ZDNet.com is reporting that Nintendo will soon introduce a new version of its mega-popular DS handheld gaming system. According to Nintendo’s own press release, the DS is projected to sell 28 million units this fiscal year, a remarkable success by any standard. Still, Nintendo is not resting on their laurels. The company has been busy redesigning the DS, and adding new features to be rolled out in the next generation of DS hardware.
Purportedly, Nintendo will debut the new version of DS in Japan before the end of the year. The version is so far unnamed, and includes several hardware and software revisions designed to improve the already popular unit.
Among the new features planned, the DS sequel is said to house a digital camera function and fully featured music/media playback functionality (think of it as an iPod with games). There are also reports that Nintendo has improved the wireless capability of the DS, as well as making various incidental software improvements and tweaks.
But what may be most surprising about the update is what Nintendo has chosen to leave out. Nintendo fanatics have been petitioning the company to expand the screen size of the DS and enhance the unit’s memory. There have also been calls to make the DS smaller and sleeker, to easily fit in a small coat or shirt pocket for example.
According to ZDNet, none of these updates made the cut. DS enthusiasts will have to be content with the addition of a digital camera and an onboard music/media player. Oh, and there is one other update that Nintendo fans may not be so happy about: the price. Sources expect the new version of the DS to debut in Japan for ¥20,000, which is currently around $188. This suggests a higher overall price tag than current DS models, which retail at $158 in the US.
Some industry analysts don’t really see the need for adding a media player and digital camera to the DS. With virtually every mobile phone available now including such features already, why should Nintendo duplicate the features in a handheld gaming device?
It makes you wonder why Nintendo doesn’t simply join forces with a cell phone manufacturer and just go ahead and make the DS into a gaming cell phone (you know it makes sense!). Of course, the selling price for an all-singing, all-gaming Nintendo-based mobile phone would likely be considerably higher than what you can expect to pay for the new version of the DS. Still, it might just be worth it.
The DS Rocks!
Comment by Video Game Recruiter — October 25, 2008 @ 7:35 pm