DS final design unleashed! Stop everything – read this
Nintendo seen angling for advanced aesthetic
Nintendo Japan has finally shown the finished design of the upcoming PDA Game Boy Advance SP lovechild: the Nintendo DS, revealing a surprisingly angular approach to next-generation portable gaming.
As well as being given something of a flashy overhaul, various other bits and bobs have been added to the mix, following Nintendo’s open-testing of the machine at various points around the world in recent months.
A sleek black base has also been added, along with a rethink of the button design and layout. Shoulder and face buttons have been enlarged and repositioned – likely to be a direct result of feedback received. However, no analogue stick has been added, surprising those who envisaged Nintendo borrowing SCE’s bi-axis analogue design as demonstrated on the PSP.
A storage slot for the stylus has thankfully been added and the speakers, which we are reliably informed by Nintendo broadcast stereo sound, have been seen sitting astride the upper screen. The microphone is also now clearly visible on the front of the console.
In a press release issued to the US, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing, was typically bullish. “The innovative functions make Nintendo DS a superior game device, while the chat feature and ability to detect other DS units make it a social device as well. We've figured out the magic of what makes portable game play so attractive to consumers. We've defeated nine challengers and once again we're prepared to win,” ... rhetoric that is slightly contradictory to the official company mantra that the DS has nothing whatsoever to do with past, present or future Game Boy Advance programs.
Nintendo also confirmed that an as-yet undisclosed range of 120 games are in development for the DS, undoubtedly the latest PSP knee-jerk, though reassuring nonetheless.
As long as no one comments that the redesign looks like a Lynx II with a vanity mirror glued to the top, everything should be fine…
As well as being given something of a flashy overhaul, various other bits and bobs have been added to the mix, following Nintendo’s open-testing of the machine at various points around the world in recent months.
A sleek black base has also been added, along with a rethink of the button design and layout. Shoulder and face buttons have been enlarged and repositioned – likely to be a direct result of feedback received. However, no analogue stick has been added, surprising those who envisaged Nintendo borrowing SCE’s bi-axis analogue design as demonstrated on the PSP.
A storage slot for the stylus has thankfully been added and the speakers, which we are reliably informed by Nintendo broadcast stereo sound, have been seen sitting astride the upper screen. The microphone is also now clearly visible on the front of the console.
In a press release issued to the US, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing, was typically bullish. “The innovative functions make Nintendo DS a superior game device, while the chat feature and ability to detect other DS units make it a social device as well. We've figured out the magic of what makes portable game play so attractive to consumers. We've defeated nine challengers and once again we're prepared to win,” ... rhetoric that is slightly contradictory to the official company mantra that the DS has nothing whatsoever to do with past, present or future Game Boy Advance programs.
Nintendo also confirmed that an as-yet undisclosed range of 120 games are in development for the DS, undoubtedly the latest PSP knee-jerk, though reassuring nonetheless.
As long as no one comments that the redesign looks like a Lynx II with a vanity mirror glued to the top, everything should be fine…
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Comments
Showing the 20 most recent comments. Read all 30.
YenRug 28 Jul 2004 13:03
11/30
dyne wrote:
>Can't believe they put the power button direction
>above the d-pad. How many of us are gonna
>accidentally switch our DSs off???
In the protoypes the power button was above the action buttons, which was even more likely to result in accidental power-offs. That's why they've switched the Start/Select and Power buttons over.
>Can't believe they put the power button direction
>above the d-pad. How many of us are gonna
>accidentally switch our DSs off???
In the protoypes the power button was above the action buttons, which was even more likely to result in accidental power-offs. That's why they've switched the Start/Select and Power buttons over.
NiktheGreek 28 Jul 2004 13:08
12/30
I'm not in this to debate the quality of Sega's output, given that I only mentioned one of their tech demos. Suffice to say that the haters forget Virtua Fighter 4: Evo, OutRun 2 and other such gems, but we're discussing DS here.
I have no problem with Nintendo's regular output, but the current DS stuff they're showing isn't exactly innovating like they promised. Mario Kart DS - we have a big map this time! Mario 64x4, Mario 64 with multiplayer and a map. Metroid Prime: Hunters - first-person Metroid with multiplayer, a map and some touch-screen control. The new 2D Mario platformer with the 3D graphics doesn't even use the second screen at this point. 75% of it may be gold, but how much of that gold really needs two screens and a stylus?
