The Nintendo DS

Dual Screens: Two LCD screens offer one of the most groundbreaking
game-play advances ever developed: experiencing a game from two
perspectives at once. Imagine the possibilities. In a racing game, drivers might see their own vehicle's perspective on one screen and an overall track view on the other. In a role-playing game, the action could take place on the first screen while the second provides a reference for a player's tools inventory. Game play also could use both screens at once, offering a giant boss for heroes to defeat. In the future, games could be created allowing users to play games on one screen while text messaging other DS users on the other. Each 3-inch screen can reproduce a true 3-D view and is backlit to assure comfortable play in any lighting condition.

Touch Screen: The lower screen will offer something never before provided by any game device: PDA-like touch capabilities. Players no longer have to rely on just buttons to move characters or shift perspectives. They can navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with stylus or fingertip. A software-based keyboard might even allow the screen to be used as an input center for games and messaging. The possibilities are limited only by developers' imaginations. The screen will have a tougher film cover for durability, and will come with a stylus.

Microphone: An available microphone port means that in the future, players might need only to tell their games what to do. DS software could identify everything from voice commands to hand-clapping. Players might be able to move their characters simply by telling them which way to go. The voice capabilities also could allow gamers to chat with one another over the Internet while playing.

Wireless: DS users will be able to connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. Nintendo's guaranteed range is 30 feet, but will extend far beyond that depending on circumstances. It assures high response rates required for real time game play, and will make use of both IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary communication protocol, which provides low battery consumption. Players will be able to chat and play games without any connecting cords, completely untethered. The DS technology also provides for a wireless LAN connection, which could allow a theoretically infinite number of players to connect at a hot spot and compete at a central game hub on the Internet, even if they're thousands of miles apart.

Wireless Game Sharing: If software developers desire, multiple players can compete in wireless games, even if only one person has a game card inserted. Players could also test-play games for themselves as long as they stayed connected.

3-D: With the newly developed graphics engine, DS can reproduce impressive 3-D renderings that can surpass images displayed on the Nintendo� 64. Games will run at 60 frames per second, and allow details like fog effects and cel shading.

Sound: The 16-channel sound allows for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. A plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.

Battery & Power Management: The battery is rechargeable and the unit features a low-energy-consumption design. The DS also has Power Management functions of Sleep mode and Standby mode. In Sleep mode, players can stop and resume game play whenever they like. If the user receives a message from a friend or user nearby, DS activates itself from Standby mode.

Processing: The unit will run on two processors, one ARM9 one ARM7.

New Media: For its compact cards, the unit uses newly developed semiconductor memory, which allows for lower cost, shorter manufacturing time and memory capacity of more than one gigabit of information.





Anyone think this is a fancinating piece of hardware? A touch-screen, built in microphone, wireless multiplayer games is really a big step in gaming and I think it will change gaming for ever. What do you lot think about it?

It is a great piece of hardware I seen it playing some games at E3 this year. They had this one where you had to draw a pac-man on one screen to make him eat things on the other. I like the whole concept of 2 screens very innovative idea with lots of possibilities.

But Sony has eyes on Nintendos strangle hold on the hand held market with the PSP which might be a more powerful machine

Mod edit: Oversize link

[edit on 23/8/2008 by watch_the_rocks]

I'm very curious to see which proves better. I think its going to be the PSP just because of ergonomics. Its a sleeker more cool looking machine and when I saw that they were going with the Dual Screen concept I thought it was cool but really unneccessary.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what kinds of things they do with this new handheld system. How they will take advantage of the duel screens and the touch screen abillity. I'm sure it could open up some new gameplay concepts.

Really innovative. That is going to be the next step in hand held gaming.
While the PSP may have a little more powerful hardware, I think playing games on the DS will be much more enjoyable.

It's very cool, but Nintendo just has a rep as "kiddie's" games.
They really need to break that if they are going to ever beat Sony or Microsoft.

I would love to see them build up some. I mean, out comes Splinter Cell or Jedi Knights and then what...Mario Cart 5? They really need to look at that issue IMO.

Nintendo seems to very happy with the niche it has made within the 12 years olds and younger, which the company has fostered through titles like Pokemon and Mario.

