For Anyone not convinced about gettin a DS.. or DS Lovers!

[Cauterize]

this flash animation will convince u! I Promise!
http://nintendo.co.jp/n10/nwt/dssoft/movie/dssoft.swf

feast your eyes on that!

[AB Positive]

...


I wasn't going to get a DS... dammit.

-AG

[Cauterize]

hehehehe :evil: *and so the hypnotisim with DS begins!*

[Cauterize]

hehehehe :evil: *and so the hypnotisim with DS begins!*

[VACRMH]

....

Woah.

X_x

[captain nintendo]

Thats awesome !

But I will still wait for another color / style to come out.
I really dont like the way the "skin" looks on this unit. :/

[Promophile]

Ya see this is what nintendo should put on their commericals. Not some abstract thing about touching people, but put how the damn thing works with examples from games. Did anyone notice the doctor game? Whats the chances of that coming to the states.

[Sharkiee]

It looks pretty cool, but I'll probably wait till the PSP is out before I make my final decesion. 8-)

[tholly]

WOW.............now i really really can't wait until xmas......that movie got me really excited about this system

[tholly]

Ya see this is what nintendo should put on their commericals. Not some abstract thing about touching people, but put how the damn thing works with examples from games. Did anyone notice the doctor game? Whats the chances of that coming to the states.

zero chance.....we hardly ever get the interesting japanese games bc NOA figures there is no market for them

[Cauterize]

Ya see this is what nintendo should put on their commericals. Not some abstract thing about touching people, but put how the damn thing works with examples from games. Did anyone notice the doctor game? Whats the chances of that coming to the states.

zero chance.....we hardly ever get the interesting japanese games bc NOA figures there is no market for them

i really liekd thelook of that too!

the game which "woahed" me the most was the kirby one!

[Captain Wrong]

Hmm...sorry, still not convinced. Nice to finally see the much heralded stylus in play, but at least half of what I saw could have been accomplished just as easily, if not easier, with the d-pad. I'll admit, there were bits that looked interesting, but there was far too much "Track and Field with a stylus" gameplay in that video to convince me this isn't a gimmick.

Furthermore, any bets on the "surgery" game making it over here? Now that looked kinda interesting.

[Kilik Kurosawa]

I think I was more excited before I saw this....I avoided playing it at a kiosk in the mall just so I wouldn't be let down. I am really only excited about animal crossing and not really interested in the stylus and how much nintendo seems to be pushing that in the game play. Hopefully I'll get used to it and love it just the same.

[Nesmaster]

cool... i saw a video similar to this, but it didnt have that kirby game in it. Im still gonna get a DS, but not for a long time :P

[NE146]

All I know is I just played the DS last night. The stylus on Metroid.. well, in a word. Rocks.

[theoakwoody]

I'm not a big fan of Metroid Prime but I was very impressed with the demo they had at Target. The controls felt very natural and accurate and the graphics were very gamecubesque from what I could tell. I guess I was expecting N64 graphics but with the smaller screen and smaller resolution I guess they can really kick those graphics out and make them nice.

I'm not big into halo because the learning curve for the two analogs is too great. It takes too much practice but Metroid Prime was very easy to control so that's one thing that really draws me to this game. I'm looking forward to Ridge Racer on the DS with the Steering wheel that you can actually steer with, I think that will make for some good racing.

[Push Upstairs]

Well that doesn't restore any faith knowing that Nintendo is talking about making a GBA2 in a little over a year. (2006)

If this talk is true (http://www.cube-europe.com/news.php?nid=6653) then what exactly is the point of buying the DS machine if thier intended "Big Guns" against the PSP is going to (possibly) be out in a year and a half?

If Nintendo isnt 100% sure of thier DS system then why should I be? Either way things go, this DS comes off as something to keep peoples interest untill they crank out the GBA2.

As for this "Not competing with the PSP" nonsense. You don't release a system around the same time and with a competitive price and not know the systems are going to compete :roll:

I'm not a Ninterdo hater, but i really have to question Nintendo's motives.

[Cauterize]

Well that doesn't restore any faith knowing that Nintendo is talking about making a GBA2 in a little over a year. (2006)

If this talk is true (http://www.cube-europe.com/news.php?nid=6653) then what exactly is the point of buying the DS machine if thier intended "Big Guns" against the PSP is going to (possibly) be out in a year and a half?

