Topic: Nintendo DS Launch Details

[Jonnyboy117]

$149.99, 11/21/2004, PictoChat!  We've got the official release date and price for the Nintendo DS in North America and Japan. UPDATE: Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt included.

Jump to Japanese launch information!

UPDATE: Nintendo has also revealed that Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt is being bundled with the DS.  First Hunt is a four-player demo, designed to show off the system's wireless multiplayer function.  It's unclear whether there is a single-player mode in the demo, but it is expected in the full version of Metroid Prime Hunters which will be released at a later date.  

NINTENDO DS LAUNCHES ON NOV. 21 IN NORTH AMERICA - AT $149.99!

New System Comes with Embedded PictoChat Feature, Strong Publishers' Support

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 20, 2004 - From the very start, Nintendo DSâ„¢ broke the existing rules of video game play. Two screens, not one. Wireless connection for game play and personal communication for the sheer entertainment of it. Flexible game control by voice and touch, not just with buttons. Nintendo's newest innovation, Nintendo DS, will make its worldwide debut in North American stores on Nov. 21, and then in Japan on Dec. 2. It will sell at an MSRP of $149.99, making it an immediate mass-market attraction. Nintendo DS will become the company's first system ever to make its sales debut outside of Japan.

"Nintendo's mission remains unchanged: expand the game experience," says Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. "Nintendo DS is the road map to the future of video games, and most clearly demonstrates the type of innovation that players demand."

Nintendo DS is the dual-screened, hand-held video game system redefining the idea of interactive entertainment. One screen allows for touch input using a stylus, while the unit includes both voice recognition and multiplayer wireless features. The sleek silver-and-black system sports a sharp, angular design.

Consumers immediately will be able to pick up and play the new system, as it comes with a free software feature, PictoChat, embedded in the system hardware. PictoChat allows DS owners to write messages with an on-screen keyboard or the stylus and send them wirelessly to other DS users nearby. Users can text chat, draw artistic messages or share secrets, all without saying a word. And a Nintendo DS in sleep mode will spring to life if it senses another DS in transmitting range, alerting users to each other's presence and setting the stage for an impromptu conversation or game session.

More than 100 companies have signed on to create games for Nintendo DS, while Nintendo itself is already developing its first 20 titles. Electronic Arts, the world's largest independent software developer and publisher, already has announced that its powerhouse franchises of Madden NFL, The URBZ: Sims in the City, Need for Speed Underground, Tiger Woods and GoldenEye will support Nintendo DS.

"Each time Nintendo creates a hand-held, it introduces new elements of play and sets a new standard for mobile gaming," says Larry Probst, EA's chairman and CEO. "The DS is no exception - Nintendo has another big winner with the DS."

The complete lineup of games planned for the launch of Nintendo DS will be announced in the near future. In effect, Nintendo DS already boasts a library of more than 550 games because it is compatible with single-player modes of games made for the world's best-selling video game system, Game Boy® Advance SP.

Nintendo chose the United States to lead the worldwide launch of Nintendo DS because of overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic reaction from consumers and to take advantage of the holiday sales season. After the subsequent launch in Japan, the system will be available in Europe and Australia in the first quarter of 2005.

Nintendo DS has a flip-top cover that protects both screens. Two speakers on the unit's face let users hear virtual surround sound, while its dual screens open games to a multitude of possibilities. Nintendo DS sits 148.7 millimeters (5.85 inches) wide, 84.7 millimeters (3.33 inches) long and 28.9 millimeters (1.13 inches) tall with the cover closed. The new media format for games means that Nintendo DS has no moving parts that could be misaligned if the unit is dropped or jarred.

According to NCL's official website, the Nintendo DS will launch in Japan on December 2nd for 15,000 yen, or about $136 US dollars.

Keep checking PGC for all the latest details!  As always, we're staying up all night to bring you this information as quickly as possible.

[King of Twitch]

Well done, I eagerly await price, launch games, color details etc

[EricEnder]

i saw the NoA website  and the news was posted a few minutes back...

Nov 21 for the US release for $149.99

it used to be on this URL http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=6a6f583d-1711-47be-b03c-d64d6bdd1d66&page=home

[BlkPaladin]

Oopps I guess I spoke too soon.

[babaloulou]

 ------

[BlkPaladin]

I guess Nintendo is starting to take notice that the US market is starting to mean more than the Japan market, or I'm reading too much into it.

[MysticGohan24]

Awesome news, can't wait to hear more. as I figured, The DS was Cheaper than originally prodicted.

[KDR_11k]

Paladin: I think they're realizing that the japanese market is heading for the crash.

[Rize]

150, perfect.  I was iffy when I thought the price might be as high as 200, but I'm sold now.  I hope there's some good launch software (I hope Castlevania is ready for launch).

So what's the deal with it saying single player GBA games?  This thing has no link cable support for GBA games and the GCN/GBA link?  That's a damned shame.

