Pachter: Nintendo DS Successor Ready?

[shams]

alpha_dk said:
DS2:
Same specs as DS (1 arm7, 1 arm9, same clock speeds, same screen sizes, same everything that could possibly be used to make games for it that aren't BC with the DS)

... plus channels, DS Shop, internal storage, better Wii integration (importing Miis, transporting them around, same FC list, etc) ... and downloading of VC handheld games.

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. They wouldn't be pissing off current DS owners, because all games would work on both platforms, as both platforms are all but the same. All they would be doing is adding a new UI for the OS, more features to the OS, a bit of non-accessible internal storage, and some more things to do (like shop for handheld games)

This solution (or a very similar one) is likely the only way we'll see a new DS within the next 3-4 years, if software sales remain like they are. Nintendo likes having long life cycles when they can.

Point is, this wouldn't have to be the DS 2 - it would be the "DS Deluxe". Basically a DS, with onboard storage, updated BIOS/firmware, and maybe a few other enhancements (better WiFit, etc).

The DS 2 will have souped up specs - run faster, bigger screens, better 3D, etc.

...

My wife picked up a iTouch tonight. I was sort of shocked to discover that a PC + internet is *required* - or you can't even start the thing up.

Imagine if the DS II "required" the Wii (as a shopfront, or in some form...).