Hacking What will the next DS revision be like?

[SlyGuy]

As we all know, Nintendo loves re-releasing handheld consoles with improved hardware features such as smaller size, brighter screens, better ergonomics, etc. I'd like to open up a discussion on when we will see the next DS revision and what kind of features it will have. I hope for one feature above all others: an analog stick.

 

[alexp2_ad]

I hope for one feature above all others: an analog stick.

Not gonna happen.

That would involve games being coded differently, for analogue input, they're not going to release a new DS that would be a different console in some way.

 

[ngc1]

i think that the Lite is the last revision for the DS, but i do believe that they are working on a new handheld to take after the DS wait another 4 to 5 years and we'll see

 

[science]

It'll be just like the lite, but brighter screens and a bigger stylus.

 

[tama_mog]

It'll be just like the lite, but brighter screens and a bigger stylus.

brighter screens? what so you have to wear sunglasses when you play the games?

 

[SlyGuy]

I hope for one feature above all others: an analog stick.

Not gonna happen.

That would involve games being coded differently, for analogue input, they're not going to release a new DS that would be a different console in some way.

This is true only if they REPLACE the d-pad. If it's additive (like the PSP) then older games and games that would do better with a d-pad can use that control, while new games have the option to make use of an analog stick. I believe the original Playstation introduced their analog controller midway trough the PS1 lifecycle using the above implementation strategy.

 

[mthrnite]

Built-in motion sensors is my guess, that would be better than an analog stick, no?.
That and maybe a touchpadded top screen.
If the Weeeeeee takes off, then they'll probably integrate the two somehow.

 

[miko]

It'll be just like the lite, but brighter screens and a bigger stylus.


brighter screens? what so you have to wear sunglasses when you play the games?

 

[mthrnite]

i think that the Lite is the last revision for the DS, but i do believe that they are working on a new handheld to take after the DS wait another 4 to 5 years and we'll see

Do you think they'll call it a Gameboy? They do have a lot of mindshare tied up in that moniker, shame to let it die.

 

[SlyGuy]

i think that the Lite is the last revision for the DS, but i do believe that they are working on a new handheld to take after the DS wait another 4 to 5 years and we'll see

Do you think they'll call it a Gameboy? They do have a lot of mindshare tied up in that moniker, shame to let it die.

Hmmmm... good question.

Gameboy Future?
Gameboy X?
Gameman?

Another interesting question is, will the dual screen design persist beyond the DS?

 

[Lily]

I think that the changes won't be as drastic on the outside for the next-gen Nintendo handheld. The control scheme could be refined maybe (an extra button here or there, the d-pad or analogue stick argument), the screens will be improved with whatever technology has the best price point for Nintendo..small changes on the outside. Whether or not they continue with the dual screens who knows. It's proven popular enough, so I wouldn't be surprised.

Where I think the changes will be more drastic is under the hood. More battery life here, a more robust 3D graphics implentation there, larger storage sizes, etc. Nintendo has shown us with all the other Game Boy revisions that after they do a major hardware change, they generally don't alter the formula too drastically for the next round. We went from monochrome to colour, playing with the unit size along the way .. from colour to mega-colour, and playing with the orientation along the way .. from no backlight to backlight .. from backlight to brilliant backlight .. etc.

It's not like we're going to see three screens and an extra stylus - we as human beings won't change, and won't suddenly be able to handle more on the input side. I just think we'll see some minor hardware refinements, while being given a boost of power under the hood.

 

[xCM Punkx]

DS Micro DUH

 

[Elrinth]

i dont think we'll see another ds

 

[Arnold Schwarzen]

If there is another revision, it'll probably be even smaller, including the screens. Nintendo may also remove the 2nd slot and add more ram and built in rumble. That's how I think it will be like anyway.

 

[mthrnite]

So ya think the motion/tilt sensor's a non-starter?
Everybody seems to want an analog stick, what's more analog than that?
Since Nintendo's hawkin' it mighty hard on the Wii, it just seems natural they'd pass some of that tech on to the DS. Sure they can do it as an add-on in the GBA slot, but that's non-sleek. Ruins the curves.
Where's my logic failing me here?

 

[saxamo]

Nintendo's stated time and time again that the DS and the gameboy are seperate entities.

 

[Orc]

Some exclusive but kinda vague details from Nintendo:

It will be longer than the usual DS and scalier.
The game functions will be removed so it can have poisonous venom.
You will be able to enjoy it more while playing it on flights.

 

[blueraja]

This is true only if they REPLACE the d-pad. If it's additive (like the PSP) then older games and games that would do better with a d-pad can use that control, while new games have the option to make use of an analog stick. I believe the original Playstation introduced their analog controller midway trough the PS1 lifecycle using the above implementation strategy.

That would be a huge mistake that im sure nintendo is too smart to make. There only thing that made it successful on the ps1 was that the added tech only required a 20.00 controller, having games require and entirely new handheld would fragment the market to the point that it could seriously damage their marketshare, look at sega as a good example of what can happen when gamers feel abandoned.

 

[neojei]

I don't know how Nintendo can add an analog stick, there would have to be two analog sticks, they have to care for left handers. If you don't care, don't forget Miyamoto is a left handed guy, and he'd never support it being a right handed system.
As for a revision, there's no revision unless its like the GBA SP revision with the brighter light. If it got any smaller, it would be too small. Maybe for a revision, better touch screen that is more durable, and les sceptible to errors like losing its sensitivity.
As for a new DS coming out, it will have 50 screens! Jk. I think it would be the same, but multitouch would be a new feature, you can use two styluses or your fingers to acocmplish new things like those multitouch demos people have shown on you tube. I think that would be one of the major features.

 

[omegatr0n]

Multi Touch
Better Speakers
BETTER BATTERY LIFE PLEASE
A charger that charges while you play


What else could you realistically ask for...Besides obvious things like better graphics more ram and such...but as for a ndsl revision i think what i mentioned above are the only logical changes