Post by: Savior on January 20, 2005, 06:35:42 PM
Post by: Sunshine_HappyPants on January 20, 2005, 07:01:42 PM
Media is a significant issue. Not only are GOD's completely bare and free of ANY hard-casing or protection, the Gamecube itself is constantly streaming data off of those little badboys to cut-down on load times. It's a great idea and a brilliant feat of engineering, and it was all made possible because they were designed and created without portability romotely as issue. At least PSP designers know to anticipate this problem from the get-go; but, barring some major advancement in battery technology currently unforseen a game like Metroid Prime (which created THE gold standard in load-time avoidance) would rip some piddly little battery to shreds. BUT a funny fact about the Gamecube's architecture is that the A-RAM has been ubgradeable since day 1, that would significantly reduce load times therefore allowing for a more economic use of the disc drive allowing for a longer battery life. The only problem is getting this to work for older GCN games assuming proper code isn't there already, which I doubt. Then there is the memory card/need for data storage, another inconvenient reality that comes with using an optical media. How many Reggie cracked about the PSP's memory sticks? Those jokes are funny because having memory sticks suck. Built-in hard-drive or bust. It wouldn't even have to be that big since virtually all Gamecube savedata was designed to be compact and contrite. 512 MBs of built-in flash memory would be more than enough for Gamecube saves, leaving more than enough room for next-gen GB games, which there had better be.
What about the controller? Gamecube has gargantuan shoulder buttons, portruding analog sticks and a rumble so fierce that it may have rendered me steryl. Granted the rumble can be romoved, the buttons shrunk the C-Stick tucked away somewhere (convenient) and the Z-button can go anywhere. That all seems reasonable, no worries there.
Maybe there should be something that greys-out any and all Gamecube multoplayer options. Even if they could find some-way to recreate and emulate the 4 controller port aspect over a wireless network, you'd still have the 4 screen split on every one's system. That might be funny at first but get-old quick.
No handheld anywhere would be able to display much better than 1/2 the Gamecube's standard resolution. Games like Wind Waker and Metroid Prime 2 might look awfuly strange on a Gameboy.
It had better have a clamshell design if only to protect the display. Screen cracks are no good, and a unit like the one I'm describing would cost alot more than 60$ to replace.
Post by: nemo_83 on January 20, 2005, 11:01:06 PM
I think Nintendo has always wanted to make the Cube portable; that is why they chose minidisk. A second chance for the Cube. Most people don't have a Cube yet. The system could be relaunched with an existing library of games that stomp the PSP's graphics and load times. I also don't think we will see a GameBoyEvolution or GameBoyCube until fall of 06. It is a good reason for developers to keep making Cube games. In the future we could see the porting of MS games like Halo or Perfect Dark Zero to the Cube architecture for the GBE.
Post by: Noble~Feather on January 21, 2005, 04:46:44 AM
# The system will have a flip-top design, similar to the GBA SP.
# Games will come on mini-discs, as opposed to cartridges.
# The graphics will be slightly better than those found on the Sega Dreamcast.
# Bluetooth wireless networking will be built in.
# The system will feature backwards compatibility, but not in the same way the GBA plays old Game Boy games. Supposedly there will be a device that will allow you to download games from their carts into a harddrive-like element of the new Game Boy. Confusing, yes, but that's all we've managed to gleam. Speculate as you like.
# The system's screen will be lit, similar to the GBA SP.
Post by: Bill Aurion on January 21, 2005, 06:12:25 AM
Come on, do you really believe this? Piracy ahoy!
Post by: Ian Sane on January 21, 2005, 06:15:12 AM
How could that feature possibly work if those games don't have the code for it already? I guess they could re-release those games with those features added but part of the whole reason I like the idea of a portable Cube is that it eliminates the whole expense of buying a game twice just to play it portable.
In theory having a portable Cube is kind of nice but the system is such a huge flop that I think Nintendo would be better off making something new. They could always add Cube backwards compatibility but the Cube has a negative stigma attached to it that could hurt the new Gameboy's image. Though as a Cube owner I would like how they would be making new Cube titles.
