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DS

DS2 Might Get Announced At E3

by Neal Ronaghan - March 1, 2010, 7:39 pm EST
Total comments: 75

Nintendo's next handheld is drastically more powerful, and dev kits are in the wild.

Developers have their hands on the DS2, and the system could be unveiled at E3 2010, according to an anonymous source.

The source said that a developer is working on a title for the DS successor, which was billed as being much more powerful, and that the release date is set. When pressed, the developer only hinted at the fact that the system won't be announced at the Game Developer's Conference in March, but might be announced at E3 2010 in June.

All the recent rumors make this scenario very plausible, and there is a possibility that the DS2 could be hitting Japan before the year is out.

Talkback

SarailMarch 02, 2010

I sure hope so.  Nintendo needs to advance their handheld position much further... their weaker technology is starting to fall back in terms of appearance.  Sales, no.  But graphical appearance, yes.

Time to advance.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 02, 2010

The thing I really like about the DS's weaker graphics is that we can get great games for cheap, and they are cheaper for the developers to make as well. Games like Professor Layton and all of the Atlus games that I love are a result of these lower costs. I also appreciate the phenomenal battery life that far outlasts my PSP and iPhone. On a handheld, I am looking for great gameplay that I can carry with me easily, graphics don't factor in all that much (heck, I still play GBC games on my SP).

Still, a new DS would be fun... so long as the games keep coming. I would also like to see full titles available for download... and some way to download our games that we have registered with club Nintendo.

The thing is, I don't think the graphics thing really a great argument.  Just because you have the increased power doesn't meant you have to use all of it.  Otherwise, we wouldn't have great games like the Art Style series.  And having a more modern system is arguably easier (i.e. cheaper) to code for because you don't have to get down to hardware level to do interesting things.  Power consumption is certainly a valid point though.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: MegaByte

The thing is, I don't think the graphics thing really a great argument.  Just because you have the increased power doesn't meant you have to use all of it.  Otherwise, we wouldn't have great games like the Art Style series.  And having a more modern system is arguably easier (i.e. cheaper) to code for because you don't have to get down to hardware level to do interesting things.  Power consumption is certainly a valid point though.

I think my real worry with the graphics is that we will get less sprite based games, but I suppose the PSP has plenty of those. I really like some good 2d art.

Quote from: MegaByte

The thing is, I don't think the graphics thing really a great argument.  Just because you have the increased power doesn't meant you have to use all of it.

You'd think this, but what's that old saying about stuff expanding to fill in the added space? You give developers a PSP-level DS2, and very, VERY, few of them will have the fortitude to resist ditching simple, effective, and charming graphics for an abundance of polygons, and all this just because they can.

Well, I was making a cost argument, not a quality argument.

rad.i.kalMarch 02, 2010

i think the recent bunch of ds stuff just doesn't do it compared to iphone gaming, psp gaming and even the up and coming android gaming that should hit soon (supports flash, TONS OF GAMES).


i think the rumors will be true...


motion based gaming
same or more powerful tegra processor as the zune hd (could it be better than the nexus one which is a 1ghz processor?)
it will probably have very nice graphics, will it have dual screen? not sure, but probably since its still a ds....
what else, i don't know, i bet it will be thinner?


i am excited by this idea, i would likely upgrade and give the dsi to my wife, she wants it for the ghost game coming to dsiware

BlackNMild2k1March 02, 2010

The best thing about DS being behind the times graphically is that it forces devs to do something other than chase the graphics. that is why we have games like the Art Style series.

But I hope it's true that DS2 is using the Tegra (2?) chip


edit: And for anyone looking to catch up on all the DS2 rumors
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg564740#msg564740

King of TwitchMarch 02, 2010

Maybe it'll be powerful enough for a Street Fighter IV port

BlackNMild2k1March 02, 2010

Quote from: Zap

Maybe it'll be powerful enough for a Street Fighter IV port

I will laugh my ass off if DS2 gets all the ports that we've been expecting for the Wii.

and once again: all the DS2 rumors here

StogiMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Kairon

Quote from: MegaByte

The thing is, I don't think the graphics thing really a great argument.  Just because you have the increased power doesn't meant you have to use all of it.

