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IGN Manhandles the DS

Posted by Zonk on from the i-hope-they-wore-gloves-for-the-touching dept.

Thanks to IGN, who wrote "The Nintendo DS is being prepared to ship out to retailers for its November 21st launch. We were able to get our hands on the final, boxed units two weeks before the system's official release date, and we wasted no time ripping the packaging to shreds to show you exactly what you get in the box."

69 comments

  1. The DS. by readpunk · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The real question is, are we going to get Final Fantasy on the bloody thing and if so is it going to be a crappy one or something on par with FF4/6/7?

    --

    ./revolution
    1. Re:The DS. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Final Fantasy III is going to be on there. Probably the best of the NES ones.

    2. Re:The DS. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      FF1/2 are soon to be released for GBA.

      No word on DS.

    3. Re:The DS. by JimmehAH · · Score: 3, Informative

      DS has GBA compatibility.

    4. Re:The DS. by FroBugg · · Score: 1

      There's going to be an iteration of Crystal Chronicles for DS. Not just a port, but I don't know anything beyond that. I'm sure that's not what you're looking for, though.

    5. Re:The DS. by incom · · Score: 1

      FF3(nes) is being heavily reworked and ported to the DS, and there is a FF:Crystal Chronicles game for DS as well. And then there's 1&2(nes) coming for GBA.

      --
      True genius is grasping a situation like a peice of fruit, and peircing it just right so that it drains dry.
    6. Re:The DS. by Collision891 · · Score: 1

      im pretty sure though that FF3 for DS has still not been announced in North America, and i dont expect it to since the original never came to North America either

    7. Re:The DS. by SScorpio · · Score: 1

      Even if it is the Japanese FF3 Nes and not the US FF3 SNES (Japanease was FF6), I'd be surprised if it doesn't come out in the US. The Japanese FF2 (NES) and FF5 (SNES) never originally came out in the US; however, they both came out as PSX remakes, and a new soon to be released GBA release of FF1 & FF2.

    8. Re:The DS. by incom · · Score: 1

      Well, it looks like the NA interest is there, and it follows thier current trends, so I'd be surprised if it didn't come over.

      --
      True genius is grasping a situation like a peice of fruit, and peircing it just right so that it drains dry.
  2. Thumbstrap? by Gehenna_Gehenna · · Score: 5, Insightful

    That thumb strap thing looks like a great idea. At first I wasn't sure about the whole stylus-shooter combo, but the whole thumb strap idea looks like it would work really well.

    --

  3. Not everyone is happy with Nintendo, funny stuff! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sounds like Nintendo has their priorities and it doesn't include newspapers.

  4. DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by chocobratz · · Score: 1

    Does the GBA compatibility means it is also compatible with pre GBA games? (ie color and regular flavors of game boy games).

    Is there a limit on backwards compatibility? that is, without having extra cartdrige ports.

    1. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by Babbster · · Score: 4, Informative

      From what I've read, the backwards compatibility of the DS stops at GBA, so GB and GBC games are being left behind.

    2. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sorry, GBA only. I don't know what the reason for that is. Maybe Nintendo didn't want the added cost of a built in Z80 core or maybe they didn't want to add the extra electronics to make the thing work at 5V (the GBA worked at 3V).

    3. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by Sargondai · · Score: 2, Informative

      Not only that, but it is *not* compatible with multi-player GBA games.

      I was really hoping to play those over the wireless connection. Ah well.

    4. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by Fred+Or+Alive · · Score: 1

      Plus the added bonus that customers will have to buy there games again for the new system! Nintendo seem to be the king of recycling. ;-)

      I wonder when Link's Awakening DS is comming out...

      (Although Sega do quite a bit as well, as much as I like them)

      I think the GB compatibility on the GBA is supposed to be one chip (and a switch to detect the cartridge type[1]), but we're talking about Nintendo, they also do things as cheaply (and with the minimum power) as possible.

      [1] I think the DS will / is be physically keyed, if you look there's a notch on either side of the GBA carts that isn't there on original carts, this is used on the GBA to detect original carts through a switch, but it also means you can make it impossible to fit original carts in a new system if needed.

      --
      10 PRINT "LOOK AROUND YOU ";
      20 GOTO 10
    5. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by FroBugg · · Score: 2, Informative

      Well, existing multiplayer GBA games aren't compatible with the new GBA wireless adapter (Pokemon Fire/Leaf and the new Mario Golf are the only ones I'm aware of that use it). Nintendo's got a history of being slightly annoying in that department, but being able to play the GBA games at all is good enough for me.