I really hope Nintendo sits on the next Gameboy for a while. The GBA's life was cut short far too quickly. Sure you can say the DS is the third pillar or whatever but the fact of the matter is everyone but Nintendo regards the DS as the GBA followup. So if they suddenly spring the next Gameboy on us next year, even if it's intended to co-exist with the DS, third parties will move to the newer system and DS owners are going to be PISSED that their system has been "replaced" so quickly. It would be like Sega when they abandoned the 32X after less than a year. The DS is the next Gameboy. It doesn't matter what Nintendo says the public says it's the next Gameboy and they're the ones who decide.
Rumour has it the Revolution will not connect with the DS but rather the next Gameboy. I can't think of a bigger DISASTER than that. I really hope that's not true.
Post by: KDR_11k on January 21, 2005, 06:27:12 AM
Besides, I have no idea where Feather pulled that from but I guess it's someplace the sun doesn't shine. His "inside contact" didn't want him to divulge any information, after all.
Post by: Spak-Spang on January 21, 2005, 06:28:25 AM
I believe Nintendo is trying to deliver a portable with similar functionality of a Gamecube. Similar or Better Processor and RAM, obviously same programing tools and language, but I believe Nintendo will change the obvious. Different media format and different memory for storing memory. I would also predict that the control will be redesigned, and probably won't feature the same functions.
So in reality, it won't be a portable Gamecube, but will be a portable with the power and functionality of a Gamecube.
Why do I believe this? It just doesn't seem feasible for Nintendo to make a comfortable, safe, affordable, portable Gamecube. At the same time it doesn't seem economical either.
Think about it. If Nintendo gives gamers a huge library of Gamecube quality games with their portable from the start it will hurt sales of new projects and products.
However, if the system is similar enough Nintendo could compile games into a portable format that people would buy. I would buy a portable version of both Mario Golf and Mario Tennis together with wifi support to play multiplayer games.
I guess what I am saying is I am actually expecting something different from the Gameboy Evolution and something MORE from it.
Post by: vudu on January 21, 2005, 08:14:19 AM
QuoteGreat...so we'll have another port-friendly handheld. Just what Nintendo needs.
So in reality, it won't be a portable Gamecube, but will be a portable with the power and functionality of a Gamecube.
Post by: Noble~Feather on January 21, 2005, 08:44:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
Well, it COULD attempt to sync game states similar to how emulators do that for older consoles but I doubt that'd really work. Using Peer to Peer won't work at any rate (try playing GTA multiplayer and watch it desync).
Besides, I have no idea where Feather pulled that from but I guess it's someplace the sun doesn't shine. His "inside contact" didn't want him to divulge any information, after all.
I can tell you that info. No harm.
Edit: Ian, remember, Reggie said that DS/Revo connectivity is "possible and probable".
Post by: Sunshine_HappyPants on January 21, 2005, 08:54:24 AM
Feather's "Information" nothing but a cut'n'paste job taken from an N-Sider article posted last April. I'm well-aware that expecting a source citation is almost an enigma in todays day in age, especially when your dealing with a young man like feather with all the inside information. The whole thing can be found at http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=296 but I'm going to gurantee that every thing that article states has been changed, assuming it was ever accurate to begin with.
Post by: Savior on January 21, 2005, 09:27:29 AM
Quote
How could that feature possibly work if those games don't have the code for it already?
You would have to trick the GBE, or GB Next, to treat other Gameboys as Wavebird controlers.. How they would pull this off, i dont know.. Basically it would be a Gamecube inside of a Wavebird controler. Its amazing tech if true.
I like it personally, theres a small posibility that the Revolution wont play Gamecube games, what better way to be able to play my Gamecube games then , on the road...
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 21, 2005, 12:31:55 PM
Also the GCP should have SD card standard (hardwired to trick all games into thinking it is just like the regular memory card)
Post by: Caillan on January 21, 2005, 07:24:02 PM
The Gamecube currently retails, at a small loss, for 100USD. Shrinking it would cause heating problems, especially as the Gamecube gets hot even with massive vents on the sides. The technology required to make a system so small would be too expensive to make a marketable product. (This is especially the case becuase a similar system is already on sale at a low price.)
The DS, PSP and dwindling GBA are enough competitors for the handheld market, and they'll continue to be so for the next few years. A new handheld, especially a generic one, would not cause an expansion of the market (as Nintendo currently hopes the DS will), it would only take its share from its competitors. Since these competitors are mostly produced by Nintendo, a new handheld in the near future as Matt predicts is unlikely.
