@ca$h:

I didn't realize Nintendo was making you buy this new upgrade.

Jaysunli

@HepCat: That's this year for Japan. E3 is mostly for North America anyway.

Roto13

Bigger screens and bigger A + B buttons please, then I would consider buying this as I don;t have my own DS Lite at the minute, I just steal my little brothers to play Final Fantasy IV and Tactics A2.

I'm able to use MP3's and a camera on my PSP, I've got both, but have yet to use either, I don't see the importance of these in a portable gaming console, and if they are built into the new DS, I doubt I'll ever use them.

But I'm sure there are people out there who DO use these things, and enjoy them, plus it give Nintendo more features to brag about, I'd use them if and only if, they are incorporated into games somehow, as this could open doorways to new innovative and interactive portable games.

Strife56

@ca$h: Mainly because I like the size of the original model more. I'm fine with using a DS Lite, but other than the size difference, there wasn't any reason for me to buy another one.

Lezard

Awesome. Cannot wait for this. It sounds like much more value for money than the current DS.

Question is, how are they going to market this to go up against the iPhone outside of Japan?

Ishaan

I'm still thinking about selling my current DS with the R4 card I have for it... I never use it, and handheld gaming seems dead to me... Plus the white DS looks too kiddish, I wish I got the black when I could've... Oh well... Who knows, I may just keep it, this news does nothin for me :P

hyewarrior

not so much ago, i remember reading that the new DS will have 2 touch screens, and now theyre bringing this up.

This is a different upgrade than the last one. i dont have a DS lite because i didnt consider buying a new DS would bring too much change.

This, however, its a very different upgrade, and it seems to be very cheap also. The only thing I hope for is that we get a nice storage capacity. I dont really think that will be a problem, since Nintendo should have learned with the Wii storage issues.

If the storage is right and the DS current games are playable, Im totally buying it.

Mactheridon

Also it needs to get a couple hundred thousand sales before they make it available in the US? Do they any idea how redundant that information is, they sell 700,000 DS Lites a month in Japan, so we have to wait a week?

pewpewlazer

Was looking for a new reason to blow my money this holiday.

NINTENDO ALWAYS KNOWS HOW TO MAKE A HARDCORE GAMER POOR

pewpewlazer

@cmoody17: They are their own competitors. The only adversary Nintendo cannot defeat...is Nintendo.

Because, you know, the PSP might as well be in an entire other category. Which is a good thing.

Thorax

I could go for that. My launch week DS Phat is starting to kick out a little.

TalKeaton

So is this the next generation of the DS, or just another model with the same software capabilities?

If it's the former then it's way too soon. If it's the latter, and you can put your own music into a games sound track, then count me interested.

Thorax

Honestly, I just need one of these console makers to make a camera phone that also plays movies/music and lets you surf the web via wifi hotspots.

My pockets are really cluttered with all of this junk and an all-in-one device would make my life a little easier

juc

So is this a new system all together, or is it just another upgrade?

Vyse24

Geezo. Another handheld, another N-Gage knockoff.
Give it a rest Nintendo. You can't top the King. Good luck getting these off the shelves.

cmoody17

what nintendo DS whats to act like the PSP? How much battery power will it last. Still loving the psp success.

zkotaku

So, not DS2, just a new ds model...
DS, DS lite, DS whatever.
How about no.
I upgraded to the lite. I will not upgrade to bullshit.

Demonbird

If it has a camera can we expect a new Gameboy Camera-like feature? I loved Gameboy Camera.

metadae

I know the latest trend is to make an all-in-one entertainment machine, but really, I'm happy with my DS just playing games.

I have an ipod and a camera. Why would I need my handheld system to do that too? It's bad enough I have a phone that is a music phone and don't have any music on it!

Heck, even my PSP is just for playing games.

Kotae

I don't see what the inherent purposes are for a camera in a handheld. Seems like gimmickry to me, unless it's a full-fledged phone.

First time for everything, I guess. Doesn't seem like Nintendos stride to put something like that in a device they would manufacture.

Spootythegameguru

@mfwahwah:

But does the PS3 and 360 make you buy new hardware every time they update the functionality?

ca$h

"improved wireless capabilities" sounds to me like this DS could connect directly into a "Wii Shop-esque" channel for GB GBA games. Can't wait to hear more!

GotenZ1

DS's library is so massive, with so many great RPG's coming out. I'm almost afraid to get one, due to time constraints.

Fryfat3

I don't understand the logic of some people who think that gameplay on an iPhone equals to gameplay on the DS. Nintendo will always have its own special niche in the video game market that Apple will never be able to replace. As long as Nintendo keeps pumping out with new Marios we will always buy their new hardware.

crumb

I just want slightly larger, PSP 3000 quality screens and two analog sticks... Ok, so basically i want a PSDSP. Whatever. A camera and music player won't sway me, thanks. I'm still waiting for the DS's tech to escape from 1999.

Dark_Mirage

And, I just bought a DS a week ago ;_;...

