Topic: Hi Rez DS2 with built in Motion Controls is coming says Iwata

[BlackNMild2k1]

Hmm... you know, with that Tegra rumor... isn't Tegra so much more traditionally featured a graphics chipset than what the Wii has? This would be interesting if the DS2 hardware is set to leapfrog the Wii.

Looks like that is exactly what it is about to do.

Hi Definition Nintendo DS Successor With Motion Sensor In The Works

The Asahi Shimbun has an interview with Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo, where he comments on a successor to the Nintendo DS. Iwata tells the paper the future handheld will be able to output high resolution graphics and have a motion sensor.

While Nintendo is developing the machine, Iwata did not set a release date. Instead, he mentioned DS sales in North America reached an all time high in 2009.

Original Source (in Japanese):http://www.asahi.com/digital/pc/OSK201001050110.html

This seems like an indirect confirmation of the Tegra rumors for the DS2. We might be able to expect this as early as end of 2010, but more likely early 2011.

This also makes it look good for a High Powered Wii2, but I doubt we'll hear anything about that anytime soon.

Link to the rumor thread where more can be found on the Tegra 2 based DS2 rumors.

discuss

[BlackNMild2k1]

A possibly better translation:

Here's what we're dealing with:

社内で開発を進めているＤＳの後継機種は「高精細な映像表示や、遊ぶ人の動きを読み取るセンサー機能が必要条件になる」と述べたが、発売時期については「ＤＳは２００９年に米国で過去最高の売り上げを記録しており、今、話すことではない」とした。

In regards to the successor to the DS that the company is currently developing, Iwata said: "The required features are a high-resolution graphic display and a sensor that can read the movements of the player." As for the release date, he said: "In 2009, DS set its highest sales record ever in the U.S., so I won't be talking about it."

So it sounds like 2 iPhones duct taped together with PSP/GC/Wii level graphics.

I'm hoping for a decent amount of onboard memory and full integration/connectivity with Wii2 (swappable VC games for @home or on-the-go play)

[Flames_of_chaos]

FYI, I believe that  Kobun Heat on NeoGaf is Chris Kohler from GameLife

[BlackNMild2k1]

It is, but I literally copy/pasted his post(translation) on NeoGAF so I just used his name there.
I didn't check to see if he also posted it on Game|Life (wired.com)

[Flames_of_chaos]

It is, but I literally copy/pasted his post(translation) on NeoGAF so I just used his name there.
I didn't check to see if he also posted it on Game|Life (wired.com)

Last time I checked he didn't. Occasionally he posts stuff on NeoGaf and doesn't on GameLife.

[vudu]

Last time I checked he didn't. Occasionally he posts stuff on NeoGaf and doesn't on GameLife.

Just like our own staffers! 

[stevey]

Hi rez: **** yeah

Motion controls: Failure (useless on a train, bus, plain, car, bike, or toilet)

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Will need wrist straps.

No throwing your DS2s across McDonalds into Fatty McFats McKenzie's raging Big Mac meal.

[Chozo Ghost]

I agree with Ningurl. Holding onto your DS2 during a lightsaber duel is going to be even more difficult when your fingers are coated with grease from your McMeal (TM).

[KDR_11k]

The iPhone has battery life issues if you run it at full power (you can tell when the system is taxed because it gets fucking hot) so two of them taped together would rival a combination of the Game Gear and a lighter.

I believe Iwata stated he likes the approach the Kindle takes to online connectivity where you get a cellphone connection paid for by the manufacturer of the device and don't need a contract for it.

[Chozo Ghost]

Most people nowadays either have WiFi or have access to it. Adding in some sellphone contract to the handheld that jacks up the initial cost for consumers is a bad idea, imho. It isn't a feature most people need or would necessarily even use. Nintendo handhelds have always done well because they were simple, cheap, and focused more or less entirely on gaming. This new shift might backfire for them and lead to disaster... I can't conceive of a DS successor being a failure per se, but there are things that could happen to make it less successful than it would otherwise be, and bundling internet access into the system at launch might just be such a thing.

