A next-gen Game Boy by Xmas?
posted February 28th 2005 2:20PM
It's been pretty much an open secret since the middle of last year that Nintendo is working on a
new Game Boy—they've always been clear that the DS was
never intended to be the successor to the Game Boy Advance—and it looks like the new console could be out as early as
Christmas, at least according to industry analyst/gossip hound P.J. McNealy. No word on what it might be called (the
one name we keep hearing is "Game Boy Evolution", though
that isn't necessarily it), but McNealy predicts it'll retail for $99 and Nintendo prez Satoru Iwata could announce the
next Game Boy as early as March 10th.
[Via Joystiq]
UPDATE: SPOnG, a site we wouldn't exactly describe as reliable, is claiming that the next-gen GBA will definitely be shown off at E3 in May and that it'll look a lot like the PSP—large LCD screen, analog controls—and be based on the GameCube's technology and connect to the upcoming Revolution console. They're also saying confirming those rumors that were going around about Nintendo is licensing the Palm OS for the DS, and that they'll announce this at E3 as well. Take this as you will.
Oh lord... I heard rumors they where shooting for 2 years after the DS, and that was bad enough, but this? Way to screw gamers over. Look guys the DS does compete with the PSP no matter what Nintendo says. If Nintendo does this then expect DS development to dry up within a year or two.
For now I'm going to file this under BS, as I find it hard to believe Nintendo would be this stupid.
thanks for turning your back on us, nintendo. now im going to turn my back you.
Then WTF was the point in developing the DS if it wasn't a "successor" to the GBA? Why on earth would Nintendo want to divide the developers time and money between the DS and the new GB? Is this going to replace the DS and the GBA SP? Is it because they're scared of the PSP? WTF are they thinking?
#2: how are they turning their back on you? way before the ds was even known as the ds, nintendo CLEARLY stated that the ds would be the third pillar, NOT replacing the gameboy.
Who didn't see this coming? And like the previous poster said, Nintendo stated that the DS would be their "third pillar."
Now Nintendo might have the edge of making a more powerful system than the PSP (the Gamecube is already more powerful than the PS2). Not to mention battery life.
Granted, I am a bit shocked that they'll have it out by this Christmas, but then again how much longer can Nintendo battle the PSP with just the DS and the GBA SP?
With that said, that's why I didn't buy a DS, and that's what everyone gets for buying one and thinking it is the next gameboy.
It never ceases to amaze me that people think a corporation (Nintendo, Apple, Microsoft, your local phone company, etc) is like a vindictive girlfriend or something. They make a product and/or service and that's it. They would rather "screw" you or "turn their back" on you if it meant innovating and adding more to their customer base! Remember this; the goal of a business is to SELL, not be your best friend. Christ, if you don't like how Nintendo works, buy Connect-Four or something. Oh wait, Milton Bradley might turn their back on you...
Yeah, well when people start buying game systems based on how powerful they theoretically are, give me a call. Until then, people will buy systems based on what GAMES are available on them. And in that regard, Nintendo has been a 2nd-rate console for the past 10 years, ever since the PlayStation came out. And for you N-fanboys out there, for every single A+ title for the Gamecube, N64, or DS you name, I'll name 2 for the PS2.
What the F? I was about to buy a DS THIS weekend, but now I might not. If this pans out, Nintendo is not right in the head.
The only way I can see this thing taking off is if it is a portable Gamecube. Think about it:
•The medium is small enough, if they wanted to use the Gamecube disks
•There is a somewhat extensive library
•Developers can transition pretty easily to a portable version
•Technically more powerful than the PSP specs wise
The only issue I see with this is the price point. I doubt they could manufacture a handheld Gamecube and retail it for $99. I'm guessing they would stick with a $199 (a la Original GC price) or $149 (current DS price) and drop the DS and GBA $50 each.
At $199 you'd still be saving over the price of a PSP and get more gaming power for your buck.
Not to flame but could someone please explain to me the strategy behind the three pillars? I'm not exactly sure how a new portable wouldn't cannabalize the sales of the DS. However I'm not particularly fond of the system so I hope the new portable has some firepower because its gonna need it come the PSP and who knows maybe M$ might jump on the portable bandwagon.
DS is the new Virtual Boy. Enjoy your paperweight, you DS-buying fools! The DS will be dead in a year.
Bogus
The PSP will rule the handheld market. The DS game lineup is pathetic. Bye bye Nintendo. Told you so!