You'd think this, but what's that old saying about stuff expanding to fill in the added space? You give developers a PSP-level DS2, and very, VERY, few of them will have the fortitude to resist ditching simple, effective, and charming graphics for an abundance of polygons, and all this just because they can.

Yeah but someone like Studio Ghibli would make the most out of it and use charming, effective graphics. So it's a win-win really. No need not to upgrade the graphics from a developer stand point.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: rad.i.kal

i think the recent bunch of ds stuff just doesn't do it compared to iphone gaming, psp gaming and even the up and coming android gaming that should hit soon (supports flash, TONS OF GAMES).

Really? If you are an RPG fan, the DS is the place to be man. I know that many RPG games are kind of niche but I am really happy as a clam with what has already come and is scheduled to come out for the DS RPG wise. I mean, I just got through playing FFIV, Might and Magic COH, Zelda Spirit Tracks, and am currently working through Etrian Odyssey II. After I finish that, I have Professor Layton 2 and Devil Survivor waiting for me. Coming out this year that I am looking forward to are SMT Strange Journey, Dragon Quest 9, Etrian Odyssey III, Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2, Golden Sun 3, Final Fantasy Gaiden, Pokemon Heart Gold, Dragon Quest 6, Ninokuni Another World and Shiren 4. Don't know how I am gonna manage all that, but I sure as hell am not complaining about a lack of games. 

For smaller experiences, I agree that the iPhone has the DS trumped mostly due to volume and price. I play tons of iPhone games, and it is great for that quick fix of gaming. Shooters, Tower Defense games, and even adventure games are great on the iPhone.

As far as the PSP having more than the DS? Well... it gets less play than my DS. I got it for Littlebigplanet which lasted about a week. Other than Valkyria Chronicles 2 an Persona 3 Portable I am not sure what else people are looking forward to with the PSP.

NinGurl69 *hugglesMarch 02, 2010

Tales DS

where art thou.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: NinGurl69

Tales DS

where art thou.

I hear you, the 2d ones are my favorite.

StratosMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Rachtman

Time to advance.

They could name it the 'DS Advance' :)

ThePermMarch 02, 2010

it'll probably get a bunch of psp ports, will the Gameboy brand resurface? Gameboy DS?

Also, 6 years already? I guess it is time

Ian SaneMarch 02, 2010

So if they announce it at E3 how will everyone who bought a DSi feel?  Nintendo knew they had this on the doorstep.  How is the DSi anything other than an outright con?

Just let me hook the DS2 up to the TV like the PSP can!  I would buy this just for that so I can play all my existing DS games on the TV.

ThePermMarch 02, 2010

either stupid for buying something at the tailend of a generation, or not for knowing its the tailend of a generation and still buying the latest and greatest because they can.

NinGurl69 *hugglesMarch 02, 2010

7th pillar, no worries.  Nintendo is building their Parthenon.

As we've discussed on RFN, this was bound to happen soon because Nintendo needs to revive hardware sales in Japan. I don't really think we'll see the new system in America until 2011 (by that time, DS sales will probably start to lag here, too).

The feature set is going to be really interesting. As Iwata has said, it doesn't make sense to only improve graphical performance (though they certainly will do that). And some kind of built-in tilt control is a given. I also expect full backwards-compatibility with DS and DSiWare games. Beyond that... it gets interesting. Nintendo will likely do something new with online connectivity, and hopefully they will either upgrade the cameras from DSi or get rid of them. I expect there will be some built-in or launch-window apps to use the new DS as an exercise device. Not only will it work as a pedometer, but the motion sensors also mean it can be strapped to your arm or leg, much like in EA Sports Active. It should also let you listen to your music at the same time. I think Nintendo may even put a sensor in the shell to measure heart rate when touching your skin -- like the Wii Vitality Sensor, but built-in. It makes a lot of sense if you're already using this portable for excercise.

And this may be reaching, but if Nintendo can work out the technical issues with Netflix, having the next DS be a portable viewer for Netflix Instant would be a huge deal.