If Nintendo isnt 100% sure of thier DS system then why should I be? Either way things go, this DS comes off as something to keep peoples interest untill they crank out the GBA2.

As for this "Not competing with the PSP" nonsense. You don't release a system around the same time and with a competitive price and not know the systems are going to compete :roll:

I'm not a Ninterdo hater, but i really have to question Nintendo's motives.

you make some very good points there.... i was also unaware of a GBA2... more details please?

[Jibbajaba]

I wasn't that impressed with the movie. Hopefully the gameplay won;t be so stylus-heavy. most of those games looked like stuff that only the japanese will have.

I like the dual-screen idea, but i think the stylus is kind of dumb. To me, it makes the system less of a pocket system because it's less convenient to whip it out and play it if I have to fuck around with a little pen on a touch screen. That seems more conducive to sitting at a table and playing it.

I'll stick with my SP.

Chris

[downfall]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

I played it last night for the first time, and it was neat. You can use your thumb or finger, and it felt to me like holding a GBA or anything else. It's not very big, and the touch screen seems very responsive, even after the abuse I'm sure it's taken in the Wal-Mart.

There was a line of people waiting around to play it also - the game aisle was just crowded around this teensy DS Kiosk.

I enjoyed it, however, I was a bit disappointed, mostly because they mounted the system about three feet off the ground, which makes it tough to play when you are taller than 4 feet. I didn't feel like I got that great of an experience because I was hunched over the system and whatnot.

What I saw however, I liked. The graphics were nice and crisp - and the action onscreen didn't stutter or slow down at all. I also appreciated the ability to switch over and play left-handed - I can barely hold a pen in my right hand, so I'm glad Nintendo took that into consideration. The controls felt strange at first, but I adjusted to them by the end of my time.

It was neat. It was also different - yet it still managed to feel natural to me.

I liked it, and I have little doubt that it will be successful - I only hope that the touch screen is used beyond the currrent thought processes. Games like Advance Wars DS will benefit greatly from the touch screen - I hope other developers take full advantage of the capability of the hardware.

[Captain Wrong]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen. We keep hearing how this stylus is supposed to revolutionize gaming, so don't be surprised if people are a little hung up on it.

[Cauterize]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen. We keep hearing how this stylus is supposed to revolutionize gaming, so don't be surprised if people are a little hung up on it.

but without it how would we use the one and only "Pictochat"?
you can so tell im geared up for DS!

[NE146]

I aint hung up on it at all. I will say that trying it out at Gamestop that controlling the FPS Metroid with the stylus was super natural feeling. I was looking around with ease :D

[downfall]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen. We keep hearing how this stylus is supposed to revolutionize gaming, so don't be surprised if people are a little hung up on it.

The stylus isn't what's going to "revolutionize" anything. It's just a stylus. If anything will be "revolutionary" (which I think is a bit big - it's not *that* spectacular), then it's the touch screen. The stylus is just a means of input - it isn't necessary to play these games. In some instances, it might be a better (more precise) input option, but in the media I've watched, and the reviews that I've read, you can just as easily use your thumb or finger as the input device (with or without that goofy looking thumb strap) -

http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/565/565126/nintendo-ds-feature-a-day-2-20041110005746805.jpg

If holding a stylus is the hangup, then don't hold it. You have the option. I tried it both with the stylus and with my thumb, and had no problem adjusting to either once I got the control configured over for a left-hander.

That was my point. ;)

[tholly]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen. We keep hearing how this stylus is supposed to revolutionize gaming, so don't be surprised if people are a little hung up on it.

but without it how would we use the one and only "Pictochat"?
you can so tell im geared up for DS!


pictochat for me is kinda pointless....being almost 21 i wont really know anyone else with a DS that i would want to chat with on a gaming system...i would say that is geared more towards kids that are elementary and middle school aged

[Cauterize]

But you don't have to use the stylus.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting hung up on that.

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen. We keep hearing how this stylus is supposed to revolutionize gaming, so don't be surprised if people are a little hung up on it.

but without it how would we use the one and only "Pictochat"?
you can so tell im geared up for DS!


pictochat for me is kinda pointless....being almost 21 i wont really know anyone else with a DS that i would want to chat with on a gaming system...i would say that is geared more towards kids that are elementary and middle school aged

Im only 3 years behind u at the grand 18! but i still want these "kid" like features! i doubt im ever gonna grow up!