If the Ds is made for adults i think i'm gonna hate the the new game boy. And what are nintendo playing at. Its like they said "we lost tons of customers already, just as we get them back lets screw them over again." My moneys in sony's pocket, i got turned of the DS by sheer looks alone, it looks like one of those cheap games you can get for a 3 year old, and the psp features leave it in the dust, besides if the ds doesn't have the same features built in for the "adult market", what the hells gonna be in a console aimed at younger, smaller pockets?
Homebrew is going to keep my DS from getting sold. Think of all the things you can do with a touch screen and WiFi. I can think of at least one. Granted, the DS library is very, very limited right now. But there's good things on the horizon. I don't really see a portable GC completely competing with the DS. It's more price level targeting than anything else. You have a 6 year old that wants to play Pokemon; buy them a cheap GBA or GBASP. Have a teen or tween that would like to play Pokemon and be able to play N64 games and have wireless connectivity; buy them a DS. Have a hardcore gamer with an extensive GC library or someone with too much money on their hands; get a GBCube (TM). All of this is speculative fun of course, but who wouldn't mind having a portable GameCube?
its really not nintendo's fault for you thinking the ds was the next game boy. nintendo did say the ds is a thrid pillar not the next game boy. the ds is a new way of gaming but not a long lasting one. touch this touch that, will get old and annoyin soon for the ds, if nintendo was going to fight the psp with the ds, i dont think it will be a good comparison in the future. ive thought of the ds was a rip off for $200. but u ppl r goin crazy over this, nintendo has still brought games to u for the ds, gamecube, and gba, y do u think nintendo cant do it for the revolution (next nintendo console), ds, and next game boy.
Or maybe Nintendo wants to offer gamers more options.
#6: How can you discount the influence that Nintendo has had on gaming in the last 10 years. From games like Goldeneye to innovation like the rumble pack, Nintendo has continuously been forcing other companies to adobt their standards of gameplay.
As the next gen rolls out and companies move from an all-in-one game/dvd/entertainment combo back to strictly gaming machines, it will be clear how the GameCube (and Nintendo) influenced yet another generation of home consoles.
i completely agree with nicholas,
Nintendo has influenced the gaming industry for nearly TWO DECADES! PSP will not change that.
as someone who has PS2, Xbox and a GBA SP with a slew of games, the GBA is the "take it on the plane, boring family gathering" system. nothing more.
I buy games on the cheap and only good ones.
so....I can't see ANY reason to invest in a new GBA, AT ALL (hello Nintendo, R U listening???)
DS will never even be a consideration!
why?? I'll keep the GBA SP and load up on games.
Already have a handheld, so no need to get any PDA features from a toy.
Nintendo is truly missing the market, but must be content being a 3rd rate game company.
2 cents= PSP will rule the handheld segment.
I agree that Nintendo needs to tread VERY carefully here. I have two pre-teen kids, which both have a DS. I know of at least a dozen other friends/families with pre-teens that also recently purchased DS's for their kids (over the holidays).
Since I loosely follow the latest happenings (like reading Engadget!), I have read some of the GB rumors, and I am fine with buying DS and perhaps later a new GB for my kids.
However, the comments about "knowing that DS was not the latest GB" are not known to much of the consumer public (that have and are buying the DS). In fact, many of those I know that recently bought DS felt that this WAS the next gen GB. Nintendo didn't hang any signs at Target and Walmart stating that DS wasn't the next GB and that a new GB is "coming soon", and the DS was some third leg of their future system architecture.
If there is a new GB this year (aka xmas buying season), I know of many parents that will be very upset if DS "takes a back seat" to some new GB system (esp. in new game development).
If there is a new GB system, most of these parents would at least expect games for the new GB to also work on thier DS. If not, I fear that Nintendo will quickly alienate a large segment of their game buying public (aka the parents that just a year previous dropped $150 on DS for their kids).
I think Nintendo has always been very clear about the fact that the DS is an "offshoot" of the Gameboy line, and most articles I remember leading up to the DS were always sure to mention that a more powerful Gameboy was just down the pipe. I doubt people could argue that Nintendo intended the Virtual Boy to replace the original GameBoy, just like the DS it's an attempt to create a niche platform based around new play mechanics and interface. Personally, I'm thrilled some company is trying to do something different every now and then.
As and an owner of all three consoles, the statement that PS2 has twice the "A+" games as other platforms... you'll have to work hard to convince me... unless by "A+", you mean "Shovelware Crap".
