DS New Model 2008
Replaced the original image from Calan with what is speculated to be the screens for the new DS model thats due out later this year - force refresh browser if you cant see it. Details below and image from Byokan Sunday.
Will have to see what Nintendo has in store for us but don't think I would be rushing out to buy one - will probably go and cover the launch though.
Original text from Calan below.
Reuters reports that Nintendo is planning to launch a new DS model which can take pictures and play music by the end of the year.
This would position the DS to go up against camera phones and Apple's iPods, which could prove either disastrous or hugely successful.
The new videogame handheld, also equipped with WiFi capability, is expected to be below 20,000 yen ($189), compared with 16,800 yen for the current DS. That's a fairly small increase in cost for these features, though the Reuters article said nothing about internal storage, so you still could have to fork out more for storage capabilities.
The DS has been far outselling Sony's PSP globally, even though the PSP has had the ability to play music since day one, and has a camera add-on. In Japan, however, the PSP was selling more than the DS for five months. This means that momentum is slowing for the DS, so this refresh might be exactly what's needed to boost sales. Even if the DS isn't beating the PSP in sales in Japan, the changes the DS will offer are certainly more drastic than Sony's PSP-3000 refresh.
Would you buy this new model? Do you already have a DS? I don't have one, but have really been thinking about getting one. It's been several years since they came out initially, though, and as such I'm thinking that within the next year or two they must be releasing a new one. Perhaps not, though, in which case I might just pick up this new model.
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NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/
I honestly feel that Sony hasn't stretched the limits to the PSP... I mean quite frankly, they should port more PS2 games into the PSP (which makes me, who only has a PSP happy) but probably not the wisest of choice...
As it is right now, there hasn't been an interesting game for me that has come out for the PSP that I NEEDED to get. Like Disgaea would be nice to have (b/c I started it, and have not finished it on my friends borrowed gamed), but it's not like I need to finish it right now. I am interested in Macross Ace Frontier and Gundam V Gundam (just b/c you know... I am a mecha person).
Right now, counting the days until I go to Japan and get myself a used Platinum, and right now playing Mugen no Frontier, so my DS is my best friend...
Student
http://www.tecurious.com
Yeah, my PSP sits around collecting dust now... used it for games (Lumines, GTA) for a bit, but then didn't see any compelling games... would've liked some PS1 or PS2 ports because I had heard awesome things about those games but didn't have a PS. Then I just used it for RSS feeds (would listen over wifi while in my room) and music, but even that got boring and so I don't use it. It's really disappointing.
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/
honestly, in America at least, the PSP is more of a media player, rather than a game machine, which I think is just wrong (first off, I rather not watch anime on that screen, and I rather listen to my music on my iPod, b/c ya know, it ain't heavy).
if I wasn't stupid enough to upgrade the firmware, I would have gotten some homebrews on it....
10% Student, 10% Salesman, 80% Gaming/Otaku
http://www.anidemon.co.cc/index.php?www
i donno, i own a PSP and a DS, and by far, psp comes top. once its modded that is, theres no point having a psp without the modded features like ps1 games back support (resident evil 3 on psp is WIN, or the original metal gear solid :D) and i still sit on my PC desk playing on my PSP for hours on end.
Disgaea on psp = hours of hours of gameplay, spend a total of around 6 full days playing it, currently at around lvl4000
Student, Gamer, Part-time EFSF Pilot
Just use Pandora and downgrade the PSP, it works with any FW and any model (Fat or Slim).
I did for the emulators, it's awesome to play SNES on PSP!
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
http://loli1983.wordpress.com
Damn, that sounds good.
A DS with MP3 capabilities. And i was planning to get a PSP for Christmas specifically to play my MP3 files from my HD.
I still refuse to buy iMac products. That's why i don't wish to ever buy an iPod.
As for the pictures, i don't really care for them. I have my digital camera for that. Although it would be even better if the DS would play video formats such as MKV, MP4, AVI, etc. seeing as you also need a program to convert video files to play on a PSP, such programs like PS Video 9 i believe.
Your local Otaku Cashier.
You could always buy a Zune for a MP3 player.
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
http://loli1983.wordpress.com
That's also on my want list but it's unsure. The advantage that a PSP has and even the new DS is that you can also game.
