Nintendo announced their redesign of the Nintendo DS, dubbed the “DS Lite.” It’s a fine looking system, no doubt due to its resemblance to the Goliath of portable electronics, the iPod.
As a “Fat DS” owner, my immediate concern was that this was a repeat of what happened with the Gameboy Advance, when a much improved SP version was released to address flaws in the original. Instead, I see something more in line with the Gameboy Micro, which is turn Nintendo’s stab at the casual gaming market, the most potentially lucrative audience out there.
From the released images, this design could practically be a mockup for an Apple PDA (ignoring the obvious gaming elements like the D-Pad and buttons), and I’m sure this was more than intentional. Right down to the hinges, this looks straight out of Cupertino, and more importantly, it works. The original DS is like playing with building blocks, and it’s very obvious their first audience was kids. This new look is much more suited to an older audience, and, I think, going to be very successful.
Nintendo deserves credit for this move, even if it lacks somewhat in subtlety. It’s funny to see them working the angles after playing conservative for so long, and I’m happy to see it. I think that if Nintendo’s history shows anything, it’s that gaming popularity moves in cycles, and if they can get the public to stay interested, Nintendo might be the one plotting the path of the next videogame generation.
I love the new DS soooo much! My only complaint is that it doesn’t come in pink like the Advance Gameboy (which is about the only good thing about it)
I think Apple has to makle an iPod with a touch sensitive screen that also plays video games in retaliation to Nintendo blatantly ripping off their look. They should also release a 42-inch iMac. That’ll show ‘em.
I think Apple should just buy Nintendo and be done with it. Enough already!