[thehistorian]

pictochat for me is kinda pointless....being almost 21 i wont really know anyone else with a DS that i would want to chat with on a gaming system...i would say that is geared more towards kids that are elementary and middle school aged

I hear you... I'm 34 after all, still its ability to find other DS units and alert you is a pretty cool feature. I'm looking at this to be a PDA type device for me but if I'm stuck somewhere and it chimes that another unit is in range I just might challenge them to a little MP:FH. I also hear on the wind that there will be Chess and other games like this too.

Who knows where this will go though....

[9c1lt1]

To me the Nintendo DS looks like a glorified Game and Watch. :D

[Daria]

Wow... that does look pretty damn spiffy.

I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with using my finger or thumb on the screen... fingerprints... and wouldn't the stylus cause scratching? Those are my only real concerns. Otherwise I think the system looks kickass.

Edit: Is that a Harvest Moon cow? I really wish I knew what games some of these videos are from.

[tholly]

Wow... that does look pretty damn spiffy.

I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with using my finger or thumb on the screen... fingerprints... and wouldn't the stylus cause scratching? Those are my only real concerns. Otherwise I think the system looks kickass.

Edit: Is that a Harvest Moon cow? I really wish I knew what games some of these videos are from.


well, the stylus's used on PDA dont scratch...and this is the same principle, so i doubt nintendo would be dumb enough to make a system with an accesory that would scratch it....

[NE146]

To me the Nintendo DS looks like a glorified Game and Watch. :D

That's actually precisely what appeals to me :)

Yeah yeah.. I know. Old pics. But hey :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/b2stoys/DS.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/b2stoys/DS_GW.jpg

[FantasiaWHT]

ooooooh Bomberman :) I'm there.

[Daria]

Wow... that does look pretty damn spiffy.

I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with using my finger or thumb on the screen... fingerprints... and wouldn't the stylus cause scratching? Those are my only real concerns. Otherwise I think the system looks kickass.

Edit: Is that a Harvest Moon cow? I really wish I knew what games some of these videos are from.


well, the stylus's used on PDA dont scratch...and this is the same principle, so i doubt nintendo would be dumb enough to make a system with an accesory that would scratch it....

I didn't think Nintendo was dumb, but then I've never used a PDA so I didn't know they were scratch proof.

[tholly]

Wow... that does look pretty damn spiffy.

I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with using my finger or thumb on the screen... fingerprints... and wouldn't the stylus cause scratching? Those are my only real concerns. Otherwise I think the system looks kickass.

Edit: Is that a Harvest Moon cow? I really wish I knew what games some of these videos are from.


well, the stylus's used on PDA dont scratch...and this is the same principle, so i doubt nintendo would be dumb enough to make a system with an accesory that would scratch it....

I didn't think Nintendo was dumb, but then I've never used a PDA so I didn't know they were scratch proof.

i never used one either....im just going on the assumption that PDAs wouldnt be as popular as they are if the screen got scratched as soon as you used it....and since the DS screen is basically a PDA screen i was just extending my assumption to that

[aphasias]

Because the stylus is the reason we're being asked to shell out for what is otherwise a GBA SP with an extra screen.

I don't understand how the DS is just a "GBA SP with an extra screen", or would be one without a stylus. The system is far more powerful, was designed for 3D, has great wireless capabilities, and can support 16+ players with a single game card.
Saying the DS is "GBA SP with an extra screen" is like saying the N64 was a SNES with 2 extra controller ports.

[Duncan]

Question -- how many of you who whine about it being a "gimmick" have actually tried the demo?

It's really quite user-friendly, actually.

And besides, that video only highlights games that specifically use the touch screen as their main input -- I can pretty much guarantee you that the majority of DS games are going to play just like every other system. (Launch titles for the first week include Urbz and Madden 2005, and there are more ports on the way.)

I'm going to try and avoid fanboyism, but the DS is the first portable that really seems to have done something new in the field. Besides, I'd always wanted a personal organizer anyway, so now I can justify the $150 purchase a little more easily. :D

[Emily]

To me the Nintendo DS looks like a glorified Game and Watch. :D

Thats was the original gameboy, remember? And being a glorified Game &Watch isnt a bad thing as history shows :D

[Daria]

Question -- how many of you who whine about it being a "gimmick" have actually tried the demo?

It's really quite user-friendly, actually.

Actually the stylus will really let you play games that were otherwise only capable of being played on a PC- you know, with a mouse.