Even presuming the DS and PSP did not exist, a portable Gamecube would still be a comercial disaster. First, as has already been pointed out, are the hardware issues: the screen, the controller and the media. Secondly, games that have developed for the Gamecube would likely be incompatable with a smaller screen and no controller ports. For example, much of Metroid Prime's HUD would be useless when rendered at such a small size. Lastly, since Nintendo's fans already own Gamecubes, where would they draw their userbase from? I know I wouldn't pay much for a portable version of a console I already own. Sega's Nomad did not provide a buisness model that other companies would like to follow.
Post by: KDR_11k on January 21, 2005, 09:41:29 PM
Besides, it's already possible to add a battery and an LCD to the GC and have a battery life about half that of the PSP, hardware optimized for portability should be able to last Nintendo's required 10 hours in a few years.
Post by: Savior on January 22, 2005, 03:09:54 PM
Quote
incompatable with a smaller screen and
Sure but the screen would be bigger than the SP/GBA... i dont think the screen size will be the problem. Heat? Well the DS is effectively a Portable N64 and it doenst get warm.. in a couple of years... 2006-2007-2008 potential GBE release time, i think they can make it happen... , it would probably be released after the Revolution...
Post by: vudu on January 24, 2005, 07:58:58 AM
QuoteI agree with everything you said there. Furthermore, handheld systems typically have a much smaller tie-in ratio than home consoles. It's something like 7 or 9 games per console for home consoles and 2 or 3 for handhelds.
Even presuming the DS and PSP did not exist, a portable Gamecube would still be a comercial disaster. First, as has already been pointed out, are the hardware issues: the screen, controller and media. Secondly, games that have developed for the Gamecube would likely be incompatable with a smaller screen and no controller ports. For example, much of Metroid Rrime's HUD would be useless when rendered at such a small size. Lastly, since Nintendo's fans already own Gamecubes, where would they draw their userbase from? I know I wouldn't pay much for a portable version of a console I already own. Sega's Nomad did not provide a buisness model that other companies would like to follow.
If the GBE used the same media as the GC, the tie-in ratio would be even smaller, because of the abundance of used GC games selling for cheap.
Conversely, if the media is different, loyal Nintendo fans are going to be super pissed off about buying the same games all over again.
Post by: diiskrej on January 26, 2005, 05:20:57 PM
Post by: nemo_83 on January 26, 2005, 08:37:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: diiskrej
I think everyone is possibly speculating wrong. They are not going to make the gamecube portable, but instead make a system as powerful into a handheld. Its going to be like the PSP. It will not play gamecube games, but Nintendo will be able to get 3rd parties because it will be easy to port Gamecube games to the evolution with upgraded multiplayer ect. Nintendo has already taken this approach many times. Nintendo would not make an opportunity for great wireless multiplayer and then put a bunch of game out that wont support it. They are gunna port GC games. Save themselves time, make lots of money, get more 3rd parties.
it is suicide if they start porting games from the failed cube to a new portable. what was the whole purpose of using minidisks in the first place on cube if there was never a plan to make it portable?
Post by: PaLaDiN on January 26, 2005, 11:30:26 PM
Piracy protection.
Post by: nemo_83 on January 27, 2005, 02:17:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaLaDiN
"what was the whole purpose of using minidisks in the first place on cube if there was never a plan to make it portable?"
Piracy protection.
the xbox is a piracy haven and third parties flocked to it. the only thing that can redeem their choice of minidisks for the cube now is if they take advantage of the portable nature of the medium now and rescue the cube's lineup from obscurity. abandoning the cube and porting its games to a portable that uses minidisks is like giving the finger to the people who bought the cube and its games. both the revolution and gbe need to be backwards compatible with cube games.
Post by: diiskrej on January 27, 2005, 03:23:14 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on January 27, 2005, 06:25:00 AM
But Cube ports might not be that lucrative anyway since the Cube is (aside from Virtual Boy) Nintendo's least popular console yet. If no one wants to buy Metroid Prime now, why would they later? Nintendo could never get someone to buy a portable for a port of Luigi's Mansion or Super Mario Sunshine. Part of the reason why the GBA was able to sell ports so well is that the ports were all from the NES, SNES and Genesis which are all very popular consoles. There are tons of gamers who loved the Genesis but never cared about the Saturn or Dreamcast and loved the NES and SNES but never cared about the N64 or Gamecube. 2D era Nintendo is cool but 3D era Nintendo is not.