The system is perfect as is, except the screens are a bit small, but other than that, it's pretty much a perfect handheld. Don't turn it int oa cheap Iphone clone. Apple isn't any real competition for Nintendo anyway.

WillSerenity

@Lezard:
haha well then you're well overdue for an update. why haven't you gotten the lite? I mean now you can't, but why not before?

ca$h

@HepCat: E3 isn't important anymore, so nobody treats it like it is.

Fryfat3

I love news like this, especially when I just bought a DS...

TheSmile

PSP is still better and I'm not even a fan boy of it, don't even own one haha.

7raczyk

@incazteca: Oh man, tell me about it. That's a big gripe with me. It seems like everywhere I go, y friends and family all have WPA networks, as do I. Damn N Draft...

The Magnificen7

There's a thin layer of dust on my DS as it is. Do not need another.

akashhhhh

One more thing...it would be nice if it finally was compatible with more than just WEP for security protocols.

Knoxximus (XBL/PSN)

@Mikey G: Do the 360 and PS3 need all that other bullshit?

Of course not.

Will people be happy with it?

Of course.

mfwahwah

@ca$h: I'm an American, and I don't have nor do I want an iPhone.

I'm still using an original model non-Lite DS, and it's served me well, but if this report is true, I might be inclined to make the upgrade when it's released.

Lezard

Pretty neat, but nothing all that crazy. Well, I never did think that the DS would have a camera actually.

mfwahwah

I just want bigger screens. If so, SOLD. Everything else is icing.

Oh, and I hope it'll let you download VC games and save files to it and back from the Wii. That would be the killer app for me.

Knoxximus (XBL/PSN)

@ca$h:
hmm, wasn't trying to sound snotty, i just meant that the iPhone is a lot more popular here than in Japan, it it does much more than the new DS. I think it's fairly obvious what Nintendo is trying to do here.

ca$h

I like my Ds Lite too much to even think about ever considering getting this. MAYBE when it reaches over here and my DS breaks....but i hope that never happens :/

DarthMetalHope

This year!? And they didn't tell us at E3? That just doesn't make since.

HepCat

Okay...the DS is fine as it is. Does it really need all that other bullshit?

Mikey G

If what's said is true then I'm selling my lite for one of these new DS's. I hope the newer versions will be able to connect to a WPA network.

incazteca

Thanks Nintendo, we in America have iPhones though.

Please don't buy this just cause it's new people, your old DSlite is just fine x.x

ca$h

let's hope the camera isnt crap. we can at least be hopeful about that. we KNOW that the music playback is probably going to suck.

BrutalAssailant

I don't see it holding a whole lot of music, nor do I see the camera replacing the one you already have.

Forkball

Huh, it may just be that this is what were in their plans, but maybe some of this IS a response to the iPhone? Maybe. Of course, I prefer the DS for games over my iPhone, I'm just saying...

The Magnificen7

crazzzyyyy vavaaaaaaaaaaa ds new wow nintendo makes visuaally pleasing hardware but ver lackluster hardware

nismo13

betta drop the lite to 99.99 and have a spending frenzy this holiday year.

Youthinized

@Mikey G: Holy Hell, looks like I brewed a hailstorm. I'm just simply asking why the DS needs all of these other things when in reality, we'll only use it to play games. What also seems to be tickling me; is will that camera allow for new games that could possibly use it?

Mikey G

hopefully this means a price drop for the old DSlite cuz I am interested in picking one for the Studio Ghibli game
personally as a part-time photographer with proper cameras, I am not interested in the camera function and as an audiophile, I am only interested in sony product for portable music playback
*crossing my fingers for a price drop*

eternalsunshineofcoralfang

@Lezard:

But...you didn't have to buy a whole new unit.

You had to buy an accessory for the 360...and just NOT buy a new system to keep the old feature of BC.

I don't really understand where your point is.

Vecha

@BrutalAssailant: We KNOW that the music playback is going to suck??? There really isn't much to it.

Let me see, lets add a random playback feature and call it a totally new product!!! Nintendo DS Shuffle!

Gutzman

If this is true, it seems like Nintendo needs to be making better use of it's time.

AllHailShake

It's Japan, people - they couldn't care less about the iPhone/Apple right now. However, there are plenty of other phones that have cameras and can play music, which is plenty enough reason to include said features in a DS update.

Me? I'm sitting in America with a DS Lite. I'll definitely be waiting for something in the way of a completely new handheld before giving money to Nintendo again. I'm doing just fine with my AK2 and 3in1, thanks.

Aerundel

@Xenigma: Actually, it's precisely because of the camera that I think this could be true.

Nintendo adds features once they think they are affordable enough for manufacturing on a large scale. They're also trying to be more mainstream with both Wii and DS. I think both music playback and camera functionality go a long way toward helping that.

Couple this with the multi-touch (where both screens are touch-sensitive) feature mentioned a few weeks ago, and I think it's very possible that all this info is, in fact, what the redesign will be.