As someone who bought a DSi, I knew this was going to happen sooner rather than later. The only way I'd really be upset about it is if there were no way for me to transfer over my existing DSiWare library.

This coming out so soon after the DSi... I really don't know what to make of it if true. Maybe the DSi will be like the GBC and this supposed DS2 will be like the GBA?

ShyGuyMarch 02, 2010

If it has a Tegra chipset, throwing on an HDMI port would make sense. and be super wicked sweet.

Chozo GhostMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Ian

So if they announce it at E3 how will everyone who bought a DSi feel?  Nintendo knew they had this on the doorstep.  How is the DSi anything other than an outright con?

I sold my DS Phat and upgraded to the DSi, but had I known a DS2 was right around the corner I would have kept the Phat and just waited on it. I'm not terribly pissed about it, but I do feel I wasted my money a bit. Its okay though, because I'll just wait to get a DS2 until the first revision, so that way I can leapfrog the DS2 Phat model and get the DS2 lite or whatever a year or two later. I'm not a big handheld gamer so I can wait. By then there will be more games and the prices will have come down (hopefully). So its all good. I'll keep my DSi for the foreseeable future.

Quote from: Ian

Just let me hook the DS2 up to the TV like the PSP can!  I would buy this just for that so I can play all my existing DS games on the TV.

How could that possibly work? There are some DS games that only use one screen and don't use the touch capabilities so these games wouldn't be a problem to run tv-out, but how could you do the ones that require two screens? Would the tv do one screen and the DS do the other? Or would the TV do both one on top of the other? And then what about the touch screen games? How could a game that makes heavy use of the touchscreen work on a tv? You would need to look at the DS screen in order to play them, so it would defeat the purpose, unless you wanted to have a room full of people watch you play.

So these are all the hurdles that would have to be worked out before you could have TV-Out on the DS, and I think that's probably the reason Nintendo hasn't done it. I'm sure these are hurdles that could be overcome, but they're not as simple as TV-out on a one-screen non-touch handheld like the GBA or PSP. So yeah, its something that could be done with a good deal of tinkering, but its not simple and probably not profitable from Nintendo's POV.

StratosMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Chozo

Quote from: Ian

Just let me hook the DS2 up to the TV like the PSP can!  I would buy this just for that so I can play all my existing DS games on the TV.

How could that possibly work? There are some DS games that only use one screen and don't use the touch capabilities so these games wouldn't be a problem to run tv-out, but how could you do the ones that require two screens? Would the tv do one screen and the DS do the other? Or would the TV do both one on top of the other? And then what about the touch screen games? How could a game that makes heavy use of the touchscreen work on a tv? You would need to look at the DS screen in order to play them, so it would defeat the purpose, unless you wanted to have a room full of people watch you play.

So these are all the hurdles that would have to be worked out before you could have TV-Out on the DS, and I think that's probably the reason Nintendo hasn't done it. I'm sure these are hurdles that could be overcome, but they're not as simple as TV-out on a one-screen non-touch handheld like the GBA or PSP. So yeah, its something that could be done with a good deal of tinkering, but its not simple and probably not profitable from Nintendo's POV.

I don't see much of an issue with using the DS screen solely for touch and then projecting the two screen images to a TV. We do something similar every time we play games. How often do you look at your controller while playing games? I think it would be similar. They could always continue to show the game on the smaller screens as well if you really need to look at the screens for touching.

BlackNMild2k1March 02, 2010

Quote from: Kairon

This coming out so soon after the DSi... I really don't know what to make of it if true. Maybe the DSi will be like the GBC and this supposed DS2 will be like the GBA?

That would be exactly like we've all been calling it since we first heard of the DSi.

Ian SaneMarch 02, 2010

Quote:

How could that possibly work? There are some DS games that only use one screen and don't use the touch capabilities so these games wouldn't be a problem to run tv-out, but how could you do the ones that require two screens? Would the tv do one screen and the DS do the other? Or would the TV do both one on top of the other? And then what about the touch screen games? How could a game that makes heavy use of the touchscreen work on a tv? You would need to look at the DS screen in order to play them, so it would defeat the purpose, unless you wanted to have a room full of people watch you play.