Student
My DS can go on msn and play mp3's ;D
Underdog Artist, Outcast to the Society, Tetsuya Nomura art fan
I had a DS light colored in Black. My dad gave it to me as a present. And if I were to ask your question, No.
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/
still have the first generation DS... I am thinking of buying another one... With this news, I might as well wait for a bit more then, I guess....
Student, Tech
That's exactly what I was thinking. 1st gen DS, might as well wait a little longer. Thanks for the info.
Graphic Designer
I love my DS Lite. It's my favorite handheld system ever, and I play it all the time. Also have a PSP, but I honestly hardly ever touch it, and the battery is dead every time I want to play it, because the battery gradually drains when it isn't being used.
Student, Gamer, Part-time EFSF Pilot
If you shutdown the PSP properly instead of leaving it on standby (hold down power as opposed to just pressing it) it won't drain the battery.
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
Really? I usually just leave on standby mode all the time when I wanna turn it off ^^;
Graphic Designer
I know that, and that's what I've always done. But the PSP battery just gradually drains when it isn't in use. In fact, I have two PSPs (a launch system, and a slim model), and both have the same problem. My DS systems on the other hand, have no such problem.
Student, part-time slave
http://yakuri.wordpress.com/
PSP is selling more in Japan because everybody has like two-three DS already... I still have the old first model DS, and haven't upgraded because 1- it was a present 2- the only improvement is the weight and outer design, the games look the same in both. So no new DS for me.
The only thing I use the PSP for is to watch anime with some scandisk sticks. It's quite nice especially when riding the bus or train. But asides that, I haven't found any games I like. Sony should really start considering porting Final Fantasy 7 or 8 for PSP, but those are my preferences.
Rogu!!
I think it's because PSP can play DS games with homebrew :x Thats why it's been selling better...
I just wish Sony would release more games on PSP like Disgaea 2....
Student, part-time slave
http://yakuri.wordpress.com/
That's great and all, but not all of us know how to crack a PSP, as ashamed as I am to admit.
I certainly would love more PSP releases, only one I liked so far is patapon ^^U
Student/Freelance Programmer
The DS has a camera add-on too, there was that face training game. VERY weird O_o
The improved wireless sounds interesting, the report hinted about connecting it to information terminals. Until I see something more conclusive then it's all rumour in book~
illustrator
http://eatyet.wordpress.com
the r4ds (and other products) allow u to play mp3s and video and do other questionable things on ur ds <_<, i dont know if nintendo can totally stop their sales.
the souped up ds does sound nifty, tho the camera idea seems strange, and the price difference might not be too bad. i'm still using my original ds and never got a ds lite, if the launch of this also bring down the price of the ds lite i'd be more incline to upgrade a little.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
They need to somehow make it possible to play movies on this thing, not just using pirate software/utilities. Then they can compete with ipods and stuff...
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
To tell the truth, I don't have a portal gaming machine, and probably won't. I like walking around with light pockets, and both the PSP and DS are too bulky for me.
Still, if it can play music and take pictures, that would make it more appealing to people like me - we can leave something else at home in exchange. Of course, camera and music functions are available on most cell phones now anyway, so I'm not sure how much that'll help sales.
IT Crowd
I"ve owned a couple of PSP's in the past, and have been thinking about going back but now I'm not so sure. I think i'll hold out for the new DS and see how it goes.
Student
http://meganemarshmallow.wordpress.com/
I don't have a DS, so it might be neat.
Worker
http://wbd.deviantart.com/
My current DS has hinge cracks and the left trigger button has become a bit sticky, so I'll be replacing it. I don't know quite when- so far it's running alright. I'll have to see the features on this new DS and how they work before choosing between it and a "standard" model DS Light.
Art/Media
http://sgallen.wordpress.com/
I'd think about if it had maybe, upgraded screens (I.E larger), memory, other specs etc.
But having a R4 or other third party gear would allow music or video.
The upgrade is NOT bad but I wouldn't fork out extra money for another DS (third DS...)
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
hmmm I might be tempted to buy this, I know a friend who bought the original ds then bought a second one as he liked the lite version better, anyone else have two ds's or plan to get this supposed new model in addition to their current ds?