I think the problem is that all u gamers saw the ds as a gameboy. It is not. I would never have bought a gameboy, nor will I buy the next one. But I will buy the ds. Many people are like me. That is why the surveys conducted on the ds said it was selling to those who never owned a gameboy before.
The ds is a totally different system. It does not compete with the psp nor should it bug the next gameboy. The psp is an ipod that plays ps2 games. I don't know a single ps2 owner that cares to buy one. All my friends who love the ipod seem to be interested in it.
The next gameboy will appeal to portable gaming fans (and children, of course). I never bought a portable game system before and thought I never will. But the ds appeals to me (a home console fan) because it is new. I feel like i just have to try it. And if it does have pda capabilities in the future then that alone separates the ds from the gameboy. It won't be a childrens' play-thing. It will be a pda, an instant messaging devise, maybe soon it will be a devise that allows access to the internet, and a game system that plays games unlike any other. The next gameboy won't be all that. Therefore they can co-exist.
PSP= multi media devise
Nintendo DS= PDA?(most likely)w/ unique games.
Gameboy Evolution= Pure powerful gaming devise
All different. Just take your pick of which one you'd prefer after consideration of cost.
@Terry
Nintendo and especially Yokoi wanted to replace the GB with the Virtual Boy. OK, did't work, but the VB rocks!
Well, this "third pillar" stuff has always just been rubbish in my opinion. Nintendo can say so, but as long as it is a portable device to play games with (in the eyes of the masses) and it is from Nintendo it is just another Game Boy, no matter how it is called in the end. Parents buy that one for their children, you can play ordinary Game Boy Games on it, f**k it, it is a Game Boy that isn't called Game Boy! I think only Nintendo Fan Boys really bought the "3rd Pillar".
Imagine the situation (if this is really true) at the end of the year:
Developers will only support one of the systems, not both DS and GBE. It won't be the DS, and if games for the DS are shown it will be no more then the mini-game crap that wie have today *puke* On the other hand there will be a mult-million user-base of PSP-owners that needs new stuff. Developers will soon start to make multi-platform games that won't use the GBEs capabilities. Sounds familiar? Yes, sure! And we all do know, that Nintendo's very own franchises are not really attractive any more, well, the DS will go down (leaving angry users behind, never willing to buy Nintendo stuff any more), the GBE will get what the PSP leaves behind and Nintedo looses the monopoly... Well, in 3-5 years Nintendo will be 3rd-party I bet ;-)
And to the ones telling that also Nintendo is just a company willing to make money: IMO it is a fact, that Nintendo depends on its Fanboys, not like Sony or Microsoft. And angry fanboys are no good, you cannot get their money any more ;-)
Haha, some of you people are hilarious. Calm down. The DS sold very well, so there is no reason for game development for the system to be hurt by the Evolution. Also, as someone said, I am sure the DS will be the homebrew system of choice and we can expect all kinds of unique and innovative work done with the system [and that is what I am most interested in]. Graphics and power can only go so far, we need other advancements in gaming systems to keep things interesting.
Also, the Virtual Boy was a fantastic system that just got poor reviews. I got caught up in the bad hype when it came out and didn't buy one. I recently purchased one on Ebay and I love it. Imagine what could have been had the system not failed to the public. It is an entirely immersive 3D environment that is quite beautiful if you seriously give it a chance.
It is unfortunate that so few people are willing to take the risk to expand their gaming experiences.
i have one mroe thing to say, the next Game Boy would've always have the Game Boy name in the name of the next Game Boy, unlike the Nintendo DS which doesnt have Game Boy in it. its not that hard to think for a second and relise that the DS doesnt have the Game Boy name, then the DS wouldnt be the next Game Boy. The Game Boy name was the name from the start and hasnt changed, pocket, colour, advance, advance sp...
Hoo Boy.
I hear there's a new Zelda title coming out too:
"Legend of Zelda: Link could really give a crap at this point"
What's the hassle here?
Put out a bunch of stuff, I'll buy what I like.
Every discussion about portable gaming devolves into the same thing. PSP this, third tier that.
It's a big internet, haven't we all heard this stuff already?
New Game Boy? Killer!
Will it play my GB and GBA carts? If it doesn't, it isn't a Game Boy.
The GBA SP for all it's technical oldness is a rugged platform who's flexibilty is shown by all the third party stuff that hooks into it!
If the new Game Boy (don't care about the name) delivers on the basics while doing killer newness then it's cool with me and I'll buy it.
The DS doesn't do it for me.
I hope the new GB will.
