I'm with the crowd that still have a dirty ole DS Phat where parts of the silver plastic have worn to a pale white. It'll be interesting to see how this rumor pans out - I lament the loss of the GBA slot but UNDER A HUNDRED BUCKS?!?! That's almost cheaper than filling up a gas tank these days!

quadmonkey

I don't think we need to see a new DS for another 3+ years. Anyway, if this is true, people are going to look funny (in public) moving their DS every which way...heh.

nautnaut

No one bought/liked the Browser, so the RAM expansion isn't a big deal.

Rumble isn't a huge deal (there's what, three games that use it?) and could probably be built-in pretty easily.

GBA content into DS games... Aside from Pokémon, there's so few games that really used this feature (and even less that used it well).

Guitar Hero: On Tour? That's a pickle.

TheUncleBob

oh yeah and that's one of the most adorable cat EVVAAARRRRRR, if i ever find it I'm stealing it all consequences be damned! >.>;;;;

demonknightinuyasha

With every other company no doubt planning motion sensing for their handhelds (and consoles) it makes sense Nintendo will bring one out as soon as possible. If only to get their preliminary technology out before someone else patents something similar.

floppylobster

@Testamonium: Yeah, that kills this right there. If this is true, it would be a new DS. And there's no way the remodel would be less expensive than the old one. And the motion sensing makes no sense at all considering the DSL doesn't have it. But I guess they might be able to add it through the GBA slot.

zeldarooles

thinner? how much thinner do we want this damn thing? soon its gonna feel like a checkbook without the checks in it >.< lol

demonknightinuyasha

Also - Guitar Hero is the only game I can think of that requires the peripheral. The Opera browser too, though that could be solved with a firmware update and some internal memory.

I'd put SERIOUS stock in this rumor though - a DS redesign may not be 'due', but Nintendo is taking a financial beating over software piracy, and this looks like a big step to put a stop to it.

The DS homebrew cards used to require a GBA slot boot before they found an exploit to launch their homebrew from the startup automatically. If Nintendo removes the GBA slot, there's no GBA boot. And an updated firmware could potentially lock out flash cards for good.

Tonx

Is that kitten playing Advance Wars?
I thought I might get one until I read that it had no GBA slot. My DS is breaking, and it's my second one. But I needs it for GBA games.

Metal_Slug_Solid

A motion sensor would be crap. It would break the hinge. But I would totally upgrade anyway.

Aethyr

Nintendo, more than most other console creators, is wary of fragmenting their user base. I guess they could sell a separate accelerometer for Lites, but otherwise this doesn't sound like a move they'd make.

periodical

Indeed there are too many games using the GBA slot for something..

But, most casual games coming out don't use it for anything.. a DS for less than 100 bucks without a GBA slot seems to me like something perfect for the casual market.. but the accelerometer wouldn't make any sense.. we'll have to wait.

CockroachMan

I'd buy a sub-$100 DS. I've sort of been toying with the idea of getting one, though my priority is to get a PSP and at least a dozen games for it before I truly consider the DS. It kind of depends on how well the Sonic RPG does.. but Chrono Trigger helps, since I didn't get to play it back in the day, and that KORG synth simulator is something I'd definitely fuck around with.

MistaJeff

@Sooku: A few is exactly what it is though. No GBA port and a lower price tag appeals to about 90% of the market Nintendo is persuing - they won't stop making Lites though, lest they offend all the Poketots.

If this rumor is true - great! The only thing that would sour the deal was if there was an announcement they were no longer manufacturing Lites as a result.

But wait... hmmm... did you have trouble finding GBA SPs when the Micro came out?

Tonx

I am buying a new DS soon. But unless this offers a substantially larger screen, I am going to pass. Whatever games come out that will use any kind of accelerometer will be supported via gba slot in the future I am willing to bet.

It's pretty pointless if all it does is make it slimmer and add the accelerometer. They are better off just lowering the DS price instead.

Dennen

Does this seem like a bad idea to anyone else?

Activision would be pissed, because all of a sudden, their brand new Guitar Hero On Tour game wouldn't work on the new system!!!!

Oh wait... that game sucks anyway...

