Topic: DS Video Playback?

[WindyMan]

Apparently, the Nintendo DS can play back movies.  Don't get too excited about it, though.

Chris Morris, the resident game business expert over at CNN Money, talks about an analyst report about the Nintendo DS in his latest column.

The report in question is stating that a full two-hour movie stored on a 128MB flash cartridge has been played back on the Nintendo DS.  The analyst then comments, perhaps a bit out of context, that "this is a change in Nintendo's traditional focus as a gaming company, but, in our opinion, a necessary move to not only protect its market share in the handheld space but to also expand its revenue streams as its gaming enthusiasts grow older."

While the report did say that the DS was capable of video playback, it did not say that it was Nintendo was behind the breakthrough, nor was this supported or endorsed by the company.  In fact, Nintendo said, as stated in the Morris article, it doesn't comment on speculation, which this clearly is.  (The GBA can also playback video, soon up to 90 minutes of it, courtesy Majesco.)

Even so, if the DS can unofficially play back a full-length feature movie, it would be another bullet for Nintendo to load into its gun named Nintendo DS, which many are saying that will be the device that goes head-to-head against the Sony PSP.

[The Omen]

Well, if it is officially from Nintendo themselves, i'd be impressed.  I wouldn't say its a big deal, but that would clearly put them right up against Sony, which is the right move in my opinion.  I'm tired of hearing "We're not in direct competition with Sony or MS"  Thats horsesh!t.  They most definately are no matter what they want to throw out there.  I can't wait until E3.

[Djunknown]

Hmmm... Nintendo isn't really known for its cinematics, but 3rd parties can capitilize on this feature.

Unfortunatley, the link is dead, so I can't get the specifics, like what it was running, what resolution, how many Frames per Second, and so on.  So who knows how useful this can be?

[mouse_clicker]

I think the reason Nintendo is claiming the DS isn't in direct competition with the PSP is to discourage point by point comparisons of the two- people will literally rip each machine apart and that could produce negative results on both sides of the fence. I think Nintendo's just saying they're not in direct competition with MS or Sony- they know everybody will assume they are anyway, which is obvious, but they don't want to endorse it and push it any further.  

[nickmitch]

Maybe the DS isn't meant to be in competition with the PSP. If the PSP is to compete with the GBA/SP Nintendo wouldn't want it compete with it because then they'd have the DS competing with the GBA/SP and its not supposed to do that.

[Perfect Cell]

Perrin Kaplan did say the DS had more stuff than they initially announced, stuff that would be shown at E3 so this isnt a suprise. What is a suprise, is that we still havent seen a DS mock up even though many people seem to have seen it

[jasonditz]

The article also says DS games would retail between $20-$30... anyone else surprised they're that cheap?

Seems like the GBA has been launching games around $30-$35... is the DS really shooting for cheaper?

[Perfect Cell]

Maybe those memory stick type media that the games will be on are cheaper to produce than cartrdiges...  

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Yes, the DS media is much cheaper than cartridges.  I'd be impressed if Nintendo & publishers didn't keep the same $30 price and went for a bigger profit margin.  At least that means Nintendo doesn't anticipate production costs to skyrocket with the DS, as I fear will happen with the PSP.

[KDR_11k]

If games get cheaper I'll buy more of 'em, easy as that. People might become more willing to experiment, as well. If you pay 60 bucks for a game you think twice before buying something you're not sure about. For half of that I wouldn't worry as much.

[gwgtrunks]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
If games get cheaper I'll buy more of 'em, easy as that. People might become more willing to experiment, as well. If you pay 60 bucks for a game you think twice before buying something you're not sure about. For half of that I wouldn't worry as much.

Yep. I have a lot of friends who are just now getting Eternal Darkness 'cause they can pick it up for 20. Naturally they're kicking them selves for not getting it sooner.

[Bloodworth]

The reason Nintendo says the DS isn't in competition with the PSP is because they were working on it before they knew about PSP.

[KDR_11k]

That doesn't mean it won't compete with the PSP.