Post by: KDR_11k on January 27, 2005, 08:16:15 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on January 27, 2005, 08:42:12 AM
I meant if the GBE was just a portable Gamecube and nothing more.
Post by: couchmonkey on January 27, 2005, 10:11:58 AM
I'd like to see a portable GameCube, but I don't think it's technically reasonable. It might also confuse consumers, so it's not necessarily a wise choice marketing-wise, either.
Post by: Savior on January 27, 2005, 12:14:42 PM
1.GC powered but new media
2.Portable GC, using GC Mini Disks
I think we can all agree at least that its either or
Post by: nickmitch on January 29, 2005, 09:17:49 AM
Post by: ThePerm on January 29, 2005, 09:41:40 AM
Post by: nemo_83 on January 29, 2005, 05:44:59 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on January 29, 2005, 09:27:52 PM
Post by: ThePerm on January 30, 2005, 06:09:44 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on January 31, 2005, 07:11:13 AM
Post by: norebonomis on February 06, 2005, 08:46:24 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on February 07, 2005, 06:08:37 AM
Post by: Savior on February 11, 2005, 04:42:37 PM
Quote
And still requires the disc or what?
A hard drive would be nice, especially if its Disk based. But its because ive got this cracy idea that Nintendo could work with Apple for the next Gameboy... basically mixing the Gameboy with the Play yan idea... Kinda inspired by some CNET article where they said that the PSP would take market share out of the iPod... Im thinking the next Gameboy could play GCN games/type games and play MP3s... connect to iMusic and Apple could help with its aesthetics since the media loves that for some reason
Post by: Ian Sane on February 28, 2005, 09:48:54 AM
This is based on "a new analyst report" so it may just be based on the opinions of analysts who don't know sh!t. Still it's some rumourish info on the next Gameboy.
I've stated before that I don't want Nintendo to release the next Gameboy too soon since I fear that despite their intentions it would kill off the DS and create a ton of consumer bad will. 2005 would be WAY too soon. That's 32X/Saturn all over again.
Post by: Bill Aurion on February 28, 2005, 09:54:36 AM
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 28, 2005, 11:06:34 AM
According to Spong.com (not sure how reliable they are) The DS is gonna evolve into a PDA that can also play N64 quality games while the next gameboy, based on GC hardware will be "The Most Powerful Handheld on the Planet!!" and will connect with the Revolution.
Post by: Famicom on February 28, 2005, 11:22:33 AM
Post by: vudu on February 28, 2005, 11:28:56 AM
QuoteThat's sig worthy.
According to Spong.com (not sure how reliable they are)
Post by: PaLaDiN on February 28, 2005, 12:07:16 PM
This is just an analyst report though. I can't recall a single instance where analyst reports have been accurate. How do these idiots keep their jobs?
Post by: Don'tHate742 on February 28, 2005, 12:35:36 PM
Post by: ruby_onix on February 28, 2005, 12:40:14 PM
Y'know, backlit. Even smaller buttons. Comes with a headphone jack.
Buy one now! Only $99! Nintendo am forcing you to do it, so that you can complain about having to pay to get a Revolution "so soon" afterwards!
Post by: RickPowers on February 28, 2005, 01:01:07 PM
Post by: Savior on February 28, 2005, 01:30:07 PM
plus 99 dollars? less than the DS? but with Gamecube style graphics doesnt make sense to me...
Post by: RickPowers on February 28, 2005, 07:05:26 PM
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 01, 2005, 01:33:17 AM
If this ends up being true...all hell will break loose. I've never trusted Spong, so Rick do me the favor of confirming it cuase: A. I really want to know if it's true B. I want to know if Nintendo has gone crazy or not. The DS fans may feel cheated with the launch of the GBA2 only a year or so after the DS. The Third pillar concept is going to have to provail, becuase I really want the DS to become hugely popular (so I can play with friends like I do with the GBA). With PDA functions, I think it can withstand the burden of the GBA2 since it provides different gameplay, but that essentially will split the market and Nintendo's user base.
If true, then tally up another console I'll buy....I'm talking about the DS since I've always wanted PDA functions. The GBA2 i'll have to see it in person , unless everyone and their mothers say that it is amazing.