I wouldn't call that a gimmick at all.

[Duncan]

Question -- how many of you who whine about it being a "gimmick" have actually tried the demo?

It's really quite user-friendly, actually.

Actually the stylus will really let you play games that were otherwise only capable of being played on a PC- you know, with a mouse.

I wouldn't call that a gimmick at all.

Hadn't even thought of that -- I'd love ports of some of the old text adventures like King's Quest.

Heck, this could even be a boon to the currently declining PC game market... :)

[om3ga]

To tell you the truth ... i was more pumped before I actually seen the stylus pen in use.

I dunno that stylus pen looks kinda weird / awkward to use.

[Duncan]

To tell you the truth ... i was more pumped before I actually seen the stylus pen in use.

I dunno that stylus pen looks kinda weird / awkward to use.

Yeah...pens are weird. How did anyone get by with those...writing sticks for the last 1000 years? O_O

I'm being sarcastic, yes, but you get the point. What's odd about it?

[Push Upstairs]

you make some very good points there.... i was also unaware of a GBA2... more details please?

I had the link hidden in my post/rant...i guess it wasnt very noticeable.

here it be:

http://www.cube-europe.com/news.php?nid=6653


I really do have to wonder about this DS stuff. If they DS does good you get rewarded with a GBA2 later on, the DS bombs and you get rewarded with a GBA2 sooner than later.

But what does this say about the DS? If the DS does well will the GBA2 contain backwards support of both DS, GBA games as well as GBA2 games? If that is the case then why bother owning a DS when the GBA2 arrives?

If the GBA2 doesnt have DS support then Nintendo will have the problem of supporting two different handheld systems and trying to appease the fans of each with quality games.

[Zubiac666]

[quote=cauterize]
But what does this say about the DS? If the DS does well will the GBA2 contain backwards support of both DS, GBA games as well as GBA2 games? If that is the case then why bother owning a DS when the GBA2 arrives?



why the hell should the GBA2(if it will ever appear) contain backwards support of the DS?
I'm pretty sure that the GBA2 won't have 2 screens....so DS software couldn't even be supported at all.

topic:
this video rocks
Finally Princess peach gets her own game!!! YEAH :D
"animal Crossing DS" looks much better than the GC version(wtf?).
and "Wario Ware" will be god with stylus. ^^

I can't wait to get my hands on this 3rd party "organizer"-software for the DS which will transform my (future-)DS into a mini-PC.

[NintendoMan]

I enjoyed it, however, I was a bit disappointed, mostly because they mounted the system about three feet off the ground, which makes it tough to play when you are taller than 4 feet. I didn't feel like I got that great of an experience because I was hunched over the system and whatnot.


You definately didn't get a great expierence and no EXACTLY what you are talking about. The stands at Wal-Mart are setup for only midgets to play.

I played one at Best Buy and was perfect for me. (But I guess this one would have been too high for some people. I am 6'3, and the view was perfect!)

So try the ones at Best Buy if you get a chance.

[klausien]

The Warioware is a must have.

[NintendoMan]

Well that doesn't restore any faith knowing that Nintendo is talking about making a GBA2 in a little over a year. (2006)


I think you are forgetting that Nintendo said this is going to be a third pillar and not take over the GBA. I think the GBA is going to be promoted as aimed more for younger audience and going to try and make the DS for the older.

And where have you read that there is going to be a GBA2?? I have seen nothing of this anywhere??

Oh, and by the way, what the hell does "genesis does what nintendon't" mean. Does it mean Sega goes out of the hardware business and nintendo doesn't??
(I really have no clue what it means?)
:)

[NintendoMan]

Oh, ok I just read the article about the GBA2.
This SHOULD NOT BE A SURPISE TO ANYONE!!!!
Did you not think there was going to be a new gameboy every again??

Remember, this is a third pillar in nintendo's hardware lineup!

[Cauterize]

The stands at Wal-Mart are setup for only midgets to play.

hahahah u inspired me to do an obviously bad photoshop picture!...

why google has midgets in pants n bras etc is anyones guess! argh! quite scary actually!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/cauterize4/ds_kiosk.jpg

[thehistorian]

I'm really intrested to see where Nintendo takes this 'third pillar for the older gamer'. The only issue I see is that it seems all of the younger gamers that the GBA2 is geared too ARE looking at this as the GBA replacement. I'm worried that they will chenge thier tune to match the install base market.

