Post by: Robert on July 27, 2004, 10:51:24 PM
More Than 120 Games in Development Worldwide for Nintendo's New Game Platform
July 28, 2004 - In preparation for the launch of Nintendo DS(TM) in North America and Japan later this year and Europe in Q1 2005, Nintendo today announces major global developments for the innovative dual-screen, wireless, hand-held video game system.
Nintendo DS, originally chosen as the code name, has been selected as the official product name. The Nintendo DS name evokes the idea of a portable system with "dual screens," providing the rationale for the final name. The hardware also has been redesigned to sport a slimmer, sharper look. The retooled Nintendo DS features a thinner, black base and an angular platinum flip-top cover. The face buttons and shoulder buttons are larger, and some have been reconfigured for optimum use. The unit includes a new storage slot for the touch screen's stylus, and the speakers now broadcast in stereo sound, with or without headphones.
"The Nintendo DS will change the future of hand-held gaming," says Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. "Dual screens, chat functions, a touch screen, wireless capabilities, voice recognition - these abilities surpass anything attempted before, and consumers will benefit from the creativity and innovation the new features bring to the world of video games."
Software companies worldwide have more than 120 Nintendo DS games in development. Nintendo alone is developing more than 20 titles, and in excess of 100 companies have signed on to create games for the new system.
"The innovative functions make Nintendo DS a superior game device, while the chat feature and ability to detect other DS units make it a social device as well," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing. "We've figured out the magic of what makes portable game play so attractive to consumers. We've defeated nine challengers and once again we're prepared to win."
Nintendo will announce the launch date, price and game lineup for Nintendo DS at a later date.
Click for large image of open Nintendo DS (148k)
Click for large image of closed Nintendo DS (96k)
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 27, 2004, 11:34:07 PM
Post by: seven_chaos on July 28, 2004, 12:00:27 AM
I do believe it is much sexier than that PSP.
Post by: Uncle Rich AiAi on July 28, 2004, 12:14:48 AM
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In preparation for the launch of Nintendo DS(TM) in North America and Japan later this year and Europe in Q1 2005
They forgot to mention Australia.
Post by: - NintendoFan - on July 28, 2004, 12:38:59 AM
Post by: Kirby_PopStar on July 28, 2004, 12:39:12 AM
At E3, I was able to play the Nintendo DS and everything. A few things I noticed about the Nintendo DS was the fact that...
A. The D-Pad and Buttons were VERY small. Ridiculously small.
B. The Power Button was on the same side as the gameplay buttons... you'd accidently shut it off while playing!
C. Seemed really bulky, and not very sleek. (Sorry!! ^_^;; )
D. Where are the damned stereo speakers?
E. There is no place to store the stylus!
Looks like Nintendo caters to my every desire.
Post by: Bloodworth on July 28, 2004, 12:44:43 AM
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 28, 2004, 01:00:54 AM
Post by: Jale on July 28, 2004, 01:03:27 AM
We do need different colours for the system though! I think it would look nice in red.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 28, 2004, 01:48:29 AM
Post by: CHEN on July 28, 2004, 02:17:26 AM
The only thing that I would love to see is if the action buttons are in a different colour, SNES style. I'd get confused which button to press. It's like the PS controller with their damn triangle etc. You know some PSOne rhythm games where you have to press the right button on the right time? Well, if the colour I had to press was blue, I accidently pressed square because it's blue, but it's wrong! Damn you Konami.
Post by: joshnickerson on July 28, 2004, 03:24:29 AM
Post by: Termin8Anakin on July 28, 2004, 04:14:15 AM
Much like the way it is with the new DS.
Looking HOT!
Post by: Renny on July 28, 2004, 04:46:16 AM
Oh, the DS. This is obviously much sleeker. The lid is kind of wonky, but I'm just being a bitch now. Hopefully the chat comment was hinting at it being bulit-in, but I won't hold my breath.
And I'm going to have to be the devil's advocate on the speakers. Stereo speakers on such a small device are utterly worthless. We're just going to end up with games that have an exaggerated stereo mix, even worse than TV. Maybe most games will have a 'headphones' setting.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 28, 2004, 05:19:15 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on July 28, 2004, 05:49:29 AM
Stereo speakers are a little pointless on this system, but I don't think they'll do any harm. Maybe some developers will overdo the stereo, but I don't think it will be an issue for most games. And they do make it look fancier.
Definitely an improvement, but honestly, I don't care, I would have played it in any form.