    6. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by kcb93x · · Score: 1

      All these other posts are making me wonder. I've taken a original GB game and stuck it in my GBA SP, with no problems. So they've dropped support. Heh.

      Not suprised, since I've seen original NES games and such made for the GBA.

      --
      There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
    7. Re:DS=GBA...=GBC=GB? by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Will someone have to create a "port" of the Super Game Boy to the DS, and more like a Game Boy Color emu?

      Actually, an ARM is capable enough - why not just a GameShark-like device that has a GBC emulator, and runs on the DS (or would it be cheaper to just make it for the GBA - it won't be used on it, but less complex coding for the DS?)

  5. Eh. by deemaunik · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I haven't seen a good reason to get a DS yet. SP's are smaller, lighter, and I don't see many improvements in the DS over it. Ooo. Touch screen. Ooo. Two screens. More to look at and distract me. Unless a new RPG is released on it that won't run on an SP, I'm sticking with what I have. I'm entirely satisfied with my little black SP. :) What do you guys think?

    1. Re:Eh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What do you guys think?

      I think that Nintendo wants people to buy this so they will start releasing some really cool games that only run on the DS, not on the SP. I was thinking about getting an SP but now I am holding off. Nintendo is most definately going to release some cool DS only games within the next year.

    2. Re:Eh. by Schnarl · · Score: 1

      I think that the DS is probably too big to carry around easily. May as well stick with an SP, or even an ngage qd. Convienience goes a long way.

    3. Re:Eh. by Sargondai · · Score: 3, Funny

      Personally, the killer feature for me is the wireless connectivity. I'd be just as excited for a GBA-SP with this (and the souped up graphics capability).

      That said, the main reason I will have to get one of these is Animal Crossing. No longer will I have to wait at home on Saturday nights! Now, I'll be able to whip out my DS in between songs at the club! Woohoo! :)

    4. Re:Eh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      SP's are smaller, lighter, and I don't see many improvements in the DS over it.

      How about backlighting? The original GBA was impossible to see; SP has a frontlight that's better but still pretty crap; DS has a backlight, which means you'll finally be able to see what's happening properly in all lighting conditions.

      That's good enough for me.

    5. Re:Eh. by Fred+Or+Alive · · Score: 1

      It's the Gimmick Boy. :-)

      I'm also sticking with an SP, partly becuase I don't play it that much, so it isn't worth getting a new handheld console.

      Although a good RPG might pursaude me as well, but I've stilll got a load to try on the GBA...

      --
      10 PRINT "LOOK AROUND YOU ";
      20 GOTO 10
    6. Re:Eh. by ircubic · · Score: 1, Informative

      I haven't gotten a new handheld console since the GBA came out, so I'll be skipping the SP and moving right to DS.
      What tickles my fancy is the dual screen setup, the better graphics, the wireless connectivity, the touchscreen and the standard backlight(finally!).
      Also, of course, all those games that will come out for DS that you won't be able to play on an SP/GBA. If you get a DS you can play all the nifty DS games that will most likely come out, while still retaining the ability to play that nifty GBA game that you might want without any major setbacks(unless you're a multiplayer whore :P). Not so if you stick to the SP/GBA.
      These are my reasons only, though.

    7. Re:Eh. by SetupWeasel · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If you don't see now how they can be used, I can understand not getting it when it comes out. But when games like "Yoshi's Touch and Go" are released in the states people will start to see that the DS will be able to play games that weren't possible before.

      I think that is why I'm getting it on day one. Every other console has been an incremental improvement on another console or arcade machine. The DS is different, truly different, and I yearn for that sort of freshness in video games again.

    8. Re:Eh. by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      What lighting is the SP hard to see in?

      I find that in the sun it is much easier to see then a laptop. especialy in a mixed sun/dark situation (under a tree).

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
    9. Re:Eh. by MyDixieWrecked · · Score: 1

      yeah, decent RPGs are what I'm gonna hold out for, too, although, I think that may be hard. Made in wario DS looks GOOD. I got a chance to play Mawaru: Made in wario 2 for the GBA and I gotta get that game as soon as I have the $ and I beat zelda2 (I never beat it when I was a wee lad).

      the last videogame system I bought was the turbografix16 (and CD) until I got my SP. I gotta say, though, that it got me back into gaming. I thought the days of console (handheld or otherwise) were over, but damn, I love my SP. the DS, hopefully, will take me to the next level... but the PSP is calling my name too...

      let's see which has better titles.

      --



      ...spike
      Ewwwwww, coconut...
    10. Re:Eh. by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      I found the exact opposite. In direct sunlight, both the GBA and the GBA SP are impossible to see, and not even for glare. They're just easily washed out.