Soroks

They need something to render all those flash carts useless. New hardware locks on the slot-1 and removing the slot-2 seem to be just the key.

Adding new requisite features like the motion sensing could be just enough incentive for people to upgrade, but I think most Lite owners are a little too far into the game to really give up on it.

liquidnumb

Why would they remove the GBA slot? There are a bunch of games that use the add-ons, and others that use GBA games themselves (Pokemon, anyone?) I can't imagine that they couldn't find a way to fit a GBA slot in it anyway, especially the way technology shrinking progresses more as time goes on. Like you said, it's been two years.

sanyo

@CHU BOI:
and you still got tomorrow:)

enewtabie

Sounds like Nintendo to me! I bet the new storage-friendly Wii is going to be a whole new system too.

Swift_

No GBA slot, no sale. I read the title and got excited (I need to replace my DS badly), but there's no way I'm sacrificing the GBA support for a smaller price tag. I think I'd actually prefer this remain a rumor...

Xenigma

There are a bunch of games that utilize the GBA port. Arkanoid's paddle, Guitar Hero's frets, and Pokemon D&P's backwards compatability to name a few.

This rumor is crap.

Sooku

If it somehow magically still has a GBA slot, consider that sucker SOLD.

reecord2

@Akulina: @idontgottaname: @SpishackCola: @Testamonium:

Yea, but the GBA Micro didn't work with some of the old GBA peripherals, either... and if I'm remembering correctly it removed GBC functionality too. If people don't like the lack of a GBA slot, they can get a Lite.

TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With

@zanzibarlegend: It's really a nice handheld. Not as versatile as a PSP but the support for the thing is incredible. You should check out Phantom Hourglass also.

slomo788

Would be kind of stupid, since as Stormrider said there's a few DS Software that uses the GBA Slot for extras, like the Opera Web browser, amongs other.

Zantagor

A lot of games use the GBA cart for bonus features, so it sucks that it would lose it. Since I already have my Lite and love it, I probably won't upgrade unless there's something really significant that this supposed revision has.

Stormrider

never taken the ds plunge, now with chrono trigger ,and order of ecclesia coming..... if this is true, WHERE DO I PRE-ORDER!!!

zanzibarlegend

@gamadaya: It'd explain Ice Cucumber Pepsi.

Lyrai

@Akulina:
The Japanese need a facial training game? What are they, aliens?

gamadaya

Since I never did pick up a DS Lite, and I am easily persuaded into buying shiny things and basically handing my cash over to these people, this announcement would be a good opportunity for another fool and his money to part ways.

Not sure how much of an evolution it really is, and the lack of a GBA slot would eliminate Guitar Hero and a few other games from the library. Which, for the former, seems like a big deal. Especially considering Activision has apparently partnered with them. That being said, the DS was only a couple years old when the Lite came out. However, that was a matter of mending some problems people were having. If it ain't broke?

nick.soapdish

As long as the screen doesn't get smaller, I'd probably pick this up in a heartbeat.

havoks

I guess people don't understand the word rumor?

Asriel

In Japan we have also a Facial training "game" working with a camera you have to insert in the GBA slot.
Not sure this new DS rumor is true...

Akulina

What about Nintendos own rumble pack for the ds? hardly any games use it yet, I seriously doubt they will remove the gba slot.

idontgottaname

No one ever knows what Nintendo is going to do. That is why we love them.

ghnvt

@SpishackCola:
I forgot about that. Yeah, that little tid bit doesn't exactly add credibility to this rumor.

gamadaya

Blast, I just upgraded my 2G iPhone to the 3G...hadn't accounted for this!

Interstella5555

I guess the DS Lite is having weight issues now.

Amazon_Chris

After today's press conferences I have a growing hope that E3 is no longer a lost cause and just a waste of time and money. Hopefully Nintendo and Sony can bring together a good show which would encourage more E3 shows to come.

Quicksilver4648

@CHU BOI: qft.

@Testamonium: HA! Best comment of the lot.

This announcement, if true, strikes me as quite odd. It may be a good idea say, three years from now, but the DS hasn't even run it's lifecycle yet, let alone the DS lite. Perhaps this is another attempt at "Blue Ocean;" to give the consumer as many choices as possible. When they sell as well as the DS, how can they go wrong?