Ishaan

I've been saving money for just this kind of thing. :)

I must have every new ds! I hope that this turns out to be true, because if so, someone owes me 20 bucks!

CmdrBladeHearts

@ca$h: Nope got an iPod, phone, and a DS Lite(since 2006) im upgrading if this is true. Sorry. If this is true, I will just hang my PSP up, or let my Little cousin have it. I always said DS would be perfect with an MP3 player, and better Wii connectivity, and net. I like PSP, but it drove me into buying an iPod because of the fact I was only using PSP for an MP3 player.

DontCrossMyanimals

Well I don't think the "several hundred thousand" sales numbers will be hard to hit in Japan, seeing as how they love the DS to death. I'm just glad I haven't caved into buying a DS Lite. Glad to hear about the camera too, it will most likely serve me better than my crappy camera-phone.

sanyo

don't know how I feel about or care for a camera or music player in my DS...the main purpose for having a handheld, to me, is to game. There are much smaller and most likely more efficient ways for me to take pictures and listened to music on the go if that's what I was after

Sandbox_Emperor

@metadae: OMG yes ! Game boy camera was my first camera XD... And the most fun by far

Hellicus

Nintendo release a new handheld every two years. So I think this is real.

Kankel

When will we ever see a successor to the DS? Not any time soon, I suppose.

Pal

@TheSmile: Lawl

Hellicus

Ironic that it's using sony's camera in the picture

mcool93

@Strife56: Also maybe a bigger start/select button, they are soo tiny!

SsLordMagus

@Forkball:
I'd assume that if it had music playback, it would come with an SD card slot (possibly microSD).

BPMΣ

@Strife56:
Oh Jesus, my grammar was pretty bad in this post, and I missed the second line where it clearly states "built-in"

It's times like these, when it's 6:15am, that I wish you would create a Goddamn "Edit" button for our posts, Kotaku.

I'm off to my slumber.

-_-

Strife56

@Bluecell: You pirate asshole.

Lezard

That sounds horribly fake to me. Adding a camera and an MP3 player? Seriously? This is Nintendo we're talking about here: nothing about adding a camera or music playback screams innovation, which seems to be their current mantra. The new DS rumor where they eliminated the GBA port to produce a budget unit disappeared into thin air, and I expect this to do the same.

Xenigma

@ca$h: If you'll recall, Sony actually stripped functionality OUT of the PS3 (hardware-based PS2 backwards compatibility), and Microsoft sold an HD-DVD player accessory until the format died.

If camera functionality and MP3 playback are the only new functions of this supposed new DS, those are rather significant changes, but they aren't necessary in order to play games. Anyone that wants those functions in their DSes would buy one, but unlike console firmware updates, upgrading to a DS with a camera isn't mandatory.

Lezard

@Mikey G: Short answer: YES.
Long answer: I bought a CycloDS partly to download games, but mainly as a means of expanding the DS functionality into the realm of a machine worth it's price. As one of the last 12 people on the planet without an ipod, the DS is my primary music device, and it's great for the road.

In regards to space on my 4 gig card:
90% is music
5% is games
5% is homebrew aps that make my life easier.

In regards to my DS use:
75% is listening to music on the road.
25% is playing games and using aps.

So when this new DS is released, will I buy it? Probably not, because my DS does just about the same as far as we know from these reports. But it's still a great option for non-pirates and people who'd like to have the DS do more than just play games.

Think of it this way: How many people buy cellphones to just make phone calls? How many current cellphones are only capable of making calls, and don't include other "bullshit"? This is a pretty logical next step short of the next gen Nintendo Handheld.

I should have called this the really long answer.

Bluecell

@7raczyk: You sound like that Chad guy minus fanboyishness (if you truley aren't a fanboy that is).

You must give examples to support your comment so you don't end up sounding less credible.

Dr.Chocobo

Oh hell no.

ThaiGrocer

@Vecha: And console attachments aren't always cheap. If I want to connect my 360 to the internet using my wireless router, I'd have to get an adapter that last I checked was over $90 before tax. That's more than half the cost of a DS Lite right there.

@scotty: I consider anyone that pirates games an asshole whether they insult me personally or not.

Lezard

Also about a new DS: Larger screens (widescreen) or I don't give a shit. A camera and a music player just means it's catching up to the PSP in terms of functionality, but I doubt it'll have the PSP's type of media support.

I love my DS as much as my PSP. I don't see a need for Nintendo to even make a newer version. It's still selling like crazy worldwide.

LittleBigPlaneteer

O_o Sounds like a cameraphone. It's pretty neat you can use it for games (I wonder how they'll do it), but it's still kind of odd to imagine the DS as a camera. How about dual touch screens? :D

Puchi

@Vecha: Also, I almost never need a reason to spend cash on a new version. My father always loved shiney new technology, and I got those genes flowing through me. I buy new models of things just for the fact that they're new. No, I'm not rich, I'm just really, really bad with money.

scotty

@ca$h: I've got the old-style DS as well. If rumors here are true, then I'd definitely go for this as an upgrade. Of course, this one is the one that was rumored to lack the GBA cartridge slot... I think it's pretty clear what that area will be occupied with should this rumor be true.