Will it come with a power glove?
Guys come on, leave nintendo alone, they are a great company, that is facing a david and goliath situation in the video game industry. its true that they didnt give the DS software line up enough development time, but thats because they were trying to release it slightly ahead of sonys first vague release date for the psp. when sony said they would be postponing the release, it gave nintendo a chance to pour more effort into the new gameboy, instead of fighting the psp with the inferior ds. if u got a ds, i feel for you, but think about it from Nintendo's standpoint, right now they have a chance to meet the launch of the psp with a brand new, equal system, they can see what people like about the psp, and capitalize on it. and until the psp does release, they still have a market presence with their DS system. Nintendo's in a desperate situation and i personally dont hold any corners they cut for the sake of competition against them. they are a great company, with probably the best developing potential of any company, I want my children to see the creative, ingenious, independent Nintendo that i grew up with.
i don't see how nintendo would be able to create a handheld as powerful as the gamecube and be able to sell it for $99. i mean...people think that $200...or even $250 is cheap for the PSP. but $99?? i wonder how that will come out quality-wise.
and let's have a history lesson here. the PS2 came out in 2000...people loved it. a while later, the gamecube came out...people may have loved it at first, but let's face it. the gamecube is pretty much dead now. notice how all the great games are only being made for PS2 and XBOX. my point is...just because the next game boy will be technologically more advanced than the PSP, i think many people will choose the PSP as the favorite. it's playing out just like the console wars. the gamecube has better graphics than the PS2...but people prefer the PS2. gamecube was cheaper than PS2...but people prefer the PS2. the PS2 came out before the gamecube...and well...we know how that can make a system appear to be successful...(nintendo DS). i think history will repeat itself all over again with the handhelds. it's ridiculous for nintendo to expect it's consumers to buy a new handheld when the newest one hasn't even been out for a year.
oh yeah...for the people waiting for the PSP...only 25 more days!!!
I think #25 pretty much nailed it... except for maybe the fanboy rant at the end.
To my 13 year-old brother the DS was the next Gameboy... names don't really mean anything. All he talked about was getting one and now that he's had it for a few months he constantly complains that there are no good games for it.
I think the DS is an over-hyped gimmick wrapped around a GBA. The whole touchscreen-mini-game thing is a joke. If Warioware is a sign of things to come leave me out. BORING!!! Playing 3D games like Mario64 is a joke and just plain annoying with the touchscreen. Also, I find it nearly impossible to hold the thing for long periods of time. The controls are too close to the edge and it's too thin.
Now Nintendo is going to release a new GB? I'm starting to feel like maybe Nintendo failed to take a lesson from Sega and is going to push too much hardware on it's customers.(32X, Sega CD anyone?) I think Nintendo will suffer if they haven't established decent and plentiful software for the DS before the next system comes out. With all the DS's sold there could be a huge backlash if they don't watch it. They also risk spreading themselves too thin. Regardless of how they try to spin the DS as 'not a GB' kids with limit funds will have to choose between the DS or new GB, not to mention the PSP.
For those that are saying the DS was not postioned as the "next" GB, then why does the DS play GBA games? If the DS was truly a "new handheld lineage" for Nintendo, then it should _not_ have played GBA games. It should only play the new DS games. This would have very clearly set its place in the market. Since DS plays GBA games, it is seen as a successor to the GB handheld line.
Many of the parents I talked with saw the DS as just the next handheld in the GB line.
- GB (plays GB and GB color games)
- GBA/SP (plays GB games and new GBA games)
- DS (plays GBA games and new DS games)
A number of parents I know were looking at "upgrading" their kids from from GBA to SP, but when DS came out, the DS was (and still is) marketed as a "better" SP. Does everything SP does, except lots more (to justify the additional cost).
Also, on the stats that GBA games continued to sell after DS came out. Both my kids have DS, but we continue to buy GBA games (to play on DS). This is mostly due to DS playing GBA games better than the GBA hardware along with the general lack quantity of DS specific games.
Nintendo is actually playing this very smart. The Gamecube at the moment is not very sucessful however if the next Gameboy plays Cube games and Gameboy games you have a system with a lineup of over 400 games at launch, developers that already have years of experience making Gamecube games continuing to do so for the GBE. What this means for Nintendo is that when the current gen of consoles dies out people will still be making and buying Cube games for the GBE. Financially this is a very smart move for Nintendo, one that could very well cripple the PSP. By the way who wouldnt want to be sitting on the train to work or school playing Resident Evil 4?
hey people...