On a side note those that expressed an interest in the "Doctor Game" known as Tendo Dokuta, might want to check out http://www.spike.co.jp/tendo-dokuta. Just click on the little DS on the bottom menu to play a little demo...

[Captain Wrong]

Oh, and by the way, what the hell does "genesis does what nintendon't" mean. Does it mean Sega goes out of the hardware business and nintendo doesn't??
(I really have no clue what it means?)
:)

Reference to classic Genesis ads. I know someone has them posted out there somewhere. :)

As for this "third pillar" business, by the same token, wasn't the Virtual Boy a "third pillar?"

[Cauterize]

Oh, and by the way, what the hell does "genesis does what nintendon't" mean. Does it mean Sega goes out of the hardware business and nintendo doesn't??
(I really have no clue what it means?)
:)

Reference to classic Genesis ads. I know someone has them posted out there somewhere. :)

As for this "third pillar" business, by the same token, wasn't the Virtual Boy a "third pillar?"


ooooh fiesty! LOL

[Push Upstairs]

why the hell should the GBA2(if it will ever appear) contain backwards support of the DS?
I'm pretty sure that the GBA2 won't have 2 screens....so DS software couldn't even be supported at all.

If/when the GBA2 ever shows up and it doesnt include support for the DS then Nintendo might be in a bit of trouble.

Let us pretend its 2006 and Nintendo has graced with world with the DS, GBA2 & the Revolution. Nintendo would be supporting three different game systems and will have to crank out games for each system.

Honestly, i think Nintendo is spreading themselves very thin by having all this stuff on the market.

And all this talk about the DS being a "third pillar" makes me think that third pillar = very limited software that will be outdone by the GBA2 when it arrives.


And yes the avatar is based upon the Genesis commercials of old. Frankly, i'm suprised nobody picked up on *WHO* is saying DOES.

[Cauterize]

And yes the avatar is based upon the Genesis commercials of old. Frankly, i'm suprised nobody picked up on *WHO* is saying DOES.

i noticed :P but as i have nothign to do with the usa/bush i dotn wanan get involved in political debates :P

[downfall]

I *tried* to play this again at Target today - there was nobody around, so I figured I'd be able to get a bit more play time and go a bit more in-depth with it.

However, I could barely see the screen, because a moron stole the stylus from the system. No idea how they got it off there, but they managed to do so, leaving a frayed, sharp, metallic wire hanging off the side of the DS.

Naturally, some other moron used said frayed wire as the stylus, and in turn covered the screen with huge gashes and deep scratches.

That was a real treat.

On the plus side, through all the abuse that DS has taken, the touch screen still worked like a charm.

[Push Upstairs]

i noticed :P but as i have nothign to do with the usa/bush i dotn wanan get involved in political debates :P

Well, England did vote him as "worst movie villian of the year". LOL

Nobody finds the humor in both Mario *AND* Bill Gates singing the praises of the Genesis?

[le geek]

That movie makes the DS very tempting. And I'm already interested in the DS. I'm also very tempted in getting a used Xbox and Halo2 (which would be cheaper)...Either would be an after Xmas decision though.

Decisions decisions... :)
Ben

[Avatard]

I thought it was a very lame clip. I couldn't care less about the touch screen. I don't think that should be the main selling point at all. Its the games and wireless ability! Thats what I wanted to see, not the word "touch" over and over.

[FantasiaWHT]

I love the idea of a third pillar.

Nintendo has been extremely succesful as the only company holding up two pillars. If other companies (or just one I suppose) are starting to go for two, why shouldn't Nintendo shoot for three?

I'd love to see a little more functionality in the DS if it truly is going to be separate. Maybe things like GPS, connecting to wireless hotspots, the ability to stick storage medium for files, pictures, etc. in the cartridge slot. Like a game system with PDA functions, the opposite end of the spectrum of PDA's with some gaming functions.

That's just me tho :)

[NintendoMan]

The stands at Wal-Mart are setup for only midgets to play.

hahahah u inspired me to do an obviously bad photoshop picture!...

why google has midgets in pants n bras etc is anyones guess! argh! quite scary actually!

LOL LOL
AWESOME!

[NintendoMan]

Oh, and by the way, what the hell does "genesis does what nintendon't" mean. Does it mean Sega goes out of the hardware business and nintendo doesn't??
(I really have no clue what it means?)
:)

Reference to classic Genesis ads. I know someone has them posted out there somewhere. :)

As for this "third pillar" business, by the same token, wasn't the Virtual Boy a "third pillar?"

