New DS Design revealed....

[OutlawAdidas]

It seems that Nintendo will be showing off the redesigned DS next week.


A number of independent sources have suggested that a redesigned version of Nintendo's DS console will be unveiled next week, with new more compact hardware expected to replace dwindling stocks of the current system.

Rumours of a redesigned DS have been circulating for several months, but received a boost last month when Japanese magazine Famitsu reported that a Nintendo hardware redesign was in the pipeline - which instantly suggests the DS, since the GameCube is to be replaced by the backwards-compatible Revolution later this year, and the GBA was redesigned as the Game Boy Micro only a few months ago.

Nintendo's US marketing manager Reggie Fils-Aime also confirmed late last year that a redesign of the DS was on the cards, and now leading Hong Kong based videogames import retailer Lik-Sang has reported that the new hardware will be unveiled on Monday in Japan.

Lik-Sang's report ties in with comments made by a Japanese retail source who spoke to GamesIndustry.biz this week, saying that stock levels of the Nintendo DS continue to be low in the wake of the console selling out over the New Year period, but that Nintendo representatives have advised them that a major announcement will be made shortly.

UK retailers we spoke to this afternoon, however, claimed to have heard no information from Nintendo regarding any imminent redesign or change to the Nintendo DS strategy in this territory, but were aware of persistent rumours of redesigned hardware, with one saying that he had heard from a major publisher that a new DS would be on shelves worldwide "by E3 at the latest" - referring to the major industry trade show which takes place in mid-May.

The move would make strategic sense for Nintendo, which has sold over 13 million units of the Nintendo DS worldwide in the past year, and is believed to have fairly low levels of stock of the existing hardware in the retail channel in most of its major markets at present.

It also ties in with the company's past behaviour - the GBA SP, a major redesign to the Game Boy Advance hardware, was also pushed into the marketplace early in the new year to capitalise on the low stocks of existing hardware after the holiday season.

Nintendo itself has yet to comment on the rumours, and is unlikely to do so until an official announcement is made in Japan next week.

[dementia]

Typical Nintendo. Waiting until after the Holiday Season a couple of weeks into January (after stores return policies expire) to introduce improved handheld hardware. This exact thing happened with the GBA SP.

Regardless, I'm glad I held off on buying a DS last year. I'll likely purchase a DS v.2.

[Gilly]

I'm glad I didn't buy one yet.
Can't wait to see what it looks like.

[Vishus]

Better position than Nokia.

[Teh Roxor!]

...crap.

Well, at least I have a well paying job now. Around $150 wouldn't hurt too much.

[Mathx]

Typical Nintendo. Waiting until after the Holiday Season a couple of weeks into January (after stores return policies expire) to introduce improved handheld hardware. This exact thing happened with the GBA SP.

I still prefer my old GBA over GBA SP, I doubt that I'd get the new DS, unless it has a really awsome new add on like a harddrive or a much longer WiFi range, like 100 yards...

[Vishus]

If you spent $15 for the rechargeable pak and $30 for the backlight I would have accepted the original GBA. The only thing is the sleep mode.

[Teh Roxor!]

Well, I would buy a new one if it were in fact smaller. The DS is rather large when compared to the GBASP, and is sometimes uncomfortable to have in my pocket.

I'm thinking a new design will probably sacrifice GBA compatibility for the sake of size.

If I got a new one, I could give my regular one to my mother or sister. They are always playing with it anyway.

[Zeep]

I'm thinking a new design will probably sacrifice GBA compatibility for the sake of size.
I highly doubt it. Not only is that one of the system's key selling points (and removing a feature for an 'upgrade' would be stupid), but the GBA slot is also used to DS accessories. Sure so far it's only the rumble pak (and the Band Brothers expansion pak in Japan), but other games in the future could use other accessories.

[Phoenix]

I think now that the DS has started to become its own system with a good library, it's capable of succeding without GBA compatability as a selling point. It wouldn't be the wisest choice in my opinion, but it wouldn't be earth shattering.

But whatever. It's too soon to start on this thing. The DS has barely been out a year, and it's a very good design. But if it makes Nintendo money, I'm fine by it.

