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New DS model to include camera, music playback, and more! [UPDATE: Now confirmed by Nikkei] September 27, 2008

Filed under: News — DarkWish @ 4:58 pm

null

UPDATE 3: Nintendo has been asked about the new DS model and their comment was…

“We are always developing new products. However, since nothing has been announced officially, we are unable to comment at this time.”

Ah, the typical “no comment” comment that companies give. It’s obviously real, and It’s very, very safe to say we’ll get an official announcement this week.

———-

UPDATE 2: I’ve been searching around and I found that basically Nikkei is very reliable. I’ve been told that if it’s in Nikkei, it’s confirmed basically 100%. Also, I have some clarification on the music playback feature. The article states that it will be able to take music from CDs and other sources and play it back on the DS. I also learned that the article mentions it is coming to Japan, but they’re considering bringing it elsewhere. I really hope they do bring it overseas, I would definitely buy it. I’ll keep you posted on the latest.

———-

UPDATE: Okay, big news for all of you. Previously, I reported that there were rumors that Nikkei (Japan’s foremost economic newspaper) was saying that a new DS model is coming. Now, apparently they’re a pretty reliable source, but at that time it wasn’t confirmed that they actually were reporting the news. Recently, Nikkei posted an article on their site confirming some of those details. Basically, the online story confirms everything except it doesn’t mention the price that is mentioned below.

Also, previously I reported that Nikkei said that it would have larger screens and a SD card slot. A site called Monex actually ran a version of the Nikkei story and added those two points, both of which are absent from the online Nikkei story. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t real, but there is a chance that some of the previously reported details aren’t true. The article specifically mentions the digital camera, the music playback, and the strengthened Wi-Fi connectivity (by allowing it to connect to “information terminals” so that users can find train stations, restaurants, etc. nearby using their DS). It mentions that the announcement will come in a few days… which happens to line up with Nintendo’s conference.

So, in short, Nikkei has confirmed the story and they’re quite a reliable source. I’d say this is basically confirmed, but the specific details about this new DS aren’t quite confirmed yet besides the few I mentioned earlier. I’m so excited for this conference now! You can read the original story I had earlier below.

———-

Okay, this is a BIG RUMOR. Make sure you know that before reading the rest. Word from NeoGAF is that a Nikkei newspaper ad (which they have a picture of) in Japan has revealed details on a new DS (new model or re-design, we don’t know). Here’s what it says about this supposed new DS:

- Digital Camera included
- Music playback function
- Better Wi-Fi connectivity
- Larger screen
- New types of games that use the camera
- Exchange data between Wii and DS using a SD card
- Releases this year in Japan
- Costs under 20,000 yen (Approx. $189 USD)

Honestly, this sounds like the most believable rumor out of all the rumors I’ve seen except for one thing that makes me think it’s fake. How could this DS (that sounds more like a new model than a re-design) release this year already? I know that Nintendo has been secretive about its products lately, but this just seems too early of a release date. Having said that, I really hope this is true. I have an original DS and have been holding off on the DS Lite for a while, so this would be perfect for me. I’ll keep you posted on the latest.

[Via NeoGAF, Wired, and Kotaku]



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  • someoneudontno
    it is cool and lewis stop bragging, fucker
  • DarkWish
    UPDATE!

    The post has been updated with Nintendo's response to the new DS model. Of course, it's the "no comment" response.
  • DarkWish
    @gypsyOtoko: Awesome, thank you. There are definitely times when we could use a translation. In fact, I do have something that I would like you to translate.

    http://wiinintendo.net/2008/09/23/animal-crossi...

    At the link above, there are scans regarding Animal Crossing: City Folk. They mention some motion control, but if you could tell me exactly what parts of the game use motion control, that would be awesome. Thanks!
  • gypsyOtoko
    @DarkWish:

    Fair enough man. I hadn't seen anything anywhere with an actual translation of the article aside from the major points, which is why I posted it.

    If you guys ever find something you want translated, just post it and I'll be here. ^^
  • Well, in 4 days we'll find out more about this topic when they officially announce it.