The GBA's screen dimensions are not the same as a TV's, yet the Game Boy Player worked like a dream.  It blacked out or used a border to fill in the extra space.  There is no reason this couldn't just show the two screens on top of each other like if I make it so I can see two programs at one in Windows.  And then you have the option to focus on only one screen if you desire, which would be more zoomed in.  The touchscreen works the same as it does.  If I have to look down, I look down.  That's just the reality of using a touchscreen.

Though since the touchscreen is just a glorified mouse any way, using the Wii remote as a pointer could work as well, if they wanted to go to that trouble.  I wouldn't expect them to.

If we can look at DS screenshots on our computers then we can see two "screens" of DS play going on at once on a TV.

I'm suggesting this as a feature of the system itself so it isn't like the Game Boy Player where someone could get that for less money than a GBA.  If I have to buy the system and I have to buy the games, then Nintendo still gets the money.  Nintendo expressed concern for vision problems with the DSi XL and this is somewhat related to that.  Someone who finds the screen too small or that using a portable is too hard on their neck can still be a customer.  They can only make the screen so big while maintaining portability.

I only buy portables to get the exclusive games on it.  The portability is of no use to me.  Nintendo released both the Super Game Boy and the Game Boy Player so at some point they felt there was a market in catering to people who wanted to play their portable games at home on their TV.  And the PSP does it so Sony thinks there's a market for it.  It's been done and is done now so please do it with the DS2.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 02, 2010

The problem with the DS on a television is the type of stylus the screen supports wouldn't allow you to use the stylus as an on screen cursor without making gameplay concessions. Now, if the new DS supported a Wacom-like digitized stylus I would flip my lid... and play on a TV would make a bit more sense.

One problem with playing PSP on my tv was the shortness of their cables and the fact that it was limited to a small portion of a large screen. Having the new DS sync with the Wii to make games playable on the big screen via wifi would be great! I am not sure if crystal chronicles supported this, if it did I know it was only if you owned the Wii game, so this would probably only be feasible if your games lived on both the DS and the Wii.

Mop it upMarch 02, 2010

I'm really not surprised to hear this. I just don't get Nintendo and handhelds, I don't know why they release them when the current one is still having its best sales periods and release revisions like the DSi shortly before. Then again, maybe it is the consumers I don't get who buy up all of these. I guess Nintendo is just going where the money is. I'm just glad they don't do the same for home systems.

If it had some way to be played on a television then I might be interested in it.

StogiMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

As we've discussed on RFN, this was bound to happen soon because Nintendo needs to revive hardware sales in Japan. I don't really think we'll see the new system in America until 2011 (by that time, DS sales will probably start to lag here, too).

The feature set is going to be really interesting. As Iwata has said, it doesn't make sense to only improve graphical performance (though they certainly will do that). And some kind of built-in tilt control is a given. I also expect full backwards-compatibility with DS and DSiWare games. Beyond that... it gets interesting. Nintendo will likely do something new with online connectivity, and hopefully they will either upgrade the cameras from DSi or get rid of them. I expect there will be some built-in or launch-window apps to use the new DS as an exercise device. Not only will it work as a pedometer, but the motion sensors also mean it can be strapped to your arm or leg, much like in EA Sports Active. It should also let you listen to your music at the same time. I think Nintendo may even put a sensor in the shell to measure heart rate when touching your skin -- like the Wii Vitality Sensor, but built-in. It makes a lot of sense if you're already using this portable for excercise.

And this may be reaching, but if Nintendo can work out the technical issues with Netflix, having the next DS be a portable viewer for Netflix Instant would be a huge deal.

Yeah um...none of that is going to happen.

BlackNMild2k1March 02, 2010

Quote from: Mop

I'm really not surprised to hear this. I just don't get Nintendo and handhelds, I don't know why they release them when the current one is still having its best sales periods and release revisions like the DSi shortly before. Then again, maybe it is the consumers I don't get who buy up all of these. I guess Nintendo is just going where the money is. I'm just glad they don't do the same for home systems.

If it had some way to be played on a television then I might be interested in it.