Hmm.. maybe I won't jump on the DS after all.  What a waste it would be to have that GBA compatible hardware without the GBA link port.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Holy crap.

It senses other DS's nearby.

IT HAS TEH SPIDER SENSES!!!

[ruby_onix]

I fully expected Nintendo to reveal this stuff after the Tokyo Game Show, since the PSP hardware is hella expensive, but nobody really has any idea just how much money Sony intends to lose on it.

But, since the DS was frequently rumored to launch in the $150-200 price range, and Nintendo was able to get the $150 mark, I guess they really don't need to wait and see what cards Sony is holding. And considering how soon the DS is launching, it's much better this way.

One thing I do like is this part:
"According to NCL's official website, the Nintendo DS will launch in Japan on December 2nd for 15,000 yen, or about $136 US dollars."

That means the DS even has room to breathe at the $150 (US) price point, and the Canadian price might be $175 (Canadian), instead of $200.

[PaLaDiN]

Somebody confirm the Metroid Hunters: First Hunt pack-in Steven Kent is talking about.

And quick! The state of my pants depends on your quickness!

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Get ready to call the emergency pants medics!

[MattVDB]

It seems highly likely that MP hunters is a pack in.  Why else would the title of that game be revealed, but no other titles have been revealed for launch.  I see it as being highly possible.  

Indeed Nintendo has secured their portable market, yet again.  Now honestly, who saw this coming, one short year ago?

[WuTangTurtle]

I certainly couldn't have predicted all this but from these new info we have gotten i can assure that nintendo will rock house with the DS, and the emergency pants medics will have alot of work to do!

[BigJim]

$150, picto-chat and Metroid included.... now THAT is the competitive go-for-the-jugular Nintendo I want to see from now on. Nicely done.

And it makes sense. You really need to get software in the gamers' hands so they understand this product, because it's so different. Including pack-ins is the best way to do the talking for you.

 

[Uncle Rich AiAi]

Well played Ninty.  Let's hope they won't overprice it too much in Australia.  I will not buy one for AUD$300.

[ruby_onix]

Quote
In effect, Nintendo DS already boasts a library of more than 550 games because it is compatible with single-player modes of games made for the world's best-selling video game system, Game Boy® Advance SP.

I'm a little bit dissapointed that Nintendo didn't set up a system where the DS can "emulate" the GBA's Link Cable over the wireless connection. Sure, maybe you could never do GBA-to-DS connections without the link port, but if those Warp Pipe guys can emulate the GameCube's System Link LAN connections over the internet, it shouldn't be too hard for Nintendo themselves to do something similar for DS-to-DS GBA-game linking.

And, seeing that Nintendo seems to be saying "30-100 feet" now for the wireless range (as opposed to just "100 feet, or 30 meters"), it's annoying that it's apparently not even compatible with Nintendo's recently-launched "Wireless Adaptors" for the GBA (which themselves are only compatible with select games).

Edit: But I guess combined with it not playing GBC games (which seems to be all-but-confirmed now), we'll just have to live with the DS "not being a perfect GBA replacement". It just seems like a shame to me, since it's so very close. I guess I'll just have to live with my not-yet-portable GameBoy Player.  

[Mario]

I think this pretty much confirms a $199 launch in Australia

[Nephilim]

 awsome
I dont really care about link up for gba
DS multiplayer is were its going to be at

Demo or Full game of metroid is a bonus thu
going to be fun

"30-100 feet" = 30meters in dense building type area's, 100 in plane view
Lets hope that area is true to word, gosh iv used "100 meter" wireless phones that break up 2 meters from the base

[Bill Aurion]

Very awesome news...Not only is it going to be launched on the assumed date, but it'll be at a cheaper price so I can get it as well as Mario Tennis and MP2...God, I love Nintendo... ^_^

[Uncle Rich AiAi]

Quote
Originally posted by: Mario
I think this pretty much confirms a $199 launch in Australia

What's in the drinking water in Sydney?

USD$149.99 = AUD$213.49.  No way it'll be AUD$199.  How much was the GBA SP at launch in the US?  USD$100 IIRC?  Here, it was AUD$200.  That's double without factoring the currency exchange rate.

I'd say the DS will be $249 if we are lucky.

[Mario]

It's $149 with Metroid Hunters. The launch price in Japan is cheaper than the US launch price, for like the first time ever. It doesn't launch here until next year, and NAL just dropped the price of GBA SP to $149, which is a larger drop in price than anywhere else in the world. I expect it to be $199 here

[joshnickerson]

I'm not going to cry over the missing GBA link port.  Quite frankly, we should probably be pleased enough that Nintendo even made this thing backward compatable with the GBA. If they really wanted to be jerks, they could've left the cartridge slot out all together. But honestly, who is going to buy this thing JUST to play GBA games?

