Nintendo DS to Feature Instant Messaging?

SNL? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 04:14 · Score: 0

Next press release from Nintendo:

It's a floor wax!

It's a dessert topping!

It's BOTH!

Re:SNL? by chrismcdirty · 2004-03-17 04:18 · Score: 4, Insightful

The only problem is, there have been no press releases from Nintendo about this product since they announced it. Most of it has been speculation from CNN analysts.

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It's like sex, except I'm having it!

Is this really a "third pillar" anymore? by 2Flower · 2004-03-17 04:18 · Score: 4, Interesting

With the evergrowing list of capabilities of the DS, it seems like it's reaching well beyond being a supposed "third pillar" of the Nintendo empire.

Originally it was pitched as a machine that you'd want to have ALONGSIDE your Gamecube and Gameboy, that it'd provide some seperate function which the other two didn't and vice versa and versa vice. But what it sounds like is an all-around superior portable gaming machine to the GBA... why would you want a GBA when you have a more powerful, more versatile machine available? That smells of 'replacement' to me, not 'supplemental'.

Re:Is this really a "third pillar" anymore? by consolidatedbord · 2004-03-17 04:25 · Score: 2, Insightful

why would you want a GBA when you have a more powerful, more versatile machine available?

It may turn out to be a strong unit on it's own, but not a unit that is for everyone. Not everyone needs the speculated features that this will have. Some prefer simplicity. Not everyone needs a luxury car, some are fine with a honda.

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while true ; do echo this is my sig; done
Re:Is this really a "third pillar" anymore? by bsharitt · 2004-03-17 05:27 · Score: 3, Insightful

Well some people just want to play games, and I'll bet this usint will be quite a bit more expensive. SO if I just want to play games I'd rather pay $79-$99 for a GBA, not in excess of $200 or $300.
Re:Is this really a "third pillar" anymore? by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 12:12 · Score: 1

"why would you want a GBA when you have a more powerful, more versatile machine available? That smells of 'replacement' to me, not 'supplemental'."

It's the game support that makes it a 'pillar', not the features.

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:Is this really a "third pillar" anymore? by tktk · 2004-03-17 15:55 · Score: 1

Well, Nintendo is screwed no matter what.
All this rampant speculation is raising the bar higher and higher for Nintendo. It won't matter if it's the 3rd pillar or a GBA replacement, the DS will have to fight against the hype of all these false rumors.
At first, how many people wanted wireless networking? Then a rumor came out that the DS would have it. It didn't matter if the rumor was true, but now Nintendo would HAVE to include it or people would feel disappointed. Months from now ,few people are going to remember that wireless was just a rumor. And that'll happen with all the other 'leaked' features. People are going to wonder why it didn't have wireless networking, IM, hand recognition, voice recognition, force feedback solar power, fuel cells, car diagnotic programs, etc.
Oh damn, did I just didn't start 5 more rumors?

Just out of curiosity... by Decaffeinated+Jedi · 2004-03-17 04:21 · Score: 4, Funny

Just out of curiosity, is this thing going to play games, too? ;)

--
DecafJedi
my weblog: apropos of something

Re:Just out of curiosity... by Pizzop · 2004-03-17 07:11 · Score: 1

People may have modded the parent as funny, but it's a viable concern. I don't want another blackberry handheld craptacular PDA computer cellphone replacement. I want a rock-solid new-era 3rd pillar 4th generation (GB, VB, GBA, DS if you are wondering, and yes, the VB was supposedly "portable") handheld console. Wireless adaptability? Awesome, as long as it's for me slaughtering my punk.ass rivals in a game, not to check my E-mail, or get IM's from some random n00b. I'm all for advancement of technology, but god damn, I want a HANDHELD GAME SYSTEM, not a replacement for my dying PDA and cell phone.

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How to Speak Leet
Re:Just out of curiosity... by Ayaress · 2004-03-17 07:27 · Score: 1

I sure hope so, but it's looking doubtful.

The last leaked document had this thing with a lot of non-gaming features, but at least all of them ahd some potential use in gaming - wireless for multiplayer, memory for savegames, etc.

But IM? I know some games have chat in them, but the game handles that itself, so there's only one connection to take care of; plus, that way it cleanly integrates into the game.

Plus, would you really NEED chat on a handheld gaming device? Could you even use it if it were provided? Couldn't you just yell at your friend (or even kick him in the shins to throw his game off far better than any trash talking) on the other side of the room instead of typing up a message while he basically has a few seconds to kill you with impunity?
Re:Just out of curiosity... by suyashs · 2004-03-17 08:53 · Score: 1

Its the equivalent of passing notes across a classroom...except that its exceptionally lazy...

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http://chrono.posterous.com/

Market Research by Schezar · 2004-03-17 04:24 · Score: 5, Funny

It seems to me that Nintendo leaked small bits of vague information about the DS (2 screens, etc...) and scoured the 'net reading all of the fan speculation regarding it, only to incorporate the most popular ideas. ("Let's say it has TWO screens and see if any of them has an idea about how to use them effectively")

We still have no idea just what the DS -is-. Everything's very vague at first, and it's taking definition pretty-well along the lines of the rumours.