Cogito

I would buy that. I need a new DS, my launch lite is falling apart, and a DS Micro would be great.

GiantEnemyCrab

That would be pretty awesome. If it's true, then wow, I didn't see it coming. Also, hotcake sales aren't even very good now days.

gamadaya

The GBA slot will serve too many uses in the future, starting with GH World Tour. This would not be a good move to make on Nintendo's part.

SpishackCola

I'm still using a Launch Week DS Phat that looks like it stormed the beaches at Normandy, so I wouldn't mind upgrading. I don't exactly use the GBA slot for anything besides Pokemon anymore, so it's not a real loss for me to upgrade. I'd get one.

Besides, I'd still have my DS Phat- the Serial Number and such wore off of the bottom over a year ago, so that baby's mine forever unless someone wants to take it off my hands personally.

TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With

No GBA slot = fail, not just because you can't play GBA games but because a fair number of DS games make use of the GBA slot for various things (rumble, web browser addon, unlock stuff using GBA games, etc)

Jeff Paine

@Soyerzz: ya thats exactly what i was thinking

Rockamix

Thankfully I have strong wrists and big pockets, so my DS Lite is just fine.

Testamonium

wait, without a GBA card slot?

so nintendo's gonna void Guitar Hero: World Tour and the most likely coming onslought of Guitar Hero DS games?

why would they do that to something that's probably gonna sell really well?

not like Nintendo needs to revolve around Activision and their games, but seems kinda odd.

especially if Activision's designing the accelerometer.

presto117

If true, I'd like to see a new Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble.

M

Do we REALLY need another version of something that we already have another version of?

UCB-Disco

E3 2008 is full of news this year; instead of shit... awesome :D

I would love a new DS iteration because I am a consumer whore that needs more of these babies!

syl1985

Pretty stupid not to have no Gba port? What about games like Guitar Hero on Tour?

Soyerzz

Would be a great announcement for nintendo. I wouldnt buy such a product since the durrent ds lite is more than enough, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.

Konstrix

Can you imagine twisting that thing while controlling the stylus while pressing buttons? Unless, of course, this points to the inevitable successor.

Return of the Game Boy? Who knows. That third pillar seems to be crumbling.

caseypenk

Now that would be hot. I was hoping for a new PSP but damn.

@CHU BOI: You're oh so right man.

slomo788

Well we know Japan will buy it

JimElNino

Grr, I don't want to have to upgrade my DS!

rljohn

Not that I particularly like the game or anything (I don't), but wouldn't this basically knock Guitar Hero somethingsomething Tour off the list for anyone who purchased a new model since it requires the GBA slot for that adapter?

Testamonium

I hope it'll be much smaller and compact, like the Game Boy Micro. Coolest gadget ever.

Arceus

Wow. E3 2008 is def not fucking around, is it?

CHU BOI

@Jeff Paine: Yea, but how many people use DS rumble, internet browser? I don't know anyone (that I know).

Add-ons like the arkanoid paddle never made it to the US...

On-tour is only ONE game, Nintendo would just tell you to buy a DSlite if you really want the GBA slot.

The "three pillars" might become:

DSlite
DSslim (new DS, working title)
Wii

It once was:

GBA
DS
GCN

The GBA and GCN are all but dead now.

CutePuppyz

@BPMΞ: Who's trolling? There hasn't been anything decent released on it since.. oh, about New Super Mario Bros...

Honestly, the thing is the biggest magnet for pathetically bad shovel-ware I've ever seen... but I *want* to love it.

MrBionic

@Arceus: Here here, I have been carrying my Micro around everywhere. Which sucks, I barely DRAG around my DS to play Final Fantasy Tactics A2.

Summer Sun=Boktai!

thomasav

@AngelMayLaugh:
I use MoonShell on my M3 Lite, and it still plays music even while the system is closed.

BPMΞ

The sole reason for the hardware revision is obviously to make absolutely certain that us schlubs over here in america can't ever boot up Mother 3.

