DS Redesign (real this time)

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060126.jpg


http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/news/060126.html

Ninja Edit: IGN confirms all original functionality.
http://ds.ign.com/articles/683/683684p1.html

Translation:

A Superior DS Model makes an Appearance - DS Lite




The Nintendo Co. corporation (the Kyoto Itiminami Ku: Satoru Iwata president) on March 2nd this year will release the superior model of portable videogame machine "NintendoDS Lite" with a manufacturer desired retail price _____ Yen (including tax: AC adapter attachment included).

Sales of the original NDS began domestically on December 2nd, 2004, the system with dual screens, touchscreen, microphone input and wireless communication (local communication and Wi - Fi communication). The system is enjoyed by everyone, from videogame fans to women and the elderly; eventually, after being available for only 13 months, 5 million units were sold (fastest selling handheld in the Japan's history; The MediaCreate corporation). By the end of 2005, 5.7 million units were sold in Japan.

Nintendo now plans to sell the "NintendoDS Lite," unique from the NDS in that the thinner and lighter design makes the system more portable, and has 4 levels of screen brightness. The name "Lite" is derived from the fact that the system is now not as heavy, or 'light'.

Nintendo has designed the system to broaden its appeal to the consumer and expand the market, so that even more customers of varying ages and genders can enjoy the wide variety of quality software for the system.

Nintendo DS Lite
Release Date: 2006-03-02
Price: 16800 Yen
Feature: 4 adjustable levels of brightness
Old Size: 149 x 85 x 29 = 275g
New Size: 133 x 74 x 22 = 218g

size3nc.jpg
 
It's ok...its not a massive redesign like the Advance to the SP. I'd have to see how small and just how light they make the new DS. I have to admit the original DS is a bit too large for my hands, at least when using the thumbstrap I have difficulties. However, I'm not paying $150 for a "Lite" model. Drop the price and maybe we'll be talking. Then again, maybe EB will give me an incentive to trade in my original DS, though I doubt it.
 
Ouch! I just bought a DS 2 days ago:( On the plus side, this DS looks like only a very very mild improvement over the old one. Sure it's lighter, but it's not like I was sweating bullets holding the old one. And looking at the pics, it doesn't appear to be that much smaller than the old one, unless they made the screen smaller too (which sounds like a bad idea for a touch screen system. Imagine Meteos with a smaller screen and you'd get the idea). I'd even say that that the new start and select buttons look too small and harder to handle. The only improvement that I think would make any difference is the 4 levels of brightness thing. But I think I can live alright without that.

On one hand I wish I had waited longer before buying my DS, but I got a like new one for ~$90, and I think that when these come out the old models will still be in the $80-90 range used, so I shouldn't feel too cheated.
 
[quote name='Mr Durand Pierre']Ouch! I just bought a DS 2 days ago:( On the plus side, this DS looks like only a very very mild improvement over the old one. Sure it's lighter, but it's not like I was sweating bullets holding the old one. And looking at the pics, it doesn't appear to be that much smaller than the old one, unless they made the screen smaller too (which sounds like a bad idea for a touch screen system. Imagine Meteos with a smaller screen and you'd get the idea). I'd even say that that the new start and select buttons look too small and harder to handle. The only improvement that I think would make any difference is the 4 levels of brightness thing. But I think I can live alright without that.

On one hand I wish I had waited longer before buying my DS, but I got a like new one for ~$90, and I think that when these come out the old models will still be in the $80-90 range used, so I shouldn't feel too cheated.[/QUOTE]

I know three people who got a DS within the last month. :-({|=
 
[quote name='gambitmachete']I know three people who got a DS within the last month. :-({|=[/QUOTE]

Looking at the size/weight specs, it's even less of an improvement than I thought. I don't feel so bad anymore.
In fact, I don't even regret my decision at all, since I'm sure the old models will only drop very little in price, and the DS is too cool to have to wait another month+ for.
 
WTF man, I just read an article on gametrailers.com about the Euro Nintendo guy saying they won't do shit to the DS anytime soon. I don't know what to believe anymore, I've lost faith in the world...
 
[quote name='Chris in Cali']fuck! Looks like I'll be buying a DS for the fourth time.