    11. Re:Eh. by JFMulder · · Score: 1

      Then you probably won't mind if I tell you that Square is porting the original NES Final Fantasy 3 to it.

      From what I see on ebGames. Games are going to be priced relatively the same as current GBA games. It won't hurt to get a DS in a few months since it's likely you'll want to buy a DS game soon, and it will play all your old GBA games (not GB or GBC tough).

    12. Re:Eh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let me guess: you bought a Virtual Boy, too, didn't you?

    13. Re:Eh. by FriedTurkey · · Score: 1

      Turn off the light with the "Sun" button in the center. It is a lot better.

    14. Re:Eh. by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      No, though my brothers did own a Game Gear.

    15. Re:Eh. by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      Tried that (I turn off the light whenever I'm not using it.) I ended up having to tuck the SP into my shirt to make SURE the light was off, since it made so little difference.

    16. Re:Eh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Every new feature is always a gimmick, until it shows all the naysayers how myopic their grasp of gaming evolution is (or doesn't, and falls by the wayside).

      Tell the fanboys and haters: It's a little early to go on an anti-DS campaign just because not everyone knows how to understand the thing yet. In terms of potential, it's the best thing in its market.

  6. Maybe not now, but soon... by PhoenixOne · · Score: 4, Insightful
    If you are not an "early adopter" then your are probably safe for a while. But the duel screen design with touch interface almost begs for new RPG games. Put the action in the top window and have the bottom window handle dialog trees, spell lists, inventory, etc.

    Give it a few months until the second generation of games come out. If you are lucky, they will reduce the price a few bucks before the right RPG for you comes out. :)

    --
    Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!
    1. Re:Maybe not now, but soon... by Drantin · · Score: 1

      dual, very different from duel.... unless the only games you play are pokemon ones...

      --
      Actio personalis moritur cum persona. (Dead men don't sue)
    2. Re:Maybe not now, but soon... by arose · · Score: 1

      Stylus fencing! Even misspellings can produce game ideas.

      --
      Analogies don't equal equalities, they are merely somewhat analogous.
    3. Re:Maybe not now, but soon... by rubberbando · · Score: 1

      If you are not an "early adopter" then your are probably safe for a while. But the duel screen design with touch interface almost begs for new RPG games.

      Not just RPG games, it also begs for some RTS games. Stylus control and wireless for multiplayer. *drool*

      --
      DEAD DEAD DEAD DELETE ME
    4. Re:Maybe not now, but soon... by PhoenixOne · · Score: 1
      > dual, very different from duel....

      Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!

      --
      Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!
  7. Re:*shrug?* by superpulpsicle · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    According to Newsweek magazine, Sony has announced a PSP price of US $194.00. That gives me officially ZERO reasons to get the DS. The fact that PSP can be an mp3 player means the world. And the next person that saids PSP is limited to a 128MB flashcard has no idea what Sony's up to.

  8. Hmmm by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I wonder how the OS is implemented?

    Can it be hacked to support Skype I wonder?

    Someone get on this!

    And don't do it like what I had to do to my Xbox.

    I wouldn't have gotten Live but it pisses me off that now I can't.

    Maintain Game compatibility but get skype on that mofo!

    1. Re:Hmmm by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      My guess is it wouldn't be too hard, except there's no mic.

      I'd rather see a web browser, myself. It's got integrated WiFi, and it's got a touchscreen (I'm thinking PictoChat-like OSK).

    2. Re:Hmmm by Dicky · · Score: 1
      My guess is it wouldn't be too hard, except there's no mic.

      Except, of course... there is a mic... One of the things which has been touted for the DS is voice recognition - I don't know how well that might work, but apparently at least one of the 'launch' games (Feel the Magic) uses the mic...

      --
      Paranoia isn't an infectious condition, it's a way of life
    3. Re:Hmmm by bhtooefr · · Score: 1

      Oh, mod me down then ;-)

      I RTFA'd, but I didn't see anything about a mic. My guess is a Skype client wouldn't be that hard, but isn't Skype closed source? It'd be a little harder, then, but not bad.

    4. Re:Hmmm by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

      Gnome isn't really like windows CE it's a resource hog from my experience.

      When they mod something to run Linux does it usually come with Gnome? Are their multiple distro's? Or is there a precompiled distro for the hardware in question?

      I know these things all use standardized chips...

  9. Nintendo XP by LTB_Enterprises · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Any time players adjust any setting on the Nintendo DS, the system will prompt users to shut down the system. I figure this is Nintendo playing it safe so that people don't lose their data." So this is what Windows was up to all that time! Change the time, machine shuts down. Change screensaver, machine shuts down. Open application, machine shuts down. I guess that they were just too busy to give you the warning before it does it.