Also, Nintendo said before that if someone wanted to build a web browser for the system, they could. So what's to keep some clever little monkeys from creating some sort of link emulation program and downloading it into the DS?

[Spak-Spang]

Just a few things interesting to note.

Nov. 21 Release Date.  That means the Ship Date will probably be Nov. 18th.  So VERY VERY SIMILAR to games and systems prior.  

PictoChat included.  This is big.  Right now in America Instant Messaging on cell phones is becoming pretty big.  You can send messages to people and not have to call them.

PictoChat could take that to the next level, and really help the popularity of this system.

As everyone is saying the price is perfect, because it will allow you for $200 to get a system and potentially 2 games.  Or just for alittle over $200 2 games.  Awesome.

Last, if Nintendo does ship with that Metroid Hunters bonus disc then it is even better.  Personally I think its going to be the entire game.  I think they never meant it to be a single player game, and they are just throwing it in as a gift for the DS buyers.  Hey here is a great multiplayer game for you.  

This move is brilliant because it allows for DS to have a solid multiplayer experience right out of the box and its FREE!!!

GO BIG N!!!

[CHEN]

Yes, I also guess that Nintendo developed Metroid Prime: Hunters for the multiplayer. There's no way they could have designed a full-fledged Metroid game so quickly. And including it with every DS is an excellent strategy.

The $149.99 price point is excellent. Although I still need an extra job to buy all the things I want this year.

[Bloodworth]

Quote
There's no way they could have designed a full-fledged Metroid game so quickly. And including it with every DS is an excellent strategy

Why?  When we saw Metroid Prime at E3, all they had done was the stupid space station.  If they could pull that off on GameCube in six months, I'm sure they could do it again on the DS.

[NWR_Lindy]

$149.99?  Awesome.  God bless you Nintendo, God bless you.  My favorite line in the press release is:

Quote
The new media format for games means that Nintendo DS has no moving parts that could be misaligned if the unit is dropped or jarred.

Take THAT Sony PSP and UMD.

Man, it's going to be an expensive Christmas.  This is what I already have on pre-order:

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Halo 2

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

...and soon to be added to that list are the Nintendo DS and probably 2 games.  Holy crap, that's almost $400 right there.  That's not even counting other games I may buy like Tales of Symphonia, Burnout 3 and Prince of Persia: Warrior Within.  BRING IT ON!!

silks

[Koopa Troopa]

Nintendo! You made me ink!

Holy crap, this is outstanding. What else can I say? I can't wait to see the launch line-up.

[CHEN]

Quote
Originally posted by: Bloodworth

Quote
There's no way they could have designed a full-fledged Metroid game so quickly. And including it with every DS is an excellent strategy

Why?  When we saw Metroid Prime at E3, all they had done was the stupid space station.  If they could pull that off on GameCube in six months, I'm sure they could do it again on the DS.

Well, Retro Studios is only developing one game, while Nintendo has dozens. And designing balanced levels for Metroid while maintaining the possibility to sequence break is no easy task. I meant that it's not very likely to see a full Metroid Hunters game at launch, so that's why they're adding a multplayer demo. We'll see the game when it's definitely ready.

[KDR_11k]

"First Hunt" definitely sounds like a demo. Perhaps it's a short singleplayer game and a few MP maps. At least the latter HAS to be in. That would mean every DS owner could play deathmatch and since everyone has the game they can practice at home. Of course, that'd be more effective with bot support for those who don't live near other DS owners...

[MysticGohan24]

Sounds fun to me, It's looking even more enticing than before. I'm so gonna get the DS. I hope they will talk more about the feature where you can play other players from Long Distance. ( like in another time zone )

[Pale]

Any chance on the hunter pack in being built into the system like pictochat?  That would be pretty cool too, cause then no matter what, if you found some random ds in range you would have at least one game you could play...

[couchmonkey]

Well, Nintendo is definitely taking PSP seriously, and I'm glad to see it!  Now all we need is a good launch lineup...I was planning to wait for a price drop before buying a DS, but I'm starting to change my mind.

[Ian Sane]

I'm just wowed.  It's been a while since Nintendo really looked on the ball regarding a launch.  With the N64 and Gamecube there were flaws that could be seen a hundred miles away that did turn out to be big problems.  Even the GBA had the problem that the screen wasn't very visible (though thanks to no competition that didn't really affect things).

But with the DS Nintendo is just nailing it.  We were afraid these promises of new types of games would limit the DS' ability to play old style games.  No problem.  They designed it to accomodate every type of game and made it incredibly flexible.  Some people didn't think it looked as nice as the PSP.  So they changed the case design to something much sexier.  When we all saw Pictochat we said it HAD to be built in or there would be no point and sure enough it's built in.  Now we know that the price is reasonable, it's launching on time, and that it even comes with a pack-in title.  Sure it's probably just a demo but who cares.  That's a BRILLIANT move.  Okay so the DS can't play GB/GBC games or play GBA multiplayer but those are minor points.  The DS is still on track to have a 95% perfect launch.  All we need are the games.