Post by: Chode2234 on July 28, 2004, 05:49:50 AM
Post by: billypw on July 28, 2004, 05:50:48 AM
Post by: Bartman3010 on July 28, 2004, 05:58:16 AM
Pretty cool looking.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 28, 2004, 06:01:21 AM
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Originally posted by: Chode2234
Does it have a built in headphone jack? i hate that my SP doesn't. I can't tell from the pictures so perhaps someone who knows or played one at E3 can tell me. Thanks.
Yes, it does...
Post by: HyuugaYuurei on July 28, 2004, 06:26:43 AM
btw, I think this system can be seen as nintendo's tribute to the late Gunpei Yuokoi's(I hope I spelled that right) game and watch. great job big N
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on July 28, 2004, 06:34:06 AM
But otherwise, it's awesome.
Post by: Shagam on July 28, 2004, 07:28:36 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on July 28, 2004, 07:31:18 AM
I'm a little concerned about the power button as well though if you have to hold it down it should be fine. I don't know why they didn't just go with a switch like the GBA has though. There is no way at all that someone will accidently hit a switch thinking it's a button.
Two pics aren't enough! I want MORE! I want to be able to see this thing from all angles.
Does anyone else think that this design lends itself well to a retro Super NES model like the NES GBA SP? That would be swank though they probably wouldn't release it for a while and it would be hard to wait.
Post by: 3rdrocket on July 28, 2004, 07:46:11 AM
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Originally posted by: couchmonkey
Every time I play an Xbox or a PS2, I spend half of my time looking down to figure out what I need to push. I'm sure I'd get used to them eventually if I owned one of those systems, but I've played both quite a bit with friends, I shouldn't still have to look down all the time.
I have that exact same problem.
The whole DS redesign kinda came out of nowhere. I wasnt expecting it to happen anyway
oh and Bill. When i got to that Ironing Board part in TOS my expression was the same O_O
Post by: Myxtika1 Azn on July 28, 2004, 08:48:17 AM
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Originally posted by: Ian Sane
I don't know why they didn't just go with a switch like the GBA has though. There is no way at all that someone will accidently hit a switch thinking it's a button.
I once turned off my SP when I tried to turn down the volume.
Post by: Zach on July 28, 2004, 09:18:03 AM
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Originally posted by: HyuugaYuurei
this is really cool I can't wait til its released I'll be the first in line when pre-orders start
um, pre-orders have already started (at least where I am, maryland) I got mine pre-ordered at Gamestop a few weeks ago
Edit: wanna add that the new design looks SWEET!!! Now all we need are some neat advertisements for it to get the word out.
Post by: KDR_11k on July 28, 2004, 09:30:31 AM
I don't get why people are complaining abot not being able to tell buttons apart. I guess that might be my practice with the SNES but I have no problem finding a button blindly even when they're all identical. I work by position, not shape. I only once or twice had problems with slipping into the wrong row on the SNES (because at that point Super Metroid used only two buttons so I had my fingers only on those two, didn't notice when I got the wrong ones once) and the Sidewinder Pad (6 front buttons, can happen!). The PS2 imitation pad I have now is no problem, as were the other two most of the time. At first you just remember that A is yellow and X is blue on the SNES, after a while you just remember "A is there, B is there", etc.
Post by: Myxtika1 Azn on July 28, 2004, 10:29:21 AM
I don't have a problem with the xbox's button settings, but the ps2's really confuse me sometimes. What's up with the different shapes for buttons?
Post by: Epitaph on July 28, 2004, 10:40:27 AM
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 28, 2004, 10:43:59 AM
I can honestly say I have never gotten confused as to which button I was pushing on a controller. You guys need more coordination, I swear.
Post by: KnowsNothing on July 28, 2004, 11:07:45 AM
The new design looks much better, in my opinion (and everyone else's, apparently). I don't think they'll be issues about the power button thing. Nintendo is sure to provide some safety feature. Plus, I'm not worried because not once have a tried to press a button and missed comepletely.
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Two pics aren't enough! I want MORE! I want to be able to see this thing from all angles
I'm guessing Nintendo will do the same thing they did with the SP and put an interactive 3D model on their website.
Post by: Koopa Troopa on July 28, 2004, 12:59:00 PM
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I like it but then I didn't really think the original design was all that ugly. This looks much better though and I hope idiots like the Gamespy staff who think the PSP will be more successful because it looks sleeker will f*cking shut-up now.
My sentiments exactly.
I really didn't expect so drastic change. It does look really cool, though.