DAMN YOU SPONG!
Post by: ruby_onix on March 01, 2005, 02:13:25 AM
What the rumors seem to be saying is that Nintendo is coming out with a handheld GameCube. More powerful than the PSP. Would most likely have to have a better screen than the PSP. Two analog sticks, two analog triggers, no "analog nubs", and no fubar "Square" buttons. Instant game catalog. No need for a "TV adaptor".
Why exactly is this a bad thing for DS owners? I just don't get it.
Quote
I'm not even sure about an E3 announcement, since Nintendo would want the focus to be on Revolution, Nintendo DS, and GameCube, in that order ... and throwing a fourth product into the mix is really going to dilute the overall message.
What if it went...
Revolution > Nintendo DS > Portable GameCube
Post by: kennyb27 on March 01, 2005, 03:40:12 AM
QuoteBecause, if you go by the way the spong article is worded (which I know is hard, just use this as a hypothetical), it sounds like Nintendo will drop most gaming support for the DS while allowing it to stand on few games with maybe a release every other month or so and the "PDA software" they would be pushing. And I just put down $190 on a gaming machine; some PDA software would be nice, but I don't want that to be the focus.
Why exactly is this a bad thing for DS owners? I just don't get it.
With that said, I have mixed feelings about the new GB. I'd like to see it maybe launched along side the Revolution, not this year.
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 01, 2005, 03:55:20 AM
Most important, it would mean Nintendo would have about 1 1/2 year development time for future products for the new Gameboy and allow developers that much time to create launch games. The end of 2005 is too early to launch a new system, unless Nintendo believes it is going to fail with the DS. In that case, I can see it happening. However, I see a more likely first quarter or summer of 2006 as its launch date. Then the launch of the Nintendo Revolution for the Holiday season.
2005 would show the end of Cube development and Gameboy Advance development. 2006 will be completely dedicated to Revolution, DS, and the Gameboy. Also aside note, the new Gameboy could be used as the "normal" controller for the Revolution for more traditional games.
Moving the DS to a more business friendly product is slightly annoying, but I can understand the logic. Faced against the PSP the DS doesn't look as attractive of a system. However, positioned against PDA software the DS could be a cheap alternative, that also plays quality Nintendo games.
In the end, I think this is Nintendo's contingency plan. If he DS gets more popular with every new game released then Nintendo will hold off its launch of the new system. It will spend time perfecting games for it and readying the launch. However, if the DS fails Nintendo needs something out in the market fast to prevent Sony from completely taking over the handheld market. For this plan to work though Nintendo needs to show developers its hand so they can ready for whatever happens.
Post by: Savior on March 01, 2005, 05:33:41 AM
I want a new Gameboy especially if it can somehow play GCN games... i dont know how they will pull it off but i do know 2005 is too early.
Nintendo doesnt have to worry about getting overshadowed.. Zelda will launch this fall
Post by: couchmonkey on March 01, 2005, 05:45:13 AM
Of course, this is all rumour, and at the very least a 2005 release for the new Gameboy seems out of the question. I'm just saying that if it were true, Nintendo would be spreading itself too thin. Nintendo needs one CLEAR competitor for the PSP.
Post by: Ian Sane on March 01, 2005, 06:38:13 AM
It's bad because, even if Nintendo continues to support the DS, third parties won't. Graphics and presentation sell better than anything so third parties are going to focus on Nintendo's newer portable hardware since they can get prettier games out of it. The DS touch screen stuff is not the main reason why third parties support it. They support the DS because it's a 3D Nintendo handheld. Once Nintendo releases something new with "Gameboy" written on the side only a few hardcore designers will stick with the DS. Any other third party games will be scaled down ports of new Gameboy games.
And Nintendo themselves will also release less games. If they have new portable hardware to work with in general their traditional games will go to the new Gameboy while the DS will only get their quirky games that need the DS features. That's fine I guess if that's what you want but anyone who bought a DS under the impression that it be the next Gameboy is going to be really disappointed. Now I guess you could say that's their own fault since Nintendo never said the DS was the next Gameboy but come on. "Third pillar" sounds like totally insanity. It makes/made no sense to believe that.