Your right though ZeddicusZulZorander , about 40 percent of Game Boy owners are over the age of 18

I think Sony is planning to make a move on this large market of older hand held gamers. Perhaps a Grand theft auto for PSP. Microsoft seems to be keeping out of this battle this time around as they are focusing all their energy to edge out PS3 in the nex gen of game systems.

news.com.com... 68074.html

True Shadow...I mean PSP with Grand Turismo? It's coming and the graphics look amazing. The DS 2-screen is neat but I have heard that using the stylus and the other controls at the same time is a bit wierd.

Not sure about that.

My little brother bought a Game Cube, a tonne of kiddy games aswell, well that was some time ago, but it was quite fun. Mario Kart Double Dash, man, the hours me and my freinds spent in front of that game !

We just bought a PS2 with Final Fantasy X !!!! Amazing game.

Deep

Cool Grand Turismo on PSP I didnt even know that was going to be a title. I love those games on PS I cant wait for GT4 500+ cars sweet

I want a PSP now just for that game

Yeah the whole stylus thing seems weird I think the second screen will be better suited for say as example a flight sim game having the top screen be your view outside the plane and the bottom screen have your radar weapon info stuff like that would be cool.

soney is shootin themselves in the foot tho. The PSP is not there only portable device comming out.I read this on an ipod website and it makezs sense here. THey are realeaseing like 4 devices in all and they all competeing against each other for the all in one device. The p2p will do better just cause it has the playstation name on it but i think sony is killing themselves tryin to topple the gameboyby realesing all teh other stuff at the same time. Sony managemnet is in a mess now. they have no real central control.

Nintendo controls what like 90 percent of the hand held market. Its a bold move on the part of Sony. But Nintendo has alot to lose if the DS falls behind the PSP as Nintendos console is a shadow of its former self in terms of market control.

Though some new Gamecude titles look nice to a older gamer such as myself Resident Evil 4, no more fixed camera angles yes And a 99 dollar price tag makes it worth it to pick one up for a few good games.

The good thing about the PSP is that it can play DVD's, and I beleive it has better graphics than the DS.

I don't think Mario game's are "kiddish", the game's are just for everyone to play. It doesn't have a label saying "12 years olds and younger only"

The best thing about the DS is the touch-screen, and maybe the interernet capability.

Originally posted by Minime
The good thing about the PSP is that it can play DVD's, and I beleive it has better graphics than the DS.

I don't think Mario game's are "kiddish", the game's are just for everyone to play. It doesn't have a label saying "12 years olds and younger only"

The best thing about the DS is the touch-screen, and maybe the interernet capability.

Errrrr, wrong. It plays MINI dvds. Big difference.

and I Highly doubt any internet abilities, sorry to say but thats just a little to wishful thinking.

The Nintendo DS has so many possabilities that it will be the king of the handheld gaming market for years to come.

and the DS isn't a pile either, its more powerful then the Nintendo 64. and it has the looks to back it up, I would buy the DS over the PSP any day of the week.

I think the touchscreen is a good touch to (no pun intended), Also the PSP has no screen cover, Nintendo has learned over the years that people do drop things and also nobody wants a scratched up screen. The PSP has some good look as well but it aint got nothin on the DS.

2 screen is very inovative, and it somes with a stylus with i would assume will be stored in the middle of the hinge. You can also get a battery charger for it, wich everyone likes. I read on a site (forgot where) that the DS with two screens on uses LESS power then sony's one screen.

I mean just look at the details of the to systems! its a oblivious winner.

yeah the ds is more powerful then the N64 but the PSP is sposed to be as powerful as the PS2.

Sure sony will have some problems that nintindo no longer has because they are new in this game (no pun intinded)

Originally posted by Murcielago

Originally posted by Minime
The good thing about the PSP is that it can play DVD's, and I beleive it has better graphics than the DS.

I don't think Mario game's are "kiddish", the game's are just for everyone to play. It doesn't have a label saying "12 years olds and younger only"

The best thing about the DS is the touch-screen, and maybe the interernet capability.

and I Highly doubt any internet abilities, sorry to say but thats just a little to wishful thinking.