Free market research == teh awesome.
/crackpot theory

Oh yea, I heard that the DS has a special feature that steals your credit card number and sends it to some slashdot user named Schezar. ^_~

--
GeekNights!
Late Night Radio for Geeks!

Re:Market Research by buffer-overflowed · 2004-03-17 04:49 · Score: 1

Oh I also heard that it empties your bank account, but that it sends that to uid 588867.

Anyway, on a serious note, the one thing I think would be kinda cool would be if the top screen was one of Sharp's 3D LCDs. It can switch between a normal 2D display and a 3D(no glasses required, display is slightly dim, have to be about 1.4 feet away from it and looking dead on when it's in 3D mode) display according to the needs of the app/game by turning off the "switching" lcd layer. Since this is supposedly going to be capable of 3D acceleration there are ALOT of cool things you could do with it.

Hopefully the touchscreen(if there is one) is flush with the rest of the controls. That way game designers could use a portion of the screen to add additional(or even programmable) controls.

Anyway, with all this speculation, I'm starting to see more and more why nintendo has been saying it's not a competitor to the GBA(or the PSP). Looking more and more like a cool product, but with limited initial market appeal and one heck of a lot of potential.

Hopefully we can get cheap dev kits for it.

--
The key to the enjoyment of pop music is to replace any instance of "love" with "C.H.U.D."
Re:Market Research by Yorrike · 2004-03-17 17:41 · Score: 1

Anyway, on a serious note, the one thing I think would be kinda cool would be if the top screen was one of Sharp's 3D LCDs.
Well, since the announcement of that technology, I've heard many speculate that Nintendo would be wrapping the next GameBoy around such screens.
It's only ~2 months until E3, though, so at least we won't have to wait long until we can all have a little more info with which we can start making random guesses about what the GBA2 is going to be like. I just hope people don't go into "auto-smack-nintendo" mode without actually using the DS first, like they did with Zelda:WW.

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Looks can be deceiving. Or CAN they?
Re:Market Research by jx100 · 2004-03-18 02:18 · Score: 1

Funny, I submitted a story (that wasn't accepted) that discussed that exact rumor. This
is the link to the story I used.

Question... by hookedup · 2004-03-17 04:25 · Score: 2, Interesting

I'm wondering if it will get to the point when we can just buy a 'Game Card' so to speak. Somewhat like an Xbox/PS2/GC PCI/AGP card containing the console itself, otherwise our living rooms are just going to get more and more clustered. Dont get me wrong, I'm all for touchscreens, IM, etc.. but we already have most of the hardware needed for it sitting at home now.

Anyone else think pcs/consoles will ever become one? Or am I just crazy...

Re:Question... by chrismcdirty · 2004-03-17 04:27 · Score: 2, Insightful

I think you're crazy. Making them a computer PCI/AGP card would just require people have a PC that is up to date to run them. That's the last thing console makers want. It's better in their eyes to just be able to plug the thing into your TV and start playing, not have a bunch of prerequisites.

--
It's like sex, except I'm having it!
Re:Question... by hookedup · 2004-03-17 04:28 · Score: 1

Touche.

Very true..
Re:Question... by inkless1 · 2004-03-17 05:05 · Score: 1

Not to mention, it's been thought of before. Amiga-on-a-Card, PC-Compat-on-a-card, it never survives both consumer demand and Moore's law.
Re:Question... by ronfar · 2004-03-17 08:16 · Score: 1

Well, there was talk of a Dreamcast version:
Dreamcast PC This Fall

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All the creatures will die, And all the things will be broken. That's the law of samurai. (Jubai, 1605)
Re:Question... by fwitness · 2004-03-17 14:45 · Score: 1

3DO did this, and I loved the idea. It was called the 3DO Blaster, and marketed by Creative.

Basically it was a 3DO (which, for you youngins, was a game system) on a card. It was a brilliant idea, but mostly was made possible by 3DO's creative 'hardware licensing' model. Manufacturers paid 3DO a fee, and they could make any console they wanted that played 3DO games.

The two problems that probably killed the 3DO Blaster were the fact that you could only use the 3DO blaster with Panasonic's cd-rom drive, and it came out almost precisely at the start of 3DO's decline.

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-- I have fans? Wow.

If this is true... by Snowspinner · 2004-03-17 05:04 · Score: 2, Interesting

If this is true, which I'm suspicious of, because, frankly, Nintendo is not a very leaky company, but if this is true, it looks like the speculation that Nintendo was going for some place between the GBA and the cube. That is to say, this is not something you whip out and play a few rounds of at the bus stop, but it is something that you can bring over to your friend's house and play with - it doesn't require a TV and a bunch of wiring.

I wonder if we're dealing with something that's portable in the same way that a laptop is portable - that is to say, usually going to be run off an outlet, and rather bulky, but still movable.

It would certainly be a new type of gaming device.

--
Philip Sandifer's academic website

Re:If this is true... by irokitt · 2004-03-17 09:16 · Score: 1

Technology has gotten to the point that we can make batteries to power this type of device without having to plug it in all the time.

But I still have difficulty with the idea of wardriving with a Gameboy. While sending IM to my friends. It just seems like they're turning it into an N-Gage. Full of all of the important features-except the games.

