Reggie spills the beans: Nintendo's next-gen tactics + DS nip-tuck

by Conrad Quilty-Harper { Nov 10th 2005 at 3:30PM }

In an article with CNN/Money, Reggie Fils-Aime (of Nintendo USA) has outlined the N's plan for the next-generation console war. According to Reggie, Nintendo has "learned some lessons with the GameCube that we need to apply to the Revolution". These lessons include the design of the GameCube, which even senior officials in the company agree is childish. However, it seems Nintendo hasn't learnt all their lessons. Their policy of no High Def for the Revolution hasn't changed.

In other news, Reggie dropped a hint towards an upcoming DS design tweak. Apparently "as soon as [the DS] was launched, [Nintendo] started looking at ways to tweak it visually." Does that mean we could be seeing a less podgy, more slimline DS from Nintendo soon?

[Via Infendo]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Borat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I still dont get it. Why no HDTV support? I'm happy with the direction Nintendo is going, but lack of HDTV support bothers me. I am planning to get an HDTV over the next year, and I wan't to play each game in 720p. Just 480p won't cut it anymore.

Steve @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

If Nintendo'll come up with a slimmer version of DS, I'd buy the second DS unit in a second!

Grant @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Why no HD support? Cost and load times. Nintendo wants to keep both of them down.

And I agree.

chad @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

If they do make a new slimmer DS I dont want to buy another sexyer one .

Jeffler @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Nooo!

Why a slimmer DS? I just got mine 3 days ago and this is essentially slapping me in the face.

Trauts @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Pardon me. But what beans did he spill? There wasn't really anything new in there, except a definite NON HD.

And it doesn't even say if it'll have 480p.

I can understand why they don't have HDTV - they're trying to lower the price of the system... but they tried to lower the price last time.

What most people don't realize is that if you have a computer monitor, and around $60, you can pick up a box that converts component video (480p, 720p, 1080i) into an RGB cable format, complete with alternate input. http://www.vdigi.com/index.php?option=content&task=blogcategory&id=67&Itemid=28

My only fear is that as I have a regular aspect ratio monitor, X360 will letterbox it. Grr.

Cyberclaws @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I want a more supah sexay dee esse! I will buy if it comes out!

Mr.Ortiz @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I was holding out for a slimmer DS at first, but I gave in to temptation last month. Can't say I regret it, the games are a blast. There's also a strong possiblility that a thinner DS will not include GBA support (remember, the DS was never meant to be part of the GameBoy family). Still, a slim DS would be a no-brainer for anyone who already owns an SP or a micro.

Borat: if 480p won't cut it, then you're NOT happy with the direction Nintendo is going. Sorry to break it to you.

elmer @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

How can they learn from mistakes of not incorperating HD from the previous gen, if HD did so dismaly this gen?

Remember, MS did actually claim that the original Xbox could support resolutions of 1600 x 1200.

I think in the coming generation Nintendo will not be out in the cold for not including HD; It will be Microsoft out in the cold for not making online gaming FREE.

And I say it over and over again, but when rendering per pixel, your rendering requirements are proportional to your resolution, so if Nintendo use 1/3rd the resolution, they can produce the same graphics with 1/3rd the silicon (not quite - there are overheads). Would you rather pay $50-70 dollars more (or have Nintendo accept $50 loss) to support something that 4% of the population can enjoy?

Cyberclaws @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

If they take away the GBA slot, I won't have a rumble pak no more! Not gonna happen.

Kristian @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

A slimmer DS would be awesome. I have an SP already, so a lack of GBA support doesn't affect me at all.

Captain_Duck @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

hat does HD support has to do with being childish ? Nothing lol. Sure i guess it has a tad of coolness factor, but i seriously doubt the majority of the console owners will have a HDtv within the next 5 years. I know i wont.

syco @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I don't see what the big deal is with HD. I don't have an HDTV! I probably won't until after I've graduated college in four years, by which point we'll only be a few years from another console which will invariably have HDTV, but specwhores are going to be upset cause it won't support SuperUltraHD 2. The cycle never changes. Would HD be nice? Sure. Is it really important? No. Progressive Scan ought to be enough to keep the High-Enders happy until the spec is available in anything other than 55" TV's that cost $4000 and give you back rubs while managing your swiss bank accounts.

Chiablo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I've been waiting for a reason to get a DS, A redesign would make it much more atractive to buy one.

XD @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

What's the big deal? I would like HD to be a feature or something you can get later, but that shouldn't impact your opinion of Nintendo. Play their game...do you like them? Then get their system, if not, try out the other 2 and figure out what's right for you. Most people can't use HD now and that might change quickly in the new few years but remember, Nintendo's system is always the least expensive. You can't have everything without paying more for it! Now before you respond with "I'd pay more for it", keep in mind Nintendo is running 3rd in the console wars; their company's direction to improve sales are based on 3 things, new i/o to make new types of games, low prices and retro games. Now if you can't accept that, then you should not buy a Revolution.

