Well if I had to guess here's what I'd say:
3DS
- graphics wise I don't think it'll be too much of an advancement over the original DSi we have now. Most of the extra power will go into working the "3D" aspect of it. But I do expect the games to have a noticeably better appearance due to that. Maybe look like early PS2/GC games. But nothing comparable to the HD games or even Wii games we have now.
- memory wise, the 3DS will have a lot. A lot of what Nintendo is doing lately is getting a more "iphone" esque appeal to their systems. Meaning like the DSi, 3DS is going to have the ability to carry demos, download full games (probably old GB games too), put your music on, go on the internet, etc. Maybe even an incorporation of the Wii channel system to be something like the app system on the iphone. Possibly even some movie streaming on it. Therefore I expect at least 4-16 GB of on board memory with the ability to use SD cards.
- design wise, I expect a sleek iphone like look but with of course a Nintendo DS flavor to it. The incorporation of at least one analog stick, and then all the normal buttons for a handheld. Will have 2 cameras like the DSi which will be just as high quality and of course keep the mic. Improved touch screen of course.
Now it is hard to speculate so early on the next nintendo console. We are a good 2 years at least from N6. But I think there are some noticeable trends we can guess that Nintendo will opt for.
N6
- first and foremost, an incorporation of some 3D function. Maybe something like the PS3 is doing or something comparable to 3D stereoscopic. Also this 3D will build upon the wiimote way of playing with of course a new and advanced iteration of the wii remote.
- HD will happen with the next console. Nintendo has already talked about this probably being in there. And even i they don't want it in there for costs, HD is now mainstream and developers would want them to have it in there. So expect HD in the next system.
- Power wise, I'd expect a pretty large upgrade. Nintendo is going to put the best hardware they can in there that they know they can get while still being able to sell the product for a mainstream price. Therefore hardware comparable to 360 and PS3 seems likely with possibly even being slightly better.
- when it comes to their online setup, like the 3DS, this is where I expect the biggest improvement. Huge improvement on the Wii channel system which could be similar to that of the app system. Large on-board memory, probably 16-32 GBs. Ability to transfer over your "download history" from the Wii and keep those games on N6. Continued support of VC and expansion upon "wiiware". Demos, music, videos, and of course Netflix support will continue. Online gaming aspects will still probably be pretty weak but I expect easier abilities to communicate and play games with friends online. Possibly a "gamertag" like setup but still nothing comparable to the 360 setup.
Well that's enough for me for shooting the bull haha. Obviously we got a long ways for the latter to figure out but only 2 months to see what's up with the 3DS. Can't wait.