The way I see it, is that Nintendo releases different version because they are trying to appeal to those that haven't bought a unit yet, those that have been waiting for some more value to upgrade, those that always upgrade to the newest thing and those that just need to buy everything. Mostly aimed at the first group than any of the others.

yoshi1001March 02, 2010

Things I see coming:

-Bluetooth (used to sync up with third party peripherals a'la Guitar Hero)
-Additional analog input option (not just accelerometer support, but something they can use to function like a control stick for that DS Smash Bros we keep asking for)
-Easier online connections (possibly tethering or pass-through with Wii/WiiHD)
-Higher res screens (at least 320*240 each) 21/24-bit color support would be nice as well.
-Portable VC (definitely GB/GBC/GBA/GG, possibly console games as well)

Would-be-nices:
Mobile TV
FM/HD Radio

Kept from previous generations:
-Cameras (maybe higher res-1 MP would be good enough)
-Browser (probably pre-installed)
-SD Card Slot

Other possiblities:
-Dual touchscreens

D_AverageMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: ThePerm

either stupid for buying something at the tailend of a generation, or not for knowing its the tailend of a generation and still buying the latest and greatest because they can.

This.

TJ SpykeMarch 02, 2010

Quote from: Kairon

This coming out so soon after the DSi... I really don't know what to make of it if true. Maybe the DSi will be like the GBC and this supposed DS2 will be like the GBA?

GBC was a new system, not just a upgrade. This was more like the Game Boy Pocket.

Besides, even if the DS2 gets announced at E3; that doesn't mean it will come out this year.

Jonny, right now the DS continues to sell great in Japan.

Quote from: Kashogi

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

As we've discussed on RFN, this was bound to happen soon because Nintendo needs to revive hardware sales in Japan. I don't really think we'll see the new system in America until 2011 (by that time, DS sales will probably start to lag here, too).

The feature set is going to be really interesting. As Iwata has said, it doesn't make sense to only improve graphical performance (though they certainly will do that). And some kind of built-in tilt control is a given. I also expect full backwards-compatibility with DS and DSiWare games. Beyond that... it gets interesting. Nintendo will likely do something new with online connectivity, and hopefully they will either upgrade the cameras from DSi or get rid of them. I expect there will be some built-in or launch-window apps to use the new DS as an exercise device. Not only will it work as a pedometer, but the motion sensors also mean it can be strapped to your arm or leg, much like in EA Sports Active. It should also let you listen to your music at the same time. I think Nintendo may even put a sensor in the shell to measure heart rate when touching your skin -- like the Wii Vitality Sensor, but built-in. It makes a lot of sense if you're already using this portable for excercise.

And this may be reaching, but if Nintendo can work out the technical issues with Netflix, having the next DS be a portable viewer for Netflix Instant would be a huge deal.

Yeah um...none of that is going to happen.

You'll see! I wouldn't be surprised to see the new system called "DS Fit" or "DS Active" or something similar. Nintendo would be extremely smart to combine their two gold mines into a new product that does something totally unique on the marketplace. Furthermore, most of the features I mentioned should be cheap to implement... except the Netflix part. That was blatant wishful thinking. But the exercise stuff, I just think it's inevitable.

StratosMarch 03, 2010

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

Quote from: Kashogi

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

As we've discussed on RFN, this was bound to happen soon because Nintendo needs to revive hardware sales in Japan. I don't really think we'll see the new system in America until 2011 (by that time, DS sales will probably start to lag here, too).

The feature set is going to be really interesting. As Iwata has said, it doesn't make sense to only improve graphical performance (though they certainly will do that). And some kind of built-in tilt control is a given. I also expect full backwards-compatibility with DS and DSiWare games. Beyond that... it gets interesting. Nintendo will likely do something new with online connectivity, and hopefully they will either upgrade the cameras from DSi or get rid of them. I expect there will be some built-in or launch-window apps to use the new DS as an exercise device. Not only will it work as a pedometer, but the motion sensors also mean it can be strapped to your arm or leg, much like in EA Sports Active. It should also let you listen to your music at the same time. I think Nintendo may even put a sensor in the shell to measure heart rate when touching your skin -- like the Wii Vitality Sensor, but built-in. It makes a lot of sense if you're already using this portable for excercise.