Danny Knives @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

DS with RAZR phone styling? Yes Please

Garrett @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Something that 4% of the population can enjoy? The updated deadline for converting to HD is late 2008, only 2 years after the Revolution's release date. So everyone who buys a Revolution is eventually going to hook it up to an HDTV.

Jason @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

maybe i'm not as hardcore as everyone else but no hd support isn't a deal breaker. i don't have the money to spend on an hdtv and quite honestly, i don't see it as being necessary any time soon. in my opinion hd support is just superfluous and only makes video games consoles more expensive.

John @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Darn! I just bought myself...er, my wife, a Teal special edition Nintendo DS about a week ago!! Now they announce this. I guess it shouldn't surprise me since there are like 3 or 4 variances of the GBA!! I bet there will be 3 or 4 versions of the DS before its over with. The next nintendo portable will probably be the WS...wide screen.

-John
http://www.deliveryblog.com/
http://www.freemoviescreenings.net/

DG @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

We'll see how many people do or don't have HDTV after this Christmas. Considering they're now cheaper than laptops, I expect a pretty significant increase in home adoption.

And not JUST by people "massaging their swiss bank accounts." Doing door-to-door organizing work, I can't tell you the amount of low income people happily buying beyond-their-means HDTVs on credit. But that's America for you.

Sense @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

First, I understand where people are coming from. HD shouldn't be such a big deal. But from a business standpoint, it could be. As most people realize, HD only matters if you have an HDTV. If you have one, you're more likely to get things that take advantage of it. So if Joe Consumer walks up to a shelf and picks up a Revolution, a PS3, and a 360, he's more likely to go with one that says HD on the box. Granted, early adopters are kinda crazy about their technology, but it is important to certain people. You plunk down serious cash to get an HDTV and you want to be sure you make good use of your investment.

I have an HDTV, but I'll be getting Revolution anyway. People are complaining on forums like this, but real gamers who are interested in Revolution will buy it no matter what.

(And I'm excited about a sleaker DS. It'll give me more incentive to trade in my PSPaperweight.)

Borat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Ok, I will buy a Revolution no matter what, but c'mon Nintendo, get with the times. They should be offering it just because the competition is. Five years ago Nintendo was saying the same thing about online play, and now it's this. And you have to admit that part of the appeal of the xbox 360 is the hi-def support. If microsoft was demoing all the games on standard tv's there won't be as much hype.

Plus, plasma tv's are going to be the most-wanted gifts this holiday season.

Captain Bridger` @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

If they release a new DS, you will be able to buy mine used from a your local game store, I wont hesitate to buy a new one, I'll even preorder, come on nintendo, release it with a VoIP internet ready pictochat built in and run an antenna through the top panel for the WiFi, make my wildest dreams come true.

djSyndrome @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

"If they take away the GBA slot, I won't have a rumble pak no more! Not gonna happen."

And if they build in rumble functionality, you won't need the rumble pack anymore.

Not saying either is or is not going to happen, but it's a possibility.

Borat @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

kingmanor @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I think they should have a new DS that looks like a Sidekick. it would look kinda like the original GBA or PSP form factor, and the secong screen would flip up or rotate up like the sidekick. This way you can only kick out the second screen when playing DS games, GBA games can keep it one screen.

And I think Nintendo is stupid for ignoring HDTV. I still mainly game on PCs, which have been HD for a long time if you compare the resolutions. PC gamers consider 1024x768 the bare minimum now. I consider consoles without HDTV akin to a super-high-end PC running at 640x480 (which is actually better than a tv which is interlaced and half that).

Alex K. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

The lack of HDTV support puzzles me - even though not many people can take advantage of HD, I can see HD helping even the current generation consoles. Even if the Revolution was 0% more powerful than the Gamecube, I could see how HDTV resolutions (even just increasing to 720p) would be nice.

playing resident evil 4 makes me think that 640x480 is just maxed out for the current generation graphics. the realism in the game was so high that it looked totally pixelated due to the standards of the current generation.

and to #20, i don't see the DS losing the GBA slot. that would change the hardware.

and obviously the GBA micro is pretty tiny while still keeping the GBA slot.

syco @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Correction: Interlacing doesn't cut the resolution in half. It (effectively) cuts the framerate in half.

gamer1 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I think that the next gen Nintendo system will be capable of HD, however, not ALL its games will support HD. The current Xbox, PS2 and Gamecube all have games that support HD, given that you have a component video cable and HDTV set, so I don�t see why the new Nintendo system would be incapable of displaying HD. It doesn�t make sense that the Gamecube could display HD, while the next Nintendo system can�t. I think this is a common misconception of what reporters have been claiming about the next Nintendo system�s capabilities. The XBox 360 and PS3 will support HD for all their games, but because Nintendo isn�t pushing this standard for their games, and third party support of this standard in games for their system as well, doesn�t mean that the system itself isn�t capable of displaying HD. Most likely, selected games for the next Nintendo system will support HD, similarly to the Gamecube, especially if third-party developers want to support it in their games. However, the new Nintendo system will be the only next gen system that will include some games that don�t support HD.

