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DS

Report: New Nintendo DS Has Camera, Music Playback

by Carmine Red - September 27, 2008, 9:54 pm EDT
Total comments: 53 Source: Nikkei Net

Possible price mentioned, and a larger screen, a Japanese newspaper reports.

The Nintendo DS could finally be getting the redesign that rumors have centered on for months. Nikkei Net, the online component to Japan's Nikkei newspaper, has reported that Nintendo is set to announce a new hardware revision of their wildly successful DS handheld system. This revision is said to include a built-in camera, music-playback capabilities, and the ability to connect to information terminals.

According to Wired, a photograph of the corresponding Nikkei print story suggests that the new design could go on sale for less than 20,000 yen (about $188 US). Currently, the DS Lite retails for 16,800 yen (about $158 US). The print story also reports that the new DS will have a larger screen.

Nikkei speculates that this means that the device will be better able to compete with today's increasingly versatile consumer electronics and cell phones. Nintendo has been experimenting with added uses for their DS hardware almost since the hardware's launch, where people could order food at Major League Baseball games, guide users at a Japanese poetry museum, and has even undergone pilot programs at Disney World. Nintendo fans who know their history may also draw a connection with the Game Boy Camera peripheral, which let users take black and white pictures and use the images in games and activities back in 1998.

The DS has seen one significant hardware revision (the slimmed-down DS Lite) and countless colors and special editions since its launch four years ago. If the Nikkei report is accurate, Nintendo could be depending on this new hardware design to keep the DS sales momentum high as it approaches and seeks to surpass the 100 million unit mark. The hardware has sold more than 77 million units worldwide already.

Nintendo is holding press events this Thursday in both Japan and America, and Nintendo World Report will be on hand at the San Francisco event this week to bring you the latest Nintendo news as it breaks.

Talkback

AVSeptember 28, 2008

WHAT WHAT WHAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This makes no sense.

Camera=WHY? I never used camera in my cell phone
MP3 support = Ok nice but umm why even bother anymore who doesn't have a iPod ?

I was expecting some Wii tech instead at least twisting. Graphics are not step up?

Only $50 more why not just do attachments for DS instead ?

This is just stupid and makes little sense, I think somebody translated something totally wrong

Nah, not Kohler.  That dude speaks and reads Japanese too well to mistranslate something.  This looks like the last big push to get a DS sales surge before they announce the DS's successor.  With the new things that developers could do with a camera, you could probably milk two more years of innovative games out of the DS.

IceColdSeptember 28, 2008

I swear, I wrote my "two years" post before I read Sillks'! I think that's probably what's happening here - instead of releasing a successor next year they'll release this and then wait an extra year for their next handheld.

Maybe it'll only be released in Japan. DS hardware stales are becoming stagnant there (everyone has one already!) so this should give them a boost.

I wonder which way the camera will face since the Japanese camera attachment faces the user.  It could be used like a cell phone camera or it could be used for video phone over IP (what ever happened to their VOIP client anyway?)

ShyGuySeptember 28, 2008

This makes me glad I held out on getting a DS Lite.

Nile BoogieSeptember 28, 2008

I think it's a great idea!

KDR_11kSeptember 28, 2008

Camera use for games sounds stupid, the DS is mostly played in public and doing strange stunts on the commute will get you weird looks (and in England, shot).

Quote from: Mr.

Camera=WHY? I never used camera in my cell phone

YOU don't. Millions of teenagers do.

EnnerSeptember 28, 2008

Shot?! Whoa.

An mp3 player and a camera would be neat extras to have on a handheld device. Though, I would figure they would have a cellphone on standalone devices that would have those.

And while cellphone cameras may be excessive, I think it's always nice to have incase you see something interesting. Also, as long as it has enough megapixels. I don't know about others, but having anything lower 1.3 megapixels, even on extra feature camera, is just too small.

KDR_11kSeptember 28, 2008

In Airstrip One, Facecrime is punished :P

Malstrom already has an article up matcxhing the system to a phase of the Blue Ocean strategy.

RABicleSeptember 28, 2008

Bigger screen? Is this teh GBColor style successor we've all been waiting for? Like we'll see new tiers of games, DS, DS+Fist enhanced and Fist only?

ToruresuSeptember 28, 2008

My DS Lite died on me a few weeks ago, perfect timing!

I don't own an mp3 player, so this is perfect!

