I can only imagine what crazy concept ideas people will come up with before it's actually shown. Some of those fan concepts of the DS got pretty odd, before we saw how easy a portable with two screens could be done.

uh wow. Way to hamstring DSiXL sales.

Of course, this announcement shows why I was waiting in the first place, but I digress.

You just know when the 3DS is released, they'll announce the 3DS XL a few weeks afterwards.

It uses the DSi's camera as a motion tracker, changing the perspective on-screen accordingly. Or it could be something completely different... either way, this is great news to wake up to. The DS is a great system, but it's more than 5 years old now; and by the time this comes out it'll probably be about 6. More than long enough.

I think it will be very similar to this, except use the camera in conjunction
with motion tracking software like WordFu on the iPhone does for simulated
3D. That said, I want to know how they're going to up the graphics ability
of the 3DS while remaining backwards compatible.

It could use an extended version of this technique:

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5QSclrIdlE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5QSclrIdlE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

It uses the DSi's camera as a motion tracker, changing the perspective on-screen accordingly. Or it could be something completely different... either way, this is great news to wake up to. The DS is a great system, but it's more than 5 years old now; and by the time this comes out it'll probably be about 6. More than long enough.

I'm really hoping the recently announced Gen V of Pokemon is moved to this system... the first two games might only be able to get a partial port, using the 3DS features only for some parts of the game. But releasing such a major title on a soon-to-be defunct system (even considering the 3DS will have backwards compatibility) could be a mistake. The 3rd version is almost certainly going to be a 3DS-exclusive that makes full use of the hardware.

I'm thinking for the holiday season/fall. Gen V Pokemon will have been coded for this system and there are rumors/speculation of it(pokemon) being a launch title.

I think it will be very similar to this, except use the camera in conjunction
with motion tracking software like WordFu on the iPhone does for simulated
3D.

Word has it they're using one of Sharp's Parallax Barrier LCDs. They haven't been used in many things because they're not particularly effective on screens larger than 4" diagonally, but for a DSi-sized system, I don't think that's an issue.

Indeed, this article's a pretty good summary of what you and TM2-Megatron just posted: Eurogamer
I might just get this one right away, never ever got a DS and still sort of want one.

Still, Nintendo may be on a roll right now, but they're still responsible for stinkers like the Virtual Boy so I'll try not to get too excited.

It could use an extended version of this technique:

It could use an extended version of this technique:

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5QSclrIdlE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h5QSclrIdlE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

It uses the DSi's camera as a motion tracker, changing the perspective on-screen accordingly. Or it could be something completely different... either way, this is great news to wake up to. The DS is a great system, but it's more than 5 years old now; and by the time this comes out it'll probably be about 6. More than long enough.

I'm really hoping the recently announced Gen V of Pokemon is moved to this system... the first two games might only be able to get a partial port, using the 3DS features only for some parts of the game. But releasing such a major title on a soon-to-be defunct system (even considering the 3DS will have backwards compatibility) could be a mistake. The 3rd version is almost certainly going to be a 3DS-exclusive that makes full use of the hardware.

No no, you have it all wrong. After the 3DS it'll be the 3DS lite, then the 3DSi and then the 3DSi XL.

GBA -> GBA SP -> GBA SP Backlight

I'm really hoping the recently announced Gen V of Pokemon is moved to this system... the first two games might only be able to get a partial port, using the 3DS features only for some parts of the game. But releasing such a major title on a soon-to-be defunct system (even considering the 3DS will have backwards compatibility) could be a mistake. The 3rd version is almost certainly going to be a 3DS-exclusive that makes full use of the hardware.

Thank you for your email regarding the transfer the data from your DSi to your new DSi XL.

In order for us to transfer this data, we will need you to do the following:

- Your DSi and your DSi XL consoles must be returned to the Nintendo Service Centre. We will supply you with a freepost label to facilitate this return.
- A signed consent form that will be supplied to you with the freepost label.
- A copy of your proof of purchase for the DSi XL.