The best thing is that Nintendo didn't NEED to go to this trouble.  They're the portable market leader.  They can afford to rest on their laurels.  Instead they've gone the extra mile and are making the DS a legimate super portable to crush the competition.  They're earning their victory unlike say the PS2 which Sony knew was a sure winner and have half-assed it because they can.

I think this is great for the Revolution.  If Nintendo has the same attention to detail with the Revolution's launch.  The same developer flexibility, the same everything-out-of-the-box design, a pack-in game, the same good price they can make the Rev a serious competitor.  One that doesn't get ignored and actually puts some pressure on Sony.

I'm now very excited about seeing the DS launch lineup.  Don't let me down Nintendo.

[BlkPaladin]

I have a theory on the more expensive launch price. Nintendo up to this point have been launching first in Japan, with a $20+ higher price point then when it came to the US weeks/months latter. And within months of the US launch cutting the price down in Japan. And now it happens here when they release it first in the US it falls in the about $20.00 higher catagory.

That probally means they are trying to quickly recoup the R&D costs from the early adopters and having more money to help ramp up production to release it else where. And then bring it down to an average price. And they released it in the US first since they have a higher chance of selling more at this higher rate, and thus giving Japan the lower the rate first.

So this is probally what will happen we will see a price drop around the time the PSP comes out and it will be in the area of what the Japanese price. (More than likely $125.00) And any other price cuts after that depends on the penetration the PSP makes.

Remember this is just speculation.

[NWR_Lindy]

Hmmm, this makes me wonder what Nintendo's October 7th announcement is going to be about.  I'm assuming that's when they will announce the launch lineup, as well as the retail price of games (something I'm very interested in - I doubt the $49.99-per-game price will stick).

silks

[Jdub03]

What are the game prices going to be.  Thats what im interested in.  Im really not willing to spend 45 to 50 bucks on a hand held, unless its really worth it.

[joeamis]

The GC MP wasn't basically done in the last 6 months, just because they only showed the Space Station.  That's all they felt confident about showing, among other reasons.  MP:Hunters single player couldn't be done so fast because they have to do the whole story, planning, etc.  And they might have to keep in mind the story from MP2, barring when MPH time is set.  Anyways off to the good stuff.  

The DS at $150 is a perfect price point, the release date is right on the money, get those turkey shoppers hoo haa.  The budget for marketing the system at $40 million is the biggest ever Nintendo has spent for any system they've made, also good news.  Pictochat and MPH demo included also great thinking by Nintendo, although I'll probably never get to utilize either of those.  And I'm sure having the packins be multi player only will get people to try and convince their friends to get the DS so they can enjoy the two pack ins.  

October 7 will be the day they announce the software for the system as well as software pricing.  Games will probably cost $35.  Also to note is that Nintendo is putting 12,000 DS demo consoles at retailers for the launch, including some spots with 2 DS systems for people to try the multiplayer out.  Also of note is that Nintendo will produce 4 million systems by March, up from the previous quota of 3.5 million.  

The reason the DS is launching in NA first and Japan later is because the holiday shopping seasons for each country is different.  People buy gifts for Xmas in the US and people in Japan buy gifts around New Years.  As for it being cheaper in Japan, I'd say that's because the market isn't doing as well as NA's (videogame market).  

All in all this is great news from Nintendo, looks like they're finally committing to a successful launch in every aspect possible.  The only sour note out of everything, is that battery life has been lowered from a solid 10 hours to 6-10 based on application.  That's one thing that helps the PSP in the area that many see as it's achilles heel.  

Kudos to Nintendo, I thought they should have a pack in when I first heard of the system, actually I thought GC should've too, I think any new console should have a pack in of some type, it really helps.  The marketing and everything they're doing are going to ensure they have a good run vs the PSP.  Now the only thing that matters is the launch titles.  Will they be as great as the DS console news heard today 'round the world?  We'll find out real soon.

[joeamis]

DP Error  

[Bill Aurion]

"The only sour note out of everything, is that battery life has been lowered from a solid 10 hours to 6-10 based on application."

Why everyone thinks this is a bad thing is beyond me...Think about it...The SP has a single front-lit screen...The DS has TWO, BACK-LIT screens...Big difference with a small difference in battery life(not to mention that the wireless play most likely drains the DS)

[b0rg]

Hey all..

I am a little confused about the WiFi/Multiplayer.  Will you be able to link up over the internet and play anybody online around the world, or is this strictly for playing with someone next to you?

Thanks!

[nyenyec]

Does the DS support the GBA/GC link cable?
I've been holding out on buying multiplayer connectivity games like Four Swords Adventures and Chrystal Chronicles until I buy another handheld.
So will I be able to play them with the DS?

