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[Mejilan]

There is only a really small number of games that require the GBA slot for bonus extras, it won't cause too many angry customers if these extras aren't useable anymore in a redesign. And Rumble Pack support is something they could easily solve by including rumble directly into a redesign.
ATM such a redesign is not a option because gba games are still very strong, but in a few years that could work. GB micro comes without support for GB and GBC games, too, and almost no one cares. Some link games don't work either, so this is really a compareable situation.

There are a small number of games for the DS, period. I'm actually surprised by how many of them do rely on earlier GBA iterations of the franchise for bonuses, so far. I'm sure there will only be more.

Adding functionality (rumble) to the DS hardware won't exactly help in making the unit either smaller or cheaper, in any eventual redesign. And, there's a chance that games programmed for one kind of rumble pak (GBA version) would require different programming to access a built in rumble functionality. Not too sure about that.

Finally, the GB Micro will have it's own link cables and wireless adaptors available in about a month, restoring full cross-GBA compatability to the Micro, both with other Micros and with older iterations of the GBA hardware.

 

[Tabris]

I'm waiting on a DS purchase for a re-design. It's such an ugly handheld.

I'm in no rush for a DS yet either, so it works out. Only thing I'm interested in right now is Castlevania.

 

[TerryLee81]

Screen size has to be the same, I think Meteos doesn't work on a smaller screen.

And I really hope they keep the GBA slot, there are so many great GBA games. But even with the GBA slot it should be possible to do a smaller version, especially a thinner version!

 

[Lemurnator]

I am under the pression Lemurnator is Drinky's second account.

Nope, just a in-joke I guess that I'm not even a part of. :/

 

[Ceb]

True, but you forgot the glaring feature omission in that model... the games.

No NINTENDO games for fanboys to wank about, you mean? Because while I love my newly bought DS, I see considerably more worthwhile games available for the PSP. PSP has great games and a good future, anyone who says otherwise is either full of despise for Sony or possesses a terrible taste in games.

 

[Bartman3010]

To each their own opinion, right?

 

[masud]

No NINTENDO games for fanboys to wank about, you mean? Because while I love my newly bought DS, I see considerably more worthwhile games available for the PSP. PSP has great games and a good future, anyone who says otherwise is either full of despise for Sony or possesses a terrible taste in games.

Don't say stupid shit.

 

[_bla_]

Adding functionality (rumble) to the DS hardware won't exactly help in making the unit either smaller or cheaper, in any eventual redesign. And, there's a chance that games programmed for one kind of rumble pak (GBA version) would require different programming to access a built in rumble functionality. Not too sure about that.

Builtin rumble must obviously behave like the rumble pak(GBA version) so programmers don't have to care what if they are using internal or external rumble.
Now to the first part, while I agree with you that a internal rumble pak wouldn't help in making the DS hardware cheaper, it won't be a expensive addition, and if that enables you to drop the GBA slot, it would allow you to make the ds smaller.

 

[Scrow]

Now to the first part, while I agree with you that a internal rumble pak wouldn't help in making the DS hardware cheaper, it won't be a expensive addition, and if that enables you to drop the GBA slot, it would allow you to make the ds smaller.

uh, but if you're putting a built-in rumble in place of the GBA slot you're right back where you started in terms of saving space.

 

[callous]

Either way the game would have looked worlds better on PSP and probably played better too.

what

Nope, just a in-joke I guess that I'm not even a part of. :/

And yet you've both, as the only ones I've witnessed, used the term "wacky jappy" when speaking of DS games this week. Maybe you're just a fan? That'd be cute, but also sad.

 

[GDGF]

I just want the new (bright as hell) screen that's in the new SP and Micro. The casing can stay (aside from the obvious want of more colors)

 

[Taichu]

Nintendo can't take out the GBA support, because the slot is used with DS games (Advance Wars, Wario Ware Touched, Band Bros). Also, won't that slot house the rumble pack when it debuts? So it has to maintain a certain "thickness".