Post by: Shagam on July 28, 2004, 01:42:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Epitaph
Im not trying to be a bitch or anything but I still find the psp looks better. Although Il always perfer nintendo games and quality to sony's stuff. It always breaks down. Also if im not mistaken sony's battery life for games is like 6 hours, its gamegear all over again. So nintendo should be kicking ass once again. The new look is alot better.
I have to agree. Although 6 hours isn't horrible by any means (I have awful memories of my game gear...which had a 2 hour battery life on 6 AA's...urgh), I expect the DS to be a lot better, so yeah, I'm more grateful for that. The DS doesn't look like $600 like the PSP might, but it's mighty fine looking to me.
Post by: Djunknown on July 28, 2004, 02:01:39 PM
Yeah its a dy-no-mite looking machine they have now; though it seems that and the PSP in my mind are now in dead even in looks. But as well all know, looks aren't everything.
Smart move to keep the name DS. its simple, easy to remember, and sounds hype.
Maybe one month from now they'll mention a price? And a month after, have a more solid idea of launch titles? Nah, too convienient.
With the loose talk of the DS being 179.99, and some gamers willing to pay that 'affordable' price, maybe I'll try and be a real good boy just in time for christmas...
Post by: CHEN on July 28, 2004, 02:22:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: mouse_clicker
Are you serious? Some of you guys actually have trouble telling the buttons apart? And you call yourselves gamers.
Hey, give me some credit here. I wasn't talking about games with B for shooting and A for jumping. Try playing a random Japanese rhythm game with a PS controller and you'll know exactly what I mean. The game will own you so bad in the first hour. It'll be so frantic, you will press the wrong buttons over and over again. But I do like A, B, X, Y more than cross, square, triangle and circle. I dunno, I could never tell the buttons apart without looking at it.
Ah, I'll shut up now.
Post by: Bloodworth on July 28, 2004, 05:11:14 PM
Post by: Myxtika1 Azn on July 28, 2004, 05:51:19 PM
Post by: joeamis on July 28, 2004, 07:42:50 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 28, 2004, 08:14:09 PM
Post by: Radiostorm on July 28, 2004, 08:27:13 PM
I'm loving the sleek new look.
Post by: Rich on July 28, 2004, 08:38:23 PM
And whoever wanted to reserve the DS, I work at a Gamestop in Palatine IL. and there are reserves but there is no word on final price and you have to pay a $25 deposit, at least thats what they are having us do. EB might be different.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on July 28, 2004, 08:47:46 PM
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Parapa the Rapper comes to mind.... **shutters**
What about American Idol and Um jammer lammy *UBER SHUTTERS*****
Post by: Rob91883 on July 28, 2004, 10:37:11 PM
Post by: Jale on July 29, 2004, 03:55:00 AM
Good thing they bought out EB!
Is there any news on a 3D Online Model?
Post by: Zach on July 29, 2004, 06:36:23 AM
Post by: nickmitch on July 29, 2004, 08:49:38 AM
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We're just going to end up with games that have an exaggerated stereo mix, even worse than TV.
Don't you start talkin' bad about the T.V.
Anyhoo it's MUCH better however some colorfull buttons would be nice. Some different colors would be nice too. Red, black, lime green, maybe yellow whatever works.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 29, 2004, 08:59:01 AM
Post by: nitsu niflheim on July 29, 2004, 09:59:56 AM
Post by: Tuxedo.Bond on July 29, 2004, 04:07:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Renny
Damned crotch shot....
Oh, the DS. This is obviously much sleeker. The lid is kind of wonky, but I'm just being a bitch now. Hopefully the chat comment was hinting at it being bulit-in, but I won't hold my breath.
And I'm going to have to be the devil's advocate on the speakers. Stereo speakers on such a small device are utterly worthless. We're just going to end up with games that have an exaggerated stereo mix, even worse than TV. Maybe most games will have a 'headphones' setting.
What do you mean by that? If you mean having a Microphone built in, Then the answer is, YES. In the picture if you look closely you can see a tiny hole with the name "Mic" above it.
Post by: mouse_clicker on July 29, 2004, 04:11:11 PM
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What do you mean by that? If you mean having a Microphone built in, Then the answer is, YES. In the picture if you look closely you can see a tiny hole with the name "Mic" above it.
I think what he meant was that he was hoping a chat feature specifically would be included, allowing us to use our DS's like a walkie talkie without any add-ons.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 29, 2004, 04:29:23 PM
Post by: Syl on July 29, 2004, 04:32:44 PM
Shame it doesn't look as sturdy as the electronic brick of an SP, but i'll live.