Looking at the DS I don't think it has what it takes to compete with the PSP. So in a way I want Nintendo to release something really killer. but I fear the huge backlash as a result of releasing something new too soon. It doesn't matter how you look at it a lot of DS owners would feel ripped off and that would really hurt Nintendo at a time where they have a clear competitor for people to jump ship to. Realistically this is the worst timing possible for Nintendo to go all experimental and try releasing "third pillars" and such. They should have done this when they had a monopoly. I'm beginning to think that the DS was a HUGE mistake. If Nintendo truly wanted to start a third line of systems they should have known not to do so when Sony was about to enter the portable market. Nintendo's not doomed but they've forced themselves into a situation where they have to do something that's going to lose market share.
Post by: Pale on March 01, 2005, 06:48:04 AM
One of the things the rumors are saying is that the new gameboy will be priced at 99 and the DS price will likely remain unchanged. What if the new gameboy is just a non dual screen DS? It has just one processor of the two so it has the improved graphics and just one non touch screen. The games use the same digicard format of the DS. The DS becomes a high end system. It will play the new Gameboy games using only one screen and at the same time have DS only games as well as PDA functionality.
How's that for a poorly written hypothesis.
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 01, 2005, 08:50:59 AM
I agree with Ian; anyway you slice it Nintendo is going to lose market share. But we could have guessed that a loss was iminent. Anyways, Nintendo isn't stupid enough to launch a system for the sole purpose of negating a Sony luanch (i'm talking about the DS in Japan). Then after just ditch it. Though they made money, what the hell are they going to do in the states? Launch another system? Haha ya right. I think we're reading into this a little too far (or Spong is). I bet they show a nicer, smaller, sexier version of the DS with Palm functions at E3. I mean, I hope so.
If Nintendo were to launch a new GB then I bet they also realize the consequences as we have and have a plan to make both the DS and GB provail. I hope it's more than PDA functions. Anyways, they don't want to lose fans (money) by pissing them off. It's just plain stupid business, ask Sony. They know this......
We'll see what happens in ten days, and also E3. Personally, I could care less about the handhelds....now that is, cuase I don't own a DS. All that's on my mind is "HOW DOES ZELDA PLAY?!" hehe
Post by: Pale on March 01, 2005, 09:34:51 AM
I can understand if you think my idea would piss people off, but that idea would piss more people off. A 99 dollar unit slightly more powerful than an N64 is better than a 250 dollar unit slightly less powerful than a ps2 with a better screen IMO.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 01, 2005, 10:08:36 AM
I think a PGC (pun coincedental) or ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ is the only way to compete with the PSP w/o direct competition against the DS.
'You pay for a game once and have two different ways to play it. Play at home or Play on the go.'
A PGC would be an extension of the GC still competeing w/ the Xbox & PS2 but would now cross over into a dual market competeing directly with the PSP. I also think that such a product would also rejuvenate interest from 3rd parties that previously dropped support for gamecube now that it would essentially be targeting 2 markets on one format with one product.
I think it is the smart thing to do......
maybe it'll happen
most likely it won't
Post by: Savior on March 01, 2005, 10:34:26 AM
If your going to make a PSP "killer" it makes sense to take time and release it in 06... than in 05... by 06 the DS would have two full years, the GBA would have been cycled out, so you would still have 3 pillars... Revolution, GBE, with Game Cube backwards compatibility and DS, with Two Screens, touch screen, and Game Boy Advanced backwards compatiblity
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 01, 2005, 10:47:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Savior
Releasing a N64 portable really really doesnt make any sense... especially when you can just port the games on the DS....
who mentioned a portable N64?
The DS is a portable N64, as is a GBA is a portable SNES, as is a GB is a portable NES
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 01, 2005, 10:56:09 AM
A. Piss of DS adopters; not as bad since probably half own gamecubes. Also, it would kill the GBA. That would be a good thing though, since developers that don't want to spend alot of money developing for the new GB, can develope for the DS.
B. Copy exactly what Sony did with their PSP. Except now you can play the games you already bought, unlike the PSP. Anyways, Nintendo is not one for copying competitors (they're to good or something).
Anyways, I vote for that idea. That is the only way I could see Nintendo working around the obstacle presented. If Nintendo doesn't use the UMD's of the gamecube, kiss DS support good bye as well as many as many Nintendo fans.