Either way, still going to get this if it happens. I love my old DS, but... not sure it's gonna last me too much longer.

Takara_Kitsune

@Brain_Craters:
$188

yoshinatsu

Camera, eh?...

This SCREAMS Game Boy Printer 2

No? Well, can it say it? Please? Come on! I want to put random faces on dog heads and dog heads on additional dog heads... with SUNGLASSES! Let me express myself Nintendo, LET ME!!

Erwin

@Brain_Craters:

$189

LittleBigPlaneteer

How much is 20,000 yen in USD?

Brain_Craters

@Lezard:

But they aren't accessories like what you tried to compare. Now you are comparing it to the likes of going from Xbox to Xbox 360(or ps1-2-3.)

To get the functions You have to REBUY a whole NEW DS. To get extra functionality with your consoles(hell even on a PC) you can buy an attachment.

With a DS...you pay over 150 bucks.

The camera function is rumored to be needed to play new games as well.

Don't get me wrong. I don't really care.

I'm just playing Devil's Advocate.

Vecha

will it be getting a graphics upgrade? everybody's bitching about it all the time now

ManlyVGnoob

@Lezard: He never offended you. Now I'm inclined to call you an asshole for saying something like that.
But I won't.

scotty

if it has a camera and a wifi connection and music playback, it will all be done so that you cant video chat online or share music online either....so really why do we want nintendo to disappoint us with all this in an iteration of a console only casual gamers care about, or have i just answered my own question>? besides, isnt it cool to dislike the DS right now?

tehblondie

And DS Virtual Console of Game Boy X games. Almost certain.

HikariOblivion

@7raczyk: Why is the PSP better? I have way more games for my DS than I do my PSP.

Revenge_of_Nekojin

@Vecha: My point is that it's not necessary to buy the new DS because A) There are no upgrades to the game-playing capacity (i.e.: No switch from an Xbox to a 360), and B)The new functions are not necessary if you already own devices that perform similar functions. The only people that would buy this new DS are either people that don't yet have a DS or people that have DSes and would prefer to have the extra functionality of the newer hardware.

Lezard

HEY YAAAA!!! I live in Japan, woot! Damn it feels good to study abroad.

Buying it, buying it, buying it.

blacksamurai87

HOLY...

*~*

Gigaheart

Wait? Touchscreen? Games? Music? Camera? We already have the iPhone.

Quicksilver4648

@Mit: Options man, options.

Brain_Craters

@Brain_Craters: I think a SD card slot is gonna be the option. Nintendo still hasn't done a Hard drive for the Wii. Hmmm flash memory could be an option too, but to be honest i dont see how the are gonna but certain amount of GB on the DS without making multiple types like the ipods. SD cards make the most sense.

NightMystic

@scotty:

Yea same here. I buy new versions just for the love of tech..lol

Vecha

@AgentMoskau:

A hardware change this big would not be a region exclusive in my opinion.

LittleBigPlaneteer

@Lezard: I'm actually a very nice person with chrometophobia.
[www.medterms.com]

Pirate or not, my point stands, but you know that because you repeated it here.

Bluecell

Hmm... $190 seems a little pricey. Do you suppose Nintendo's including built-in memory for the mp3 player? Or maybe just a slot for an SD card?

Brain_Craters

@Lezard:

I can get that "adapter" for 50$ on newegg.com

Vecha

report? i thought this would be rumor...

hevensxj

@TheSmile:
It isn't confirmed news... so don't feel bad... yet.

BPMΣ

@Knoxximus (XBL/PSN):
Being able to copy VC from Wii would be totally kickass.

BPMΣ

wow! now i differently don't want one HA HA i have a good camera and a great ipod...I just think those are pretty much gimmicks...and I hate the styles...so sadly I'm not ever going to buy a ds..plus I rather play games on cousels

DespisedMC

@zkotaku: What are you talking about?

They're just adding some extra things like a camera and music playback, not upgrading/releasing a new handheld.

Mit

sounds like competition for Apple

NightMystic

@incazteca:
I'll get a new DS just for that. That way I can finally switch my router back to WPA from WEP...

BPMΣ

I'm thinking this won't see a release outside of Japan. There doesn't seem to be much point to the upgrade. The only thing that I'd honestly be looking forward to is the ability to connect to a WPA secured wireless internet connection, if that's indeed part of the enhanced wireless abilities (although it sounds like it's just information terminals, which, I'm pretty sure we don't even have here).

Mit

@BrutalAssailant:
You don't do much research into the homebrew scene, do you? There's a little something called MoonShell for the DS, and it plays music great.

BPMΣ

@Hellicus: I never had a GB Camera. I just remember the commercial. ^^

"Smile! You're on Game Boy Camera!" Oh, how I miss the good old Nintendo commercials... I haven't seen any that were particular Nintendo gold lately, either... I can totally remember most of the N64-era commercials, but I can't remember any from this or last gen...