Thanks,
Nyenyec

[KnowsNothing]

Nintendo win.

I am convinced that the gamecube is the greatest console ever released.   And the DS is my most anticipated console ever.  And it WILL be the best console ever.

I am piss. <3

[Renny]

I had actually been thinking about picking up a PS2 this seasonal season.... Screw that, I'll just borrow my brother's. This is a guaranteed purchase now. They've taken Sony seriously this time, as they should have. And it looks like they're going to create an incredible console. Yeah, I said it--handhelds are consoles too, and I'm sure the media will start reporting it that way too.

Shame about battery time, though. That seems to put it just above what the PSP's is said to be. Edging out sub-standard is less than good. This would've bothered me before, but when virtually everything else is right, it seems irrelevant.

Anyway, great job Nintendo. :¬D

[KnowsNothing]

ohsrry

[Bill Aurion]

"Will you be able to link up over the internet and play anybody online around the world, or is this strictly for playing with someone next to you?"

Noone really knows for sure yet...Most likely it will eventually, but probably not to start off...

"Does the DS support the GBA/GC link cable?"

Nope...

[Perfect Cell]

Sweet Metroid Demo and Picto Chat? 150 dollars? Uber Sweet... Ive got mine pre ordered already....

Disapointed that Metroid Prime Hunters isnt a launch titles, but ias long as they get a good long single player to go with the multiplayer then its alll good


Now we just need some Launch titles... and lots of em  

[Renny]

Also the 'virtual surround' is an interesting surprise. Is this going to be a quality Aureal-type psychoacoustic deal? Or the half-assed kind thrown in with DVD players and TVs?

Oh, and bite me Creative.

[Nile Boogie]

This makes me think if 6hours is the min battery life for the Ds then how can the psp possibly last longer than 3 hours with moving parts and a huge screen. Mabye the battery is as big as the unit itself. This looks good for the Ds.

Not that any will belive but Madden2005 is a lunch title and you tap the touch to throw the ball and make hot routes with the stylus. Confirmed!

[couchmonkey]

I think that six hours is good!  More would be nicer, but it's unlikely that most players will use up six hours in one sitting.  I only recharge my GBA about once a week as it is, I think this is a small sacrifice - and Nintendo is usually pretty honest, even conservative, about battery life.  When Sony says 2-10 hours for PSP, I take that to mean 2 hours 90% of the time, and 10 hours 1% of the time.

[ruby_onix]

Quote
This makes me think if 6hours is the min battery life for the Ds then how can the psp possibly last longer than 3 hours with moving parts and a huge screen.

The rumored numbers on the PSP's battery life are "2-10 hours". The "10 hour" figure is for playing Sony-branded MP3s, which run off the Memory Stick (which is like a cartrige) not the mini-DVD drive, having the screen turned completely off, and probably listening with the headphones, not the built-in speakers. The "2 hour" figure is if you try to watch a movie on the thing. Videogames will be in-between somewhere, likely on the bad-end on the scale.

Quote
Mabye the battery is as big as the unit itself.

They've already talked about a "Battery Expansion Pack" for the PSP, which you can strap onto your forearm.

[joshnickerson]

"They've already talked about a "Battery Expansion Pack" for the PSP, which you can strap onto your forearm. "

Seriously? No, seriously?
If that's true, just chuck the "coolness" factor right out the window.

[ruby_onix]

IGN PSP

Quote
According to the article, the PSP battery pack is meant to be worn on players' wrists -- we're not sure how this works, considering that the battery was nearly the size of the PSP at E3 (the article mentions that the final version will be 8mm thick). Running time of either the battery pack or the system itself was not discussed.

[Pale]

I'm a tad bit confused on this whole "not using the gba/gbn link cable".....  If it plays gba games it should have been relatively simple to include this...  Does this just mean a ds can't play a gba game with a gba and it can play a gba game with another ds? or neither?  I'm a might been confused as it sounds awfully silly.

[BlkPaladin]

The DS does not sport the cabe, and doesn't support multiplayer that utilizes the cable, I don't know about the new Pokemon Games that use the Wireless adapter, those may work. So just count on no being able to use the Multiplayer function on any of the GBA titles.

[Flames_of_chaos]

Nintendo's official site said that the DS is only compatible on the GBA games side only the SINGLE PLAYER features.  I think Nintendo just put the GBA port on the DS just for people who want to play single player GBA games and/or as a "expansion port" for DS games ect. ect.

[Mario]

Hmmm, 6 hours? That's not so good considering Nintendo are encouraging people to take it outside to find other DSs and all that, and if you leave it on for a whole day for communication or whatever, the battery would die before you can get home... AND you'd have to remember to recharge it every day.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

I thought that was 6 hours of active use.

The Spidey Senses energy-saving Sleep Mode doesn't count towards the 6 hours as normal operation would, I'm inclined to think.