Also, Nintendo really can't shrink the touch screen. It would affect gameplay too much. That means they also can't shrink the top screen.

Honestly, I doubt we'll see a DS redesign anytime soon. DS sales are continually strong, and the unit is fine as is.

 

[_bla_]

uh, but if you're putting a built-in rumble in place of the GBA slot you're right back where you started in terms of saving space.

Built-in rumble doesn't need anywhere near as much space as the GBA slot. Have you seen how small the rumble motors used in cellphone are?

Look at this micro motor for example:
http://www.sanyo.com/industrial/micro_motors/press_releases_detail.cfm?pressReleaseID=35
'4.4mm high x 6mm wide x 13.6mm long' (that is about 3/16" x 4/16" x 9/16") Quite a bit smaller than the GBA slot or not?

 

[Mejilan]

Well, actually, if the GB Micro has proved anything, it's that GBA slots don't require huge shells to house them. Also, it must be getting fairly close to making a cheap "GBA on a chip" solution, much like they did with the GBC chip for the GBA backwards compatability.

 

[CO_Andy]

not sure, but most probably they'll connect by wifi.

Oh, that would be nice! I won't have to buy some stupid wire then.

I think the biggest incentive Nintendo could add to the next DS would be an analog stick.

 

[Deku]

I'm a bit amazed at the small number of people who insist for some strange reason that the GBA slot be taken out?

Is it some kind of bizzare cheerleading where people make posts in a thread suggesting Nintendo do the wrong thing? GBA BC is a positive thing for the DS and the fact there is that slot open, leaves open the possibilities for game specific add-ons.

 

[Zeo]

The people waiting for a redesign are pretty ridiculous.

IF we get one soon, it more than likely won't be until, at the EARLIEST, September 2006. That's almost a year people.

You're going to wait a year to buy it because they might put out a smaller version of it, considering the amazing lineup of games currently being put out through the end of the year and into 2006?

Just buy one now and if they put out a redesign, SELL the one you have and get the new one, if it matters to you that much. That's a pretty logical way to go about it.

Besides, it isn't really that ugly. Closed: ugly. Open: looks fine.

And it's not like they'll be making the screen smaller to people hoping for "two GBMs put together". Nor will they be taking out the GBA slot because they obviously have plans for it. The rumble pack comes out in a couple of weeks, after all.

 

[Jacobi]

I think they probably will release an upgrade because they are struggling in the US market with the DS.

 

[imastalker co.]

GBA slot has to say. there's no way around that.

all i can see them doing is just making the system noticeably thinner, and sleeker. which is definitely a welcomed thing.

 

[Zeo]

I think they probably will release an upgrade because they are struggling in the US market with the DS.

Yes, but not any time soon. Nintendogs + Nintendogs bundle + price cut + 90% likely Mario Kart bundle + big fall lineup = boost in sales. As of right now, it would be a bad time to even announce an upgrade.

 

[Jacobi]

Yes, but not any time soon. Nintendogs + Nintendogs bundle + price cut + 90% likely Mario Kart bundle + big fall lineup = boost in sales. As of right now, it would be a bad time to even announce an upgrade.

They'll probably simply handle the DS SP the same way as the GB Micro
E3 -> announcement
fall -> release

 

[Spencerr]

We will not see a DS SP.

A DS Pocket? More plausible.

 

[Spencerr]

Playing castlevania on my ds really made me realize how fucking awful DS's screen is. God I hate it. You can hardly see anything if there's too much light.

Were you playing in the midday sun or something?

 

[Mejilan]

Oh please. Hyperbole. In pure daylight, the PSP's screen is actually worse.

 

[Littleberu]

Were you playing in the midday sun or something?

He was playing right next to the sun.

 

[VerTiGo]

I want to see Nintendo team up with Apple to create a iDS... a DS with iPod features.