EDIT: It looks really small.... it's still going to play GBA games right?[/QUOTE]

I'm sure it does. If it didn't play GBA games, it would be a beyond idiotic move on Nintendo's part.

[quote name='Mr Durand Pierre']Looking at the size/weight specs, it's even less of an improvement than I thought. I don't feel so bad anymore.
In fact, I don't even regret my decision at all, since I'm sure the old models will only drop very little in price, and the DS is too cool to have to wait another month+ for.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, the people I know who got them all got the pink Japanese version, so I doubt they'll think this one is better looking. On the other hand, my girlfriend DOES complain about how her DS hurts her hands after she plays it for awhile, so she may be pissed that a lighter version is coming out right after she bought one.

I don't know whether I'm gonna get a new one or not. I have the boring grey one that I bought at launch, but I just got a Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon hard cover for it that I love. :D
 
[quote name='valor19']I knew it would happen eventually. Why is Nintendo saying no redesigned DS at E3 then?[/QUOTE]

Because it's here now. The good thing is Nintendo is basically just outright lying to our faces now. So the whole Zelda controlled by Revolution controller thing is back up in the air (yes, I know I'm stretching it damn thin on this one).
 
This is a pretty big improvement.

There were some nasty flaws with the DS that are fixed.

The d-pads and buttons are micro-style buttons (ie, better)
The microphone is in the middle, instead of being stuck in the corner
Fits in your pocket better (thinner, smaller)
Better screen quality

Now, people are jumping to conclusions. We don't know how the top, bottom or back looks, or how it performs.

For all we know, it'll be launching with a better battery, or have online PictoChat, or a backlight with the alarm clock, or new functions, a better stylus holder, GB/C compatibility, GBA link compatibility, or even not having to turn it off in order to navigate all of the DS' menus.
 
Eh... not worth spending more money on. If it's DSLite, charge "Lite" money for it :p I'm not a big fan of the iPod white either. Only reason I'd consider it is if I get my hands on it and say "Wow, this is great."
 
[quote name='gambitmachete']I know three people who got a DS within the last month. :-({|=[/QUOTE]

I feel bad for the Japanese that have been importing our DSs.
 
[quote name='A Link to the Past']This is a pretty big improvement.

There were some nasty flaws with the DS that are fixed.

The d-pads and buttons are micro-style buttons (ie, better)
The microphone is in the middle, instead of being stuck in the corner
Fits in your pocket better (thinner, smaller)
Better screen quality

Now, people are jumping to conclusions. We don't know how the top, bottom or back looks, or how it performs.

For all we know, it'll be launching with a better battery, or have online PictoChat, or a backlight with the alarm clock, or new functions, a better stylus holder, GB/C compatibility, GBA link compatibility, or even not having to turn it off in order to navigate all of the DS' menus.[/QUOTE]

That's true, they may have an internet browser.
I just hope it doesn't scratch easily like my Ipod.
 
Phew. Thank goodness, the redesign isn't really all that big a deal. I mean, the screens got smaller? What?

Now I'm not concerned about waiting for the DS redesign; I'll stick with the current model. Time to buy one. :)
 
It looks really nice, like some hybrid of an iPod and a DS. The new dpad + buttons are music to my ears, and I like that they're higher up on the system (it seems). I'm a little worried about the placement of the Start and Select buttons. I'm thinking that they're easy candidates for an accidental mispress, especially when using touch screen specials in Tony Hawk.

Hopes for updated firmware include:
-Configuration of NWFC built in
-Online Pictochat
-Ability to set buttons for GBA games (I'd rather use B/Y instead of B/A)

I think I might have to shill out and buy one, but if they don't change the firmware at all I might not.

I think it looks better than the PSP. It's more elegant.
 
Meh. Seems to me like a marginal improvement. Not like the GBA => GBA SP improvement.

Edit: I should mention that I think it is great that Nintendo makes improvements and tweaks to their products based on consumer feedback when in fact they really don't have to. I won't fault them for doing re-designs and small changes to their systems to make gaming better for us. It makes me feel like they care about their customers.

Microsoft and their Thompson drives that they insisted on using for so long on the other hand...Well, lets just say no XBOX 360 for me.
 