--
If my answers frighten you, stop asking scary questions.
Re:If this is true... by Snowspinner · 2004-03-17 10:27 · Score: 1

Yeah, but this isn't the next Gameboy. It's a new thing entirely.

As for the games, well, I don't imagine games will be announced until E3, as has been said for a while. I mean, certainly games wouldn't be announced for a device like this until the actual physical design were shown, which is E3.

And, as the article says, it doesn't look like this will be an AIM type IMer - it seems like it'll be a way to send text messages within the games. Which would be useful for, say, team-based strategy games.

--
Philip Sandifer's academic website

N-Gage by Zevets · 2004-03-17 05:19 · Score: 0

Am I the only one who thinks this is the next N-Gage?
The N-Gage claimed to be the all in one mobile gaming machine, but in reality sucked. It was dorky, lousy games, bad interface, bad everything. It has entire sites devoted to making fun of it! www.sidetalkin.com .

I mean really Nintendo, Do what you do best. It is not making hardware, but games. Now release Zelda for PS2, and make yourself RICH!

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Mod Wisely.

Re:N-Gage by orion024 · 2004-03-17 06:40 · Score: 5, Insightful

The problem with the N-Gage is it was made by a cell phone company. They had no previous experience in the hand held (or even console) arena. This is blatantly obviously when you look at the ergonomics (or lack there of) of the unit. Furthermore, it really had no games.

Nintendo, however, DOES have experience in this area. They have many years of experience to bring to the table, as well as good gaming title backing. I expect they will come out with a unit very comfortable to use, as opposed to the N-Gage. They KNOW how to design the interface. I would go so far as to argue, that IMHO, the controller for the GC is the best that has ever been made... but that is getting off topic.

The DS will show some success, if for no other reason than for being made by Nintendo. If the DS turns into a must have hit, only time will tell. But if anyone were to pull it off, it would be Nintendo.
Re:N-Gage by Steve525 · 2004-03-17 09:17 · Score: 2, Interesting

More likely the next Tapwave. Except unlike Tapwave, they'll have more than 2 or 3 mediocre exclusive games for it, and it won't have a controller that breaks within a week after you buy it.

Unfortunately, unlike the Tapwave, it won't run any emulators, at least not unlicensed ones. Maybe this is the real reason Nintendo went after that emulator?

Anyway, back to my point... if the rumors we've been hearing are true then this system is fixing up to be a combination PDA/entertainment device, like the Tapwave. It's got movie and mp3 playing, game playing, and probably a touch sensitive screen. All that you need to add is the PDA software.

The N-Gage failed because as you said it didn't have good games, and it had a bad interface. However, there's no inherent reason a combination PDA and gaming device must have bad games and a bad interface. (Many PDA's devices already have a control disk that looks suspiciously like a gaming contoller). Adding a phone to the mix, however, doesn't really work though. The form factors are just incompatible.

Is there a market for such a beast? I don't know. With the PDA functionality, and higher price, they would be going after an older demographic than the GBA. Unlike the Tapwave, this sounds more like a game playing first, PDA second kind of machine. (I viewed the Tapwave as a PDA first, and a game machine second, since it ran the Palm OS). In other words the market for this are those people who want a gaming device, but could be swayed to buy this one by the additional gaming features.

I thought the Tapwave had a chance, but the lack of games, poor marketing, and the poor quality of the controller is going to be the end of them. Nintendo is unlikely to make these mistakes, but they may fail to have good PDA applications. I think the product really is an experiment to test the market, and they know it.
Re:N-Gage by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 12:25 · Score: 1

"Am I the only one who thinks this is the next N-Gage?"

Yes.

"I mean really Nintendo, Do what you do best. It is not making hardware, but games."

Nintendo doesn't make good hardware? The NES wasn't good? The GameBoy and all its variants? The SNES? The N64? The GameCube?! The hardware's great! The only real smudge on their hardware record I can think of is the Virtual Boy. Even that was pretty cool, just needed a little more tweaking. (I.e. lose the red LEDs and go with a more neutral color.)

"Now release Zelda for PS2, and make yourself RICH!"

They have made themselves rich with Zelda.

Nintendo makes great hardware. Even their less successful stuff demonstrated ambition and innovation. Does that mean the DS will be cool? Who knows? I got $1 that says the system as a piece of hardware will be pretty spiffy, the real question is what the games will be like on it. You're not going to be holding the edge of this thing up to your ear, if that's what you're asking.

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:N-Gage by Yorrike · 2004-03-17 18:06 · Score: 1

Unlike the Tapwave, this sounds more like a game playing first, PDA second kind of machine.
Just today, I was playing FF:TA at university, waiting for my lecture to start. I thought "it'd be cool if this thing had a todo list an alarm on it" - thus letting me know when it was a good time to save and get going.
Honestly, I used to have a PDA, but it was just a hassle to take everywhere for a few basic features. On the other hand, I usually take my GBA to Uni every day, and having the features I can almost get by without right there on my gaming platform, would be awesome - a little like the Neo Goe Pocket Colour, with it's alarm and calender.

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Looks can be deceiving. Or CAN they?
Re:N-Gage by Zevets · 2004-03-18 06:56 · Score: 1

I never said the hardware was bad. The GameCube currently holds third place in the console (hardware) market. Admittedly it owns the portable market, but that is due to the lack of competitors. When the PSP comes out, we shall see who wins the mobile wars.