Ahh, that finally makes sense now. I had no clue what they meant!

Anyways, yest the VB was a thrid pillar. But that doesn't mean there is no way possible for Nintendo to have 3 pillars. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But on that same token, the VB was definately more far fetched of an idea and way of gameplay that people would have to get used too.

[NintendoMan]

why the hell should the GBA2(if it will ever appear) contain backwards support of the DS?
I'm pretty sure that the GBA2 won't have 2 screens....so DS software couldn't even be supported at all.

If/when the GBA2 ever shows up and it doesnt include support for the DS then Nintendo might be in a bit of trouble.

Let us pretend its 2006 and Nintendo has graced with world with the DS, GBA2 & the Revolution. Nintendo would be supporting three different game systems and will have to crank out games for each system.

Honestly, i think Nintendo is spreading themselves very thin by having all this stuff on the market.

This is definately an AWESOME point. But only because of the weak support Nintendo has from 3rd party companies.

I mean I guess it could happen, the DS just be a side thing until the GBA2 comes out. But why the hell wouldn't just release the GBA2 in the first place? And nintendo is making the DS ad campaign the highest $ wise in their history.

[Psycho Mantis]

NEED DS!!!

[Push Upstairs]

This is definately an AWESOME point. But only because of the weak support Nintendo has from 3rd party companies.

Which is what troubles me about this DS and this GBA2 speak from Nintendo.

And the fact that the DS isnt even out yet and they are already yapping about a system.


I mean I guess it could happen, the DS just be a side thing until the GBA2 comes out. But why the hell wouldn't just release the GBA2 in the first place? And nintendo is making the DS ad campaign the highest $ wise in their history.

I honestly think Nintendo has gone bonkers in recent years.

Losing third party support,
Releasing the GBA without a backlit screen,
Releasing the SP *WITH* a backlit screen but a mere year after everyone bought an GBA...and without a headphone jack (but you can buy an adaptor from Nintendo for an extra fee.
Releasing SP's in damn near every color the human eye can see.
And having the balls to not only re-release every Mario game seperate & for $30 a pop, but to then ask everyone to plop down another $20 for fucking SMB!

@_@

[FantasiaWHT]

How is releasing a handheld withotu a backlit screen (basically driving accessory sales) any different than, say... releasing a system without built in memory to save games?

We all know that systems LOSE money, and that money needs to be recouped somehow, and different manufacturer's come up with different methods of doing that. Usually accessories are a big part of that.

[Push Upstairs]

Because i think Nintendo didn't put a lighted screen in thier portables because they felt they didnt have to due to lack of competition.

Exact same thing they did when before the Genesis came out, they were in no hurry to bring a 16-bit system out because everyone was buying the NES.


In the case of the SP and its arrival only a year after the GBA, i again wonder what was going on there.

You mean to tell me that these miracle screens were created (or became affordable) *AND* Nintendo designed the SP *AND* produced them in mass quantites all in the span on 12 months?

And if there was nobody to compete with the GBA why in the hell would Nintendo put a rush job on making the SP? I hardly think they would crank the SP out because of bitching about needing to buy lights....the previous systems sold well despite thier lack of a lighted screen (not counting that lighted GB in Japan).

[Kilik Kurosawa]

...and without a headphone jack (but you can buy an adaptor from Nintendo for an extra fee.
Releasing SP's in damn near every color the human eye can see.
And having the balls to not only re-release every Mario game seperate & for $30 a pop, but to then ask everyone to plop down another $20 for fucking SMB!


EXACTLY!!!!! This was the point I was making in another thread. NOA at least, has some cool ideas like the e-reader and classic nes games, but then never fully realizes the ideas, instead they seem to get scared to produce for the american gamers who aren't interested in pokemon and we end up longing for japanese imports. wtf?

I was amazed when the classic nes sp didn't come with SMB like the original. I think NOA in general underestimates the money retro gamers have and would spend on regaining their childhood, wouldn't that eliminate roms ?

[Jasoco]

I for one will be happy with just Mario 64 DS. I've been waiting for a port of it since way before the DS was announce when all we had were the GBA releases of the older games. Somehow I knew it was coming, but I couldn't figure out how they'd make it a GBA port with the limitations in button count... Then the DS is announced. Finally! A portable system powerful enough to play the one Mario game I'd kill to have with me on the road. And after seeing the video of it in action, (The 15 minute one from a few weeks ago.) I knew the DS would be mine. In fact, until it was confirmed that Mario4x4 was in fact Mario 64, I actually didn't want a DS on launch day.

