3DS vs NGP prediction thread.

[Squilliam]

oni-link said:

Squilliam said:

Yeah well it really is a range of possibilities. I wouldn't actually be surprised however if Nintendo releases a new form factor handheld which isn't of the DS line in about four years.

GB -> GBC -> GBA

DS -> DSi -> 3DS

???

Yeah I know I missed a few changes but I counted what I thought were the major revisions. If the GBA was the last of the GB line then the 3DS may be the last of the DS line with the 3D value being incorporated into an entirely new handheld form factor with the 3DS holding the fort for backwards compatibility to the DS.

It's possible...but I really think Nintendo's on fire at the moment.  With the upcoming 3DS, Nintendo potentially could have their three pillar strategy.  The regular DS is not going anywhere for quite a while, the Wii is still a player in the console wars, and the 3DS is the next big thing.  The DS could cater to kids and casuals who prefer cheap and value conscious content, the Wii continues to be the premiere entry level motion gaming console, and 3DS is the mercedes of the the handheld and will MoSDef pick up both hardcore and casual gamers alike.

@ Noobburner: I see your point, that lineage works too.

I sort of see their developing a handheld which completely drops the old Gameboy lineage given the shape of the bottom of the DS/3DS in order to incorporate new values. Sony was able to incorporate new controls and gameplay akin to smartphones because they were more flexible in that regard. Nintendo on the other hand are limited so long as they retain the old Gameboy control scheme.