  10. Dual Screen of death? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But does it still crash more than Windows 95?

  11. Re:*shrug?* by jkeyes · · Score: 4, Insightful

    And the next person that says (the word is says, saids is not a word nor has it ever been one) PSP is limited to a 128MB flashcard has no idea what Sony's up to.

    Oh but ye who posts on slashdot games who is obviously trolling in a Nintendo story knows everything Sony is going to do, right?

  12. Looks very good by SunofMan · · Score: 1

    When I first heard Nintendo was going to make a dual screen handheld, I laughed (and cried). It's looking really good, though, from what I've seen. You gotta give it to Nintendo...they know the handheld market. Sony's PSP looks great too, but the short battery life makes me wonder whether it'll be useful as a handheld and not a 'console replacement (TM)'.

    1. Re:Looks very good by Headcase88 · · Score: 1

      I agree, the PSP is too much like a console. With handheld I want to be able to play simple games, not watch FMV clips. The touch screen on the DS is an all right idea, but I still feel that two screens could be annoying to look at. I'm guessing this is going to be a tight battle. Anyone want to guess the results from a sales standpoint?

      --
      "When the atomic bomb goes off there's devastation...but when the atomic bong goes off there's celebraaaaation!"
    2. Re:Looks very good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No worries. Displaying FMV on the PSP would drain too much battery, so it's not happening anyway :D

  13. Re:*shrug?* by jjsoh · · Score: 2, Interesting

    That's interesting because if the NDS retails for $149, then that would officially give me 45 reasons for not getting the PSP; a difference in savings that could be better applied towards a new game. Also, the reports of a less than stellar battery life of the PSP would be another strike against it.

  14. Re:*shrug?* by Phudman · · Score: 1
    That's just the price of the base PSP system. All you get with that is a system and power supply. The value system, which adds a memory stick, headphones, and a soft protective case, will cost between $229-$249. I'm guessing that an extra battery would be most likely be needed, so add to that price and the PSP gets closer to twice the DS price.

    IGN's PSP FAQ page - http://psp.ign.com/articles/513/513175p1.html?from int=1#release

  15. Re:*shrug?* by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

    Actually, if you include the costs of non-volatile memory (PSP only) and a game you have even more reasons. Games are 20 bucks less on the DS and yu don't need a memory stick/card/whatever.

    --
    Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  16. Gamecube connectivity by JFMulder · · Score: 2, Interesting

    What I'd like to know is if the DS can be connected to the Game Cube just like you can connect a GBA. I've seen no reviews so far that says so.

    1. Re:Gamecube connectivity by wheresdrew · · Score: 1
      It can't. There's no GBA link port on the DS, so linking up with the Gamecube isn't going to happen.

      Now, if they built the DS flavor of wireless into their next console....

    2. Re:Gamecube connectivity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Er, or into a GameCube-connectable "dongle"...

    3. Re:Gamecube connectivity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nintendo said it would not be.

      Possibilites are still open for the DS, though.

    4. Re:Gamecube connectivity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      *slaps head*

      I meant the Revolution, not the DS.

      I previewed and everything!

  17. Top 5 Reasons the DS is better than a girlfriend by Axis+of+Weasel · · Score: 0

    you can touch the ds all you want your ds doesnt get mad when you use it to talk to other ds's you dont mind buying accessories for your ds if it gets too noisy you can turn your ds off your ds wont make other mini ds's 9 months after you play with it. although that would be nice and profitable.

    --

    this sig has been discontinued.
  18. Re:Top 5 Reasons the DS is better than a girlfrien by Axis+of+Weasel · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    must learn to preview and/or format...

    1. you can touch the ds all you want your ds

    2. doesnt get mad when you use it to talk to other ds's

    3.you dont mind buying accessories for your ds

    4.if it gets too noisy you can turn your ds off

    5.your ds wont make other mini ds's 9 months after you play with it. although that would be nice and profitable

    --

    this sig has been discontinued.
  19. Tight Battle? Hear What MS Has to Say... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Hear What MS Has to Say About the Upcoming Handheld Battle

  20. Re:DS fanboys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And then realize that the PSP can only play those movies for 15 minutes to a half an hour at a go. Remember the 45 minute battery life that was A. only for optimized games and B. "somewhat overstated"? Sorry, no thank you, but I'd rather not have to recharge my batteries 4+ times for one goddamn movie.

  21. Re:DS fanboys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The battery life is 4-5 hours for movies, 4-6 for games you fucking troll