The only way that the new Nintendo system would not be capable of supporting HD is if the new Nintendo does not include a Digital AV out port. For example, the first generation of Gamecubes included a Digital AV out port, to display progressive scan games in HD, while the second generation didn�t. Considering that a very small percentage of gamers who own current generation systems buy component cables for their consoles, Nintendo could possibly choose to go this route based on those statistics. But considering that HD will be more common in the future, chances are that Nintendo will give gamers the option to go HD once again.

For reference material, see the link below:

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/component_faq.jsp

I�d really like to see a new slim line form of the Nintendo DS. I own every current system out so far (including the GB Micro) besides for the DS, but if they were to make a new design for it, I would definitely consider getting one. The DS is supposed to have the best handheld games out right now, but when I played the DS, I felt that its design was a bit too bulky for me. The control with the stylus was a little difficult in conjunction with the crosspad, but I assume there must be a learning curve to get use to it. If Nintendo were to create a slim line design of the DS, it would definitely expand their portable market to gamers like me who enjoy sleek looking game systems. I wouldn�t mind waiting for one either.

elmer @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

The idea that Nintendo missed out on online in the last generation as being an indicator of HD in the next is ludicrous.

Online gaming did exceptionally poorly this gen.

Something like 4 million console gamers play online out of a generation with something 130 million systems sold. I'd wager 1 million are playing Halo 2 and 1 million are playing FFXI.

Microsoft managed to convert 10% of their populace but at an enourmous financial cost.

But wait, there's more; the state of uptake of online and broadband online was far more extensive than HD is now. Heck, in Europe, we don't even have any HDTV broadcasts of any kind!

I'd like to also say something about what HDTV adds:

Does it add realism? Artistry? Gameplay?
Do you believe the people reading the news are any less real because they're in a lower resolution than reality? Do you become a better player by being able to resolve the 2 windows on the building 2 miles away.
Higher definitions is pretty much the least imaginative way to improve visuals that you can think of. So much so, that on PC games, it's user configurable. And yet it takes SO MUCH MORE POWER to do.

GuyManDude @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

"And I think Nintendo is stupid for ignoring HDTV"

I guess that's what Nintendo gets for trying to save people a few bucks.

Mark Bowman @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

And yet the funny thing is every Nintendo fanboy would be saying the Exact opposite if the Rev had HD and the PS3/Xbox 2 didn't have HD.

Face it, its a f*** up and a mistake. You'll just have to live with it.

If making up excuses about how Nintendo is doing this as a "favor" for us to save money, and how really "nobody wants HD anyway" makes you feel better than so be it. But don't think the rest of us are so stupid to buy that line.
You just sound pathetic even trying. :/

syco @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

You're wrong Gamer1. The Gamecube does not support HD, in that it does not support more than 480 scan lines. The component cable provides better color representation, plus the gamecube is capable of Progressive Scan, which is not in and of itself High Definition. You can play ProgScan games on an EDTV, which granted are rare, but they do exist. The Cube is only capable of 480i and 480p. The Xbox and the PS2 are capable of 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i, though there are fewer PS2 games that even support 480p than the Cube because of the limited power of the console to push that kind of framerate.

DOUBTLESSLY, the Revolution will support 480p. That goes pretty much without saying. Even though they pulled it later on on the Cube, they can keep it for the N5 with relatively little costs, and have something to present to HDTV owners, even if it isn't full utilization of their hardware.

Mike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

this is lame, im sick of new slimmer things coming out, because i give in on just buying the same thing again just because its skinner, thats what happend with me and the new ps2 and ps1 ARRGG damn u nintendo!

Sean @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Seeing how the standard of HDTV/Digital switch doesn't even go into effect till 2009 in the US...Hell 80% of the nation doesn't even know the difference(They think buying the TV=HD, like buying a color TV=color).

Same thing with online. More then half this country still doesn't have broadband. Yet by half way through this generation they will..so was Nintendo right not going into it last generation..looking at it now..it's a yes.

Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

First of all if you look into it people want something affordable. With new technologies like thin tube tvs that wont have HD support but be cheap and thin the public is more likely to buy that instead of a power hungry plasma.

Since Nintendo is shooting for a broad audience this time . I believe age is not the only thing they are going for they are obviously going for a income range too. If you you make it affordable to more people espically when it just hits the market, more people will be likely to by one HD or not. While it may not be their main gamming console, one may still be purchaced.

