they will be minor. their best way to sell consoles is to put out great games.