And this may be reaching, but if Nintendo can work out the technical issues with Netflix, having the next DS be a portable viewer for Netflix Instant would be a huge deal.

Yeah um...none of that is going to happen.

You'll see! I wouldn't be surprised to see the new system called "DS Fit" or "DS Active" or something similar. Nintendo would be extremely smart to combine their two gold mines into a new product that does something totally unique on the marketplace. Furthermore, most of the features I mentioned should be cheap to implement... except the Netflix part. That was blatant wishful thinking. But the exercise stuff, I just think it's inevitable.

Nintendo already has games like that Walking Fitness game on DS with an external pedometer and the pedometer in the new Gold/Silver Pokemon games so it makes perfect sense to integrate that into the new system. Maybe they could put it into a game card and implement the dual sd-card slot design that was planned for the DSi so one could be for peripherals like a pedometer (a new Guitar Hero controller could work here as well) and the other would be for the actual games. Lots of ways they could implement it.

Ian SaneMarch 03, 2010

The fitness stuff Jonny mentions sounds REALLY lame... so I am certain Nintendo will do it. ;)

Chozo GhostMarch 03, 2010

Quote from: Mop

I'm just glad they don't do the same for home systems.

Careful what you say. We might hear a Wii 2 announcement quicker than you think, lol.

I would hope (pray) that it's not called "DS-something." Let's interject a new title inetirely. Like Wii Portable or something, if it's going to have motion controls. With the current menu functionality of the DSi, I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo tries to combine the success of the Wii with the DS in a bigger way.

They should just call it "The Nintendo."

Or

"The"

StogiMarch 03, 2010

Why wouldn't you want to build on the DS brand? The most popular item Nintendo has ever made?

Guitar SmasherMarch 03, 2010

Quote from: TJ

Besides, even if the DS2 gets announced at E3; that doesn't mean it will come out this year.

I don't think Nintendo wants to kill its holiday sales.  If consumers know the DS2 is going to be available soon enough, they're going to stop buying the DS (at least at the current rates).

AzagthothMarch 04, 2010

Grrrrr. I wait 2+ years for Dragon Quest IX and they announce a new system to ruin sales at the same time? Weak.

ThePermMarch 04, 2010

as for the hdmi connection goes, as a wacom user it should work out fine, you just have to take some time and get used to had-eye coordination without looking down. Hell, how many of us touch type! On the other hand im still not used to Dual analog controllers for shooting games(however now that i think about it i don't think i've ever tried flipping the stick functions)

StogiMarch 04, 2010

DS2 wishlist

-It plays Nintendo games.

Chozo GhostMarch 04, 2010

The DS abbreviation could live on, but they should change the name because "Dual Screen" is kinda stupid. They just need a title that can still be abbreviated to DS, like "Dynamite Sizzling", or whatever.

Doobie Shogun
Double Shotty
Dig Shorty
Dice Shaker
Dat Sass!

Mop it upMarch 04, 2010

I have a feeling that most people don't even know what "DS" is an acronym for anyway.

BlackNMild2k1March 04, 2010

Was DS ever officially defined in the first place?

I know we assumed Dual Screen, but wasn't it also internally referred to as Developer System or something like that?

StogiMarch 04, 2010

In the end, does it matter?

They could bring back the "Gameboy" name if they really wanted to anyways.

Chozo GhostMarch 04, 2010

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

Was DS ever officially defined in the first place?

I know we assumed Dual Screen, but wasn't it also internally referred to as Developer System or something like that?

I can't prove it, but I'm pretty sure it does mean "Dual Screen".

I really love Nintendo and all, but let's face it... they suck terribly when it comes to naming their systems. GBA, N64, DS, Wii, etc. are all examples of systems which were cool and very popular, but their names were unimaginative or just kinda bland. MS and Sony aren't really any better, though, because they just name their next system after the old one and put a number on it (PS1, PS2, PS3... ETC. Don't be surprised if there's a PS4).