 

[Matlock]

Nintendo's become like Apple, where the fanboys who buy every revision cry out "DON'T BUY BECAUSE THERE IS A NEW VERSION COMING SOON" without any real confirmation or even an inkling of reasoning behind it.

Awful, really.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Nintendo's become like Apple, where the fanboys who buy every revision cry out "DON'T BUY BECAUSE THERE IS A NEW VERSION COMING SOON" without any real confirmation or even an inkling of reasoning behind it.

Awful, really.

I'm a nintendo fan, and I'm not like these morons you speak of.

 

[neptunes]

What do you guys think of redesign like this?

Something similar to a danger sidekick, with a flip top.

You can even close it to play to gba games in a confortable manner.

Included with built-in play-yan and an SD port, allowing you to transfer games and such through the revolution.

edit: now that I think about it, that's a pretty good Idea

 

[Jonnyboy117]

Not really... with the GBA it has been new screens... things that can effect play. Not just shells...

New screens don't affect how games play anymore than a new shell does. But for a handheld, both new screens and a new shell are major changes. After all, you have to look at this thing and hold it in your hands.

 

[Kobun Heat]

If Nintendo releases a DS update, they won't do it until the redesign is so unique, different, and desirable (see: SP, Micro) that everybody who already has a DS will want to run out and buy it. "Somewhat smaller" isn't the magic word here.

Also, I don't know if they can actually make the screen smaller, just because of how games are programmed to use the touch screen. They're set for a certain level of sensitivity based on the size of the screen and width of the stylus -- could you imagine playing Trauma Center on a smaller screen?

 

[neptunes]

Would it be unique enough if they hardwired play-yan and SD card functionality into the unit?

 

[Deku]

If Nintendo releases a DS update, they won't do it until the redesign is so unique, different, and desirable (see: SP, Micro) that everybody who already has a DS will want to run out and buy it. "Somewhat smaller" isn't the magic word here.

Also, I don't know if they can actually make the screen smaller, just because of how games are programmed to use the touch screen. They're set for a certain level of sensitivity based on the size of the screen and width of the stylus -- could you imagine playing Trauma Center on a smaller screen?

There's enough deadspace around the screen that they can probably downsize the DS without touching the screen and still come out with a DS that's 30-40% smaller all around.

The thickness of the thing is probably what bothers me most. I'm sure Nintendo is workinng on a one chip solution for the DS where they can cram the 2 processors into 1 and save space that way.

 

[Zeo]

What do you guys think of redesign like this?

Something similar to a danger sidekick, with a flip top.

You can even close it to play to gba games in a confortable manner.

Included with built-in play-yan and an SD port, allowing you to transfer games and such through the revolution.

edit: now that I think about it, that's a pretty good Idea

That. That's exactly what they should do.

(Except they should team up with Apple to make it the iPod DS and give it an SD port or whatever. Could you imagine how much that would sell?)

 

[Deku]

I think with the micro and the revolution, Nintendo's going to be going for more elegant designs in the future.

DS may be their last big box design in the tradition of the Superfami.

 

[donny2112]

If Nintendo releases a DS update, they won't do it until the redesign is so unique, different, and desirable (see: SP, Micro) that everybody who already has a DS will want to run out and buy it. "Somewhat smaller" isn't the magic word here.

Also, I don't know if they can actually make the screen smaller, just because of how games are programmed to use the touch screen. They're set for a certain level of sensitivity based on the size of the screen and width of the stylus -- could you imagine playing Trauma Center on a smaller screen?

Thank you. Finally a post that makes sense.

GBA - Summer 2001

Released with a glaring problem in that the screen was hard to see unless you were at just the right angle to a light. It was so much a problem that an aftermarket light solution (Afterburner) sold over 100K units to people who wanted a better screen.

GBASP - Spring 2003

Either Nintendo saw the Afterburner and liked it or the PortableMonopoly guy was clairvoyant. Nintendo releases a new version of the GBA with a frontlit screen (just like Afterburner) and a clamshell design. Without the screen addition, I'm not sure the clamshell design would've been enough to warrant a new release.