[KDR_11k]

Yes, we have WiFi. At home. This is a portable system we're talking about. The Kindle uses the online system to sell stuff which makes that network usage profitable and the bandwidth costs less of an issue.

[Chozo Ghost]

But WiFi is also available for free at all kinds of public places. More places are adding WiFi all of the time. It isn't available in every place on Earth, but isn't that good enough?

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Not good enough for Kindle.  Your book wants MOAR.

[KDR_11k]

But WiFi is also available for free at all kinds of public places. More places are adding WiFi all of the time. It isn't available in every place on Earth, but isn't that good enough?

No because a portable is used on the commute and unlike cellphones WiFi doesn't switch from network to network as you travel.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I'm sure if Nintendo did work in some sort of Cell Tower communication, it would mostly be paid for in the cost of the downloaded titles. A cost you probably wouldn't even notice.

Or maybe someone will find a way to tether your DS2 to your cell phone and piggy back off your already paid for service(bluetooth connection?).

[KDR_11k]

The Kindle already has such a service, that's why Iwata was talking about it.

[Adrock]

Everything I've read (and attempted to understand) about the Tegra 2 is that it'd be a little more powerful than the Wii. So couple that with a portable screen(s) and developers that give a crap when creating games for Nintendo handhelds and we're in store for some pretty nifty stuff.

An accelerometer is nice, but expected. Miyamoto talked about wanting one in the DS like 4 years ago. Nintendo has something else up its sleeve. They're whole mantra nowadays is about offering people new experiences.

[Chozo Ghost]

No because a portable is used on the commute and unlike cellphones WiFi doesn't switch from network to network as you travel.

I understand that, but to me it wouldn't justify adding another $100 or even $50 or $25 to the cost of the system. Kindle is a neat device, but it is costly for that very reason. It is a nice feature, but I would rather not have to pay for it.

[BlackNMild2k1]

This video may or may not be relevant to the future of Nintendo's handheld gaming business.
http://www.videogameszone.de/aid,702790/CES-2010-Nvidia-Tegra-2-Chip-im-Video-vorgestellt-koennte-so-die-Grafik-eines-Nintendo-DS2-ausschauen/Video/

::site is in german:video is in english::

[RABicle]

The iPhone has battery life issues if you run it at full power (you can tell when the system is taxed because it gets fucking hot) so two of them taped together would rival a combination of the Game Gear and a lighter.

You'd be surprised how much of that is the phone part of the iphone though. Me and my little cousin did a lot of igaming over xmas. Me on my iPhone, him on his iTouch. He got a HELL of a lot more playtime between recharging than I did.

[kraken613]

iPhone doesn't use a Tegra so it doesn't really correlate to what the DS2's battery life would be....

[BlackNMild2k1]

Tegra is a low power high performance chip, so I think it's a perfect fit for the DS2 and with the combination of SD card like cartridges. I think if battery isn't an issue on the current DS then it shouldn't be on the DS2(assuming Tegra is used).

[MegaByte]

Yeah, but not as low power as the DS chip.  They're all based on the same architecture, but Tegra 2 is faster and likely bigger than the iPhone, and magnitudes beyond the DS, so it should use up more energy, though it saves a lot of power by using smaller silicon features.  The DS design has an advantage compared to phones though -- it has a lot more room for a bigger battery.  Nintendo could also opt for a down-clocked chip.

Tegra 2 does make a lot of sense though, and I'd love to see it happen.

[KDR_11k]

The iPhone has battery life issues if you run it at full power (you can tell when the system is taxed because it gets fucking hot) so two of them taped together would rival a combination of the Game Gear and a lighter.

You'd be surprised how much of that is the phone part of the iphone though. Me and my little cousin did a lot of igaming over xmas. Me on my iPhone, him on his iTouch. He got a HELL of a lot more playtime between recharging than I did.

I actually have an iPod Touch and just assumed that the iPhone would have the same problem. Even if it has a longer battery life, it feels like on more demanding games the entire battery equals about one battery stripe on the DSi.