THIS IS JUST A RUMOUR!! get a life! everyone made his own theories about what nintendo is doing and why this and why that..it's just a rumour. nintendo isn't stupid to release a new handheld platform or reveal it to the public in full until after summer. maybe some details will be given to the public but nothing more. don't take it for granted that they will present the next gb in a few weeks time just because a gaming site said so..just relax and enjoy playing ds with its unigue games and let psp owners sit in their couches next to their ps2 and play ps2 games on a handheld bought at higher prices..
ps..psp will never rule the handheld market simply because it's a multimedia device and most people will buy it just because it plays mp3s and movie clips on a big screen and not bother buying software for it. when companies realise this they will not bother making new games for it because programming new games for a powerful console is HARD and EXPENSIVE. expect more ps2 ports with upgraded features.
If you got $150 worth of fun out of the DS, then you did fine. I got mine, and true, it's sitting in a drawer, but it was only $150 -- I didn't have to refinance my house. I have a PlayStation 2, a GameCube and an Xbox for the same reason: I enjoy it when I turn it on and play a game. I'll be plopping down for a PSP and life will still go on.
I'm so dissappointed with the roll-out of the DS line. I got the cool little console as a X-mas gift, but have yet to see any real game test the abilities of the wireless play function. I'm tired of playing my Hunters demo, and I'm as frustrated with mario64 as I was when I played it on the N64. What gives?! When are we going to see real games that don't have you pick your nose with the stylus (Warioware)?! And why doesn't Warioware have wireless play for Gods sake?!!
Now I hear the news that they might be developing another console? Come on Nintendo, support the people who believed in your crazy DS idea first!
I'm so dissappointed with the roll-out of the DS line. I got the cool little console as a X-mas gift, but have yet to see any real game test the abilities of the wireless play function. I'm tired of playing my Hunters demo, and I'm as frustrated with mario64 as I was when I played it on the N64. What gives?! When are we going to see real games that don't have you pick your nose with the stylus (Warioware)?! And why doesn't Warioware have wireless play for Gods sake?!!
Now I hear the news that they might be developing another console? Come on Nintendo, support the people who believed in your crazy DS idea first!
I think that this will just be a GBA sp with a better screen and the ability to play mp3 and movies out of the box on sd cards that you can just insert into the system nothing more
I have one more thing to say.
Let's consider that the GBEvolution plays GameCube games. This would be a brilliant move for Nintendo. As has already been said, there is a huge library of games. People would buy the system just for the existing games.
Oh, and for whoever said the GameCube has been dead. I bought Resident Evil 4 and Paper Mario 2 within the last month. They both gave some of the best gaming experiences that I ever had. Resident Evil 4 is one of the most revolutionary games out there. I know several PS2 fans who are praying it comes to their system (even if it is in a water-downed format).
So, with the GBE playing GC games, the GC will continue to have tons of vibrant games being developed for it (and the GBE). It wouldn't even be necessary for the Revolution to play GC games. If this is the case, the GC will outlive the PS2 in ways Sony could never imagine. I know the original GB games that I bought, have out-lived ever other game I've ever owned. I can still pop them in my GBA.
Where does that leave the DS? In an excellent position. It already is capable of playing one of the largest, most diverse game libraries in existence. Developers will continue to develop GBA games, and they will slowly develop more and more DS games as they move away from the GBA platform.
There you have it. A very viable "three pillar" market. There's even room for the PSP in the mix. The one thing I refuse to believe is that the PSP will be the "multimedia" device. I'm willing to bet that 70-90% of it's base will have an iPod. And who want's to shell out for an expensive UMB (or whatever it is) movie when you won't be able to watch it on your other systems.
I think that Nintendo is Freakin Crazy if they r thinking about selling another handheld. If they supposedly were to sell the Evolution this year they must be scared with the PSP to be that dumb..... In that case why did they think about makin the DS. WTF? They better pull their act together for they're losin it man
Nintendo Forever
My fave games have always been mario kart(now online a revolution alredy plus the arcade) and zelda(Story line and character base genius oh and has out-sold evey other RPG known whilst selling even more consoles like pokemon) oh yeah and street fighter alpha 3(witch i can now play on the ds)
nintedos consoles have always inovated from the start, game pads graphics(even ds was next inline with graphics up grading from 32 bit SP and so will the GBE) psp hasnt done anything the N-gage did basically what psp does and why are they trying it with there stupid ps2 slim, and people are saying there shoudnt be 2 nintedo portables, whatever!
finally, whatnamco doing with soul calibur 3 the GC sold more than everyone else (with the power of link), xbox being 2nd(and ive gotta say spawn is sick) and there not even gonna have cameos in it or be online now thats what i call foolish!