[Pale]

... and pokemon is denied ...
So nintendo is officially gonna make us start pokemon over AGAIN.  =P

[Bill Aurion]

It should be obvious that a Pokemon DS will be made...Just keep your SPs...

[Zach]

Everything has pretty much been said, but I just cant contain myself, so bear with me, I just have to say one thing.   This is Nintendo's way of saying Sony Can Suck It.  The DS looks great and I cant wait to get my hands on one.

[Chongman]

this is like watching your favorite sports team suddenly get an all star player out of nowhere and then lighting their opponents on fire.

how those two go together...just use your imagination

[Bloodworth]

Quote
The GC MP wasn't basically done in the last 6 months, just because they only showed the Space Station. That's all they felt confident about showing, among other reasons

No seriously, that's what Nintendo told us at E3 this year.  In terms of level-design, the space station was all they had complete.  They did that entire planet between E3 and November.  Of course, just like any game, it takes time to get your engine and assets all put together first.

[Zach]

Quote
Originally posted by: Chongman
this is like watching your favorite sports team suddenly get an all star player out of nowhere and then lighting their opponents on fire.

Ninty may have gotten their all-star player, but they havent set the PSP on fire.........yet.  Maybe now sony will realize that they cant just expect to be the leader of any video game market, just because they are sony.   I am glad to see that Nintendo is taking sony seriously this time.

[kennyb27]

I can't believe more of you didn't mention this:  

I thought the best number I read when reading this wasn't 149 (although that was incredible), but was instead 40 million.  That just blew me away.  $40 million on marketing, nice job Nintendo!

[BigJim]

Quote
Originally posted by: b0rg
Hey all..

I am a little confused about the WiFi/Multiplayer.  Will you be able to link up over the internet and play anybody online around the world, or is this strictly for playing with someone next to you?

Thanks!

The built-in WiFi adapter makes it compatible with 802.11 wireless internet adapters, meaning it can be connected to the internet for (broadband) internet play.

The DS ALSO has a separate multiplayer connectivity for nearby players.

[Chongman]

even if nintendo doesn't sweep the consoles like they did last year, they'll still win this holiday season...so regardless of how well halo2 sells, ninty can stand their ground.

[Rancid Planet]

It's about time Nintendo got it's stuff together when it comes to system launching. The launch is the most important time for a system. Especially for the DS which will only have a short lead on the PSP. It's nice to see that Nintendo is apparantly thinking ahead on this one.

[3rdrocket]

Quote
Originally posted by: Chongman
this is like watching your favorite sports team suddenly get an all star player out of nowhere and then lighting their opponents on fire.

how those two go together...just use your imagination

LOL thats exactly what it seems like to me. I couldnt have put it better

[KDR_11k]

Bloodworth: Not complete != not started. They could have finished all but one room in a sector and call it "incomplete".

The 6 hour minimum is likely a lab number, full load all the time. WiFi eats lots of power and I'm sure their full-load test also included full WiFi use over that entire time. Nintendo is REALLY conservative when it comes to these numbers, not saying anything they haven't made the system do. 6-10 hours is probably like the GC doing 10Mtris/sec maximum. People like me, who always turn off e.g. the sound of a handheld in public, are likely going to have more battery life than an all out online gamer. WiFi is the main power eater and it's not going to be used that much in a real life situation.

[Bloodworth]

Quote
They could have finished all but one room in a sector and call it "incomplete".

How about we breathe and re-read my entire post instead of treating one sentence like an isolated statement?

[Caliban]

Yeah I'm definately getting the DS (probably the black model), but there is something holding me back from buying it at launch and that is that I haven't seen any launch game list. I don't care if it comes with a Metroid demo, to me that just seems like they aren't going to have enough or any good games for launch so they just throw in a demo to shut us up in the meanwhile.

[vudu]

Quote
Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering six to 10 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter

has nintendo specified if that's 6-10 hours when playing a DS game?  could it be ~6 hours when playing a DS game (which uses 2 screens) and ~10 hours when playing a GBA game or a DS game that only uses a single screen?    

[KDR_11k]

The "they did all of it between E3 and release" bit sounded like your conclusion.

Caliban: Silver&Black is one system color, the thing just has two colors in its design.

kingvudu: I'd guess that means DS games. WiFi makes much more of a difference than DS/GBA.

[Pale]

Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
It should be obvious that a Pokemon DS will be made...Just keep your SPs...

I know they will be making one.  What I meant was that there would be no way to transfer GBA pokemon to it because of lack of link up ability...thus we will be starting over again.  =P

[joshnickerson]

Given that it is possible to plug a GBA cart into the DS at the same time as a DS card, hopefully Nintendo figured some way to share data between the two slots at once.

[Bill Aurion]

That's what I was thinking, actually...

But even if not, we started over with Ruby/Sapphire...Didn't bother me in the least...