OhSoDelish

@MrBionic:
You'll have to troll harder than that.

BPMΞ

@Mit:
They could even make that a built-in function that way. If they make their own browser in-house, there is no licensing. Even if the browser add on failed, I can still see that sort of thing really turning people on to new hardware.

Some people don't even want to play games on their DS.

liquidnumb

@liquidnumb: If they do that SD card thing I hope it would play music while it's closed. My Psp would be on back burner for a long while.

AngelMayLaugh

Now, can we actually get some decent *GAMES* for the DS?

MrBionic

The idea of a motion sensor on a DS is making me very angry. Just the thought of using the stylus while tilting the DS makes me angry. I know it's just a rumour, but just the *thought* of it.

TWEWY with motion sensing included in the battle system would make me super rage. And I agree with all the comments on the GBA slot removal. That's just dumb (is enjoying Arkanoid paddle way too much)

Steffa

@Mit: "Why release new colors when a new model release is imminent?"

You're new to Nintendo, aren't you? ;)

TheUncleBob

@liquidnumb: Stores don't even carry the internet browser anymore, I don't think Nintendo cares about it anymore.

Mit

I hope this is bogus. If they release cheap accelerometers for DS Lites that fit in the GBA slot then whatever, but it just seems like a lame move that will bloat the market and confuse consumers.

100 dollars is good news, although again, why would they drop the price?

New colors being released in Europe for the DS Lite seems to make this even more unlikely. Why release new colors when a new model release is imminent? Perhaps if this is true the DS Lite will remain in the market with the newer DS.

Bah, this just needs to be bogus.

Mit

@TheUncleBob:
You know, a redesign doesn't necesarrily nullify the browser. They could easily just add that extra ram right into it. And lord is that stuff cheap these days.

And speaking of cheap memory, they might add an SD slot. Now your DS is an IPOD. You can't tell me people aren't going to shit bricks for that.

Wirelessly transfer and save demos to/from your Wii.

They could even let you buy and download the GBA games that way. Pretty much just like VC.

liquidnumb

This is what I've been waiting for now since JANUARY. FKC YEA!!!!

mr30gZune

@quadmonkey: OR for the people who need a DS but not necessarily a new GBA Slot.

My Top screen is broken on my DSLite so I can use the bottom screen for GBA games and this new DS for DS games.

AngelMayLaugh

This is definitely exciting news. And to those complaining about the lack of a GBA slot, please bear two things in mind:

1. If you already own a DS Lite, then what the fuck's compelling you to go out and buy a Slim? Don't get the damn thing if you find its existence such an offense.

2. The countless millions of people who catapulted the DS to its current position did not do so because of GBA support. They didn't give two shits about GBA support or presumably that would've been reflected in the GBA's lifetime sales. They bought the DS (Lite) for brain and puppy training, both of which will work just as well on the slimmer model.

Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic

Haha, the realization of what this is just reached me. I'm a little slow.

This version of the DS isn't for gamers who own collections of GBA games or take part in that silly Guitar Hero, IF TRUE, this little guy is for that herd of cash cows known as: the casual gamer. What do they need a GBA slot for? They are just gonna play Brain Age, Tetris, and the like.

quadmonkey

I think it would be a good move, my girlfriend would put up money for a cheaper DS, since my DS-fat is usually clutched in my vice-like grip most of the time and she already has a GBA.

laughingmangits

@TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With:
I'm still using my launch DS phat because I have huge man hands. I'd love for that "old people" DS rumor to be true. The one where the DS phat is like 1.5x bigger with bigger screens as well. Then I'd actually be on the same level with dainty hands when playing over WFC. Also, I wouldn't have to worry about getting mad wrist tendinitis either.

SpishackCola

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! Good news! a 100 dollar DS.

*Wipes away tears from FFXIII going to 360*

AngelMayLaugh

If this ends up true, I'd buy in a heartbeat.

I've NEVER used my GBA slot...EVER. So this rumored model would be perfect for me. Here's to hoping.

cringer8

GBA two years later GBA SP two years later GBA Micro
Nintendo DS phat two years later Nintendo DS Lite. Yeah if this pattern is correct then they will release a new DS this year.