Then the release list came out. I am most excited mainly just for Mario64, but I am really looking forward to Animal Crossing, NEW SMB, Yoshi's Touch and Go (Or whatever it's called.), Feel the Magic XY/XX...

I'm curious about Mr. Driller. I've never ever played Mr. Driller. Yeah, I'm one of the three people. Someone please show me a video of the game in action. I wanna know the mechanics of it. Tetris I get. Dr. Mario I get. Puyo Puyo I get. Bubble Pop I get.. But games like Tall Infinity, I don't get. One Peice Mansion I don't get. Spin Jam I sorta get, but not exactly. So I need to know if Mr. Driller is easy, but fun. If so, I am so there.

I'm curious as to what game that "Pac-Man" one is. The one with the ghosts and you have to draw Pac-Man and guide them to the ghosts. Looks fun. Is it part of WarioWare?

Speaking of WarioWare, I've only ever played one WarioWare game and that was the downloadable one that came off the Nintendo GameCube Sample Disc. I liked it, but it was of course only a couple games. I'm intrigued and plan on getting the DS version. I especially liked the part where you have to "cut" the vegetables while they're flying. Very cool.

I can't wait to see what other games get released in a new way. I wonder if someone will ever release a Qix game where you actually draw the lines with the stylus.

Animal Crossing looks very nice. Especially with the new perspective. The way the world rotates as you walk. I can't wait to get my paws on it.

That Yoshi game looks very fun. A nice time passer. I really look forward to it.

Not sure about the Kirby one though. Will have to see more.

Can't wait to see what third parties come up with.

[NintendoMan]

I for one will be happy with just Mario 64 DS. I've been waiting for a port of it since way before the DS was announce when all we had were the GBA releases of the older games. Somehow I knew it was coming, but I couldn't figure out how they'd make it a GBA port with the limitations in button count... Then the DS is announced. Finally! A portable system powerful enough to play the one Mario game I'd kill to have with me on the road.

I too am MOST looking forward to Mario64. I could care less that it is just a port. Well sorta, since there is some new stuff on it. And what is it, like 15 new levels????

I mean of course I want some new games, but I feel that ports of my favs. are meant to be played on the road, for me to kill some time. Or just to play whenever. Those are the kinds of games I like bringing with me on the road. I actually hope that there are ALL KINDS of N64 ports, like the GBA gets now!!
There are so many N64 games I missed, due only to lack of funds, that I want now. That I might not be able to find in great condition for the N64 itself. And the good thing is that I can bring these on the road with me!!

[calthaer]

well, the stylus's used on PDA dont scratch...and this is the same principle, so i doubt nintendo would be dumb enough to make a system with an accesory that would scratch it....

I didn't think Nintendo was dumb, but then I've never used a PDA so I didn't know they were scratch proof.

The stylus on a PDA can indeed "scratch" the screen - not in that it will create a gouge after running it over once, but after a few thousand times the marks will definitely be evident. They make clear plastic sticky covers for PDAs for this very reason - I use one and it has kept the screen like new, but I've seen several that have wear on them. It's like dishes - knives won't "scratch" your dishes per se, but after a few years you may need to take some good cleaner to 'em to get the marks off from all those times cutting steaks.

The DS looks good but the criticisms are valid. Nintendo needs to do something to recapture its lost audience, and that "something" is almost certainly going to require getting serious third-party support. The problems with this are a) third-parties all over the industry are falling like dominoes in a wave of consolidation, and b) Nintendo has a less-than-stellar history w/ 3rds and an image of "kiddie machine."

Nintendo could possibly really retake the market with some radical steps - like having some sort of "open platform" like the PC...they'd still make more money off of game sales because there would be more hardware out there. There would be other problems if they did this, but it's that sort of radical thinking that will be needed to topple Sony from its throne.

[Ed Oscuro]

Nintendo can't really go open, though - the important stuff, i.e. graphics chips and the GD-ROM drive, are based off of other people's designs (in the case of the GC's graphic chip, it's entirely an ATI design), so going open would essentially kill off their hardware division. Nintendo needs to keep making money off manufacturing stuff.

