Redesigned Nintendo DS?

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Actually, it was shot down with the link I started this thread off with :p

However, that doesn't mean we can't discuss the eventual and inevitable revamp. I'd love to see what Nintendo can come up with to make the system less clunky. Making the bottom part both smaller and lighter would be a necessity, and getting rid of the excess space above the speakers on the top screen and below the bottom screen would be great as well. I'd also think it would be beneficial to push the bottom screen closer to the edges so you wouldn't have to reach so far when using your thumb (i.e. Viewtiful Joe) or the thumb strap (i.e. Super Mario 64 DS).
 
"As soon as next week" never implied "next week, for sure." I'm thinking (hoping) that it will be within the next month or two, however. I'd like to buy a DS, but I'm not getting one if a new model release is imminent. I'm also hoping that the new model will make better use of space. Unlike the PSP, the DS wastes a LOT of space on ugly plastic surfaces, which does little to improve design...other than making it a bit cheaper to produce, I guess.

So..what I'd love to see:
-More compact design;
-Better button placement;
-Integrated Play-Yan functionality (Built-in SD card reader?);
-Integrated web browser, a la PSP.
 
Today's rather surprising news:

http://www.pokecharms.com said:
Despite Nintendo actually stepping forward to shoot down the rumours of the redesign over the past fortnight rather than taking their normal "We do not comment on rumours or speculation" stance, they officially - but quietly - announced on Nintendo Japan's website that there will be a brand new DS hitting Japanese shores as early as March 2nd.

That's just a little over a month away!

There's only one mocked up image at the time but no doubt Nintendo will hi-jack some conference centre within the next week or two to formally show it off.

DSLite_Large.jpg


The new DS is, of course, a lot slimmer and lighter than the current one and really doesn't change that much else. The power button has been moved to the side and the mic has been moved to the hinge - which is certainly a blessing to those playing Wario Ware who almost have their retinas torn out whilst blowing into the mic AND looking up to the top screen to see the results. The Start and Select buttons have also been moved to below the A,B,X and Y buttons.

DS Lite, for that's what they're calling it, will come in at 133mm wide, 73.9mm high and 21.5mm deep, as compared to the proportions of the original DS which was 148.7mm wide, 84.7mm high and 28.9mm deep - which in real terms, means that it's 42 per cent smaller than the original DS. And on the weighty side of things it drops from 275g in the original model down to 215g in the new DS Lite, representing a cut of almost 21 per cent.

The DS Lite will also incorperate a screen-brightness feature ala the PSP - although I'd hardly consider it necessary, the DS has never given me any problems over the brightness of the screen.

Other changes that people are hoping for from the redesign is an update in the firmware on the DS. Firstly, it'd be awfully nice to be able to change settings without having to turn the thing on and off repeatedly. Secondly Pictochat is desperately wanted to be upgraded with online functionality. The only question that leaves is what happens to the old DS's if the firmware on this one is upgraded? Will they automatically upgrade themselves when connecting?

However one fear that appears to have been kept at bay (for now) is the dumping of the GBA slot. That is not to say that it is safe though. No official statement on it has been made and the images really don't give anything away. And you also have to wonder where the extra depth got cut from if not the GBA slot.

Either way, I'd say i'm sold on the idea thoroughly. It looks pretty and it sounds awfully nice to have a lighter DS. It'll launch at 16,800 Yen which is about 118 Euro and £81. Expect our prices to go up, however as Nintendo also admitted the DS would be slightly more expensive in it's Lite form.
Click to expand...
 
I thought a new ds design was found out to be a hoax... Btw, Oak, that image doesn't look to great... its just a render of the front... shows no back or anything, lol.
 
Ew, I'm not impressed. The SP was a beautiful and thoughtful redesign, this is just slight shrinkage. At least this means I'm happy with my old one.
 
I love the design. It sure looks better than the awful waste of space which is the original DS design. Plus, the original looks like some inflatable/disposable child's toy...so at least I won't feel bad about playing this in public. I'm glad I didn't buy one yet. (I was about to, before I've read about the anouncement a few weeks ago.) :p
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I hope they left the GBA cart slot, though...I want to be able to run homebrew code. :<

EDIT: Size comparison:
ds-comparison.jpg

Good thing they didn't make the screens smaller.
 
I seriously doubt that they would leave the GBA slot out, with the such highly-anticipated Diamond and Pearl on the way that can connect to the GBA, they would be complete morons to leave it out.

Anyways, I like the design....but I think I'm fine with the current one.
 
Well, this redesign came quickly. (Though the DS i selling faster that the GBA did when first released, so I guess this makes sense.) This is good for those that have been holding out on getting a DS. I like mine just fine so I won't be buying it, barring an unforseen explosion of my current DS.
 
Found an interesting thing. A list of the changes found in the instruction booklet between the DS and the DS lite.

The DS Lite can cause seizures. Unfortunately, the guidelines offered in this regard don't quite seem to match with the DS' design. Sitting or standing "as far away from the screen as possible" might be somewhat limited by the length of your arms, though it certainly explains that guy you saw holding his DS like it was trying to bite his face off.

The DS Lite will kill your grandfather. Bringing the DS and its extremely deadly wireless signals within 9 inches of a pacemaker is considered to be an excellent way of speeding along that inheritance.
The DS Lite does not contain latex. This is probably important.

A GBA Slot Cover is included. Perfect for keeping out unwanted debris and your copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The stylus slides in horizontally on the right-hand side of the DS. It also slides out. Very clever.
The Wrist Strap is no longer included. Instead, we suggest you make the DS Lite into an expensive keychain holder.
On the lowest screen brightness setting, the battery should last 15-19 hours. Though we've read that spending that much time beneath a powerful flourescent light will make you go bald.
On the brightest setting, it'll last 5-8 hours. Perfect to occupy you in-between PSP firmware upgrades.
The Lower Screen is touch-sensitive. What a ridiculous gimmick. That'll never work.
Click to expand...

Source, includes pic of the DS lite, and A side (not sure which side) pic.
 
They changed the charging ext?

Bugger, guess that rules out importing then.
 
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