OK. now i dont think the next generation gameboy will be all that powerful. if u read the info it says that it will sell for about $99. if it was more powerful then the DS it would cost around or over $200 dollars easily. i also want to no is this new system like a gameboy advance but a better one?(like Gba SP) or does it use completely different kinds of games? Can they be used on Ds?
the DS wasnt the new gameboy??
HELLO???? IT PLAYS GAMEBOY GAMES!!!!!!
the 3 pillars were GameCube, GBA and DS
it will soon become GC/Rev, DS (replaced the GBA, and PDA people will buy it), and the NEW Gameboy is the 3rd pillar, protable GC or whatever.
so current GBA owners can upgrade to a cheap DS when the new GB comes out, which WONT be compattible with old GBA games as the DS does that
" Posted Feb 28, 2005, 8:39 PM ET by aldrin
i don't see how nintendo would be able to create a handheld as powerful as the gamecube and be able to sell it for $99. i mean...people think that $200...or even $250 is cheap for the PSP. but $99?? i wonder how that will come out quality-wise.
and let's have a history lesson here. the PS2 came out in 2000...people loved it. a while later, the gamecube came out...people may have loved it at first, but let's face it. the gamecube is pretty much dead now. notice how all the great games are only being made for PS2 and XBOX. my point is...just because the next game boy will be technologically more advanced than the PSP, i think many people will choose the PSP as the favorite. it's playing out just like the console wars. the gamecube has better graphics than the PS2...but people prefer the PS2. gamecube was cheaper than PS2...but people prefer the PS2. the PS2 came out before the gamecube...and well...we know how that can make a system appear to be successful...(nintendo DS). i think history will repeat itself all over again with the handhelds. it's ridiculous for nintendo to expect it's consumers to buy a new handheld when the newest one hasn't even been out for a year.
oh yeah...for the people waiting for the PSP...only 25 more days!!!"
Absolutely hilarious prediction.
Nintendo has what, 94% of the handheld market?
all you people suck the psp sucks with 4 hrs of battery life that just crap most games on the psp suck you people are wasting your money on psp i rather just wait for the ps3 you ******.
My two cents for what it's worth:
Sony PSP - Big mistake making everything so proprietary and unpopular. No one wants to pay more money for non-standard movie disks that no one is going to stock anyway. The proprietary software media is also a dog - very very very slooooowww... is it loaded yet Dumbo? Shareholders should demand the scalps of all those responsible for these pathetic decisions. Sony is way off track.... Wake up everyone have ditched their 80's walkmans for Apple iPod's...ouch! That’s gotta hurt!
Nintendo - No you did not spend much effort educating your customers about the future of GameBoy and where the DS fits in - Yes it is misleading (it has backward compatibility with GameBoy Advance) Knuckle heads. The first GameBoy Advance was a rip off...I can't play it without a 500w halogen spotlight above me. I want my money back. The second GBA SP does solve this but the games are so very very boring Oh blahhh ZZZzzzzzz.
Debate about Sony PS2 versus GameCube - This is a silly debate.
When I think Nintendo, I see those big plugs on the front of the SNES, N64, and GameCube inviting me to plug in more than one controller. It's the kind of games machine your friends come around to your place to play with you. Conversely My PC is not a system where I try and share the keyboard & mouse with a mate, rather I sit alone in my room and play some Polish guy on a server located in Brazil. Sony & Xbox are going guns for the insular market whereas Nintendo are going for the more social people. The games reflect this. You’re all invited to my place for a Mario Party by the way...
Another way to look at it: If Nintendo closed shop tomorrow then the collector value of their games would sky rocket. If Microsoft stopped making Xbox, then games for this console would drop as people jumped ship. You see Nintendo has a certain unique value whereas Microsoft plays with pure cold fickle consumerism & sadly, to a growing degree this is where Sony has headed.
I think that the gameboy line will alwys be nintendo's main portable system, but it tries to create third-pillar (or whatever) systems like the DS and VB, and if they don't work, like the virtual boy, they can still fall back on the gameboy.
I think that the gameboy line will always be nintendo's main portable system, but it tries to create third-pillar (or whatever) systems like the DS and VB, but if they don't work, like the virtual boy, they can still fall back on the gameboy.