Iwata also noted that Nintendo is working very hard to incorporate developers requests for the Nintendo 3DS in order to make it the best handheld it can be, reasoning that such partnerships are good for both Nintendo and software developers.
While intimating that the Nintendo DS primarily catered to people who did not usually play games, he explained that the 3DS and its more advanced graphics and gameplay as well as its burgeoning third-party support will appeal to hardcore player as well.
The Nintendo 3DS is scheduled for release by March 31, 2011.
I'll believe it when I see it. It seems like a logical thing for Nintendo to learn and adapt to but they talk a lot.
The DS was very popular with casuals but I think it was still clearly the number one portable with core gamers. It started off really rough but things improved. The Wii is more where this needs to be addressed. In the end the DS was actually a good example of a system that had a lineup that was good for both casuals and "serious" gamers. If they want to improve it, go ahead, but the DS model is not that bad.