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Mod Wisely.
Re:N-Gage by NanoGator · 2004-03-18 07:31 · Score: 1

"The GameCube currently holds third place in the console (hardware) market."

It's been second for a while now.

"Admittedly it owns the portable market, but that is due to the lack of competitors. When the PSP comes out, we shall see who wins the mobile wars."

Perhaps. Sadly, I'm not sure I see a 'war' brewing. Not that I intend to underestimate Sony, but they are an awfully arrogant company. The war might be short lived if it becomes a niche product. Unless they can get the price at around $100, I don't see that as being likely.

However, it is really too early for me to speculate on that. We haven't even seen the system yet. I could easily be wrong.

--
"Derp de derp."

Gaming Cellphone by Geckoman · 2004-03-17 05:19 · Score: 1

I expect it will turn out to be a gaming-oriented cellphone. Granted, it would be a little large, but tying into the cell network would provide some great multiplayer gaming options. Nintendo Live via a worldwide wireless network? Plug it into your GameCube and play on your TV or connect your Cube to the network. Sounds cool to me.

Touch screen? Clamshell case? Stylus? Sounds like a Handspring Treo with an extra screen and game controls to me. Add a camera, and you can see the guy you're playing on the second screen while you kick his butt on the first screen.

The Nokia N-gage may suck right now, but Nintendo can't help but see that sort of device as a potential threat to their handheld gaming dominance. As it is, the console market is moving away from them, with the next generation of consoles almost certainly focused more on media center features instead of only games. Nintendo can't afford to let the handheld market move away from them in a similar way.

All just wild speculation, but plausible....

Re:Gaming Cellphone by Kyouryuu · 2004-03-17 07:13 · Score: 2, Insightful

The Nokia N-gage may suck right now, but Nintendo can't help but see that sort of device as a potential threat to their handheld gaming dominance.
How? Nintendo holds a veritable monopoly on handheld gaming devices that far, far exceeds Nokia and which I doubt wil be tempered by Sony's PSP. There has been little that has challenged Nintendo's crown. Even when Sega and Turbo-Grafx was busy pushing 16-bit portables that played Genesis and TG-16 games respectively, the ancient GB with its olive-colored monochromatic screen chugged along unfazed. Nintendo has little to fear. They continue to be the most profitable of the "big three."
As it is, the console market is moving away from them, with the next generation of consoles almost certainly focused more on media center features instead of only games.
Not necessarily. Recall that Sony recently released the PSX in Japan to lukewarm response. It was a DVD burner and played PS2 games. Rather than incorporate all of that technology into the PS3, Sony decided to test the waters. Suffice it to say, it doesn't seem as though they liked what they saw. Sony has already remarked that the PS3 would be heavily focused on gaming rather than multifunctional wizardry.
Microsoft has also announced plans to not include the built-in hard drive for the Xbox 2, potentially opting for an approach involving exchangable flash memory instead.
Nintendo can't afford to let the handheld market move away from them in a similar way.
I think this is in some part true. There's little doubt that of Nintendo's profitable ventures, the Game Boy line is probably the one on top. Nintendo would definitely be hurting if their uncontested reign in portables is lost to the extent their GameCube has. But there are reasons people like the Game Boy and consoles in general. You plop in cartridges and they work. The controls are basic. The machine is built to withstand a 2-story fall onto concrete. And it does one thing really well - it plays games. It is simple. I don't think the average consumer for a portable gaming system really thinks about having a PDA that happens to play video games. And given that the "Pokemon market" characterizes perhaps the majority of Game Boy consumers, would you want to give a 10-year old a PDA and a stylus?
I don't think the push is there for a portable gaming device so laden with additional add-ons and features. Otherwise, the N-Gage should have sold like hotcakes. Nintendo couldn't have kept Game Boy Cameras and Printers on the shelves. And we'd see a host of keyboard and mouse and storage technologies using the EXT port. I just don't see it happening. A console, especially a portable one, is not a PC and is not designed to be.

yeah i am going to get one by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 05:21 · Score: 0

thats sounds so Fricking awsome i want one give me one now!!

Pure Gaming by drewmca · 2004-03-17 05:48 · Score: 1

Wow, all this from a company that defended its lack of a DVD player in the GC by saying it was purely a game machine. You don't need a dvd player!

Yeah, and I don't need a clamshell instant messenger, either.

Re:Pure Gaming by chrismcdirty · 2004-03-17 05:56 · Score: 3, Insightful

Perhaps it is included as a way to start a multiplayer gaming round. Maybe some people don't want to connect to just any person, they want to ask them first, and see how long they can play. They can use the instant messenger for that. And they can talk smack with it, too.

--
It's like sex, except I'm having it!
Re:Pure Gaming by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 06:06 · Score: 1, Insightful

I for one don't believe any of this crap from unnamed sources. Untill there is an official comment chances are just as good, or better, that none of the stuff reported will happen.
Re:Pure Gaming by DjMd · 2004-03-17 06:12 · Score: 1

I thought that the logic behind that was DVD players have to pay a fee to be able to play DVD's. Or is that no longer correct?