[Viral Mutation]

I'm happy with my fire red DS thank you very much! ;D

[Hyrule_Dude]

I'm happy with my fire red DS thank you very much! ;D

And I'll be sticking with my totally awesome pure white DS.

I did however buy an SP despite having a regular GBA. The backlight was almost a must though. I will probably never buy a micro considering I don't play GBA titles much anymore nor does it have anything that anybody really needs. Unless DS2 offers something must have for DS players I won't even give a redesign a second look.

This redesign crap is a little ridiculous to me.

[Shadow Voa]

Haha brilliant, I wanted to buy a new black or white DS since the Silver one has had some rough scrpaes thanks to idiots friends, the NDS2 will come at just the right time for my birthday hopefully and will obviously be the gift I ask for!!!

Ridiculous? Hardly, if your like me then I think this redesign is going to look slick as hell and might even take a nice little hint from their brilliant Nintendo Revolution console which is gorgeous!!! :cloud9:

[Fiend]

I think this sucks. I got the DS when it first came out, and now there may be a new and improved version. I felt the same way when the GBA SP came out, and I ended up getting it anyway.

[Derrick Barra]

I'll be right there when it comes up to order this sucker. I can't wait! (Perhaps Nintendo will be smart and bundle this with something like Nintendo Dogs or that new Tetris game that their making.)

[Mr. Coww]

If they fix the shape of the lower part to allow for easyer thumb pad use then id get one.

[Fiend]

If they fix the shape of the lower part to allow for easyer thumb pad use then id get one.
I find the design to be perfect. It's nice and comfortable like the original GBA.

[Victor]

I'll buy it if they throw in different speakers and brighter screens.

[Generic Wheaties]

Yeah, I hate when Nintendo does this.

[Phoenix]

The good thing is no one's forcing you to buy one.

[Vishus]

I thought the SP was an "improvment". This new design is well I don't think it's an improvement. Although I still like to check it out. I could be wrong.

[HeroOfTimeGCN]

I might get one, since, like many others with a Silver DS, mine looks like it's been in the dryer and thrown around and scraped across the sidewalk.

And that's just because it's been in my pocket so much!

If the DS2 looks cool and sports some new feature, like an updated version of PictoChat (WFC Comapatability anyone?), then I might get it.

I hope they release an update to the DS's firmware that includes the cool stuff PSP has, like an internet browser and updated PictoChat...

[MicVlaD]

I thought the SP was an "improvment". This new design is well I don't think it's an improvement.It hasn't even been shown yet, so how can one possibly judge?

[Zeep]

^Just what I was going to say. That would be like me saying, "I think the REvolution has horrible graphics."

[ajvizz]

If this new one is smaller, with the same size screens or bigger, nice looking, and better edges the other ones felt like they where going to cut my hand off.

[OutlawAdidas]

I might get one, since, like many others with a Silver DS, mine looks like it's been in the dryer and thrown around and scraped across the sidewalk.

And that's just because it's been in my pocket so much!

If the DS2 looks cool and sports some new feature, like an updated version of PictoChat (WFC Comapatability anyone?), then I might get it.

I hope they release an update to the DS's firmware that includes the cool stuff PSP has, like an internet browser and updated PictoChat...


The DS was made to play games, not browse the internet. Understand

[Derrick Barra]

While people understand its a game machine, its true that a web browser and media player would make a sleek redesign even more awesome.

Although Nintendo could just make an updated Play-Yan and release it in America and call it a day, that would be good enough for me.

[Sovereign]

I might get one, since, like many others with a Silver DS, mine looks like it's been in the dryer and thrown around and scraped across the sidewalk.

And that's just because it's been in my pocket so much!

If the DS2 looks cool and sports some new feature, like an updated version of PictoChat (WFC Comapatability anyone?), then I might get it.

I hope they release an update to the DS's firmware that includes the cool stuff PSP has, like an internet browser and updated PictoChat...
I'm with this guy.

I'd like DS2 to have some media and some internet. They could even sell it for a little more and I'd buy it. If Nintendo is an And/Or company, would this fit their philosophy?

I also think they need way more launch colors for DS2, not just available in Japan either... I want a black one.

[OutlawAdidas]

I'm with this guy.