At a recent news conference in Japan, Ken Kuturagi president of Sony,said ''that up to 16 players can connect to each otherwirelessly without using any sort of main connection Hub with the PSP''.

source-PLaystation magazine sept2004

There also seems to be a network that is going to be created just for the PSP. The PSP seems to be at the center of the future Sony online plans
Im not sure about the DS though

GT4 PSP screenshots

PSP Titles:

AC Formula Front (Agetec)
Action Girlz Racing (Data Design)
Activision Anthology (Activision)
AI Series: Igo (Marvellous)
AI Series: Mahjong (Marvellous)
AI Series: Shougo (Marvellous)
Ape Escape (SCEE)
ATV Offroad Fury (Sony)
Autobahn Crossroads (Resolution)
Axel Impact International (SCEK / Axis)
Azaya: Jungle Bowl Champions (Jungle Peak)
Battle Blades (Data Design)
BBG (Seed9)
Big Choppers (Eutechnyx)
Big Mutha Truckers 2 (Eutechnyx)
Board Game Gallery (Phoenix Games)
Burnout (Criterion)
Bust-A-Move (Taito)
Car Jacker (Eutechnyx)
Card Shark 3 (Phoenix Games)
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion
Cloud of Verruca (Success)
Clusterball 2 (Resolution)
Crazy Racing Kart Rider (Nexon)
Dance Mat Challenge (Data Design)
Darkstalkers Chronicle (Capcom)
Death Jr (Sony)
Derby (SCEI)
Doko Demo Issyo
Doraslot (Dorat)
Dynasty Warriors (Koei)
Everybody's Golf (Sony)
Fighting Spirits (SCEA)
Formula One 04 (SCEE/Evolution)
Free Running (Eidos)
Frogger (Konami)
Generation of Chaos (Idea Factory)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (SCEI)
Gran Turismo 4 (also referred to as Gran Turismo Mobile)
Habitrail Hamster Ball (Data Design)
Hard Corps (SCEE)
Harvest Moon (Natsume)
Infected (Planet Moon)
Intelligent License (Now Production)
Joe (HumanSoft)
Junior Sports Basketball (Data Design)
Junior Sports Hockey (Data Design)
Koron (CyberFront)
Legend of River King (Marvellous)
Mahjong Kakutou (Konami)
Mahjong Taikai (Koei)
Makai Wars (Nippon Ichi)
Medieval (SCEE)
Mercury (Ignition)
Metal Gear Acid (Konami)
Metal Shell (Tantalus)
Myth Makers Karting (Data Design)
NBA Shootout 2005 (SCEA)
NBA Street (EA)
Need for Speed Underground (EA)
NFL Street (EA)
NHL Face Off 2005 (SCEA)
Ninja Bunny Warriors (Data Design)
Offroad Xtreme (Data Design)
Pilot ni Narou (Marvellous)
Popolocrois Monogatari (SCEI)
Powerful Pro Yakyuu (Konami)
Professional Wrestling (Yuke's)
Project S (Sega)
Puyo Pop Fever (Sega)
Ren Goku: The Tower Of Purgatory (Hudson)
Ridge Racer (Namco)
Rig Racing (Data Design)
Romance of Three Kingdoms (Koei)
RS Revolution (Spike)
Shin Mojibittan (Namco)
Shin Tenmakai (Idea Factory)
Shingata (Sunrise)
Sparrow Merit (Success)
Spiderman 2 (Sony)
Sprint Madness (Resolution)
Sticky Balls (Warthog)
Super Star Studio (Coong)
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (SCEA)
Tales of Arcadia
Talkman (SCEI)
Technic Cute (Arika)
Tengai Makyou (Hudson/Red)
Ten-No-Kagi-Chi-No-Mon
TGM-K (Arika)
The Gaghary (Bandai)
This is Football 2005 (SCEE)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour (EA)
Tokyo Xtreme Racing (Genki)
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 (Activision/Neversoft)
Transformers (Atari/Melbourne House)
Twisted Metal: World Tour (SCEA/Incog)
Vegas Casino 2 (Phoenix Games)
VIVA Football (DC-Studios)
Volcanus Online (Zepetto)
Wipeout Pure (SCEA)
World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 (Konami)
World Tour Soccer 2005 (SCEE/Studio Soho)
WRC (SCEE/Evolution)
Ys VI: The Arc Of Antipasti (Konami)
Zero Hour (Argonaut)
Zooo (Success)

SO FAR....