Kankel

@TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With:
The Game Boy micro removed the Z80 processor, which made it impossible to play Game Boy/Game Boy Color games on it.
(the GBA/SP contained both the ARM7 and Z80 processors)

--

Can't say the lack of a GBA slot excites me. Not only is it useful for GBA games (for which some DS games use), but as well as DS accessories and flash cards (yes, there are Slot-1 cards, but I already have an M3 Lite, and have no real desire to get a new card).
Still, I may pick one up just for the sake of having one.

BPMΞ

Upon first looking at this article, I immediately thought that this was bunk. The arguments in my head were much like the arguments that have already been posted by kotakuites before me. However, as a guy with a burning love of Economics, I had to think it out just a little bit more.
What is the number one thing that keeps people from buying things? Lack of money (or exorbitantly high price tags, looking at you Mr. PS3 that I still don't have.). If you always wanted a DS but didn't have the money to shell out for it, this could the the bridge. GBA compatibility or not, some people want to own a DS. If Nintendo can produce a (GBA-less) DS and turn a profit on 99.99, then they will probably go for it. If you don't like it because it doesn't have a Slot-2, no worries. Don't buy it. It wasn't made for you.

It's like the Xbox360 and PS3. They had different versions with varying levels of ability. Not quite Price Discrimination, more like Product Differentation, but whatever. I'm sure you understand what I'm trying to get at.

Channing

What would be the point of this? Get rid of the GBA slot, which lots of games use, and add in a motion sensor that very few games would use? They won't add in a new motion sensor thing for the same reason that Sony doesn't make a new version of the PSP that has a 2nd analog. The old hardware couldn't play some of the games, and that would piss people off a LOT. Then again Nintendo isn't exactly known for making smart hardware decisions, and they did just announce that Wii Motionplus thing. Oh well, I barely use my DS anyways.

Placentasaurus

Dont see any reason for another iteration of the DS and only a fanboy would consider this remotely noteworthy.

KirbyMorph

for that price i say yes to the DS. I don't think you can go wrong if this is true. This has been a crazy e3.

Xtreme_Hindu_Cow

@chantastic: um. 8 games since May, 2006? lol. Plus, we'd never agree on what is good anyway.

Seriously though, the thing is shovelware-ville, it's my *opinion*, not a troll. I wasn't looking for people to go all DS Fanboi on my ass, I just wanted to vent my personal frustration.

MrBionic

i would love this! i've had my ds phat since a year after launch, and ive been wanting to upgrade to a lite.. but i decided i'd much rather wait and see what nintendo would do next..

kokiri-kid

I just bought a DS recently and was prepared for Nintendo possibly introducing another piece of handheld hardware. I figured they wouldn't be releasing it for a while (a few months at least) and its not like the DS Lite would crumble into dust the moment the new one gets released.

Buuuut... if this is what they have in mind I am totally cool with it. I need the GBA slot, there are too many great GBA games I have missed. Still, its probably not a terrible idea for Nintendo to do.

@MrBionic: Hmm, New Super Mario Bros. came out on May 15, 2006. I've played the following games released afterwards: Professor Layton, Advance Wars Days of Ruin, Picross DS, Slitherlink DS, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass, Rocket Slime, and TWEWY. And they are all pretty good. Plus, Bangai-O Spirits is coming out next month and everyone is saying its pretty much the best thing ever. So, yea, to answer your question, you're the one trolling.

chantastic

Meh my hands are already cramped on the DS Lite I dunno if I just have big hands (I am asian they aren't THAT big) but I can't see it getting much smaller.

Not-Witzbold

@MrBionic: Ever heard of The World Ends With You? That is probably the best purchase I've made since the DS itself.

AngelMayLaugh

I wonder if there's going to be a way to make use of the accelerometer in the older DS models. Maybe an add-on via the GBA slot?

It sounds to me like my shiny Zelda DS is all of a sudden going to be incapable of playing part of the DS library...and given that I've only had the thing for six months (and got it before what SHOULD have been the end of its lifespan, judging from the past), I'm not thrilled by that prospect.

spiderweb1986

no gba portwould = no sale. i found backwards compatability to be a major selling point, and would never consider a ds model without it.

rianfrost

@Channing: phew.. I can rest easy tonight then.