PaleZer0: Noone would want a Half a DS; even if it has better graphics or cheaper. People see the touch screen as it's main focus, so not including that would be a pointless move. A sleeker DS would have a better chance to compete becuase the only reason people are so attracted at first to the PSP is becuase it looks so damn good. If Nintendo could make a DS:SP that is small/easily held, has a long battery life and has even brighter back lit LCD to make the LCD screens look more desirable. It would help bring some of the hype for PSP down a bit.....in other words damage control. Still, I think they should still include PDA functions as another something the PSP doesn't have. But like BlackNMild said, Portable Gamecube all the way.
EDIT: Damn! you guys beat me. yeah PaleZer0 did.
Post by: RickPowers on March 01, 2005, 11:42:34 AM
I'm all for innovation, but not for it's own sake. Plus, there are areas for improvement innovation wise that people are completely missing out on ... but more on that later.
Post by: Savior on March 01, 2005, 11:55:31 AM
who mentioned a portable N64?
its kinda what PaleZero suggested.
...
Rick it all depends on how the PSP does in the next cycle or so. If its incredibly succesfull, Nintendo will have to create the real competitor to the PSP, if it has a lag then they can give the DS more time...
Post by: Pale on March 01, 2005, 12:16:12 PM
Post by: ruby_onix on March 01, 2005, 12:50:09 PM
I think this is somewhat needed for clarity. Names are not official. Add some if you've heard them.
1: Portable GameCube. GameCube + Mobile Monitor + Controller smooshed together.
2: GCP. Not a GameCube, but a high-end portable based loosely on GameCube tech, for cost savings.
3: GBA2. A new handheld, philosophically similar to the GBA, not the GameCube, PSP, or DS. Whatever that means.
4: GBA SSP. Another cosmetic redesign of the GBA.
5: DS SP. A cosmetic redesign of the Nintendo DS. More comforable to hold. Perhaps with significant added functionality, like analog, which would make it more of a successor to the DS than just a cosmetic redesign.
6: DS PDA. Someone releases PDA software for the DS, increasing it's functionality. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
7: Connectivity. Wireless connectivity between the DS and/or the Revolution and/or some new handheld. Also, connectivity between GameCube games and any system (handheld or home console) that happens to be backwards-compatible with the GameCube.
8: Online/no-line. Internet connection. Stick it in the DS, the Revolution, a new handheld, your toaster, you name it.
9: Connectivity between rivals. Oh no! The walls are breaking down! They're falling on me! The world is ending!!
10: Attack of the Wavebirds. All handhelds will become controllers for the new consoles, black boxes that look like flawlessly perfect slabs of slate, which have no openings to plug things into, and make strange noises at night.
Post by: ruby_onix on March 01, 2005, 10:06:23 PM
Spong says that they know for a fact that a new handheld from Nintendo will be unveiled at E3.
This "new model of the Game Boy Advance" will be a "true gaming machine" with analog controls and a big, high-quality screen. Which apparently makes it exactly like the PSP.
Also, Nintendo is teh doomed. Particularly the DS. Because the DS was one big giant lie. Nintendo apparently hopes that turning the DS into a PDA (which Spong says will be revealed at E3) will save them somewhat. Nintendo will also make something up about "wanting to have three systems all along", and "three pillars" or something like that. But we all know that's a lie, because nobody in their right mind understands what Nintendo's talking about when they say that, so it must not be true, and Nintendo is really just a few short months away from abandoning the DS.
An analyst on CNN says that he believes that the "next version of the Game Boy Advance SP" may be shown at E3, and might launch within 2005, not sometime in 2006 or beyond (as others have speculated). And that it will launch at the GameBoy's typical $99 price tag. And that the DS will not see a price drop, and will remain at $149.
Also, Nintendo is teh doomed, because the PSP is coming, and because Nintendo is flooding the market with revisions of handhelds that they keep forcing us to buy.
Next, Matt from IGN Cube has mentioned in recent mailbags that while he currently knows absolutely nothing about any "new handheld" or the Revolution, he won't cut the DS any slack and give it a chance, because he's certain that Nintendo has a new handheld in the works, and that once it launches, Nintendo will abandon the DS, leaving DS owners hanging out to dry. Also, he doesn't think that the Revolution will be backwards compatible with the GameCube, nor will it have connectivity with the DS or anything else, because he thinks it will be "too weird" to even be capable of that sort of thing.
