The Big Shiny Nintendo DualScreen Topic (tm)

[Epicenter]

To me, this machine looks like it'll go over only a little better than the nGage did.
Nintendo's CEO outlined the following in a press release:

- Gamers don't care about cutting-edge technology, processors or video hardware.
- They don't care about great graphics.
- Or great sound.
- Or epic storylines.
- THEY WANT TWO SCREENS.
- Nintendo will put a large enough amount of cash into the project that if it fails, Nintendo won't go bankrupt-- but they will have to leave the industry.

That's the most self-damning press release I've heard in my life. This is going to be amazing. (Please call it the Virtual Boy 2 .. Please call it the Virtual Boy 2 ..)

But that's just one man's opinion. Let's hear what everyone else has to say about this thing.

[NE146]

I really don't know about the big picture and can only speak for myself. So call me a sucker, but if it's from Nintendo... I'm generally buying it :D

Hey if anything it'll look great next to my Virtual Boy 8-)

[Cmosfm]

*sigh*

Again....it's too early to tell. We haven't even seen PICTURES of it, so how can you say if it's going to "rule" or "bomb".

So, i'm not answering the poll. It's like making a poll asking if the new president in 2008 "rule" or "bomb"...it's just not possible to answer without a biased fanboy opinion.

All I know, as a gamer and a collector, I will buy it whatever the hell it is.

[Epicenter]

There is a leaked concept photo. From what I saw it looked like a portable gamecube. And the only real advantages N could offer were things like "If you were playing football on Screen 1 you could glance to 2 for a replay". Why not put the replay on Screen 1 as well? The screens are most of the cost in portable products like the GBA or laptop computers.

I really think Nintendo needs to re-evaluate its marketing strategy, or do SOME market research, because their assumptions about gamers are complete fantasy. Until then, I don't believe the product has a CHANCE to be good.

[calthaer]

It's possible that it may neither rule NOR bomb, but just do OK.

[Captain Wrong]

*sigh*

Again....it's too early to tell. We haven't even seen PICTURES of it, so how can you say if it's going to "rule" or "bomb".

\^_^/

[Epicenter]

m'kay, added another option per request.

[goatdan]

I think that the DS has a lot of possibilities, and if you account for the fact that they are looking at turning it into a PDA, two screens would greatly benefit some PDA functions. Without thinking about games:

- You have a full calendar on one screen and your appointments for one day at the bottom. Move to a different calendar date to change dates, and the bottom pulls up a that date of appointments.
- You can see your comprehensive list of things to do on one screen and see details about each in the other.
- You can see the names of everyone in your phone book on one screen while looking at their information in another.
- You can easily switch between files while taking notes.

While a lot of these functions aren't necessary in a PDA, they'll definitely be nice, especially if the system retails at a competing price point to PDA's and game systems. I think that Nintendo could have a hit on their hands from that alone.

Will I get one? We'll see. I doubt it from what we've seen, but it seems to be pretty functional to me.

[Raccoon Lad]

You sure could do an awesome Punchout or Playchoice 10 port on it.


otherwise, it seems kinda pointless to have an extra screen, as the screen on a handheld is a big chunk of it's price.

[SoulBlazer]

I think how the idea is actually done in PRATICE is going to have a lot to do with it. For example, I can see myself playing a game -- any major genre, like FPS or RPG -- and using a second screen with it, and if it's done well enough, going "Holy crap! How did I ever play this (game) before without a second screen?!?"

We're susposed to see the unit in action with some games at E3. I'll be VERY curious..... :D

[Epicenter]

Well, methinks Playchoice only used 2 screens for 2 players.. or 1 for the game and the other to SELECT a game via an interface to the PCB. But with their suggested layout it's strictly 1 player only unless you use 2+ units with a link cable.

[kai123]

The DS is going to rule the roost and kick all other video game systems to the curb. :roll: :roll: Who cares nobody knows how it will do. At least wait for it to be released. You also forgot to add a choice for "Who cares?".

[DigitalSpace]

I'll come back to this thread when I find out what the DS looks like and what its functions are.

[davidbrit2]

History has shown us that a handheld needs two things to survive:

1. $100 or less price point
2. Fad driven shovelware (Pokemon)

The folks over at Megagames claim to have leaked specs (http://www.megagames.com/news/html/console/nintendodsspecsleaked.shtml), but I'm not sure how much I believe them.

[Richter]

I'll come back to this thread when I find out what the DS looks like and what its functions are.no scanner at the mo, but a concept shot is on pg21 in the newest Game Informer

[optic_85]

accourding to nintendo all the pics that were leaked are fakes. However the spec sheet really was leaked! Here's what it says(translated from japanese, of course)

-will use touch screen technology, but also have buttons
-67 MHz main processor
-4 MB of memory
-120k pollygons per second(or 30 million pixels)
-microphone input
-wireless netwoking