Upon receipt of the above, we will transfer your DSi Shop data from the DSi to the DSi XL. All content on the DSi will be deleted, as will any files on the DSi XL prior to transfer. Once we have completed the transfer we will return both consoles to you. Once we have completed the transfer we will return both consoles to you. Please note that for technical reasons we can only provide the transfer service on unmodified DSi consoles purchased within the European Union.

Please also note, before sending the consoles to the Nintendo Service Centre, you should remove or delete any private or confidential files or data (e.g. photos, flipnote creations, etc). By using this service, you accept and agree that Nintendo will not be responsible for any loss, deletion or corruption of your files or data that have not been deleted or removed. Nintendo strongly recommends that you make a backup copy of any data that you do not remove or delete.

Should you wish to take advantage of this transfer service, please reply including your full name, address, contact telephone number and the serial numbers of both of your consoles. You can find the serial number on the back of your consoles, and it should begin with the letter “T” followed by two letters, then 9 digits. The last digit will be in a small box. For example, it would look like this: “TEM12341234 [0]. We will then register your consoles for return and supply you the aforementioned freepost label and letter of consent.

Thank you very much for your continuing support of Nintendo.

I recently got a DSi and i'm loving the DSiWare and downloadable games. so i'm really excited for the 3DSi. my only problem is transfering games you have bought onto the new machine. i was gonna upgrade the dsi to an XL version but that required me to post both machines off to Nintendo so they could take the games from the dsi to the xl. it was a big enough reason for me not to bother upgrading. I hope they have a simplified way to migrate games on to a new console with out having to buy them again..

But I'm not sure what they're trying to do with all this overburdened hardware.

"Commit financial suicide."

They've lost more money on the PS3 than they made on the PS1, PS2, and PSP combined. It's driven their gaming division into a lifetime net loss.

Can't imagine games being cheap so they had best be worthwhile. On the bright side assuming it is as powerful as Gamecube we'll maybe see ports of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UhmJe_YoSM

They will make it up an more from BD though.

Nintendo's 3DS will be released a full two months in advance of Christmas this year, CVG can reveal.

UK industry sources have today informed us that the platform holder is readying an October launch for the system - which it will announce at E3.

That means it will go head-to-head with Microsoft's own great hardware hope this winter, Project Natal.

News of an October launch was a surprise for the execs we spoke to - as Nintendo had only previously announced that the handheld would hit shelves before March, 2011.

An October launch pre-dates that expiry date by a full six months - and gives Nintendo a three-month run-up to Christmas.

One very senior publishing source told CVG: "It's a surprise - we were expecting it much closer to Christmas. But I suppose it gives Nintendo the opportunity to get it front and centre in people's minds nice and early.

"In my experience, you don't launch a product that early to Christmas unless you're confident in it - and going to spend a lot of money on it. We're reassured that Nintendo is going to give it some decent backing in Q4."

The 3DS allows gamers to enjoy software with 3D effects without the need for any special glasses - but will also play regular DS titles.

Professor Layton developer Level 5 is reportedly creating a custom 3D game for the system.

Nintendo describes it as 'the new portable game machine to succeed [the] Nintendo DS series'. Take from that what you will.

CVG asked Cambridge University 3D experts how the device might work earlier this year.

We haven't yet got hold of a specific launch date - but Sunday, October 10 (10/10/10) is surely a front runner.

Nintendo told CVG today's story was merely "rumour and speculation". We get that a lot.

I hear grumblings about it being another system only Nintendo can profit from.
Nice attitude on the part of third parties there, condemning yet another Nintendo platform instead of doing their own thing.

No, they won't. The royalties on Blu-Ray go to the Blu-Ray Disc Association, not directly to Sony. And seeing how Sony owns less than 30% of the intellectual property related to the Blu-Ray tech, the BRDA isn't giving Sony anywhere near the generous royalties they get from CDs and DVDs. Sony's losing media royalties in the transition from DVD to Blu-Ray.