[KDR_11k]

It was revealed that DS software can access the GBA port, why are you still speculating about that?

[Tuxedo.Bond]

Quote
Originally posted by: ruby_onix

Quote
In effect, Nintendo DS already boasts a library of more than 550 games because it is compatible with single-player modes of games made for the world's best-selling video game system, Game Boy® Advance SP.

I'm a little bit dissapointed that Nintendo didn't set up a system where the DS can "emulate" the GBA's Link Cable over the wireless connection. Sure, maybe you could never do GBA-to-DS connections without the link port, but if those Warp Pipe guys can emulate the GameCube's System Link LAN connections over the internet, it shouldn't be too hard for Nintendo themselves to do something similar for DS-to-DS GBA-game linking.

And, seeing that Nintendo seems to be saying "30-100 feet" now for the wireless range (as opposed to just "100 feet, or 30 meters"), it's annoying that it's apparently not even compatible with Nintendo's recently-launched "Wireless Adaptors" for the GBA (which themselves are only compatible with select games).

Edit: But I guess combined with it not playing GBC games (which seems to be all-but-confirmed now), we'll just have to live with the DS "not being a perfect GBA replacement". It just seems like a shame to me, since it's so very close. I guess I'll just have to live with my not-yet-portable GameBoy Player.

From what I heard it's supposed to have a range of 30ft minimum and up to 100ft in open/clear areas.

[Bill Aurion]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
It was revealed that DS software can access the GBA port, why are you still speculating about that?

There's a difference between having the ability to link the two games up and actually making it so...

[vudu]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
kingvudu: I'd guess that means DS games. WiFi makes much more of a difference than DS/GBA.

wouldn't the difference between playing DS and GBA games be quite large considering two backlit screens for DS games and only one for GBA?

[theRPGFreak]

Any idea when they'll show us a closer look at the launch titels? Im dying to see the new AC

[Pale]

October 7th man.  

[theRPGFreak]

2 days before Halo 2....sweet Jesus!

[theRPGFreak]

wait....im thinking november......wow im a dumbass.....

[Bill Aurion]

You could've have just edited your first post and then you wouldn't look silly... ^_^

[Infernal Monkey]

MONKEY NEEDS MORE NANOSTRAY DETAILS. ;__;
Hey Shin'en have it ready for launch okay love ya' bye (SWEET KISS, RAWK)

[Spak-Spang]

I think it is important not to edit posts...sometimes we make mistakes.

If a messageboard "family" can't be forgiving who can.

*LOL*

[KDR_11k]

Monkey: Um, Shin'en's track record isn't the best, why are you that hyped up for a game by them?

[Bill Aurion]

Because he likes Iridion II! =D

[ruby_onix]

Quote
I think it is important not to edit posts...sometimes we make mistakes.

If a messageboard "family" can't be forgiving who can.

You do it like this:

Quote
2 days before Halo 2....sweet Jesus!


Edit:  wait....im thinking november......wow im a dumbass.....

[joeamis]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
Monkey: Um, Shin'en's track record isn't the best, why are you that hyped up for a game by them?

Well I'm keeping an eye on Nanostray myself, Iridion 1 was technically great, but the gameplay wasn't hot.  They learned from that and made the gameplay much better in Iridion 2.  Now with Nanostray it looks like a technical marvel on the DS, and hopefully they've combined the technical marvel of Iridion 1 and the gameplay of Iridion 2 together, and increased on it as much as possible.

As far as the PSP battery size, I doubt it's going to be noticeably big at all, that's one thing that Sony has an upperhand over Nintendo is on rechargeable batteries, they've been creating them for decades and have tons of experience making/using them in their plethora of handheld electronic products.  That alone will probably make the PSP battery life respectable compared to the DS.  I'd be surprised if it's not atleast 60% as long as the DS battery life.

[Pale]

Now that Nintendo has drawn first blood, I guarantee sony will come out with almost the exact same figure... 6-10 hours.  We really won't have any idea until next spring though.  As one who sells camcorders for a living, if I have to explain to one more customer why Sony's battery figures on paper are soooo inflated, I may just shoot myself.

[KDR_11k]

joe: So because they went from bad to mediocre you're thinking they might reach good with Nanostray? I hope this time they realize that throwing in every feature you can find doesn't make a game better.

[odifiend]

"As far as the PSP battery size, I doubt it's going to be noticeably big at all, that's one thing that Sony has an upperhand over Nintendo is on rechargeable batteries, they've been creating them for decades and have tons of experience making/using them in their plethora of handheld electronic products. That alone will probably make the PSP battery life respectable compared to the DS. I'd be surprised if it's not atleast 60% as long as the DS battery life. "
Are you talking about a battery specifically designed for the PSP?  If that's the case, how will consumers replace a 'special' battery?  Otherwise, I'm guessing both DS and PSP are using some kind of lithium battery- and in that case what is to stop the consumer from putting 'a superior' Sony battery in the DS? A sony battery will not destroy a DS b/c they're from rival companies...or will it ?