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusSeptember 28, 2008

Thanks Nintendo! Now I have to buy another DS >:(

TheFleeceSeptember 28, 2008

I really like the new features, but I don't like the idea of buying another DS (i just got the silver) and I don't like the idea that a true successor would come out in another year because that would create a tier of games I never liked it when Nintendo did it.
I would still want one though. I hope they don't call it the DS Advance.

CalibanSeptember 28, 2008

Damn you Nintendo, but I think in the end I won't buy this new DS. Let's see what they really have to offer this Thursday.

Frankly I doubt games can access the camera. When in game mode it is probably just a DS.

AVSeptember 28, 2008

I got the name " DS Micro ".

KnowsNothingSeptember 28, 2008

Ahahaha well this sounds like a DS revision that I certainly wont buy.  Actually my current lite is getting pretty beat up, maybe ill grab another when the corresponding price drop comes with the launch of this camera thingo.

I dont know about you guys, but Im really not ready for a completely new handheld.  The DS has so many fantastic games that I could easily get another two years out of whats just been released so far.  So I hope this unit keeps the DS relevant for at least another two years, hopefully more. 

I think these changes are more aimed at Japan than the US.  The current DS Lite is still selling in the US.

NinGurl69 *hugglesSeptember 28, 2008

Quote from: ShyGuy

This makes me glad I held out on getting a DS Lite.

WORD UP.  I'll finally get a DS Lite after a price drop!

Maybe this new DS will more easily accommodate piracy to better compete with PSP.

that Baby guySeptember 28, 2008

This does sound like a Japanese-only thing.  Nintendo might hold a few focus groups or something here, but I doubt they'll wind up bringing it over.  They could, it's not the first time I've been wrong.

However, the GameBoy Camera isn't actually a black-and-white camera, it can pick up color.  The thing is, the GameBoy available at the time of its release was monochrome.  If you used the GameBoy Camera with a GameBoy Color, it would pick up color, although not very well, it still picked up color.  An interesting thing to know, I'd say.

AVSeptember 28, 2008

Wouldn't this also UNDER CUT sales of DS this holiday season if they show it off in Oct. event. If people know another DS is coming soon, why bother buying it now.

Wonder if GBA compatibility is out .

I would LOVE if you could use SD cards and play Virtual Console games on it. Now that would be killer.

MorariSeptember 28, 2008

Quote from: Mr.

MP3 support = Ok nice but umm why even bother anymore who doesn't have a iPod ?

I don't. In fact, a lot of people don't. Many people do have MP3 Players however. iPods are overpriced and full of many useless features. :P

I think that Nintendo should be looking to lower the price of the DS more if anything. There isn't enough of a difference between it and the Wii... financially speaking.

Quote from: Morari

Quote from: Mr.

MP3 support = Ok nice but umm why even bother anymore who doesn't have a iPod ?

I don't. In fact, a lot of people don't. Many people do have MP3 Players however. iPods are overpriced and full of many useless features. :P

I think that Nintendo should be looking to lower the price of the DS more if anything. There isn't enough of a difference between it and the Wii... financially speaking.

You need to mix things up a bit, Morari, you're getting too predictable, I knew when I saw that you were the newest post that you'd nitpicked the use of the word iPod.

As for the suggestion of a DS price drop, that would be about as dumb a move by Nintendo as dropping the price of the Wii. It's basic economics, when demand is as high as it is currently for both Nintendo hardware platforms you don't need or want to increase it further.

that Baby guySeptember 29, 2008

But you're assuming that demand for the DS and Wii is in a vacuum.  You're assuming that there's nothing out there other than the DS that can satiate that demand.  That's simply not try.  People who own PSP's need a reason to buy a DS.  People with iPhones need a reason to buy a DS.  While the DS is selling quickly, and dominating the market, it isn't the only device there, and it's not something everyone that uses a handheld device to play games owns.  The reason for Nintendo to lower the price is to attract those who have passed on the DS for a conglomerate media device to take a second look.  It's to hook people on Nintendo's platforms, and to get them to enjoy Nintendo's ideas.

While the DS is bringing in what must be a pretty penny (what, it's been 2 years since the lite came out, and there hasn't been a single drop in that time, IIRC.), Nintendo could take a cut and greatly boost sales to make up for it, then, the increased volume in game sales that would likely come with it could exceed current earnings, market share percentage would rise, development for the Nintendo platform would rise in reaction, and in return, Nintendo would earn even more money, market share, and brand familiarity than it has now.