I have no problem with Nintendo's regular output, but the current DS stuff they're showing isn't exactly innovating like they promised. Mario Kart DS - we have a big map this time! Mario 64x4, Mario 64 with multiplayer and a map. Metroid Prime: Hunters - first-person Metroid with multiplayer, a map and some touch-screen control. The new 2D Mario platformer with the 3D graphics doesn't even use the second screen at this point. 75% of it may be gold, but how much of that gold really needs two screens and a stylus?
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Joji 28 Jul 2004 13:10
13/30
Well it looks like what I was expecting, very GBASP while still being a little retro Game and Watch in design. Like I said before a piece of past, present and future. I expect it'll come in diifferent colours on release day too.
I tired of comparing DS and PSP, but it's very clear Sony are gonna have trouble matching DS's price, let alone it's back catalogue of games.
I believe the same folk that bought the GBASP will no doubt upgrade to this 2-in-1 system. It's price is reasonable and it's givng your more for your money, so it's a win win situation. I can see DS shifting loads in japan especially, but the price also makes it more reasonable for other nations (some which are as rich as ours) when they get it's release.
The looks competition is now over now we have a final design. I like the look of both systems, but now the trivial jibe is out of the way and we have a firm price, it's time to let the games do the talking next. That is always the best part.
I tired of comparing DS and PSP, but it's very clear Sony are gonna have trouble matching DS's price, let alone it's back catalogue of games.
I believe the same folk that bought the GBASP will no doubt upgrade to this 2-in-1 system. It's price is reasonable and it's givng your more for your money, so it's a win win situation. I can see DS shifting loads in japan especially, but the price also makes it more reasonable for other nations (some which are as rich as ours) when they get it's release.
The looks competition is now over now we have a final design. I like the look of both systems, but now the trivial jibe is out of the way and we have a firm price, it's time to let the games do the talking next. That is always the best part.
Joji 28 Jul 2004 13:25
14/30
Very nice but anything takes time. All we have to go on are what we saw at E3, that was almost 2 months ago now. Fair enough what was on show were demos etc, but it's early days yet.
Other developers also have to use their brains and come up with ideas for the DS, but nowhere does it say that you MUST use the touch screen in every game, it's optional just like using 4 buttons instead of 6 for a game.
If developers wanna use it or not it's up to them. Some will play it safe and just make 3D games, some might use the mic or whatever. Leave it in ther hands and have some patience, we will find out soon. REMEMBER, THEY ARE OPTIONAL TO USE. The games at E3 will change before they get to shop shelves, along with some new games we haven't even seen yet. Also remember are very secretive about their new stuff til it's time for us to know, DS is no different in that respect.
Other developers also have to use their brains and come up with ideas for the DS, but nowhere does it say that you MUST use the touch screen in every game, it's optional just like using 4 buttons instead of 6 for a game.
If developers wanna use it or not it's up to them. Some will play it safe and just make 3D games, some might use the mic or whatever. Leave it in ther hands and have some patience, we will find out soon. REMEMBER, THEY ARE OPTIONAL TO USE. The games at E3 will change before they get to shop shelves, along with some new games we haven't even seen yet. Also remember are very secretive about their new stuff til it's time for us to know, DS is no different in that respect.
config 28 Jul 2004 13:26
15/30
Twisted23 wrote:
>UGH looks like Nintendo has tried to beat sony in
>the looks department and has failed miserably.
>Not only that but the look is totaly wrong for
>their target audience, it's too tacky for gadget
>posers and too shiny and expensive looking for
>kids.
Not at all. This is what I was hoping from N. The overall design wasn't bad, but the original DS design was cheap looking. That was thanks to the finish and detail (receses/rebates) .
Is all looking good now, yah?
>UGH looks like Nintendo has tried to beat sony in
>the looks department and has failed miserably.
>Not only that but the look is totaly wrong for
>their target audience, it's too tacky for gadget
>posers and too shiny and expensive looking for
>kids.
Not at all. This is what I was hoping from N. The overall design wasn't bad, but the original DS design was cheap looking. That was thanks to the finish and detail (receses/rebates) .