[vudu]

Quote
Originally posted by: PaleZer0
Now that Nintendo has drawn first blood, I guarantee sony will come out with almost the exact same figure... 6-10 hours.  We really won't have any idea until next spring though.  As one who sells camcorders for a living, if I have to explain to one more customer why Sony's battery figures on paper are soooo inflated, I may just shoot myself.

News - PSP Battery Life ‘Leaked’

you are a wise man, palezer0.

[Chongman]

I'm going to say its an average of 7 hours per game, not 8...

or 8 at the max with the psp set on the lowest back-light setting and no music whatsoever

[Renny]

That Popular Science article is a joke [or should be]. That's just E3 info. This is the most "concrete" info so far: Game Informer interview with Kaz Hirai, which was pulled from the site within a day.

[Chongman]

If psp launches WITH advent children...

wow....that'd be killer...totally killer...they wouldn't need any good launch titles and they'd still sell by the truckload

[Bloodworth]

except for those of us that would actually want to enjoy the movie and sit back on the couch with surround sound.

[fun2program8]

Check this and tell me what you think:

http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=ds&message.id=105479

[fun2program8]

Check this:
http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=ds&message.id=105479

[Bill Aurion]

What?  It's true, so stop worrying...(Considering Ninty has put out a press release about it, it's on their website, etc...)

(Aha, there's a link to PGC in there)

[Bloodworth]

Yeah, much of the thread is trying to figure out how we had it posted Monday night when the announcement was Tuesday.  It's pretty simple really.  The official announcement was dated the 21st and Nintendo held their teleconference that morning, but they made the press release available just after the Japanese news conference, and it was still Monday night in a few US time zones.  I replied in the NOA thread about it too.

[past pixel]

did u guys noticed that some where in the site it says desktop tools what it can be?
http://img69.exs.cx/img69/1520/omg2.jpg

[KDR_11k]

A screen saver.

[Koopa Troopa]

Quote
If psp launches WITH advent children...

wow....that'd be killer...totally killer...they wouldn't need any good launch titles and they'd still sell by the truckload

Um, where did you see PSP launching with FF:AC?

FF:AC might be out for the PSP launch, but I've never heard anything about a pack-in. Assuming that is what you meant. If all you meant was that FF:AC will be out at the same time PSP: So what? Who is going to be stupid enough to buy a movie on a proprietary format like UMD, when they can buy a DVD?

Also, I'm curious, has anyone asked sony about rewinding movies? I know I'll very often run back if I miss a line or something. I wonder if Sony has factored that in at all.  

[KDR_11k]

Rewinding? Of course, but it will take one minute off your battery life each time you do it .

[Chongman]

huh??

*confused about the rewinding thing*

what i meant by advent children is yeah, if it were a pack-in, a lot of people would buy it. Would I? Heck no, but a lot of other people would I think.

[Don'tHate742]

Over at GCadvanced.com they came up on the PSP price. It is considerably higher than the DS, more than doubling it. This is probably the best news Nintendo could have been hoping for.

Link

[PaLaDiN]

I seriously doubt Sony is that stupid.

Even if it's 350 though, people will buy it.

[TMW]

I seem to remember what happened the last time a company tried to release a "Multimedia" system for really high prices.  Anyone else remember the 3DO?  I had completley forgotten about it, until my roomate for college showed up with one.  Sony is shooting themselves in the foot, here.  Of course, considering what they are trying to do,  they are screwed no matter which way they go.  Lose money if they go too cheap, lose customers if they charge too high.   The PSP just seems...like a bad idea, wrapped in a moronic assumption.  

However...I doth want that DS.  I'm selling my Dreamcast and my GBA, and going without real food for a month.  But I will have that DS.    

[MaleficentOgre]

Food for a month a GBA and a Dreamcast should go for a lot more than a DS.  Anyway I don't forsee sony including anything in the PSP.  It'll come bare for however much it'll cost and you'll have to buy games for extra if you want to use it.

[TMW]

I dunno...I'm getting a clean $50 for the DC, but since I bought my GBA SP used, and it has a slight defect, I'll consider myself lucky if I can get $25 for it.  

Still.  Thats halfway there.  No complaints on my part.  
==
Well...maybe Sony will wise up.  I mean...Nintendo has basically done everything it could to blow the PSP out of the water, and Sony isn't going to take this sitting down.  I really don't see Sony taking a huge blow to profits just to compete with the DS, so they'll probably throw in a game with it, or maybe a free movie offer.

Someone said they might offer FF:AC with it.  ...if I were Sony, that would be exactly what I would do.  It seems to be the only way they can even think to compete.  AC is the kind of "event" that could sell a system, if done right, and Sony could bundle that in and minimize losses, while keeping some semblance of competition with The Big N.