Matt doesn't think that the new handheld will launch in 2005, nor will it be cheaper than the DS. Also, Nintendo is teh doomed, in various ways, too numerous for me to sum up.
Post by: PaLaDiN on March 01, 2005, 10:45:34 PM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 02, 2005, 05:02:23 AM
Nintendo has distanced itself from a frenzied wave of Internet speculation claiming that the Japanese giant will be launching a next generation Game Boy later this year, saying that the rumours were "pulled out of the air".
A spokesman for Nintendo of Europe told GamesIndustry.biz this morning: "There is always speculation on what the next Game Boy will be, however, at this time there are no announcements about a new Game Boy SP product."
However, unofficially the Kyoto-based firm is expected to unveil a remodelled Game Boy Advance based on the existing technology at its traditional pre-E3 event.
So in fact its a new version of the GBA not a GBA 2
Games Industry
Post by: Savior on March 02, 2005, 05:19:30 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 02, 2005, 05:21:50 AM
Post by: KDR_11k on March 02, 2005, 05:23:11 AM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 02, 2005, 05:33:30 AM
GBA 2, it was others like Spong that turned it into the rumor of a GBA 2 release
Post by: couchmonkey on March 02, 2005, 05:49:16 AM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 02, 2005, 12:30:57 PM
Besides this makes alot of sense, consider the facts
1)DS is in its first year, regardless of Nintendo's "Third Pillar" claims they are not going to screw up the DS's sales when they are this good (on track to reach 5-6 million by end of March) by releasing something that might undercut it, not to mention the GBA is still selling pretty well, so there really is no reason to kill it off yet.
2)That being said the GBA is slowing down, and Nintendo would like to keep its sales chugging along, but not at the cost of the DS, as a result a re-re-release of the GBA is not only cheap since they already have the hardware available at an inexpensive price, but they can give people who want online but don't want to shell out 150 buck a reason to buy from them, without harming the DS sales much since most who are willing to shell out $150 will want the DS's superior capabilities.
3)No need to release the GBE at this point, the GBA still sells pretty well and with a small remodeling can continue to sell well for a few more years, while the DS is selling great and will probably sell even better once more games and online are released.
Post by: KnowsNothing on March 05, 2005, 07:19:29 PM
If Nintendo really wants the DS to be a third-pillar next to the GBA and GC, will there be a succesor to the DS? The Game Boy line will get another family member sometime (not as soon as all these "professional" clownboats think), and the GC will be replaced by the Rev fourth pillar, too many systems, Nintendo is teh doomed. So what happens after the DS? It's in its own genre right now, and the "DS line" isn't going to be Nintendo's "innovation line" as seen by the direction they're going with the Rev. It seems like it's a one time deal- I just wanted to know what you all think.
*looks at next post*
nemo: The DS is out next to the GBA right now, so it's obviously a third-pillar to the GBA. Seeing as the GBE will replace the GBA, it will still remain seperate from the GB line. I was curious to know if this seperate hardware line will continue into the future, or if it will begin and end with the DS (which I think it will)
Post by: nemo_83 on March 05, 2005, 07:45:05 PM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 07, 2005, 04:26:03 AM
So at any one time Nintendo will have three systems on the market
Post by: couchmonkey on March 07, 2005, 04:39:21 AM
In other words, if the DS continues to be a big hit even after PSP is launched, and if Nintendo thinks the stylus control still has unused potential, we may see these things in the next Gameboy or Nintendo may even drop the Gameboy line in favour of DS (seems less likely to me than it did six months ago, but still possible).
If the DS starts to falter after PSP's launch, or Nintendo loses interest in stylus control, I think this will be the first and last we see of the system.
Could Nintendo continue DS and Gameboy lineups side-by-side? I've always been skeptical about that, but I'm beginning to think it might try. Frankly, if Nintendo does go in that direction, I will probably pick one handheld and stick with it, I don't have time for two.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 07, 2005, 04:49:09 AM
Considering what's happened in Japan I doubt the PSP will be able to dethrone the DS.
Post by: KDR_11k on March 07, 2005, 06:23:58 AM
The GBA was release alongside the GC, right? Wouldn't that mean the GBN could come out shortly after the Rev? Perhaps we'll see it next year at E3.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 07, 2005, 07:04:49 AM
Post by: ib2kool4u912 on March 19, 2005, 11:15:51 AM
detective skills +1