I've got two real concerns about this type of DS remake:  The first is that although the DS is a great system and a great handheld, can Nintendo be confident that they can make a great multimedia device?  It's a relative first for Nintendo, since they've never created a console with the ability to play any media other than their proprietary software. (I'm not counting that device for the GBA and DS that was moderately successful in Japan: It was an add-on, and not an device with the initial function.)  I'm also concerned that there are smaller, better, easier, and more reliable devices out there that do everything this DS can reportedly do, exempting playing DS titles, and if someone desires this sort of device, odds are that they already own it.  With all the MP3-playing camera phones out there, I can't see anyone with the intention of buying a DS choosing this model over the light, since they'd likely have a phone that could do the same thing.

I'm being a downer, I know, but I'm skeptical for little reason, since I'm not all too familiar with the actual buying habits of Japan, since I don't know how, when, or where the system will be released, and I'm not psychic.  I'm merely attempting to point out what I'm worried about in regards to the device, not that the device, itself, is flawed.

TheFleeceSeptember 29, 2008

If this seems like a Japanese only release then what are they going to talk about on Thursday? I have a feeling that it might mostly be about a new DS.

StogiSeptember 29, 2008

Looking at the list of new features, I can honestly say that "media-playback" was a forethought. It seems like it was thrown in just because it might as well be in there.

What is the most intriguing is the built-in camera. Why would they add a camera?

KDR_11kSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: anti-thatguy

But you're assuming that demand for the DS and Wii is in a vacuum.  You're assuming that there's nothing out there other than the DS that can satiate that demand.  That's simply not try.

Yes, yes it is. That's what the Blue Ocean strategy means, you simply cannot get a gaming system that can replace the DS. Sure, a few niche users might like the games on the PSP as much but it seems PSP buyers are mostly interested in different things anyway. You want Brain Training or Nintendogs or Pokemon, you get a DS, no other options. If you're not looking for games the DS won't do anything for you anyway. If the DS is not attractive enough at its current price to PSP and iPhone owners then it won't be at a lower price either (both of those groups shelled out a lot more for their system, after all). Overall I guess Nintendo has calculated what a price drop would do for the sales and figured it's not worth it.

Yeah, I don't see the real need for MP3 and photos either but it's nice to have those features on a device that doesn't leave me unable to make a phone call if I use the secondary features too much.

MorariSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: insanolord

Quote from: Morari

Quote from: Mr.

MP3 support = Ok nice but umm why even bother anymore who doesn't have a iPod ?

I don't. In fact, a lot of people don't. Many people do have MP3 Players however. iPods are overpriced and full of many useless features. :P

I think that Nintendo should be looking to lower the price of the DS more if anything. There isn't enough of a difference between it and the Wii... financially speaking.

You need to mix things up a bit, Morari, you're getting too predictable, I knew when I saw that you were the newest post that you'd nitpicked the use of the word iPod.

Allowing the public to be brainwashed by brand recognition is such a horrible thing however. It's no different than people calling all adhesive bandages "Band Aids". It does much to destroy what little free market we do have working for us. Also, it's not very good at all for the copyright holders, as common words cannot be protected.

Also, you're starting to become pretty predictable yourself. I have to wonder where this sudden bout of stalking came from. It seems as if you're trolling my posts in almost every thread. I might just have to get a restraining order.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorSeptember 29, 2008

Morari, the problem is you try and change EVERY conversation into some sort of anti consumerism pro piracy rant or something.  It's starting to weigh pretty thin on everyone, so PLEASE STOP!

vuduSeptember 29, 2008

How are they going to add larger screens while keeping the same resolution?  Games are going to look awfully blocky.

Ian SaneSeptember 29, 2008

I won't buy it because I don't need it.  I have a perfectly functional DS Phat.  Some people will buy this when they already have a working DS.  Some people who don't have one yet will be happy they held out.  I actually am just relieved they haven't annouced a successor yet.  I felt that the GBA lifespan was way too short and I would like the DS to stick around a whole lot longer.  The GBC was cut short too and it was beginning to look like Nintendo would release portables at a faster rate than consoles just because they felt they could get away with it.

I still want a DS Player though.  I have no use for portables.  I only get them to play their exclusives.  I want to be able to play DS games on my TV.