Plus, the PS3 hasn't been nearly as effective a trojan horse for Blu-Ray as Sony had assumed it would. They let Kutaragi piss away money on developing the Cell processor because they assumed the PS3 would be the unchallenged winner this console generation no matter what, and... it hasn't. Sony basically had to drop PS3 from its Blu-Ray strategy and replace it with tactical content deals.

The Playstation 3 is the single largest fiscal blunder in Sony's 64-year history. No amount of creative justification can justify it or spin it into a success, no matter how much you'd like to try.

To be fair, sony wasnt just developing cell for themselves. Sony, Toshiba, and IBM all thought at the time was they were making processors that would be able to go into all sorts of different devices and create connectivity between them all.

It didnt happen that way obviously but the decision to go with a different, potentialy more flexable core architecture wasnt just one of arrogant indefferance

No, they won't. The royalties on Blu-Ray go to the Blu-Ray Disc Association, not directly to Sony. And seeing how Sony owns less than 30% of the intellectual property related to the Blu-Ray tech, the BRDA isn't giving Sony anywhere near the generous royalties they get from CDs and DVDs. Sony's losing media royalties in the transition from DVD to Blu-Ray.

Plus, the PS3 hasn't been nearly as effective a trojan horse for Blu-Ray as Sony had assumed it would. They let Kutaragi piss away money on developing the Cell processor because they assumed the PS3 would be the unchallenged winner this console generation no matter what, and... it hasn't. Sony basically had to drop PS3 from its Blu-Ray strategy and replace it with tactical content deals.

The Playstation 3 is the single largest fiscal blunder in Sony's 64-year history. No amount of creative justification can justify it or spin it into a success, no matter how much you'd like to try.

Here I thought that Toshiba was collecting most of the royalties for DVD.

Yeah. That's actually happening, though not at the scale Sony had hoped for. IBM, for example, took the main core of the Cell chip (the PPE) and implemented it in a tri-core processor called the Xenon. IBM sells a lot of those to Microsoft for use in Xbox 360s. Sony paid for most of the R&D behind the processor in their main rival's (much cheaper) product. Whoops.



I never said they were indifferent, just that they were arrogant. Sony had a bunch of great ideas for how to capitalize on the success of the PS3. They just forgot the bit where they needed to make sure the PS3 was a success first.

Nintendo 3DS Going Widescreen?

An FCC filing submitted by Nintendo and Mitsumi, an electronics manufacturer, seems to be for the new Nintendo 3DS handheld. There's not much to it, but what there is should give hope to fans of widescreen gaming on the go.

That pic above there is most likely a testbed for the Nintendo 3DS. Since the FCC report it turned up in is for its wi-fi system, there's no information on the inner workings of the handheld itself, but as you can see, while most of the board is a mess of prototype components, those two screens stand out clear as day.

The bottom one appears similar to the existing bottom screen on the Nintendo DS. A regular aspect ratio, lighter and looking slightly "spongier" thanks ot its touch screen interface. But get a look at the top screen! It's widescreen.

Before you go jumping to too many conclusions, know that this is prototype hardware, so it's not what you're going to see in the final production model. It doesn't take an industrial design student to work out that, if the top screen in this case is widescreen, then when the 3DS ships the bottom screen will probably be widescreen as well.

As for the rest, while it's tempting to spot an analogue stick, be warned that this picture is as hi-res as it gets, so it's tough telling what most of those components actually are (aside from the obvious bits like the screens and speakers).

Oh, and one more interesting thing: buried in the FCC reports is a request by Nintendo that the guts of the handheld not be made public for a time period of 180 days, dating from April 2010. That timeframe would expire just before the Christmas shopping season...

Here's the trademarks:
http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=123943

The power suppy thing has me worried as this could be Game Gear all over. Kick arse graphics on a portable, but a portable you had to have plugged in all the time =/