DS Titles

Atari, Inc.
� Atari Classics

Atlus USA
� Caduceus
� Snowboard Kids DS
� Plus three additional titles in development

Bandai Entertainment Inc.
� Meteos
� Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
� Plus one additional title in development

Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
� Mega Man Battle Network
� Viewtiful Joe
� Plus one additional title in development

Electronic Arts
� GoldenEye
� Madden NFL
� Need For Speed Underground
� Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf
� The URBZ: Sims in the City

Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.
� Bomberman

Koei Co., Ltd.
� Dynasty Warriors (working title)
� Plus two additional titles in development

Konami Digital Entertainment
� Boktai (working title)
� Castlevania (working title)
� Dragon Booster (working title)
� Frogger 2005 (working title)
� Survival Kids (working title)
� World Soccer Winning Eleven series (working title)
� Vandal Hearts (working titles)
� WINX (working title)
� Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour

Majesco
� Moonlight Fables
� Nanostray
� Plus at least three additional titles in development

Namco Hometek Inc.
� New Mr. Driller (working title)
� Pac 'n Roll (working title)
� Pac-Pix (working title)

Orbital Media
� Four titles in development, including the genres of action platformer, strategy role-playing, combat racing and family.

SEGA of America, Inc.
� Project Rub (working title)
� Sonic DS (working title)

Square Enix Co., Ltd.
� A new story of Secret of Mana
� A new story of Slime Morimori Dragon Quest
� Dragon Quest Monsters series
� Egg Monster Heroes
� Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series

Summitsoft Corporation
� Air Assault 2
� Organizer Plus

Tecmo, Inc.
� Monster Rancher
� Plus one additional title in development

Telegames, Inc.
� Ultimate Brain Games
� Ultimate Card Games
� Ultimate Pocket Games

THQ
� SpongeBob SquarePants
� Plus five additional titles in development

Ubisoft Entertainment
� Asphalt GT
� Rayman
� Plus additional titles in development, including a major movie license for early 2005

Vivendi Universal Games
� Robots


I would put the links...but I forgot where I got these (some time back)

Originally posted by Murcielago

Originally posted by Minime
The good thing about the PSP is that it can play DVD's, and I beleive it has better graphics than the DS.

I don't think Mario game's are "kiddish", the game's are just for everyone to play. It doesn't have a label saying "12 years olds and younger only"

The best thing about the DS is the touch-screen, and maybe the interernet capability.

Errrrr, wrong. It plays MINI dvds. Big difference.

and I Highly doubt any internet abilities, sorry to say but thats just a little to wishful thinking.

The Nintendo DS has so many possabilities that it will be the king of the handheld gaming market for years to come.

and the DS isn't a pile either, its more powerful then the Nintendo 64. and it has the looks to back it up, I would buy the DS over the PSP any day of the week.

I think the touchscreen is a good touch to (no pun intended), Also the PSP has no screen cover, Nintendo has learned over the years that people do drop things and also nobody wants a scratched up screen. The PSP has some good look as well but it aint got nothin on the DS.

2 screen is very inovative, and it somes with a stylus with i would assume will be stored in the middle of the hinge. You can also get a battery charger for it, wich everyone likes. I read on a site (forgot where) that the DS with two screens on uses LESS power then sony's one screen.

I mean just look at the details of the to systems! its a oblivious winner.

Oh sorry... I forgot, "MINI" Dvd's

And Nintendo has confirmed about internet capabilities.

here ya go head to head at IGN.
PSP Vs. DS

The thing that I am getting really about with handheld systems are they way the companies are using their main systems to make you buy them. Listen up:

My family has a GC that we bought at Christmas last year. Anyway we bought Madden 2004 for GC and a few other games. The one thing that I was very disappointed with was how they where using the GC to get you to buy a GBA and the game for it as well. If you wanted to unlock the secret characters like Sugar Buzz you needed to own a GBA with Madden 2004 as well as a GC with Madden 2004! The last handheld I bought was the original GB.

As good as the hand held systems have gotten it is too bad that they are trying to force us to buy it to beat a game on a different system. Oh well I guess that�s how all marketing works right. Too bad that Sony has to get involved in it too because the next thing I know ill have to buy a PSP and a PS3 so I can beat Madden 2005-6 (big football fan here).

Other than that I still got my vote for the N DS only because, although your right in that Nintendo is going to the kids, I am bound to buying Nintendo. Loved the N64 and I�m always hoping that they will find a game better than Golden Eye