But hey, all in good fun on my end. *passes you a beverage of your choosing*

MrBionic

Hahaha, my brother just bought a DS Lite yesterday.
Figures.

MrKsoft

@MrBionic:
I have no doubts that there exist a bunch of shovel-ware for the DS, but at the same time there are still a good amount of games that are actually good. On the other hand, I find that there are a scant few games that I would want if I had a PSP. That being said, I have no PSP.

We are completely agreed on the edit button issue.

Channing

This is fake. Guitar Hero uses that slot and was just released.

VakeroRokero

i would buy that. None of the game i have use the GBA slot.

SsLordMagus

grr.. Need an edit button. "really" should be realize.

MrBionic

@Channing: Sorry, didn't really we had a semantics freak in the house ;)

Oh sure, there are decent games, but it needs more, and I hope that you wouldn't argue with that fact, because seriously, I'm extremely tired of the apparent thought that only 11 year old girls play the damn thing. One more "Imagine" game...

As for selling it, I could... but I also collect systems, so I'll keep it around. Then, in 10 years, I'll find all those games I despise now and play them pretending that they were the ultimate games that ever lived.

*walks off to play Goldeneye on N64*

MrBionic

@MrBionic:
"Now, can we actually get some decent *GAMES* for the DS? "
That was your original statement. Perhaps soemthing along the lines of "Now, can we actually get some games that I *LIKE* for the DS?" would have been more fitting.
There are, in fact, decent games for the DS. You just happen to not like them - which is really unfortunate since you have a DS and have not touched it since the release of NEW Super Mario Bros.
If you're really unhappy with the DS that much, then I recommend that you try and eBay it. You get money, someone else gets a DS. Two happy parties.

Channing

Make it 50 bucks and watch the cash pour in!

Oh wait - it already is!

Vanguarde

@MrBionic:
Shirley Temple, please.
Damn, now I really want a Shirley Temple. I wonder where's the closest place that sells grenadine.

Personally, if they come out with this "NEW DS" then I think I might pick it up and give away my DS to a friend that is completely lacking in the DS area.

Channing

Besides the fact that this would obsolete Guitar Hero for that DS, the price point doesn't matter because I actually paid $99.99 for my DS Lite. There was a promotion to buy any DS game and get it for $100, so that's what I did.

kylo4

PS: IGN had Goldeneye on their "release dates" list for the Wii Virtual slated for Fall 2007 or somewhere around there.

dowingba

I'm just gonna have to say: "yeah right". Seriously, I know it's E3 time, but this rumour is just too wild to believe. Honestly it's ridiculous when you think it through for 10-15 seconds.

dowingba

The rumble in Picross and Magnetica is pretty cool, I'd hate to loose it.

hagridore

"As always, until IGN can validate the information through multiple sources, readers should consider the hearsay posted in this article as rumor. We will update with new details as they become available."

If their connections are so trusted why write the disclaimer? a trusted source will always be right. They just wanna cover their asses and look good in case Nintendo shows something and sell you the insider subscription since they have "sources"...

VakeroRokero

My lite's top screen is starting to white out, so I'm keeping my eyes on this baby.

@MrBionic: Weird. It feels to me like the DS has the most (good) games out of any of the current-gen consoles. Castlevania, Advance Wars, Pokemon, Mario Kart, and The World Ends with You, just to name a few.

Pi-face

Come on we all know Nintendo, what will happen is they will take away the GBA slot but fit a little hole. To which you can then buy a GBA reader to plug in, that will clip to the back and let you play GH and use the Internet.

Colibri

If its $100 or less I will buy another Nintendo DS.

ViciousViper

Slimmer DS with no GBA slot is cool, but I was really hoping for that hard drive for some downloadable content. Well I guess it could still happen but if adding an accelerometer and sliming it is all their doing.... =[

TheDaftPunk

Why would they redesign the DS when you could just put a bunch of monkey stickers on it and sell it for $500?