Is all looking good now, yah?
NiktheGreek 28 Jul 2004 13:34
16/30
I understand that perfectly - hell, Super Monkey Ball only uses the analogue stick for control (and A if you want to bugger about with the map).
If very few games will use the second screen in a way that enhances the game beyond what could be achieved with a single screen, is the second screen worthwhile? That's my main concern. E3 was Nintendo's time to sell us all on the idea, to show us why they wanted two screens - why we need this extra screen so much. It comes down to building the machine around the ideas, rather than building the machine without showing anybody why the second screen is a worthy cause.
If very few games will use the second screen in a way that enhances the game beyond what could be achieved with a single screen, is the second screen worthwhile? That's my main concern. E3 was Nintendo's time to sell us all on the idea, to show us why they wanted two screens - why we need this extra screen so much. It comes down to building the machine around the ideas, rather than building the machine without showing anybody why the second screen is a worthy cause.
Funky 28 Jul 2004 13:52
17/30
The Nintendo DS looks like a travel alarm clock.
Jayenkai 28 Jul 2004 14:44
18/30
Because they're small screens?
Maybe Nintendo realised that once you go 3D, you need more screenspace.
It's no longer "Health : Score : Hiscore"
You've got LOADS of stuff to go on the gui.
And how many games, nowadays have the map onscreen, taking up that little corner of the screen.
Sure, you can turn them off, but they're there for a reason.
You can't fit all that on one little gameboy screen.
So what if all the 2nd screen holds are a map, your health and a couple of Touchy Buttons..
Isn't that enough of a use??
Maybe Nintendo realised that once you go 3D, you need more screenspace.
It's no longer "Health : Score : Hiscore"
You've got LOADS of stuff to go on the gui.
And how many games, nowadays have the map onscreen, taking up that little corner of the screen.
Sure, you can turn them off, but they're there for a reason.
You can't fit all that on one little gameboy screen.
So what if all the 2nd screen holds are a map, your health and a couple of Touchy Buttons..
Isn't that enough of a use??
lozbag 28 Jul 2004 14:55
19/30
Funky wrote:
>The Nintendo DS looks like a travel alarm clock.
...I thought it looks more like a Battle Star Galactica Cylon fighter... (reminiscing) but I don't suppose any of you nippers will remember that one.
Seriously. Retro is (apparently) where it's at just now.
>The Nintendo DS looks like a travel alarm clock.
...I thought it looks more like a Battle Star Galactica Cylon fighter... (reminiscing) but I don't suppose any of you nippers will remember that one.
Seriously. Retro is (apparently) where it's at just now.
config 28 Jul 2004 15:17
20/30
lozbag wrote:
>...I thought it looks more like a Battle Star
>Galactica Cylon fighter... (reminiscing) but I
>don't suppose any of you nippers will remember
>that one.
Speshly after the recent Battlestar remake, where the Cylons where more akin to Terminator than Face-man getup.
>...I thought it looks more like a Battle Star
>Galactica Cylon fighter... (reminiscing) but I
>don't suppose any of you nippers will remember
>that one.
Speshly after the recent Battlestar remake, where the Cylons where more akin to Terminator than Face-man getup.
config 28 Jul 2004 15:24
21/30
Funky wrote:
>The Nintendo DS looks like a travel alarm clock.
Those cheap ones you'd get with your first purchase from Bettaware?
>The Nintendo DS looks like a travel alarm clock.
Those cheap ones you'd get with your first purchase from Bettaware?
Funky 28 Jul 2004 17:23
22/30
Yeah the one's you get free when you sign up for life insurance.
Pandaman 28 Jul 2004 19:17
23/30
I'm going to have to say those who don't like it are Sony fanboys, and anyone who says they don't want to have sex with that is lying.
NiktheGreek 28 Jul 2004 19:25
24/30
Trust me, I'm no Sony fanboy. They have a lot to answer for, having tried to kill off 2D gaming ever since they first got into the business (even back with Worms on the Playstation, which they didn't want to grant a release due to it's 2D nature). They've made an empire off false classics such as Tekken and Tomb Raider, and have no recognisable brand identity of their own.