Everybody is also missing a very important thing. If gamming is going toward a future of VR wether it's 10 or 20 years away. That technology is deffinately not going to be HD when it hit the consumer market. Are people really going to want to go from HD screens to a lower res VR envronment even if the games are awsome and the game play is the best thing ever? Think about it.

J (The other one) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

#7 makes a good point. No GBA = no hacking (at least thus far) and no Pass-Me or any hacking. But at this point its kind of too late. There are already plenty of the original model on shelves. I hope there is a new model but I can agruntee their will be more anti-hacking measures taken. Still a slimmer model is inticing and if it is seriously reduced in size (not including the screen of course) then I will have to give my old DS to my GF and let her use Nintendogs on it while I have a new shiney slim DS.

Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

slim may also mean better screens. Especially if they decide to go with OLED or something to eliminate a backlight.

Michael @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I wouldn't be suprised if Nintendo is working on a next-generation DS, but don't read too much into this interview. What Reggie actually said was:
"As soon as [the DS] was launched, we started looking at ways to tweak it visually."

Tweaking visually does not necessarily mean redesign. It could simply mean new colors and/or new faceplates.

Glenn @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Sean - 2009 is the deadline. That means in 2009 if you don't have a DTV or an adapter your SOL for broadcast TV. Really, stop deluding yourself that HD isn't needed.

Momus @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

FUCK HI-DEF� at least in the meantime.

gamer1 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Syco is right. The Gamecube supports a max resolution of only 480p. HD in its entirety should encompass 720p and 1080i resolutions as well. There are no games for the Gamecube that support a higher resolution than 480p.

If I insinuated that the Gamecube supported higher resolutions for HD, please excuse me because that is incorrect. However, people who own HDTVs can take advantage of the 480p resolution by using component cables with their Gamecubes for supported games (if your Gamecube support Digital AV out).

Like Syco was saying, Nintendo�s new system will most likely support at least 480p. But like I mentioned in my previous post, I think Nintendo�s new system will be capable of HD resolutions, maybe not limited only to the resolution of 480p, but similar to the current Xbox and PS2. However, the HD spec will probably not be required of all games like the Xbox 360 and PS3. This is only speculation. We�ll see what happens next year.

matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

omg I finally decide I want a DS and nintendo goes ahead and might make another version...

;-; I wish money grew on trees.

GameDeals.ca @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Something that many of you people seem to forget is that WE (as in, the people who read/post on this site) are NOT Nintendo's core audience. Nintendo's core audience doesn't own HDTV sets, they don't know what component cables are, and just want a fun system with cheap games... and Nintendo provides exactly that. Hell... most of my customers don't even know what an RCA cable is... they ask me for "the plugs for my gamebox". We are the minority and we can't expect Nintendo to displace their core audience to appease the few of us who actually care about HD, etc.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Elmer:

That's the best description of the HD situiation I've ever heard (#30). Thank you!

Sup Sailors? @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

"Darn! I just bought myself...er, my wife, a Teal special edition Nintendo DS about a week ago!! Now they announce this."

Hm? I didn't know there was an official announcement. I have a blue DS and I love it.. I can't really imagine it much smaller.. slightly thinner, maybe but.. really I couldn't care less..

Before I bought it, I expected it to be massive, but it's actually very very compact.. think, the original GBA..

Of course in time a slimmer DS will come around, but I won't be too jealous ;)

ReyBrujo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

Yes, HDTV, after all graphics are everything!!!

Bleh.

JRM @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

I'm not going to buy a new tv until my current one breaks down!

nick @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

man, again joystiq never fails to bring up the negative in all nintendo is doing. they just never fail. everything is "it seems Nintendo hasn�t learnt all their lessons" or "seeing a less podgy, more slimline DS" or "the design of the GameCube, which even senior officials in the company agree is childish." man, somebody needs to stop putting a negative spin on everything! lol

SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 9:42PM

"And yet the funny thing is every Nintendo fanboy would be saying the Exact opposite if the Rev had HD and the PS3/Xbox 2 didn't have HD."

No, I wouldn't. I would say, "That's great and everything, but I'm not going to own an HDTV." Hell, Ia year ago I was playing my progressive scan capable Cube on my 13" mono Samsung TV with the RF adaptor (no RCAs on that beauty). I love that old TV. For under $100 you get a crisper, more vibrant image than many more expensive sets.

"Sean - 2009 is the deadline. That means in 2009 if you don't have a DTV or an adapter your SOL for broadcast TV. Really, stop deluding yourself that HD isn't needed."

If it weren't for corporate welfare, it wouldn't be needed. The switch is mandated by our government in order to boost electronics business in the US, not, as some would have you believe, because everyone wants it so badly.

That said, you still can but a converter for your normal TV.