Takara_Kitsune

If this is really happening, I expect this to be Japan only. Nintendo has run a very no frills, focus on games program so far, and it's working great.

If anything, I want them working on making the Wii small enough to use as a handheld. It's almost there.

AgentMoskau

Oh no, Grand theft auto china town wars could result in changes. They may have to use a different game engine (better). But probably it will take longer than before now.

zkotaku

@Knoxximus (XBL/PSN): Oh god, yes. I hear you completely there. ^^

I have an all-in-one DSL modem/wireless router/switch device, and it unfortunately only has one profile... so every time I want to put my DS online, I have to switch it manually, as in re-entering the network data. Takes enough time that I don't even want to play online once I actually pull off what I was trying to do. ^^;

Worst part is, the DS is my only device that can't use any form of WPA... and WPA totally existed when the DS was designed... it's inexcusable that it doesn't, if you ask me. (But it'd be fairly easy to add the functionality if the DS had firmware upgrades. But DS is no PSP...)

Takara_Kitsune

I guess the real question is that will the hardcore gamers out there respond lightly to this introduction of media into their video game only portable device? I think not. But then again, we can't do nothing about it in the process except lay back and accept it like a scrawny white man in a prison full of 'roided up "Bubba" style convicts.

acez2087

@Forkball:

If the rumor about the camera being used for games is true then I don't think it's intended to replace any camera you may already own.

Vidikron

So Nintendo was meant to have a press conference sometime soon, right? Might this be the reason?

superbagman

So....what? Same graphics just add ons? hmm. I don't know. If it looks snazzy I might get one. But the deal breaker will be the camera quality.

Netnavi

@Lezard:

The reason I said "adapter" is my frustration over Microsoft not including wireless. I wasn't using it as an attack against you. You said adapter...and I get disgusted at it...that's all. Not you.

The only people?

"The only people that would feel inclined to buy this new DS in the first place are people that either don't own a DS already" Well...A bajillion already own it...sooo

"would prefer to own a DS with the other media features built in." YES!!!!

Slightly a joke...but with all seriousness...

Apple and Nintendo know about people better than both of us.

People are consumer whores!

What I find pathetic...is Ninty(or apple) can add a FEW extra components and they will have records sells again.

I just find it pathetic.

Vecha

@BPMΣ: Unless it has a mini HDD build in. That'd be sweet.

Postlapsaria

@NightMystic: Yeah, I'd probably agree about the SD card slot. I just wonder if that means you'll be able to play VC games via on the DS via an SD card. Although, I don't think either of those articles mentioned it, but Nintendo could just be keeping that little tidbit close to their vest. Maybe a little something they'll save for the hardcore at their October event.

Brain_Craters

@Vecha: Sorry to go off on a tangent for a second here, but "adapter"? Is there something bizarrely special about it that you felt required quotation marks?

In any case, the hardware comparisons are beside the point. The real point I was trying to make before you started sidetracking everything by focusing on a comment that was merely tangential to my original point is this:

1. The new DS (if it is in fact real) does not contain any significant hardware upgrades that would force all current DS owners to upgrade if they wanted to continue buying new DS games. The only exception to this rule would be any game that required either the camera or MP3 playback to play, and those functions would likely only find their way into a very small percentage of games since only a fraction of the userbase would have access to the functions.

2. The only people that would feel inclined to buy this new DS in the first place are people that either don't own a DS already or that would prefer to own a DS with the other media features built in. Once again, this is not a required upgrade. If it were, I'd imagine that Nintendo would have said something official about it by now given that the report states the new model is being released some time in the next three months or so.

Lezard

Fantastic! I was holding out on an iTouch because it didn't have a camera. If this DS can handle Skype or some kind of webcam app, then it's pretty much in the bag for me.

Touch screen
Wi-Fi
Microphone
Camera
Storage for music/apps(?)
Games

For around $200?! I'll be sad if it's a rumor, but if it isn't...AWWW, MAN!

boopadoo

I still love my GBA Micro, smallest handheld with an incredible library. Make a DS micro and I'm sold

Fryfat3

This pains me....damn it Nintendo, taking all my money. I haven't had my beautiful cobalt/black DS for a year, and you do this to me.

thanatos_

Improved wifi? I can only hope for WPA2 support. Though I don't think I'd buy a new DS just for that. But it's about damn time for WPA2 support!

Usama

@HepCat: @HepCat: Heh, yeah. Kinda makes you wonder what the heck else they've got up their sleeve. You just never know with ol' Nintendo.

Brain_Craters

@suntorytime: I guess that's true, but I was talking more along the lines of the DS in general because it's mainly aimed at games and innovation in general with the touch screen. But still and all, you do have a good point. There aren't many consoles now-a-days without media functionality.

acez2087

This is the wii storage device that we have been asking for. I just know it has to be...well ok i'm hoping it is. I miss my VMU :(

Gunloc

@acez2087: I think you forget that almost every 'hardcore' platform out there has media functionality in more ways than one. None of which requires you to actually use it.

suntorytime

@Postlapsaria:
That'd be awful, and pricey.