I'd eventually get one. I've been debating about picking up another DS Lite because my L button's getting wonky. So we'll see. I just don't want to pick it up and then 2 months later new colours come out.
Software Programmer
http://mfjunk.blogspot.com/
I buy game console mainly is to play games on it. Other features like movies & music will be consider as extra and won't be the main reason for me to choose which one to buy. I bought NDS Lite previously because of the fun & interactive games on it. So if I want to get another NDS, I'll just get the NDS Lite which is cheaper than this new ver. Unless this ver. has other improvement like bigger screen, longer battery life & better internal speaker
MS pilot
i got a DS lite awhile back...will hold off from upgrading until we see what this new DS offers...from the screens it doesn't look widescreen which is strange considering that is the new way of watching movies/games
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
FAKE
This is a picture of faulty LCD screens, hence the bubbles.
Studio Bleach founder/owner
http://myspace.com/studiobleach
Maybe, maybe not. Take note that the screens may be covered by a layer of plastic that is also used to cover new cellphone screens, etc. And while they are used to keep the screens from getting scratched, they do bubble up in certain areas.
Seeing red!!!
Ummm...psp will always be better in my mind..
illustrator/web designer in training
http://naughtyneko.wordpress.com
I have both a PSP and a DS. Got the DS first but am happier with the PSP ^_^ I <3 them both though.
...which reminds me... must charge DS
Stocker
http://www.sigfigs.org/
This actually came at a near perfect time. I lost my DS along with Capcom VS SNK Card Fighter (the second time I've had to play the game over again, with the bug in the first batch and the cartridge lost the one that SNK Playmore sent me, so many hours in that game) a few months ago and was looking into getting a new one along with Kumatanchi.
The only factor of potential dread for me is the idea that SD or micro cards will have to come into play for storage of all this multimedia. I have a hard enough time as is keeping track of all my DS cartridges. One reason why I feel there will be a push for internal storage and memory in the next "gameboy", even if its in limited quantity as seen with the Wii's limited memory.
http://akari-nyan.deviantart.com/
I'm fine with my first gen. DS and PSP. =D
It's a shame that the psp doesn't truly shine unless you hack it. Once hacked, there's a lot you can play on the psp, since it has a SNES emulator, a Neogeo emulator , cps2 emultaor , GBA emultor, even a N64 emulator(but still not at full speed yet). Heck you can even buy ps1 games on PSN, torrent ps1 ISOs or even rip your own ps1 games and put it on the psp. >_>
Studio Bleach founder/owner
http://myspace.com/studiobleach
I used to have a great relationship with Nintendo. When they gave me a DS that was put together poorly (gaps in certain areas, etc.), they replaced it with a great one. But then there was the fact it all changed when there were no good RPGs for it. I gave up and went to Sony's side.
So in other words... I will not get it.
College Student, Fansubber, Freelance Web Forum Admin
http://myanimelist.net/profile/Piroko
I always wanted to get a DS, but I either didn't have the money at the time of impulse, or didn't feel like getting it. :P
I do really want one, to replace my obsolete GBA square brick.
Hopefully as release day comes closer, details, price changes, and features will become more apparent, making me want to buy it even more.
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
i'm still not gonna buy a DS, i'm a bit of a graphics whore therefore i'm still sticking to my PSP...maybe unless they improve the graaphics of the DS~
Artist
http://garakan.deviantart.com
I sold my DS last year and got myself a PSP lite. Main reason: Monster Hunter!!
Student
Donät have a DS and not planning to buy.
Anime Store Owner/Otaku
http://otakumitsukai.com
i second that notion
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
The DS is still a cash cow up to this point and I think Nintendo should wait just a bit longer before they do a refresh. Probably mid 2009 would do. Also if they are planning on releasing a new DS then it better come with an accelerometer. I can't imagine the kind of games developers would be making using both touch screen and accelerometer without a lot of software restrictions like what apple does with their ipod touch apps. :D Sweet ^^
student, vexillologist
http://twitter.com/zscout370
I mostly use my PSP for an mp3 player and I do some gaming and browsing on it. I am not sure if I will run out and get a DS for this. Brother might, but not me.
http://thetruemelody.wordpress.com/
This does sound kinda interesting, but I really don't know what games I would get if I were to get it... =/
I really just use my ipod classic for music and anime :D (I don't think thats so good for my eyes DX)
If the new DS had video capabilities, that would be very interesting... :D
???Confused???