There's no way. I'll put Kotaku Points on that one. (oooh!)

boopadoo

Even though this business tactic is nothing new for Nintendo (and Sony), if true, the people and the press will be all over it like hotcakes, guaranteed.

Trowble (XBL/PSN)

@Vanguarde: Why doesn't it Print Yen?

AngelMayLaugh

maybe the announce two new DS systems? lol....why would they?..because they are NINTENDO ^_^..who knows what will be announced xD

evilralphwiggum

well..i have a dinky ds..i'd probably pick the new one up if this is true..haha..just for tecmo bowl and chrono trigger when those wonderful days come around ♥

evilralphwiggum

With the PSP taking over the market and the DS selling lower than home consoles they'll need to do something-- or be yesterday's news.

Mongoosekun

A DS Micro with the same improvements as the GBM, being true portability and the greatest d-pad ever (though it should be a little bigger, as there'll be more room since it has to fit four buttons on the right-hand side instead of being symmetrical with just the two), and whatever else they can do to improve the screens, would be just perfect. The no GBA slot is such a minor issue I can't believe how many people are going crazy about it. Spend five minutes with a Game Boy Micro and you'll forget that some crappy Guitar Hero game ever existed for the DS.

vantesaur

@demonknightinuyasha: Off to Japan you go ^.~

RenRenRen

With the massive fanboy clusterfuck that was the FF13-on-360 thread, the only thing I'd say is:

in b4 FF13-on-360 killed the PS3 now this is gonna kill the PSP.

Frank

I don't think it's real. Maybe it'll be released at the end of the Lite's lifetime like Micro was. But for now I'll stick to playing both NDS and GBA games.

Angryrider

1) A future DS version is pretty definitely going to get rid of GBA slot at SOME point. they can't keep it forever. (They could play a Wii and drop the slot at the same time as adding flash memory to sell downloadable GBA games that you can buy a second time...)

2) supposing this rumour turned out to be true, I wouldn't give a toss about losing the GBA slot - who plays GBA games any more? not me, I gave them all away with the system. As for Guitar Hero, yeah, I know that only just came out but I still think it's pretty much over now...

3) if they really are doing something like this it will be interesting to see what changes apart from accelerometer (more RAM? flash?) - though I guess a reduced price would suggest they probably aren't going to up the specs much.

quen

Accelerometer would go outside DS spec, as would removing the GBA slot. Generally 99% of the time when a rumor about hardware comes out, that's how to dispel it.

fuchikoma

@VakeroRokero: How in the hell is this fake? No one ever said that the original DS and DS Lites would suddenly VANISH if this appears!

I wouldn't mind upgrading. I have never used the GBA slot and I still feel as though the DS Lite is kinda bulky. It'd be a nice change.

Lainface

I'm still saving up for that eight hundred dollar Bathing Ape DS.

NeoStarr

Sounds intriguing. I might actually buckle and get a DS if that's true. But only if they released it to match the new green 360 controller:

[kotaku.com]

Yeah, that'd be cool.

sonofnone

@MrBionic:Dude, the DS's library of must have games is so large that you couldn't play them if you had a whole year. Don't be lazy, go do some leg work.

Foxstar Sixtail

You don't split your marketshare like this and this would do nothing more then do just that and put a huge drag line on the end of current DS sales.

@Lainface:Think very carefully of what this would do to the DS marketshare.

@Mongoosekun:Do your research before posting misinformation. The PSP is nowhere, no how, no way remotely close to 'taking over the market'

Foxstar Sixtail

With the addition of the accelerometer, does anyone else that that it might be more of a DS 2, than a redesign? The Game Boy Backwards compatibility usually only went back like...one generation. The GB Advance played Gameboy or GB color games games, the DS could play GBA games, but not the GB games.

The DS 2 would probably come in with Wii like features, wireless connectivity, and be able to play DS games.

*shrug* I dunno. Either way, I like the idea, because I don't really use the GBA slot in mine.

annoyingpos

Found it:
[www.ubergizmo.com]

sandwiches

Its not just guitar hero. A few games use that slot. Pokemon. I think that one Japanese Band Brothers game... and I am sure there are more.

A DS without the GBA slot is gimped indeed.

The Amazing Exploding-Man