I'd like DS2 to have some media and some internet. They could even sell it for a little more and I'd buy it. If Nintendo is an And/Or company, would this fit their philosophy?

I also think they need way more launch colors for DS2, not just available in Japan either... I want a black one.


but you see,that would be screwing over the ppl who already have a DS.

[HeroOfTimeGCN]

Thing is, you can easily update the Firmware through WiFi Connection. Or they could include the update in a title, like Sony has with the PSP's firmware updates.

The reason I want to see some media features and possibly an internet browser is because the DS is an Internet enabled device. It already connects to the internet for games, so why not for other things too? This would also be fair to the people who own a DS and not a PSP, and even more incentive for people who look for extra little features in a handheld. If the DS had all the features of the PSP, PSP would end up selling FAR less, IMO. The only thing Sony would have going for it are a few games you couldnt get on DS.

Besides, we all already know that DS has out sold PSP and sometimes PSP and PS2 COMBINED for weeks! Adding in the PSP-like features would send Sony into a cave...

That and using the touch screen for web browsing would be much better than using the PSP's web browser. I hate typing with that thing, it's WAY too much like a cell phone when trying to punch in a website.

I think Nintendo could also create an organizer to round out the DS to a Plam-like device. Then DS could be used by professionals who dont want to shell out $500 for a Pocket PC.

[Markopolo356]

As long as the new design is cool and sleek, then great job nintendo. (wasnt being sarcastic) The PSP's main selling point were the looks and the media capabilities. Though I don't want it to have media capabilities because like what outlaw said, it would be screwing us that already have a DS over, and Nintendo could release some sort of firmware or small addon later with media capablities.

[Sovereign]

but you see,that would be screwing over the ppl who already have a DS.
Yeah, but a download could take care of you. And if they don't have a download it's just tough cookies for the old DS users. People never complained when they gave the SP a backlight, or the ability to close. Adding media is just as awesome as adding those features were. Also, some people wouldn't want to pay the extra cash for media whereas some people would. I would gladly dish out XX bucks more for the media version. I don't mind buying a good product again, because I know it will work when I turn it on. Plus my DS would go to my sister.

And/Or company. I think this is and/or tactics...

[Phoenix]

I think you misquoted. Nintendo is only an "and" company. They said they were not an "or" company.

[Miyahon]

Am I the only one hoping for an analogue stick?

Or for Nintendo to release special editions of the same thing every year.
*still uses 2001 edition GBA*

[OutlawAdidas]

Am I the only one hoping for an analogue stick?

Or for Nintendo to release special editions of the same thing every year.
*still uses 2001 edition GBA*


after seeing the PSP's analog stick, then no.

As for sovereign, the DS doesn't have alot of memory. Or it just might have memory that gets erased everytime u take the system off. So, a simle download wouldn't be sufficient.

As for the GBA, that was Hardware features that you could get as an add on. The DS 2 would be software, you can go out and buy that.

[TheGreenElf]

I don't know if I like that this is becoming a recurring thing.

[Zeep]

I like it, personally. Everyone complains that they'll have to buy the system over again, but you DON'T! Anything you can do with the SP you could do with the original GBA, and it should be about the same with the DS. if you feel the new features are worth the cost of buying a new system, go for it. I know I will no matter what, just because my old DS's touch screen is scratched to hell and the paint's wearing off in places. Also the sticker on the back is peeling loose, and the hinge is a little shaky. in fact, if they don't announce it soon i might have to replace my DS with another original DS.

[D3adcell]

Well there is not a redesign, yet anyway. So don't worry about it.

[Cofey]

My DS has quite a few nicks and scratches. I think it's time for an upgrade. I just hope they release a red one early on...I hate buying a Nintendo system only for them to release my favorite color half a year later.

[OnBake Platinum]

I raped my screen with tons of use, and Nintendo traded me a new one for free.

[Zeep]

^Yeah, but it's already been more than a year since purchase, so the warantee is void. I don't think they'll replace my system anymore.

Besides, I don't want to GET RID of the one I have now. That would be stupid, because of this:

http://nintendonow.e-mpire.com/media/images/reggie/ds-sign.jpg

[Phoenix]

*steals Orangename's DS*