SEGA and Atari might have made flop-worthy systems, but we have to give them credit because they REALLY knew how to give them cool names. Dreamcast was a cool name, as was the Atari Jaguar and Lynx. Even if you didn't know anything about those systems, you'd still be intrigued just because of the awesome names.

Nintendo is like those movie studios that make kickass movies with explosions and cool action, but then FUBAR the name with something bland and uninteresting that doesn't really grab your attention or excite your imagination. Why can't we have a Nintendo "Excalibur" system? or a Nintendo "Raptor". These are the sorts of names I'd rather see the DS2 have than, well... "DS2".

Spak-SpangMarch 04, 2010

I distinctly remember an interview talking about the DS name.  Nintendo stated that they always felt the DS was a "developers system" designed to give developers what they would want and need to design portable games.  The Dual Screen was speculation, but also never denied...so I would say it could stand or either, both or neither.

Now, I think the DS name should stand if the product is similar to the DS.  Meaning it has at least all the features of the DSi and potentially more.  I like the idea of the Developer System, and the DS should only get an upgrade, it if provides more of what developers desire to create new and original games. 

Some sort of motion control, multi-touch screens, an analog nub or some sort... we don't need more buttons, I think the DS has proven to be non intimidating on buttons, but provides developers enough choices and options for control. 

I would say a cool name would be DSX (like in Next) but the X is too prominently associated with Microsoft.  But I definitely don't like number root either.  Also, I think the Gameboy IP is pretty worn out, I wouldn't continue it...and I think bringing the 'boy' back into the picture is not good marketing.

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

Was DS ever officially defined in the first place?

I know we assumed Dual Screen, but wasn't it also internally referred to as Developer System or something like that?

Officially, it stands for Dual Screen. Nintendo did once refer to it as the Developer System in a promo video or press conference, but it was a sort of joke. Not meant to be funny but rather to reflect the versatility of the hardware. I think the same context included a few other fake meanings starting with D and S.

TJ SpykeMarch 04, 2010

Actually, according to Nintendo it officially stands for "Developers System" and also (this is the order they mention) "Dual Screen"). It's right in the FAQ section of their website: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/ds/faq.jsp#ds

For those who don't want to go, here is their exact response:

Quote:

To our developers, it stands for "Developers' System," since we believe it gives game creators brand new tools which will lead to more innovative games for the world's players.

It can also stand for "Dual Screen."

Kashogi, I don't think they will ever call something "Gameboy", I could see them bring back "Game Boy" though (I know what you meant, but it irks me when people write it wrong despite the name being 21 years old).

Chozo GhostMarch 04, 2010

I like the Gameboy name, and I'm sad to see it retired. I grew up with that as my handheld...

But at the same time I can see why they retired it. "Boy" implies the game is for children and male children at that, so it might turn someone off to it if they were an adult or a girl because they might think its not for them. Nintendo wants to cater to all demographics, so anything named "boy" is kinda a no-no. They also probably wanted to get rid of the "Gameboy" name to help shake off the old "Nintendo is KIIDDDIEZ" label.

The DS has been very popular with adults and females with games like brain age and so forth in a way that the Gameboy never really was. The DS titles are the main reason why this is, but I think having a gender and age neutral name probably helped a bit as well.

Would a grownup feel comfortable buying something named "gameboy"? Some might think its just a children's toy and go for the PSP or something else instead. So getting rid of that name probably helped Nintendo out somewhat this generation. But all the same, I am still kinda sad to see the name fade away..

They just have to call it "GAME MAN." The MANLY handheld.

It's...MANLY.

TJ SpykeMarch 04, 2010

I think they didn't use Game Boy (not Gameboy, geez) because they were worried about the DS and didn't want to risk tainting the Game Boy name. Besides, how is Game Boy any worse than "PlayStation"? PlayStation sounds like one of those little game stations that Mattel makes for 3 year olds.

BlackNMild2k1March 04, 2010

Because Gameboy (teehee) ties the system to a specific gender. Gameboy sorta alienates the female players.

NemoMarch 05, 2010

Game Boy also hints that it's intended for a certain age... "boy" might be considered either under 18 or under 12 (or whatever) depending on who you ask. Even though it's a silly name "play station" doesn't really alienate any category of people. Nor does the name "DS" alienate anyone.