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DJMD - The fourth man - Planetary
Re:Pure Gaming by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 06:57 · Score: 1, Insightful

Don't you mean all this from CNN, who is the acme of video game analysis?

Nintendo has not released any statements yet, other than the dual screens.
Re:Pure Gaming by focitrixilous+P · 2004-03-17 10:22 · Score: 1

Heh, I liked the old days when you could speak directly to whoever you were owning on your gameboy because they were no more than 5 feet away. Those were the days... But with this two screened concept, you could message on one and game on the other. Ooooh... awesomest...

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SAILING MISHAP
Re:Pure Gaming by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 12:32 · Score: 1

"Wow, all this from a company that defended its lack of a DVD player in the GC by saying it was purely a game machine. You don't need a dvd player!"

For gaming, you don't. BTW, the GC is a NEWER machine than the PS2, and it's still $80 bucks cheaper. They were RIGHT.

"Yeah, and I don't need a clamshell instant messenger, either."

You're relating this to the DVD player? You've never chatted during Quake? I know for a fact you never have on a console. Meanwhile, everybody else is churning out new consoles with a graphic card upgrade.

Frankly, I'm curious about a portable with stylus capability. New interface == new gaming possibilities. Nintendo == company creative enough to make good use of these capabilities. (Incidently, the stylus bit is more important than the IM bit. IM is something that would be new to a game console though. It's just software.)

Maybe you should think about taking a little more time to understand the ramifications of the new 'features' before spouting off a knee-jerk "It does IM? Wtf?!?" comment. I don't care if you like the system or not, I just think you could have put a little more thought-time into it before spewing garbage.

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:Pure Gaming by drewmca · 2004-03-17 12:47 · Score: 1

You're missing my point. No, consoles didn't really need a DVD player but they were better for it. More features = better. DVD players are a lot cheaper now but when this round of consoles came out, they were more than the $50 difference between a GC and a PS2 or Xbox. Nintendo was taking a "our machine is a pure game machine!" stance, which was a red herring to distract you from the truth: They were cutting features to provide a lower cost.

I'm sure people will find a use for the instant chat and other crap that gets dumped into the DS. But if you're going to dump everything but the kitchen sink into a game machine, it looks a little hypocritical when you were lambasting your competitors for doing the same a few years prior.
Re:Pure Gaming by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 13:03 · Score: 1

"You're missing my point. No, consoles didn't really need a DVD player but they were better for
it."

No they weren't. Your own reply proves that.

"Nintendo was taking a "our machine is a pure game machine!" stance, which was a red herring to distract you from the truth: They were cutting features to provide a lower cost."

Bingo. And when Nintendo had that killer app (Zelda), they rocketed ahead. It's a lot easier to buy that killer game when the console doesn't cost much more than a game. But when a console's almost $200.. sorry, most will pass.

"But if you're going to dump everything but the kitchen sink into a game machine, it looks a little hypocritical when you were lambasting your competitors for doing the same a few years prior."

Eh? It's just software. They're adding a stylus and wireless communication to the system. That's not 'everything and the kitchen sink', that's gaming related stuff. (As opposed to DVD playing...) They wrote some code so you could IM. BFD. That's not adding a new feature at any real cost. If they added a keyboard for them to do IM, then yes, you might just have a point. But right now, you do not.

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:Pure Gaming by drewmca · 2004-03-17 13:15 · Score: 1

Please. A DVD player option wasn't useful to you. But it was to everyone else, who figured for an extra $50 they'd get one for free. They weren't cheap then. It's not a must have feature but it was (and still is) a nice freebie. I'd say a lot more people watch movies than chat over IM.

The point is not that Nintendo didn't have a DVD player. That's fine if they chose that. Their console was $50 less. But at the time, they were taking a very arrogant stance about it: "This is a pure game machine; it doesn't need a DVD!".

My point was that they're putting a lot of stuff into this machine that isn't purely necessary from a gaming standpoint but might be nice to have. That's all. That makes their previous stance hypocritical.

Oh, as far as the kitchen sink goes:
-wireless: it's not just software. You need hardware, obviously, to pick up a signal
-stylus: not only is this hardware, but it also requires a touch-sensitive screen. Again, not strictly necessary for gaming but nice I suppose if you're going to use a stylus
-keyboard

That's a lot more than a "pure gaming machine" needs. Not bad to have, and I'm all for extra features, but again, it's silly hearing it coming from Nintendo considering their attitude around the GC launch.

But please, keep arguing if you'd like. I'm sure Nintendo will give you a discount for your fierce loyalty.
Re:Pure Gaming by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 14:06 · Score: 2, Insightful

"Please. A DVD player option wasn't useful to you. But it was to everyone else, who figured for an extra $50 they'd get one for free. They weren't cheap then"

Yes, they were more expensive. I remember that. I even personally considered getting one for that. However, at best, it caused an interest in the system when there were no interesting launch titles for it. Now Sony's paying for it. The extra $50 or so is making the PS2 the most expensive yet least powerful system. Nintendo's strategy is paying off. The question is, whether it did for Sony. Did the DVD player feature of the PS2 sell many units? Personally, I don't think so. I think it was the expectation that there'd be a zillion games for it. That came true. So people are happy.

"I'd say a lot more people watch movies than chat over IM."

Heh. Okay. The difference is that IM can be part of the gaming experience.

