The Nintendo DS.. One Year From Now:

[zektor]

I am going to predict that the very next version of the DS will be more compact of course, but how they will obtain this is by removing the ability to play GBA titles. The only reason this was added in my opinion is to easily migrate gamers that have healthy GBA collections. Once the DS sets it's own ground and the GBA is considered "old", which will be about a year if not less, they will do this. Mark my words. What do you think it'll be like a year from now?

Ohh, I also forgot to add that they will release the true arcade Punch Out! since it would utilize the dual screen nicely. (That is just plain wishing really)

[Jive3D]

Awesome idea on the arcade version of Punch out.

But removing the GBA slot won't happen. They are going to use it for more than just GBA games.

[Jasoco]

I agree. No removal of the GBA slot as it is an important piece of the hardware. Also, I honestly don't see it being redesigned so soon.

What I do see is a lot of really quality games available. By this time next year, we'll hopefully have Mario Kart, Animal Crossing andNEW Super Mario Bros. As well as all those other cool games they showed off. 2005 will be a slow year, but it'll have a lot of cool games for the little thing.

[jonjandran]

I see them adding full PDA type software.

[kai123]

How would removing the GBA slot make the system smaller? It is right under one of the screens isn't it? :hmm:

[jonjandran]

How would removing the GBA slot make the system smaller? It is right under one of the screens isn't it? :hmm:

Maybe he meant thinner ?

[Jive3D]

I think the system is a perfect size. Any thinner and that would seriously effect my ability to hold the system. That would make it much more delicate as well. And right now the DS is apparently not so durable, so making it even less so would be a step in the wrong direction.

Check out this link, it just talks breifly about using the GBA slot for more than just GBA games...

scroll down the screen to where it says "what we learned." You'll see an image of the DS detecting a "DS option cartridge." Interesting indeed. I think that this will be used to boost the Wifi type stuff.

http://www.gameboy-advance.net/nintendo_ds/nds_flash_card.htm

[zektor]

How would removing the GBA slot make the system smaller? It is right under one of the screens isn't it? :hmm:

Maybe he meant thinner ?

Well, actually, smaller. If the system was stripped of the GBA slot and internal mechanics used for that purpose....and then re-designed....well, it can be smaller. Not that I would want it that way as I love the look, size and feel of the system as it is now. But, re-designs are inevitable, and when it does happen this could be an alternative for Nintendo.. that is if they see that the GBA slot is not very useful at that time. Sort of like when the SMS2 did away with the card slot.

[blissfulnoise]

Anyone else find it interesting that the DS cases come with a slot for GBA games? Remind you of, say, the memory card slot in PS2 cases?

I don't think it's there to assist folks in portability (I mean who would carry around a full DS game case for just two games. I also foresee new DS games / applications utilizing both the GBA and DS game slots for functionality, space extension, or other cool ideas.

[Ed Oscuro]

If the system was stripped of the GBA slot and internal mechanics used for that purpose....and then re-designed....well, it can be smaller.
How so, outside of making it thinner? Making it "smaller" means you're either making the screens or the controls smaller...if you look there's not much space on either side of the buttons or the d-pad. The little bit under the bottom screen is pretty unremarkable; not worth a redesign...yet? Hmm.

[swlovinist]

A year from now, you will still have a shitload of GBA players so I think it is safe to say that the slot will be going NOWHERE. The DS has alot to prove, and only in time will it tell. I love Nintendo(hence I am wrapping up on my Nes 8 bit collection and now the N64 collection) but the DS hopefully will keep going strong in a year. So far, it has not impressed me AT ALL. I have played it, and I think I will stick with my SP retro for now. A year from now I see the DS fighting for mass acceptance. It is too early to tell, there isnt enough games for me to give a full opinion. The true reason I THINK the GBA slot is on the DS is that people will have a good library to play on the dam thing, at least for awhile. I am sure others will fully disagree, but DAM, the DS Launch games sucked.

[JesterDev]

Nintendo has already stated that the DS is not the new GBA simply a "Third Pillar". Kinda strange however that it plays GBA games even though it's not the next GBA. :hmm: This being the case I think the GBA console sales will drop till we see the supposed next one, no matter the titles that come out for it. In anycase I love my GBA and hope to see it thrive, however doubtful it's future is.

Eitherway I have yet to get a DS myself. Soon maybe.

*Great to be back on Linux!!! Can anyone say "auto spellcheck anywhere!"* - Sorry, couldn't control my excitement :D

[Habeeb Hamusta]

I wouldn't want the thing any smaller than it already is. I think the buttons and D-Pad should be made bigger to be honest. I feel like I am a giant poking those little tiny buttons. I expect to see some very great titles a year from now though. :)

[Jasoco]

*Great to be back on Linux!!! Can anyone say "auto spellcheck anywhere!"* - Sorry, couldn't control my excitement :DI can because OS X has it as well. I spell so many words wrong every time, so it's great to have it. (Especially words with ie or ei. God I hate those words.)

Anyway, unless the GBA can play DS games, I won't want it. I really wish Nintendo had just sucked it up and MADE the DS the next Game Boy. I see no reason for another actual GB. And if it does come out, I hope it's all either childrens games or GBA ports of DS games. I'd hate for one little great GBA2 title to come along and make me tempted to buy a GBA2 just for one game. Seeing as the DS wouldn't play it. That would be too much.

The DS may not be the next Game Boy, but I really hope DS really is the next Game Boy.

Bah.

[PC-Famicom64]

I am going to predict that the very next version of the DS will be more compact of course, but how they will obtain this is by removing the ability to play GBA titles. The only reason this was added in my opinion is to easily migrate gamers that have healthy GBA collections. Once the DS sets it's own ground and the GBA is considered "old", which will be about a year if not less, they will do this. Mark my words. What do you think it'll be like a year from now?

Ohh, I also forgot to add that they will release the true arcade Punch Out! since it would utilize the dual screen nicely. (That is just plain wishing really)About your DS post:Nintendo can't remove the GBA solt,It will be fore DS games that need more then 1-Giga-Bite (le.5-Giga-Bites or 10-Giga-Bites).And now my DS post:Heers the stuf the Nintendo DS-SP must have.

1.Longer Battery life.

2.Can play Game Boy/Game Boy Clolor Games.

3.More ram (le.8-bits of ram or 16-bits of ram,Not 4-bits of ram) .

And 4.A link port for Game Boy games (Plus the 2 holes next to the link port so that you can link your DS to the Game Cube) .