I'd rather they NOT force a specific storage size upon us, making us all pay the same price. Some may want less space, and others may want more. Plus, SD cards are dirt cheap (on Newegg, you can get a 2GB SD for $5 plus shipping...).

BPMΣ

Oh, so basically they're just gonna do what Sony is trying to do with the PSP ._. Gotcha.

Shin_Ein

I won't be purchasing any kind of newer variation of the DS. I will be holding out for an altogether newer kind of hardware much in the same vein of upgrading from the Gameboy Advance to the DS. I own an iPod and it's much smaller to fit my music needs.

Pitchswitch

I'm all for hardware iterations if it adds something of value. Maybe this is interesting for some users, but I see no need for this for me. If they show me some good gameplay applications I might consider it, but otherwise, it just doesn't sound like compelling additions.

subnet6

@JleeLink: I'm using the M3 Sakura, and the video playback was pretty good quality. You just have to convert it properly.

It may just replace my PSP as my portable video player.

Sousanator

Nintendo in the multimedia market?
What?

pjrcrc

@acez2087: Ive learned to live with it by now. In the end I just think the DS lite is fine. In my mind there's absolutely no need for a DS that has a camera, can play music, and can transform into a Minicon.

Mikey G

@Mikey G: I feel that you're being ignored due to that fact that people have a higher agenda than retorting to your post. lol

acez2087

@BPMΣ: @Forkball: Even if the camera was good the DS's screen isnt good enough to show pictures in high enough quality. If you have used moonshell or something similar on a flashcart you would know what I mean.

JleeLink

@Gutzman:

you know music playback doesnt have to suck. Get some good headphones and you are set.

:D

eyeshield

"pictures taken via the DS's internal camera can be used by games, opening up new gameplay options."

Does this mean that I can import a picture of my girlfriend into Nintendogs and teach her to beg?

...That was definitely uncalled for...

Squizzy

@BPMΣ: HA! That's great! I dropped my SNES down the stairs once and I wear it worked better than when I first got the thing!

Oh yeah and I want one of these...

thelastslice

Anyone who says that it needs bigger screens...um, no. That would never work, you would have a GBA SP playing GBC games (stretched screens) and that just looks worse.

eyeshield

I just hope it's made from Nintendium again... unlike the DS Lite... Their shells crack and break so easily...

BPMΣ

@LittleBigPlaneteer:
What's so great about widescreen? Especially for gaming?

BPMΣ

They could just do it the way the GBA played GB and GBC games. Keep the picture the same with adjusting it to the size of the screen.

BudIshank

@Aerundel:
I don't know about the iPhone over there, but I know at least iPods are popular in Japan. So, I don't think Japan ignores Apple...

BPMΣ

I don't believe it. They can't make a bigger screen without sacrificing picture quality, which is why they've never gone small to big during the same generation; always big to small (GBA/SP to micro reduced the screen size while increasing the pixel density, so the picture was sharper than ever).

Wireless connection function power up sounds like you can turn it on wirelessly. Unless it's some function to be used by the Nintendo Channel for the Wii... that makes absolutely no sense.

Poisonous Taoist

I would certainly buy a new DS, especially one with expanded functionality. My current DS Lite's speakers are broken so I don't get any sound anymore without headphones. If a new one comes out I'd rather get that than send this one in to Nintendo to get fixed.

Wubbytoes

It sounds like they're responding to both the PSP and the Iphone/ipod touch, which begs the question. How well is the Iphone doing in Japan, and can Nintendo actually implement these features well? Last thing I need is a friend code to take pictures and listen to music.

PhoenixAzure

@ca$h:

I was under the impression that the main reason most people bought the iphones was because it was shiny and new, because it sure didn't contain any more feature that weren't already available on the many existing pocket PCs and stuff.

khdownes

@7raczyk: Dude, get yer own!

dowingba

@Knoxximus (XBL/PSN): I've been hoping for a VC on DS feature since the VC first came out. I don't even care if it's like a streaming download-play style thing. I just want to play my SNES games on the DS, dammit!!

dowingba

@dowingba: Whoops, and I forgot to mention the 360 camera, which is also some ungodly amount and is only uselful for like 3 games. So to add the number of features this DS could theoretically be adding, you're going to be spending like... I don't know, $500 on your 360?

dowingba

@Fryfat3:
Ha! Pure win. You get my nomination for comment of the week.

SnakesSolids

@ca$h: Bigger hard disk for the 360: $150 or so?

360 with an HDMI port: however much the Elite costs? (I guess they all apparently have HDMI ports but my launch console doesn't so I'd have to buy a whole new console if I wanted it I guess.)

360 with wireless: an extra $100

If you buy an Arcade but then want all the features of an Elite? You're looking at an extra $300 to $400.