At the end of the day though, I just don't like how the new DS looks, and I'm not convinced that it's potential will ever be properly realised.
I'm an impartial whiner.
At the end of the day though, I just don't like how the new DS looks, and I'm not convinced that it's potential will ever be properly realised.
I'm an impartial whiner.
NiktheGreek 28 Jul 2004 19:25
25/30
Ouch, double post - ignore this please.
Joji 28 Jul 2004 19:58
26/30
I think the DS looks more like the SP before it. I don't remember anyone saying that looked awful, in fact it looked better and was much better than the original GBA.
Yes the PSP does look cool I agree, but I think some people are just saying DS looks bad for the sake of it. The public will vote with their notes regardless of anything we say. And going by previous GBASP sales that's gonna be a lot of notes.
Trust me, if it looks like the SP it will sell, and Nintendo will have a very nice xmas indeed. The abilty to play GBA and DS games will sell it to lots of people. When anyone sees you playing it, do you really think they will say "Oh that's really ugly what you have there". Nope because they don't care how it looks, only you do. They'd more than likely want to know what it is and what game you are playing, and maybe where they can get one. If DS potential is not realised (that is up to OTHER developers NOT just Nintendo alone) as I've said before that's where GBA2 comes in if needed.
Give Nintendo a break man. To see something positive from them is very welcome. Nintendo will also preserve 2D gaming when Sony are trying to kill it, and DS is the system to help do that. Now we'll just have to wait on Sony to play their hand.
Yes the PSP does look cool I agree, but I think some people are just saying DS looks bad for the sake of it. The public will vote with their notes regardless of anything we say. And going by previous GBASP sales that's gonna be a lot of notes.
Trust me, if it looks like the SP it will sell, and Nintendo will have a very nice xmas indeed. The abilty to play GBA and DS games will sell it to lots of people. When anyone sees you playing it, do you really think they will say "Oh that's really ugly what you have there". Nope because they don't care how it looks, only you do. They'd more than likely want to know what it is and what game you are playing, and maybe where they can get one. If DS potential is not realised (that is up to OTHER developers NOT just Nintendo alone) as I've said before that's where GBA2 comes in if needed.
Give Nintendo a break man. To see something positive from them is very welcome. Nintendo will also preserve 2D gaming when Sony are trying to kill it, and DS is the system to help do that. Now we'll just have to wait on Sony to play their hand.
TheEliteSamurai 29 Jul 2004 14:10
27/30
I think the stylus could be used better for strategy games, games like The Sims and Command & Conquer games which pretty much suck without a mouse would be so much easier to play with a stylus. I would love to see some good mouse based strategy games on the DS.
I think the design is great and Nintendo certainly have my money.
I think the design is great and Nintendo certainly have my money.
Vin 29 Jul 2004 14:58
28/30
NiktheGreek wrote:
>The Metroid Prime:
>Hunters method of touch-screen control has been
>called "fiddly" more than once. It doesn't look
>comfortable, at any rate.
A complex FPS with just one D-pad and no analog controls? No thanks.
In a few years, Nintendo become a XB2/PS3 THIRD PARTY. Seriously. Hold me to it.
>The Metroid Prime:
>Hunters method of touch-screen control has been
>called "fiddly" more than once. It doesn't look
>comfortable, at any rate.
A complex FPS with just one D-pad and no analog controls? No thanks.
In a few years, Nintendo become a XB2/PS3 THIRD PARTY. Seriously. Hold me to it.
Joji 29 Jul 2004 15:05
29/30
What you saw was a demo, and is an available option in DS Metroid Hunters. You don't have to play the game that way only, just because that's what you saw from E3. Try to open you mind, Nintendo aren't that stupid to release a game like that, without more changes.
Joji 29 Jul 2004 15:12
30/30
That's a point I'm always stressing for so long with the DS. The ability to possibly have RTS games in your pocket, and play them just as swiftly as you do on the PC. It's an area that hand held systems have never been able to enter until now, and is perfectly suited to the system. I don't even think PSP could do them justice control wise, even though it has the graphical clout.
I just hope EA and Cavedog realise the potential quickly, and give us some DS RTS love.
I just hope EA and Cavedog realise the potential quickly, and give us some DS RTS love.