7992
« on: March 01, 2005, 03:55:20 AM »
I can see Nintendo releasing information at E3 for the new system Gameboy System. Here is why, it would show developers that the system is coming out and what it is capable of. It would hurt Sony and their PSP, because the hype will begin about how Nintendo is about to dominate the handheld market again.
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.