As for the PS3, well if you want PS2 backwards compatibility then you're going to have to buy a specific model. And Sony makes the PSP, which is on it's 2nd or 3rd model now each with different hardware functionality.

dowingba

This is kinda awesome. Makes me glad I just sold off my old ds lite on ebay.

gregdoom

Nintendo can enter the multimedia/phone market if they do it through games.

If anyone can make talking to people on your contacts list a game, it's Miyamoto.

Fryfat3

if ninty puts a price cut on the standard ds lite ...

then everyone is happy no?

if it can play music, then it can hold virtual console games methinks ...

notyalcbackwards

@ca$h: "Don't buy the new DS just because it's new, silly people!" and then a little bit later: "what?! you didn't upgrade to the slightly more aesthetically pleasing with slightly brighter screens version of the DS?! Why the hell not?! Haha silly!!!"

dowingba

@LittleBigPlaneteer:Nintendo's done countless region exclusive hardware before.

64DD
Game Boy Light
IQue

And others which escape me.

Foxstar Sixtail

So glad I haven't bought a DS yet. The 4 year wait paid off, always pays off.

jaymac

I wonder what other improved features it'll have?

Mobus

@mcool93:

I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed that.

aestheticus

@TheSmile: I got a DS phat literally 3 days before the Lite came out, because I didn't think it was a big deal. I did end up buying a Lite maybe 6 months later after comparing the screens with a friends Lite. Then I gave the Phat to my non-gamer brother as a gift, to try to get him into games. So far, using the DS, I've successfully converted both my brother and mother into gamers, and they both now have their own DSes. Sadly, unless they add blu-ray functionality, I doubt my dad will ever be interested.

dowingba

how bout some nice big grips for my gigantic hands?

subterfunk

@hyewarrior: I have a black Lite, and it's fingerprint city. Wish I'd got a white one (or waited for the sweet silver one here in Europe).

Kazzahdrane

My DS Lite is boned due to my crappy repairs when its hinge broke (case replacement =/= as easy as you'd think).
As such, if this is true, I'll buy a new one. Besides - I've been missing Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!

toejam316

Now I don't have to buy an iPhone... SWEET!

thelastslice

still probably buy it though lol

masterbasser87

just like nintendo... release a product then release another one...

masterbasser87

After thinking about this more, it just seems like a rumor to me.

Mobus

Looks like my waiting has finally paid off!

I bought a white DS lite day one when they came out....and been wanting a new color since, mainly because my touch screen doesn't seem to be responsive like it used to... =(

Now I can get the New and improved version!

friscom99

Reminds me of GameBoy Camera.

DukeOfPwn

I like this idea. However, there was no mention or clue by Nintendo. This is too strange... probably too good to be strange. Bizarre would be the word.

Mike's Stalker

@BrutalAssailant: remember the gan´meboy camera? that was quality^^

dgkz0idberg

Cool, I'd buy that.

anNIALLator

@BPMΣ: It's wider?

dowingba

@TheApprentice: Maybe they're going something like what Sony did with PSP...

Remote Play anyone?

TheApprentice

I'm wondering more if this will see an hardware upgrade, would be nice to bring the DS at least upto PSP level if only to steal even the PSP's niche. Than we could go back to the wonderful era of a single handheld with all games on it.

Chalice

I may actually get a DS now....

yea I'm probsbly the only person without one... :|

TheApprentice

@dowingba: All of these things are not going to happen.

Poo_and_Weeeee

This one prints money too!!!

fecalchaos

meh. Pandora and iPodTouch pwn DS.
So does the PSP.

Eranmane

Being the nintenjunky that I am I will probably buy this if music/camera capabilities are good. Plus I don't wanna tarnish my handheld record^_^

thaswizz

I remember this. They had stations all around so you could print stickers of your Pokemon Snap photos.

I see Nintendo is giving it another go.

WittyUserName

@ca$h: yeah but if your in canada then i-phones are a total rip off and in the long run is way to expensive (bill wise)

digital_hazard

@Vecha: "What I find pathetic...is Ninty(or apple) can add a FEW extra components and they will have records sells again.

I just find it pathetic."

In this case, the blame should be put on the consumers, not on the corporations. If you feel so strongly about it, don't buy the product and get your friends to ignore it as well. Your money is where your mouth is, in Nintendo's and Apple's eyes.

Bravepower

@Revenge_of_Nekojin: As a console, the PSP is vastly superior, irregardless of how many games you have for it.

Poo_and_Weeeee

I saw the leak on the camera games. It is basically IRL Pokemon, except you snap douche-bag self portrait with balloon template and try to "catch" the 77 million fanbse.

True story.

PsycheE

@Brain_Craters: I think an SD slot would just be opening up themselves for piracy. But then again, Nintendo doesn't seem to like the idea of a HDD.

gatsu25

@ca$h: technically, your old DS original was just fine XD
*is rocking the original and loving it*

evercaptor

@incazteca: im not selling my lite. it was and still is my first DS

digital_hazard

@ryivanV2: If only the same could be said for the PSP. PSP with a touchscreen=godly

Metal_Slug_Solid

I read this as "Now, the DS can do what your PSP has been for the past 2 years, AND LESS!"

ryivanV2

"That oughta put the final nail in the PSP's coffin. And Sony even cancelled their camera attachment in North America!"