    In the meantime, let's just enjoy what we already have. \:D/

    // Roth
  • DarkWish
    @Mary: We don't know. All we know is it will have a camera and you will be able to use it in games possibly.
  • DarkWish
    @gypsyOtoko: Thanks for the translation, but we already have like a couple sources that translated it. I sure hope nobody doubts this news now though, because if you do you're going to be surprised on Wednesday night when it's announced.
  • Mary
    Can you take pics of your self?
  • gypsyOtoko
    I've translated the article below:

    任天堂がＤＳ新型機、カメラ音楽再生機能付き　２万円以下で
    2008/09/28, 02:00, 日経速報ニュース, 620文字
    New Nintendo DS Model, Includes Camera and Music Playback Function, Under 20,000 Yen. Nikkei Flash News, 620 Letters

    任天堂は年内に携帯型ゲーム機「ニンテンドーＤＳ」の新型機を投入する。
    Nintendo will introduce a new version of their portable gaming device "Nintendo DS" within the year.
    ゲーム機では
    初めてカメラを標準装備し、音楽再生もできる。
    As a first for game devices, it will come standard with a camera as well as be capable of music playback.
    無線通信機能を強化し情報端末としての
    利用も促す。
    The wireless communication functions will also be improved, and it will also now function as a wireless information terminal.
    ＤＳは発売から4年で、全世界の販売台数が7700万台に達した。
    It has been 4 years since the DS was first released, and since then the machine has sold 7,7000,000 units nationwide.
    新型機は
    ゲーム業界の枠を超え、携帯電話機などとも競合することになりそうだ。
    This new version may break out of the boundaries of the game industry, and compete with other handheld devices such as cell phones.

    カメラで撮影した画像をゲームに活用するなど使い方を広げる。
    The device may expand the use of using pictures taken within video games.
    音楽再生について、ＣＤなど
    から楽曲を記録装置に取り込んで聞くことができるようにする見通し。
    As for the music playback function, it can be assumed that music taken from CDs and the like will be able to be downloaded and listened to from the device.

    価格は現行の1万6800円とほぼ同程度の2万円以下とするもよう。
    The price of the new DS is similar to the current model (16800 yen), as it will allegedly be under 20,000 yen.
    まず国内で数十万台規模を
    先行販売し、海外での発売も検討する。
    Initially several 10's of thousands of units will be introduced within the country, with investigation into foreign markets following.
  • DarkWish
    @mazer: The only thing it says is that it'll have a SD card slot, so that way you can take data and exchange between the two. But technically yes, you should be able to do that.
  • mazer
    idea,

    it says that it will have more functionality with the wii correct?

    does that mean you could use the ds camera with a wii game, perhaps our own eye toy series ?
  • DarkWish
    @Lewis: Make no mistake, I would have loved to own a DS Lite when it came out. However, I don't exactly get the most money so I can't get everything I want. The choice was between a DS Lite and a few new games, and since my DS wasn't broken or anything I chose to get some games and hold off on the DS Lite. Besides, my sisters later got a DS Lite, so I can play that every now and then. Having said that, I don't have as much of an issue buying games anymore due to money, so this new DS is definitely something I'm going to get.
  • FR
    well as stated earlier this year sells have plummeted in japan maybe they wont release it until next year in the US
  • FR
    I like the digital camera idea like others said it will work well with the photo channel and print channel

    the music playback is great they should include a sd card slot and basiclaly alllow mp3 playback as well

    they should also allow pictures an older man of about 50 60 came to my store and bought a psp justb/c he could carry his pictures on it so this is something they shoudl look in to

    uhh well obviously its going to have a camera so it should be able to store photos

    hopefully the camera is @least 5MP

    they shoudl look into to video playback
  • Here are my thoughts...
    - Digital camera included because Nintendo (especially in Japan) is wanting us to use the Photo Channel on the Wii. More integration. Also, with the digital photo print channel in Japan, this makes sense. (think of the router they just announced...they want more people to get online with Wii and DS). Also, games could use the camera or you could use it for video conversations (with other DS users or computers?).
    - Increased Wi-Fi is a great addition! I can only see benefits to this, especially after hearing Nintendo's thoughts of where DS could go in the future (airports, baseball games, etc.).
    - Music playback is interesting actually. I'm not sure if this in response to the PSP sales going up (cause it can play media) or not, but I'm definitely intrigued by the many possibilities this could bring to the DS.
    - All the other things that weren't confirmed by Nikkei seem to be good additions, especially the larger screens.