"The point is not that Nintendo didn't have a DVD player. That's fine if they chose that. Their console was $50 less. But at the time, they were taking a very arrogant stance about it: "This is a pure game machine; it doesn't need a DVD!"."

That's arrogance? It's true! And they've provided a console for a LOT less than a PS2. If Nintendo had gone with a DVD based system, the price would be about where Sony is right now. Nintendo would be #3 instead of #2. Arrogant? More like "correct'.

The real issue here is that you are trying to paint Nintendo as being hypocritical. Sorry, they're not. Wireless Communications == multiplayer gaming. (Notice how most modern consoles have 4 controller ports now? Gee, I wonder who started that?) Stylus == More sophisticated input device. This isn't a gaming need? A touch screen wouldn't widen the bredth of gaming availalbe on this machine? IM == Chat with other players. That's not a gaming need?

Use your imagination man.

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:Pure Gaming by Anonvmous+Coward · 2004-03-17 14:20 · Score: 1

"But please, keep arguing if you'd like. I'm sure Nintendo will give you a discount for your fierce loyalty. "

I have never seen anybody on the winning side of a debate say "You must financially benefit from the company you are supporting." Isn't that a variant of Godwin's Law?
Re:Pure Gaming by buffer-overflowed · 2004-03-17 16:41 · Score: 1

Please. A DVD player option wasn't useful to you. But it was to everyone else, who figured for an extra $50 they'd get one for free. They weren't cheap then.

Generalization, DVDs weren't as ubiquitous then. Why VHS sections in stores were still far bigger than DVD sections! Also, $50 isn't free, it's $50. 50 > 0.

The point is not that Nintendo didn't have a DVD player. That's fine if they chose that. Their console was $50 less. But at the time, they were taking a very arrogant stance about it: "This is a pure game machine; it doesn't need a DVD!".

And nothing you've brought up in anyway contradicts that the DS is a "pure gaming machine." Plus, it's all mindless speculation. The three things we know for sure about the DS are: It has 2 processors, 2 backlit screens (vertically stacked), and it's carts hold up to 128MB.

Oh, as far as the kitchen sink goes:
-wireless: it's not just software. You need hardware, obviously, to pick up a signal

Wireless has gaming applications. Many gaming applications. Eliminates the need for an add on adapter and lets you play with anyone within 150 feet. Can also be used to connect to the present generation of Nintendo handhelds/consoles and connect to the next generation as well. All without an adapter and at a remarkably low cost for Nintendo.

-stylus: not only is this hardware, but it also requires a touch-sensitive screen. Again, not strictly necessary for gaming but nice I suppose if you're going to use a stylus

A stylus is 5 cents worth of plastic, and a touchscreen has numerous gaming applications.

-keyboard

Not even the wildest of speculators have said the DS would have a keyboard.

That's a lot more than a "pure gaming machine" needs. Not bad to have, and I'm all for extra features, but again, it's silly hearing it coming from Nintendo considering their attitude around the GC launch.

You obviously are not a very creative person, or too bound up in something other than gaming to think of all the possibilities this featureset would provide (to games no less).

But please, keep arguing if you'd like. I'm sure Nintendo will give you a discount for your fierce loyalty.

Hah. This little zinger helps your argument how?

Do I get a discount now?

--
The key to the enjoyment of pop music is to replace any instance of "love" with "C.H.U.D."
Re:Pure Gaming by Zangief · 2004-03-18 07:46 · Score: 1

You're missing my point. No, consoles didn't really need a DVD player but they were better for it. More features = better. DVD players are a lot cheaper now but when this round of consoles came out, they were more than the $50 difference between a GC and a PS2 or Xbox. Nintendo was taking a "our machine is a pure game machine!" stance, which was a red herring to distract you from the truth: They were cutting features to provide a lower cost.

They were selling a pure game machine. The lack of DVD playing not only cut on price, but also on piracy, which is rampant on the other two systems.

However, is clear that the PS2 sold more due to DVD playing. The games available for it sucked for at least six months after launch.

I'm sure people will find a use for the instant chat and other crap that gets dumped into the DS. But if you're going to dump everything but the kitchen sink into a game machine, it looks a little hypocritical when you were lambasting your competitors for doing the same a few years prior.

Instant messaging can be useful for gaming, at least for matchmaking, and even for playing. Have you ever played a PC game online?

And if you look at the specifications for the PSP, the DS again looks like the pure gaming machine.

I think that the DS will be marketed as a high end portable machine, to cut market from the PSP. As such is a great idea.

too much? by eoyount · 2004-03-17 05:57 · Score: 1

Jack of all trades, master of none? Convergence strikes again.

--
To understand recursion,
you must first understand recursion.

Re:too much? by NanoGator · 2004-03-17 12:47 · Score: 1

"Jack of all trades, master of none? Convergence strikes again."

Putting a stylus in it makes it a jack of all trades? Dontch'a think it's a little eary for observations like that?

--
"Derp de derp."
Re:too much? by eoyount · 2004-03-18 02:27 · Score: 1

No, read the list of features. I think wireless connectivity, movie playback, touch screen, instant messaging, etc. makes it a jack of all trades.

--
To understand recursion,
you must first understand recursion.