I will say I find it pretty annoying that Nintendo potentially hurt Gamecube sales with no DVD playback and their "videogames only" stance and yet NOW they're totally cool with that sort of extra stuff.  In fact they've almost flip-flopped as non-gaming functions are arguably the main part of their strategy.

KDR_11kSeptember 29, 2008

Well, the GB lasted longer than consoles because Nintendo thought they could get away with that one too. No idea why Nintendo cut the GBA short, maybe they were genuinely afraid of having the market eaten by the PSP so they used the Blue Ocean to sidestep the issue or maybe they figured that in order to expand the market the GBA hardware was inadequate and more features were needed. After all, the big killer apps Brain Training and Nintendogs that expanded the market so much would lose their primary appeal on the GBA (accessibility).

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: vudu

How are they going to add larger screens while keeping the same resolution?  Games are going to look awfully blocky.

My thoughts exactly.  The reason why I still enjoy my GBA Micro is because I'd rather have smaller pixels than I would larger screen if I had to trade off between them.  The pixel size on a standard ds is already HUGE compared to many other devices.  This would just be making it worse.

vuduSeptember 29, 2008

GBA Micro FTW!  Screw those haters on RFN!

KDR_11kSeptember 29, 2008

Pfft, you don't think retro enough! Plug a SNES into a projector! Fuck yeah!

Bah. Just give me a new DS Lite with less mushy face buttons and a more scratch-resistance screen. I don't need mp3 playback--that's what my iPod is for. I don't need SD support--that's what my Wii is for. I don't need a camera--that's what my phone is for.

Nintendo's throwing a pretty wide net, here. Bigger screen would mean two things:

1) Current DS games would look like GBA games do on the current DS.
2) DS games that take advantage of the larger screen would not be playable on the DS Phat and DS Lite unless widescreen cuts were made. That would really suck hard.

StogiSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: Halbred

Nintendo's throwing a pretty wide net, here. Bigger screen would mean two things

It's weird, right? It's so.........anti-nintendo. And that's exactly what makes it intriguing.

I have a feeling something huge is going to happen. If the G-Phone has taught us anything, it's that separate features are a hell of a lot useful when brought together.

My guess is some sort of iChat like interface, where you talk to each other on one screen and play games on the other.

TheFleeceSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: Stogi

You wish- Nintendo has the reputation of telling us of a cool idea and then showing us how they've half assed the execution.

StogiSeptember 29, 2008

Why else would there be a camera though? Shoddy pictures? Shoddy games? Or a networking device that brings people together to play.........shoddy games?

TheFleeceSeptember 29, 2008

Yes! ...but first we have to trade friend codes.

StogiSeptember 29, 2008

Hopefully they take there pictochat idea and run with it. It could easily become a comprehensive IM program.

TheFleeceSeptember 29, 2008

A touch screen menu design based on the Wii would be really cool. I would like to see an expansion of built in apps for the DS. I always hope for a built in browser, but time will only tell.

MorariSeptember 29, 2008

Quote from: Pale

Morari, the problem is you try and change EVERY conversation into some sort of anti consumerism pro piracy rant or something.  It's starting to weigh pretty thin on everyone, so PLEASE STOP!

I thought that (all) forums were for discussion. I'm not ranting, merely putting an observation out there. If you (and whomever "everyone" else might entail) are really that unnerved by an occasional comment, then I can only conclude that you are among the brainwashed masses. These passing comments must obviously grate at you, for you know deep down inside that such unabashed consumerism will only lead to moral bankruptcy. Truly, if I am that bothersome for your psyche to swallow, then ban me. Otherwise, I see very little that I have done to warrant such overt confrontational behavior.

Quote from: Morari

Quote from: insanolord

Quote from: Morari

Quote from: Mr.

MP3 support = Ok nice but umm why even bother anymore who doesn't have a iPod ?

I don't. In fact, a lot of people don't. Many people do have MP3 Players however. iPods are overpriced and full of many useless features. :P

I think that Nintendo should be looking to lower the price of the DS more if anything. There isn't enough of a difference between it and the Wii... financially speaking.

You need to mix things up a bit, Morari, you're getting too predictable, I knew when I saw that you were the newest post that you'd nitpicked the use of the word iPod.