Likewise, I honestly think it would look awesome in pure white. Not sure why, just white seems like the perfect color for that thing.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 29, 2004, 04:36:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Syl
Shame it doesn't look as sturdy as the electronic brick of an SP, but i'll live.
Looks can be very deceiving...The original GBA doesn't look very sturdy either, but you know what it can handle... ^_^
Post by: Syl on July 29, 2004, 04:51:10 PM
I have 2 original GBA's, one of them had the screen crack and all the LCD dripped out. (Impaled by a pokemon cartridge, or all things)
Other one has a huge dent in the screen, is scratched to hell, and the batteries have to be taped in tightly to work, otherwise they just fall right out. Not to mention it looks bad, dented all over the place, one of the corners is in bad shape.
My SP is also scratched to hell on the outside, the screen has some dust underneath it, but it otherwise flawless... For a while my R button wasn't working that well, but a nice, VERY hard wack against something and its working a good 90% of the time. (Well enough to play everything) But, overall, my SP has held up much better than either of my GBA's did.
I know i abuse my systems, i play the hell out of them, mainly at school. And while at school, the amount of shoving in and out of pockets tends to scratch them up quite a bit, lots of dents happen from shoving them into my backpack, or perhaps playing it between classes and running into something and dropping it.
Either way, the PSP looks like something that i doubt i could have last for 2 months. I'm glad nintendo makes their systems so damn sturdy, and i hope this thing is as sturdy as an SP. Electronic Brick was an awesome design in my mind.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 29, 2004, 05:00:19 PM
Post by: Syl on July 29, 2004, 05:03:04 PM
Tis the exposed screen that gives it issues. As well as that patheticly weak joint on the flap of plastic guarding the batteries.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 29, 2004, 05:41:13 PM
Post by: nickmitch on July 29, 2004, 06:12:25 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on July 29, 2004, 11:10:14 PM
Post by: Oldskool on July 30, 2004, 12:08:39 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 30, 2004, 12:37:48 AM
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Post by: Plugabugz on July 30, 2004, 03:01:32 AM
Post by: KDR_11k on July 30, 2004, 05:51:44 AM
Post by: Jale on July 30, 2004, 07:16:49 AM
Silver & Black (wow already got this one)
Pure Black
Metallic Blue and Black
Red and Black
Red and Blue (Mario!!)
Green and Black
Pink
Orange and Black
Pure White
Gold, Silver and Bronze
Blue and Silver
Post by: Koopa Troopa on July 30, 2004, 08:42:59 AM
Post by: Zach on July 30, 2004, 09:45:04 AM
Post by: Shagam on July 30, 2004, 10:43:54 AM
Post by: KDR_11k on July 30, 2004, 10:43:30 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 30, 2004, 11:37:35 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on July 31, 2004, 04:54:23 AM
Post by: Deguello on July 31, 2004, 05:00:11 AM
People underestimate the color Brown.
Post by: Bill Aurion on July 31, 2004, 06:31:18 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
Well, that's the US's problem, the PAL SNES has A=Red, B=Yellow, Y=Green and X=Blue. They used a shape depicting the four button colors as the SNES logo (sometimes with he Super Nintendo writing, sometimes without).
That's because PAL Super Nintendos were based off Japan's superior Super Famicom design, and not the U.S.'s...
I don't think multiple color buttons just fit as well on a portable as on a console controller...
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 31, 2004, 12:23:51 PM
Post by: CHEN on July 31, 2004, 01:16:45 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 31, 2004, 01:30:37 PM
Post by: Blaster009 on August 01, 2004, 07:22:57 AM
Anyway, the new look is definitely sleeker than the blocky look the E3 prototype had, but I really didn't mind the old look. The curvy design of it makes it look less sturdy to me, though, but the black buttons give it kind of a cooler look than the white buttons the first design had. As for a control stick, I would have liked it, maybe along side a d-pad, though there probably wasn't room for that. By the way, does anyone know if thats a place to hold the stylus or a headphone jack next to the GBA cartridge slot on the bottom of the DS?
Post by: Jale on August 01, 2004, 10:18:33 AM
I think the DS should have setatchable covers like a moblie phone.
Perhaps it does, we just dont know about it yet.
Post by: Bloodworth on August 01, 2004, 10:48:25 AM
Post by: 3rdrocket on August 02, 2004, 06:32:35 AM
Post by: SgtShiversBen on August 02, 2004, 06:50:20 AM
Post by: Jale on August 02, 2004, 08:30:00 AM