Photos by RevAaron · 2004-03-17 05:59 · Score: 1

Where are the photos? A gaming magazine had photos of the Nintendo DS recently, but I've not seen them surface anywhere online. A buddy of mine works at a gas station, and in his many bored hours reads many of the rags they stock. I saw thems myself, but when I went in again on Monday to buy it so I could make scans, the issue was gone, replaced by a new edition. I'm going nuts- I wish I would've bought the thing right then and there- but I figured someone would have scans up by now...

Grr!

--

Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad

Re:Photos by robbway · 2004-03-17 08:24 · Score: 3, Informative

The Photos were in the current issue of GMR, currently linked to the EBWorld EDGE club. Under the picture, it said "artists concept only." It was fake, but it wasn't trying to mislead.
Re:Photos by Marc_Hawke · 2004-03-17 10:58 · Score: 2, Interesting

DS Mock-Up / Bounty

This magazine (see link) is offering a bounty for photos. They put up their own Mock-up. I say it looks good, but it needs about a ton more buttons. 2 was insane for the GBA, let alone the generation after.

--
--Welcome to the Realm of the Hawke--

Enough is Enough! by BigDork1001 · 2004-03-17 06:07 · Score: 1

Wow they just keep lumping stuff into this thing. I've always valued Nintendo because their products focus on the games and nothing else. This seems to be going away from it.

Not to say I am not gonna give this a try just because. I wait patiently for the reviews and I do hope that it is something great. Nintendo has rarely disappointed me and I sure hope this is no different.

--
"Armed forces abroad are of little value unless there is prudent counsel at home" - Cicero

Re:I just love it when nintendo lies! :-) by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 06:50 · Score: 0

Too bad you don't know the difference between an official statement and some CNN bullshitalysts.

Dumbass.

This wasn't an official announcement by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 06:51 · Score: 1, Insightful

Everything you listed (other than the simple existence of the DS) is simply rumours right now.

Re:This wasn't an official announcement by AzraelKans · 2004-03-17 10:24 · Score: 1

Hmm.. you are partially correct however these ones are official statements.. and well.. you be the judge.
"we will not make a handheld or a console but something different"

the DS is not going to be the succesor of the gameboy"

The DS IS a handheld, the DS WILL compete on the same market than the GBA. Nintendo has and will have more support for the DS than for the GBA

We still dont know 100% about:

"We are going to battle sony on the Price (our products will be cheaper)"

"We are not trying to compete with the PSP (our product wont look or act like the PSP)"

Let's be honest, Nintendo IS competing with the PSP, if they can offer the same features than their competitor in a handheld why they wouldn't do it? anyway lets grand them the benefit of the doubt and wait for results, but so far their PR statements are quite below accurate.

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Go ahead MOD my day!
More opinions here
Re:This wasn't an official announcement by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 12:57 · Score: 0

Just like how ferraries compete with geo metros??

PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by Man+In+Black · 2004-03-17 06:57 · Score: 5, Insightful

At first, I was going to go on a rant about how all I want is a game system, none of this instant messaging, movie playing etc... but then I read the line about it only having A and B buttons!

For Gods sake Nintendo: PUT MORE THAN TWO FACE BUTTONS ON YOUR HANDHELD! Seriously! One of the biggest problems with the GBA in my opinion is that there simply aren't enough buttons to do proper ports of SNES games. I know Nintendo wants to make games simpler and all, but this is only going to hurt the possibilities! Forget about that second D-Pad and give me X and Y buttons!

--
-"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." -EH

Re:PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by KBV · 2004-03-17 07:12 · Score: 1

Wasn't it Hiroshi Yamauchi-San who said that all good games should only have to use one button and one directional pad?

But I'm with you, I still don't understand why Nintendo left the X and Y button out of the machine.

--
Simply retarded
Re:PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by FroBugg · 2004-03-17 07:18 · Score: 1

Definitely agreeing with you there.

I'd be especially thrilled if they made the face button layout on the GBA like that on the GC controller, with the different sizes and shapes.
Re:PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 07:20 · Score: 0

Don't worry, according to the leaked specs, Nintendo is considering adding the X and Y buttons, and chances are good that they will indeed add them.
Re:PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by Ayaress · 2004-03-17 07:33 · Score: 1

Existing GBASP, plus two extra buttons (SNES style) on the controller=perfect.

Second screen and wireless multiplayer is one thing, but the IM, email, dayplanner, phone, canopener, nail file, and litter box cleaner they can keep.
Re:PLEASE give us more than two buttons! by Marc_Hawke · 2004-03-17 10:53 · Score: 1

More buttons.

I say on the face you have a D-pad, on one side, then 4 buttons on the other side. (lay them out somewhat like a cross (PS style) so it can pretend to be another dpad in a pinch.)

Then, have the PDA style buttons on the side...maybe those scroll wheel button thingies, one on each side.

Here's the trick. You SOFTWARE doesn't have to use 100 different buttons. Only use one button if you want. But make your console (or handheld) have as many buttons as you can comfortable fit on just in-case there's ever a need for them.

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--Welcome to the Realm of the Hawke--

Marketing Machine by chrismcdirty · 2004-03-17 07:04 · Score: 3, Insightful

Say what you will about Nintendo's inept marketing department, but they've got it right this time. Analysts are creaming over what this thing will do. Look at all of the free publicity that's come by simply announcing the product and the fact that it has two screens.