Allowing the public to be brainwashed by brand recognition is such a horrible thing however. It's no different than people calling all adhesive bandages "Band Aids". It does much to destroy what little free market we do have working for us. Also, it's not very good at all for the copyright holders, as common words cannot be protected.

Also, you're starting to become pretty predictable yourself. I have to wonder where this sudden bout of stalking came from. It seems as if you're trolling my posts in almost every thread. I might just have to get a restraining order.

I'm not stalking you, I just spend too much time on the forums and I don't like you.

that Baby guySeptember 30, 2008

Quote from: Morari

Quote from: Pale

Morari, the problem is you try and change EVERY conversation into some sort of anti consumerism pro piracy rant or something.  It's starting to weigh pretty thin on everyone, so PLEASE STOP!

I thought that (all) forums were for discussion. I'm not ranting, merely putting an observation out there. If you (and whomever "everyone" else might entail) are really that unnerved by an occasional comment, then I can only conclude that you are among the brainwashed masses. These passing comments must obviously grate at you, for you know deep down inside that such unabashed consumerism will only lead to moral bankruptcy. Truly, if I am that bothersome for your psyche to swallow, then ban me. Otherwise, I see very little that I have done to warrant such overt confrontational behavior.

For once, I must agree with my arch nemesis, Pale.  And, what's most sad is that these are the first two posts I've seen of yours in what may be months.  I don't mean to be personaly, I usually try not to be when I'm serious, but you've got a bit of an imposing, egocentric, warped, angry, and masturbatory point of view.  I would not say that's a healthy thing unless you're a radio talk show host, or a specialized talking head on television.  Please refrain from calling any member of this forum brainwashed in the literal sense.

For the record, when a brand-name product becomes a household word, that's a very good thing, in a capitalistic sense.  It's a measuring stick for success.  Just because you don't appreciate a brand that can market and innovate better than another doesn't mean it's a harmful or damaging thing, it means there's a success.  Beyond that, a brand's success can lead to a different brand's success, as well.  Take a look at a local drug store:  The brand-name product is launched first, after the company does research and development, tests, and gets the drug approved, they are the first to market, and typically become synonymous with the drug.  As far as over-the-counter goes, people might ask their pharmacist for Benadryl.  Some will want the brand name of the drug, it's what they are familiar with.  However, once a generic is legally available, people will also look for it, yet still call it by the brand name, Benadryl, not diphenhydramine HCl.  How is capitalism hurt?  The brand benefits because it's where people look first.  The generic drug benefits because the brand has already established credibility and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the free market greatly benefits from widespread use of the word "Band-Aid."  When someone's looking for any type of bandage, gauze, sterile pads, or anything of the type, they ask for a Band-Aid.  When they find the Bandages, they see Johnson and Johnson on the box, and typically, when they find the type of product they're looking for, they choose the Johnson and Johnson brand.  You're using unproven, theoretical conjecture to inflate your own ego.  Take a step back before you try to force your beliefs and ideas down others' throats, and maybe you won't be reprimanded by the those in charge.  I wouldn't worry about a warning, I'd just remember not to make the same mistake again, but since you posted a reply to him, well, what he said "must obviously grate at you."


Oh, and let me add that having a brand name attached to an objects use, such as Band-Aids and adhesive bandages also helps the little guy, since most stores will stock the other brand right next to it.  If anything, the brand name awareness increases awareness of the products generic, because it develops and fosters interest in the product and its purposes and uses.  The end result is interest in the product, interest in it's counterparts, and interest in anything involved.  But, I've gone on long enough for an unrelated issue.  If you're irked by what I say, or feel the need to reply, start a thread somewhere where this talk is appropriate to call me out.

Let's not derail this thread.
Also, fyi, nested quotes are a real pain on the mobile forums...

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorSeptember 30, 2008

Yeah, no need to derail the thread thatguy, Morari was given a temp ban for a similar infraction after a warning in another thread.

D_AverageSeptember 30, 2008

So what are the chances this "upgrade" with carry UMD support as well??

EasyCureOctober 01, 2008

slim to none.

Isnt that a Sony proprietary (sp?) format?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 01, 2008

I think hope he was being silly. :)

EasyCureOctober 01, 2008

Me?

No i really think (thought..?) that was a format sony was pushing kinda how they're pushing blu-ray...

or did you mean D Average?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 01, 2008

I meant D Average

D_AverageOctober 01, 2008

Yeah, I admit it, I was just goofin around.  No UMD desire for me.

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