[YoshiM]

calthaer is definitely correct on the PDA screens. I have a Pocket PC and while I don't use it a whole lot I *do* notice the thin lines on the protective plastic I have over the screen. In fact it's probably due for a replacement.

Anyway I did get a chance to play the Metroid Prime: Hunters demo at EB tonight for a good 15 minutes. If it wasn't anchored to the wall I probably would have had to rest my arm on a flat surface (table or something) in order to properly play this game. The left hand grabs onto the system with the index finger over the left trigger and the thumb over the d-pad (for moving forward/back and strafe left to right). The bottom screen is your viewpoint and to turn/look around you move the stylus with the right hand (or just use a finger). To activate missiles/roll into a ball requires tapping an action button. To fire you just tap the screen. I could not see playing this game sitting in a recliner like I do my GBA SP as it would be uncomfortable after a while. If there is co-op multiplayer, I hope there is a "no shoot team mates" mode because every time you touch the screen, it fires. So if you need to quick spin about, you have to take the stylus off the screen and place it back on to continue turning (unless there's a 180 button I'm not aware of) so you will fire every time you do this.

Graphically I will say this thing is drop dead beautiful. Like prom date beautiful. Sound is crisp and clear.

As it stands, I won't be getting one. I can't see this thing being a comfortable to play as a GBA/SP.

[Daria]

well, the stylus's used on PDA dont scratch...and this is the same principle, so i doubt nintendo would be dumb enough to make a system with an accesory that would scratch it....

I didn't think Nintendo was dumb, but then I've never used a PDA so I didn't know they were scratch proof.

The stylus on a PDA can indeed "scratch" the screen - not in that it will create a gouge after running it over once, but after a few thousand times the marks will definitely be evident. They make clear plastic sticky covers for PDAs for this very reason - I use one and it has kept the screen like new, but I've seen several that have wear on them. It's like dishes - knives won't "scratch" your dishes per se, but after a few years you may need to take some good cleaner to 'em to get the marks off from all those times cutting steaks.

You mixed up our quotes, but thank you for the input. :P

So basically when I do get a DS I'll have to invest in some sort of clear plastic protector.

[Ed Oscuro]

Nintendo should sell them cheaply...but I'd be able to get ones for PDAs even cheaper, I bet.

[Jasoco]

I finally tried one out at the GameStop today after work. Fortunately we got them in today at Kmart/Sears (Or as I will probably refer to it from now on, S-mart.) and I put mine aside along with Mario 64. I can't wait!

Anyway, at the GS, I didn't see it right away, at first I didn't think they had a kiosk. Then someone came in while I was killing time blankly looking at the PS2 games and mentioned it. So I waited for an opening and finally got to try it.

I loved it! PictoChat was fun for a while. But a nice demo. I couldn't figure out how to get the two kiosk units to connect to each other. (?) And I tried two of the Stylus modes of Hunters Demo. I liked it. Graphics were okay. But I'm not a Metroid fan so I probably won't get it when it comes out.. for a while at least. Maybe one day I'll give MP a chance, but for now I have better games to try.

I was more absorbed in the neat effects and unique feel and look I saw when I was "drawing" on the screen. Especially on the MP menu. You can drag the pen across the screen and it draws a lit up line that gradually disappears. Very neat. At some points, I wished Nintendo had used TWO Touch Screens. I kept wanting to tap on the upper screen. Guess we can't have everything.

I kept returning to try it out. I have had very little, if almost nil, experience with touch screens. The most I've used is a Newton. And then I didn't really draw much. So drawing on the screen looks as if it might bring out an artistic side in me. I really think a PERFECT DS game would be a Mario Paint/Artist type game. I would just DIE! The DS can do so much more. I can see it having many many instruments, a larger cache for longer music, better animations, simple 3D, a few PhotoShop-esque effects. I would kill for this game.

Other games I can see are casino or card games. Any game where dragging is a must. Like Solitare. Much easier to drag than to point-and-click-and-point-and-click again. (I really look forward to Luigi's little game section in Mario 64. Actually, I look forward to them all.)

I just hope that FPS games still retain a mode to control with the D-Pad. I mean, the Stylus is great, but it's better for games suited to it. If it's a FPS, make it D-Pad-able. (More options the better.)

I look forward to spending my $180 on it on Sunday morning.

[FantasiaWHT]

I never had any problems getting it to connect to the other DS :) Both in MP:H and pictochat