Been wanting to get one, but now that this has come out I'll see what it's got first and the price...
Programmer Trainee
http://jointsareokay.blogspot.com
I wanted to get a DS because of the games...
but now am tempted to wait for the latest model..whenever it arrives
IT and freelance anime cel-shade artist
http://grimbyslayer.deviantart.com/
Hmmm... I still have my clunky old electric blue DS which has served me well as an awesome kanji dictionary, but I guess it might be time for an upgrade.
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
That looks mighty weird... and it aint a hoax or anything? Will be intresting to see how it fairs.... but I just don't like the fact it has no buttons....
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
You mean the picture? It seems to be a picture of the LCD screens only.
Student
http://yakisobacup.wordpress.com
I never really particularly liked the DS because most of the games I saw did not have graphics anything like what I saw on PSPs(I might be wrong though^^). I dont think of Nintendo products as sleek, but with new DS I say it does look sleek.
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
I don't own a DS and I don't think I'l be needing it in the future...
Student Engineer
http://www.tgwnetohh.blogspot.com/
I reported on this not too long ago after catching wind of this new DS. Honestly the new features do not impress me enough to upgrade from my DS Lite- $188 USD is asking a little much. Like all technology it will eventually go down, though. Even then I don't think I will go after it. I was happy with my Gameboy Advance SP for a long time.
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
I got a used DS the Christmas the DS Lites came out here in the States. I may get another one if I ever get a job. Never got a PSP, there's no games I really want on it (And I don't want to shell out another $150 for something I won't use a lot)
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
There are so few games on the PSP that I would actually want to play that I find it pointless to get one.
However, I do have a DS. I like it, but I don't know if that would be a good upgrade. It depends on how well it can do these new features. If it takes pictures like a cheap camera phone, then it's not that great. If it isn't as navigable as a Ipod, I don't see the point. And like a PSP, it might require extra storage add-ons. Will have to sit and wait on this one, even when it comes out.
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
I currently own a ds lite and its been great so far. It plays both English and Japanese games so I see little reason to upgrade to a new model.
I am on the fence about purchasing a Japanese psp however. There are a couple games here I wouldn't mind trying out. Wish there was no region protection on these. Want to play the Fate Colleseum games and the upcoming Project DIVA with Miku Hatsune. ^_^ (Trying Japanese emotocon after reading your article)
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
i have both DS Lite and PSP Slim... and I don't see the point of neither getting a PSP 3000 nor this new DS.
No matter how much any of them are improvements, both are restrictec because they can't release new games that will work only on the new versions.
Currently I'm using my PSP more... but it was mainly because I was playing Cave Story on it.
Last game I played on the DS was Rhythm Tengoku Gold, which was very nice.
FMA fangirl
i'm killing them if they don't make the hinge sturdier, i've gone through 2 ds' cuz the hinges broke
Student, I hate school. FML
yes if i have money, but if they're really good than I really want it... they should improve the graphic more...
オタク all day long
http://www.nekomagic.com
I would love to buy a DS, but I really don't have time to play game. =(
Train driver
I love my Ds lite, but use my archos av500 for media on the go it plays almost anything you throw at it !!!. So probaly no upgrade for me,unless it offers something new.
EX-Student(?)
http://zerojad.deviantart.com
I always wanted a DS, but i got incentivated to get a PSp.
And to DS for other stuff needs a little extra $$.
Programmer
Months ago i'd like to buy a Nintendo DS. Now i'll wait for the new one :D
I've still got my original DS...
Undergraduate Student
http://akatsukiotoko.blogspot.com
With the camera and wifi technology inside this new gadget wouldn't it be a bit heavy to hold it??? I hope that Nintendo really thought about this problem...
I might be looking forward into it.
Anything I want to be
black NDS and r4 with 4 gb micro SD that all you need!!
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
makes me want one!
Front-end Web Developer
http://wilusfira.blogspot.com
Never had any problem what so ever with my DS. In fact, never had any problem with any Nintendo consoles or handhelds.
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
http://argylebolivar.wordpress.com
Oh LOL it doesnt look that great but cheaa....
Student
PSP FTW!
Now sony just needs to make some more decent games...