Just wait, the fanboys'll be saying things like that.

Frank

I guess the guys at Nintendo need a few extra buck for another vacation in Polinesia.

Vidunder

@Mikey G: could actualy mean an upgrade. like GB to GBA type of upgrade.

digital_hazard

Just give us a 16:9 screen and the possiblity to download legal games onto an SD card. That's all I want.

Nexus-6

What the article neglected to mention is there is a good chance this is fake...

Đipic

I'm a PSP gamer at the moment, but if this does happen I might have to go for a DS again.

The PSP can do a shit load of stuff like video calls, music, movies web browsing and so on. this is why i'm still using it.

I put my DS down a long time ago, Soon after New Super Mario Bros. came out, The draw of the million and one RPGs being released didn't do it for me. If the new DS comes with these new features i might be picking one up again.

GOD

I actually don't want to see the DS turn into a ...psp. So um... yeah , I heard this was a rumor anyways.

I'd buy a DS , sadly though , alot of the current games are not very good.

휘성

@Vidunder: More like BUY the islands of Polynesia. XD

Sotiris

I was soo close to getting a DS this week. I guess it's more waiting for me. Still loving my PSP tough.

NorthernAvengeR

Nikkei is a highly credible source so I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss this news. It's the online version of Japan's leading economic paper. Plus Nintendo has dual press conferences on Thursday in both America and Japan which they don't do unless announcing something big.

Adds up to this being the real deal.

zef

@Poo_and_Weeeee: First of all, in terms of power? Okay it's a bit more powerful than the DS. It's about in between a PS1 and PS2 in terms of power. The DS is roughly equal to an N64, which was, also in between the PS1 and PS2 in terms of graphical power.

dowingba

@Poo_and_Weeeee: Well I only actually mentioned one thing. And also, what makes you so sure it won't? The PSP can turn on and play the PS3 from anywhere in the world. It doesn't sound outside the realm of possibility that maybe the DS could just wirelessly play a SNES game from inside the same room, does it?

dowingba

@Frank: Too bad the JP cameras are easy to get , they come in english and work with any non jp setup. Pretty good price on them too.

Soooo anyone w/o a really good camera phone or a digital camera I guess could spend the money on something like that.

All cameras that are not full cameras blow though.

휘성

If it comes in that Euro-flavored sassy green, that means I can just wait for this one.

One game I can see using this built-in camera feature is Animal Crossing...

MelodyKitn

I'm sooooo tired of waiting and waiting to upgrade from my DS Fat.
Can they just put this thing out now?!

MikeWTFpwns

As long as they have an expansion slot for a non-proprietary memory card (SDHC or micro SDHC would do nicely) for the music playback. I'd hate to have to buy a 2GB Nintendo stick or card that doesn't work with anything else and is priced at £20/$35 whatever tickles your fancy.

Oh and also replace the 16bit headphone out socket with a better one, because it sounds crap for voices (and is the reason why the Play-Yan is still the best sounding music playback cartridge even though it was made for the GBA, because it has its own socket).

Pudgey

I personally call bogus, seems more of a rumour than a report.

Odin

Come to think of it, this should've been seen coming ever since Trace Memory / Another Code (early game for the ds); the ds-clone in the game mysteriously had a camera when the real one didn't.

I wonder if a built-in camera suggests the ds's resolution will be better to accomodate clearer photos...

TwilitSky

What's with the world already? Every device does a couple of thigs, hoping to replace your other gadgets, but fails, because it just isn't as half good as your other gadgets. Even if mobile phones have music playback and cameras, and game consoles have music playback and cameras, I'm pretty damn sure we'll still need an iPod and a digital camera at the end of the day, as these gadgets don't do these functions well.

Just do away with these extra, useless, half-assed features already, and give us a cheaper gadget. A DS is built for gaming not for music. I'd buy an iPod if I need music.

-=}{oT~dEv1L 666=-

@Thorax: I think his post was sarcasm, because I know I certainly lol'd.

Tiger-Fever

hmm....I don't think its true, I just had a thought that if nintendo got rid of the GBA port on the DS (something I don't want them to do but work with me here) they'd have room for a camera and what not, perhaps having the camera in between the two screens, turning the GBA slot into a SD card reader for storing music and pictures.
I don't need it at all, I'm perfectly happy with the DS as it is and I'm sure a lot of people are too, but this is very intriguing. Are nintendo trying to compete with the PSP 'media machine' mantra, or do they just want another DS revision to rejuvinate sales (not that they need to)

excel_excel

@Lezard: The lite really does have a crisper brighter screen. This is what sealed it for me.

Ajh

@-=}{oT~dEv1L 666=-: You said it. I want a phone that texts and talks. I want a videogame system that plays games. And I have my zune if i need music.

Ajh