I would think for the reasons of age and gender association, Nintendo will never go back to the Game Boy name. (But who knows with Nintendo.)

Chozo GhostMarch 05, 2010

You guys are repeating exactly what I said in my post.

BlackNMild2k1March 05, 2010

GAMEBOY!!

ThePermMarch 05, 2010

Nintendo Parthenon

NinGurl69 *hugglesMarch 05, 2010

Gimmick Advance

Chozo GhostMarch 05, 2010

"Wii, Jr." might MIGHT be a good name for the next Nintendo handheld. Remember, I said MIGHT. Or how about "Wii Pocket" or "Pocket Wii"?

I think we're getting to a point where handhelds and consoles are starting to coalesce as the capabilities of consoles reach their technical limits, and handhelds get closer and closer. There is absolutely no reason at all that the next Nintendo handheld can't be at least as powerful as a GC, if not the Wii itself. Sony's handheld is the "Playstation Portable", so why can't there be a "Wii Station Portable"?

StogiMarch 05, 2010

Quote from: Chozo

"Wii, Jr." might MIGHT be a good name for the next Nintendo handheld. Remember, I said MIGHT. Or how about "Wii Pocket" or "Pocket Wii"?

LMFAO. You are the worst at this.

BlackNMild2k1March 05, 2010

What I dont understand, is why people think that Nintendo would drop the much more popular 1st place systems name DS for the (while still very successful) less popular 2nd place system name Wii?

The DS has sold about twice as many units as the Wii and everyone and their momma has their own unit. It is a household name and appeals to all gamer types, even the H4RDCOR3Z!!11!!. Why would you lose the recognition of the most popular gaming hardware ever (and it's still selling by the truck load)to rebrand your next portable console(which is likely to be a direct upgrade to the last handheld) to the home console name?

TJ SpykeMarch 05, 2010

You are forgetting that DS also came out 2 years earlier than Wii and a lot of people kept upgrading to the newer DS version. I am not saying the next handheld will have "Wii" in its name, but I think it's plausible and is called branding.

BlackNMild2k1March 05, 2010

Um.... I called it branding, but why re-brand (as I already said) the DS, when that is the more popular of the 2, to the name Wii Jr or whatever when the DS is the systems with the widest appeal amongst all gaming demographics including the ones that the Wii is having trouble with?

That would be like painting the DS into a corner that didn't previously exist for it, and now it will only be on the radar of those that liked the Wii and not those that were in love with the original DS. You are limiting it's appeal by not directly associating it to the DS brand and instead rebranding it to something aligned with the Wii. It would be different if the DS2 and the Wii were almost exactly alike, but they are two completely different ways of playing games unlike the Playstation2 and the PSP.

It wouldn't make sense.

ThePermMarch 05, 2010

the only brand that matters in this regard is Nintendo

StogiMarch 05, 2010

Wow Perm. I'm impressed. That was one of the more thoughtful statements I've read in a while and it came from you!

TJ SpykeMarch 05, 2010

Quote from: ThePerm

the only brand that matters in this regard is Nintendo

Then why is the Wii the first Nintendo console to not have "Nintendo" in the name? In fact, you have to look pretty hard to even find their name on anything Wii-related.

StogiMarch 05, 2010

Like people don't know both the DS and Wii are made by Nintendo :rollseyes:

TJ SpykeMarch 05, 2010

I know that. My point was that he said that the Nintendo brand is the one that matters most, but it is NOT on their current system. It's "Wii", not "Nintendo Wii".

StogiMarch 05, 2010

One could argue that more publications, be it gaming or non-gaming, refer to the Wii as the Nintendo Wii.

ThePermMarch 05, 2010

Quote from: TJ

Quote from: ThePerm

the only brand that matters in this regard is Nintendo

Then why is the Wii the first Nintendo console to not have "Nintendo" in the name? In fact, you have to look pretty hard to even find their name on anything Wii-related.

Nintendo has always had popular handhelds, but their consoles stopped being popular mid n64 life.

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