--
It's like sex, except I'm having it!

Here's my cash by swat_r2 · 2004-03-17 07:27 · Score: 1

I'll be buying one. I held out on purchasing a Gameboy Advance until last December, and out of all my consoles I think it's one of the most amazing. Hard to explain why, I should be jaded with all the 3D graphical powerhouses I'm surrounded by - but the GBA has tons of charm, just throw in Wario Ware, FFTA, or Metroid Zero Mission and you'll see why.

Bring it on Nintendo! (just make it affordable will ya?)

Wild Speculation by funny-jack · 2004-03-17 07:33 · Score: 3, Interesting

As long as we're posting wild speculation and rumors, why not take a look at this *achem* "mock-up" of the DS?

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You probably shouldn't click this.

Re:Wild Speculation by Morgon · 2004-03-17 08:10 · Score: 1

I can't see that being the design - it just screams "break me", with the two ends on the table and the middle in the air - all it takes is someone using it as a stabilizer if they're off-balance and *CRACK* -- your own personal little non-functional Triforce in 3 convenient pieces.

Nintendo hasn't really been one to keep hazards like that in design specs.

--
[DISCLAIMER: This post is a work of satire and should not be misconstrued as a holy text upon which to base a religion.]
Re:Wild Speculation by omega9 · 2004-03-17 08:58 · Score: 1

Read the last paragraph in that article:

"... We're betting that the real thing will be just as good as these designs."

But they did happen to get their mits on a pic of Xbox-2!

--
I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.
Re:Wild Speculation by Pizzop · 2004-03-17 09:36 · Score: 1

damn, that looks cool as hell. The concept really reminds me of the use of a GBA w/ FF:CC, but the Pokemon games might become a larger part of my collection if they look that sweet.

--
How to Speak Leet

Weird how they can just make shit up by ArmpitMan · 2004-03-17 08:16 · Score: 5, Funny

Hello, I am an analyst.

The Nintendo DS will have wireless multiplayer! And instant messaging! And a stylus, and handwriting recognition!

And of course, backwards-compatibility with the Gamecube, with the second screen acting as connected GBA! (Why do you think they made the Gamecube discs so small?)

Also, they are porting the three Zelda games created for the Philips CD-I to the DS, and releasing them exclusively, one-game-per-box, with new systems!

The OS is going to be an open-source BSD variant!

It'll have a built-in hard drive like an iPod, and the games will be distributed from wireless point-of-sale terminals in stores!

It actually has seven screens! Nintendo's just fucking with you!

Anonymous sources from Nintendo tell me that it comes with its own remote-controlled robot with speech recognition! Nintendo feels this provides "unique game design opportunities."

The Nintendo DS will give you the power to fly! Like Superman!

Imagine a Beowulf cluster of these!

Re:Weird how they can just make shit up by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-17 08:44 · Score: 0

The only post worth a +5 funny in quite a while, and no one has modded shit to it.

This post actually made me laugh out loud.
Re:Weird how they can just make shit up by thebosz · 2004-03-17 09:26 · Score: 1

Ah... if only I had mod points.
Funniest. Post. Ever.

--
The Kerr Divine: My wife's battle with a mysterious illness.

Gameboy Evolution by robbway · 2004-03-17 08:32 · Score: 0

Gameboy changes a lot. Almost every year they bring out a new system. If not a new system, then new colors, brighter screen, whatever.

Gameboy advance was out almost a year when GBA SP came out. I was turned off by GBA because of the hard-to-see screen. The change to SP was probably a necessity.

Almost a year has gone by now, meaning a change in the Gameboy is in order. They're already offering the funky colors. I expect it to be another Gameboy, but they'll have to stop including earlier compatibility.

The folding screen design lends itself to many interesting gaming concepts. "L" shape for a pseudo-3D platform, Inverted "V" shape for a versus game, Flat for a wide-screen-like playfield, and dare I say it, flat with a mirror attachment for cheap 3D color.

Another "photo" by omega9 · 2004-03-17 09:09 · Score: 1

I'm not claiming this is real, just a picture that I thought you might enjoy.

--
I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.

Re:Another "photo" by Marc_Hawke · 2004-03-17 17:01 · Score: 1

More mockups

Another from the first place

mockups from Lik-sang

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--Welcome to the Realm of the Hawke--

Re:I just love it when nintendo lies! :-) by AzraelKans · 2004-03-17 11:18 · Score: 1

Flamebait????
My life is complete.
Seriously guys, I wasnt talking about the ARTICLE as an official statement. I was talking about other "official statements" that turned out to be false. (such as Nintendo not working in a handheld) and others that aparently could be false (Obviously the article should be taken with a lot of salt ) and I was making fun of that period.

For the record I wasnt flame baiting. I honestly believe what I said and I support it

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Go ahead MOD my day!
More opinions here

Sounds familiar... by Cutriss · 2004-03-17 13:20 · Score: 2, Interesting

There will be two flipper controls, two directional pads, and an 'A' and 'B' button.

Interesting that this describes the Virtual Boy *exactly*.

Sounds like some "industry analyst" is playing a joke.

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"Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."

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