    However, I'm not sure why they are doing this now, even after several have stated there is no need for a redesign, given that the current model is still selling remarkably well. Though, it does sound like a great deal, and I will be VERY tempted to buy one if it comes stateside. I just hope I find out soon, so I know whether to get my fiance a DS Lite or wait for this new version (and either give her mine or get 2 new ones).

    Here's to hoping Nintendo addresses this soon...perhaps at the conference this week! :-)
  • Krishna
    This is poop with diaree and babyfood. So not true..I just bought my ds a month ago.
  • Mrrix32
    Stengthened Wireless? WPA?
    If it is I'll be annoyed as I bought the GH bundle about a month ago after my old DS broke :( I'd still consider getting this as well though :P
  • Lewis
    Dark, do as you wish (no pun intended) but I have always upgraded when nintendo made something new and never regetted it (virtual boy included). the biggest point i make is when you take a game like Metroid hunters and take it from the old ds screen to the ds lite screen, the clarity is sharper even on the lowest setting and with 3 higher levels you can finally see what the heck is shooting at you from a distance. get a used one or something if you don't wanna pay full price but man, get one! I waited in line for 2 hours when the ds was first released and was happy, then they made the upgrade (like gba to gba sp) and I thought nothing of it till I got to play one. Its your money but its money well spent for any hand-held gamer.
  • DarkWish
    @ttam: Trust me, it's not even arguing. It's going against what I'm saying (even if he doesn't believe what he's saying) every single time I mention something to him.
  • ttam
    Well, he is allowed to argue back. Just don't argue annoyingly.
  • DarkWish
    Obviously MOMZ doesn't know what he's talking about. Every single bit of evidence supports the claim that it's a re-design. Here's proof:

    1. It's a new DS model, as the article mentioned. No where does it state a new DS 2 or the next DS.
    2. Reggie said that there's no reason to release the next DS if the DS is selling well, which it is. Therefore, it's not the next DS.
    3. It makes ZERO sense to release the next DS THIS year. Especially because the DS is selling well.

    That proves my point. Obviously MOMZ is going to try and find some technicality to debate on though, he always does. It's getting quite annoying.
  • MOMZ
    This is quite interesting if it is confirmed.

    MARK my worsd Darkwish, this is a complete OVERHAUL of the DS!!!! not a redesign
  • DarkWish
    @Lewis: Dude, why are you going to say that when you have no idea what I own? I already own Guitar Hero: On Tour so it makes zero sense to get that bundle. Besides, I also can do those things on my DS so stop bragging. I'm going to buy a new DS when I want to, thanks.
  • Anonymous
    Lewis, if you already have these features, don't brag and don't mention. This article is for people who don't know.
  • MOMZ
    It seems [pretty pointless and out of nintendo's business focus. A camera is perhaps the last thing I think they would need for "innovation", they would just be then doing stuff that the playstation eye does...
  • Lewis
    and a 3.0 mega pixel cam or higher for the ds would rock, and music sounds great on it, trust me I know.
  • Lewis
    darkwish no disrespect, but get off your lazy behind and grab the guitar hero bundle from toys r us.com while its still 151.something , thats with taxes and shipping included. Its WAYYYY better than the original ds in every way and your hands, eyes and pockets will be happy that you made the upgrade. BTW i already can use a 4gb-32gb or higher micro sd card with my ds, watch near-dvd quality movies, view pics and use them as wallpaper backgrounds, listen to music, read e-books, play homebrew and copied commercial games and make actual phone calls from my ds. I luv my DS better than the psp any day. if anyone wants to know how I can do these things I suggest google. BUY a ds and save a whale!
  • Sounds cool...but I dunno...
  • What the hell
    This better be false. Who wants a camera and music playback on a handheld gaming console. Price will be way too high.