NDS - Fall 2004

GBA games are now playable on an even better looking backlit screen.

GBAMicro/GBASP+ - Fall 2005

New GBA version that now uses a backlit screen that looks slightly better than the NDS's screen. Again, without the screen addition for the GBAMicro, I'm not sure the smaller design would've been enough to warrant a new release.



In short, I doubt that a simple new design that is slightly smaller will be coming for the NDS as soon as most everyone seems to be thinking. How long after the GameBoy was released was the Pocket released? 5+ years?

Considering it is a third pillar and a new GameBoy will probably be coming out in 2006 or 2007 (5-6 years after GBA release), the NDS may not even see a redesign.

Just something to consider.

 

[Harmonica]

Alright, people keep saying they want the new GBASP backlit screen in the next version of the DS. I know that they upgraded it to a true backlit screen, but honestly?! What the hell is so much better about that new screen? DS screens seems fine to me...

Can anyone post screen shot comparisons?

 

[Xellotah]

I actually rather like the DS design... I used to think it was ugly, but after playing for a while (thanks to castevania) I thinks is really comfortable and has a solid feel to it. Any smaller and it might feel flimsy.

Oh and any redisign will need to keep the laptop like design.. It protects the screens and means you can lug about more easily.

 

[Mejilan]

The DS will definitely see a redesign. Have no doubt of that.

 

[Cheebs]

Smaller sleeker design, better buttons(d-pad and a and b buttons that rev and micro use), better screens, and possibily wi-fi pictochat I think would cause people to run out and buy like SP.

 

[stone128]

I actually rather like the DS design... I used to think it was ugly, but after playing for a while (thanks to castevania) I thinks is really comfortable and has a solid feel to it. Any smaller and it might feel flimsy.

Oh and any redisign will need to keep the laptop like design.. It protects the screens and means you can lug about more easily.

Yeah, same here. I like the sturdiness of the system.

 

[Spencerr]

If they do redesign it....

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MOVE THE FLIPPIN POWER BUTTON right above 'up' is NOT a good place for it.

 

[Deku]

If they do redesign it....

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MOVE THE FLIPPIN POWER BUTTON right above 'up' is NOT a good place for it.

You know a GBA micro style power switch, although retro-looking, could solve the problem and cut costs and complexity. If designed properly, it won't be an issue in terms of the looks.

Though personally, i like to see switches that light up like the Micro start/select button.

 

[MadOdorMachine]

Am I the only one who wants bigger screens on a remake? It just makes more sense to me that they use the real estate they have more effectively by doing this. I don't have a problem with the size of it right now, in fact I think it's as perfect as it gets size wise. It's about the same size as the original GBA and the PSP. Here's what I think should be included in a new model:
1. Bigger screens
2. Comfort (this thing literally feels like a brick. The original Xbox controller is more comfortable than this!)
3. TV via Revolution connectivity (I can't believe they didn't do this w/GBA. No GB Player like device should be needed. Let me play those games on the tv through wireless with a screen setup like Ikaruga)

If they can do all of this I'm sold, no questions asked. Although I'm tempted to buy one of the new model GBA's, there's really no point. I already have an original GBA w/afterburner (the most comfortable of them all) and a GB Player w/Hori control pads (It's a modern SNES/can't wait for Gunstar Super Heros). If I still desire to play a GBA on a smaller screen where the graphics are better, I have the DS. The thing is, with all of these solutions, there is some sort of sacrifice being made. Nintendo really needs to come up with a quality product if they want consumers to continue supporting them. This milking stuff is getting quite old.

 

[Blackace]

New screens don't affect how games play anymore than a new shell does. But for a handheld, both new screens and a new shell are major changes. After all, you have to look at this thing and hold it in your hands.

can you play the gba in the dark? then the screen affected that method of play...