[quote name='CoffeeEdge']Phew. Thank goodness, the redesign isn't really all that big a deal. I mean, the screens got smaller? What?[/QUOTE]

Where does it say the screen is smaller? That's just a mock up from what I understand.
 
Where did they move the power button? All they say is its not on the front anymore. It would suck if they put it in the back or something where you're gonna accidentally hit it while gripping it with your left hand. And I agree, the Start/Select placement might be troublesome.

If I either have some left over GR credit in a few months, or my fiancee wants mine (unlikely :p) I'll probably get one. But no need to upgrade with this information.
 
[quote name='cgpwns']I feel bad for the Japanese that have been importing our DSs.[/QUOTE]

Thread winnar ----^

Regarding the design, I'll be getting it at some point. Very sexy. I'm hoping the final look mirrors the Rev controller - I think it would be a great marketing idea if all of Nintendo's portables reflected the white polish design. That would link them all together and make people think "hmmm, these look the same, same company, Nintendo," etc etc, really drive the point home and get into consumers' heads.

The new hinge is great - just makes more sense, even though I never had a problem with the old one. I'm hoping there's places for two stylii, maybe even a place to hold an extra game. No matter really, as long as it is smaller and sleeker, it will be mine.
 
[quote name='daroga']The brighter screens are all the reason I need to get one. The SP2 totally spoiled me.[/QUOTE]

I was in the car yesterday with the gf, she was playing her DS and remarking about how the screen was washed out. She also had her Micro on her (*sniff* I'm training her so well) and I asked her to take it out and turn it on for side-by-side comparison.

Easily, the brighter screen is worth it. I could make out all the detail on the Micro even in full and direct daylight, whereas I could make out a fuzzy image on the DS.

It's funny. 5 years ago we were just happy with a lighted screen. Now we demand them to be brighter. I imagine the next plausible steps are underwater capability and space travel friendly designs.
 
From what we know now, I'm loving what they have done with it so far. After we get an exact launch date from NOA, and perhaps a few reviews of it, I'll be able to decide whether or not to sell my current DS.
 
[quote name='A Link to the Past']This is a pretty big improvement.

For all we know, it'll be launching with a better battery, or have online PictoChat, or a backlight with the alarm clock, or new functions, a better stylus holder, GB/C compatibility, GBA link compatibility, or even not having to turn it off in order to navigate all of the DS' menus.[/QUOTE]

I don't think that this a pretty big improvement. It's an improvement but not the same as...

Gameboy to Gameboy Pocket to Gameboy Color
or
Micro
GBA to GBA SP =^
> SP 2

I'm not getting one since I have a Mario Kart DS. Then again, if they update the firmware with all of the stuff you mentioned. I'll cry. It's so hard going from Castlevania DS to AoS or from Gunstar Heroes to anything else. And it's lame that there isn't like a home button like on the PSP.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

With this news, I think what Nintendo of America Should do is...

Release a brand new DS bundle. But not with a game... No kids..

the frigging PLAY-YAN.

Yes! An all black or black and white DS Lite with a Play-Yan and a 256 mb memory card to start with. All for $199 bucks. Tell me that would not stick it to the PSP in America a bit?
 
[quote name='Strell']Thread winnar ----^

Regarding the design, I'll be getting it at some point. Very sexy. I'm hoping the final look mirrors the Rev controller - I think it would be a great marketing idea if all of Nintendo's portables reflected the white polish design. That would link them all together and make people think "hmmm, these look the same, same company, Nintendo," etc etc, really drive the point home and get into consumers' heads.

The new hinge is great - just makes more sense, even though I never had a problem with the old one. I'm hoping there's places for two stylii, maybe even a place to hold an extra game. No matter really, as long as it is smaller and sleeker, it will be mine.[/QUOTE]

Hell, why not just get Apple's Marketing Team and Designers to do all of Nintendo's products?
 
I’m guessing the colors will be white, silver, black, red and apple green huh? Just like those Rev controllers.
Gab Gab - 01.26.06 5:49 am. Comment from 4colorrebellion.com
'tis a good idea, I think. :drool:
 
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