Nintendo's new handheld the 3DS is set to rock the gaming world this fall. With Sony now talking 3D as the way of the future Microsoft seems to be the only company not going in that direction, or are they? Microsoft unnofficially supported the Wii when the console launched with exec's incouraging 360 owners to pick up Wii's. Microsoft actually officially supported the GBA and Nintendo DS liscensing tons of software for both platforms.

Could Halo 3DS be in the works or how about a new Banjo from Rare (Could that be the big announcement hinted on Rare's site?). We all know that Banjo , Mech Assualt , Blue Dragon, VivaPinata and Age Of Empires all graced the DS's screens as well as Rare classics like DiddyKongRacing which Rare actually helped Nintendo re-release. Will Microsoft keep up its support for the 3DS or will Microsoft back down and stop supporting Nintendo's handheld drive.

Their are many reasons for Microsoft to support the 3DS. I'll name a few!

#1. Sony's PSP2. We know that Microsoft supported the DS because they themselves lacked a handheld and the PSP offered Sony another reveniew source. Microsoft wanted to make sure that the PSP did not take over Nintendo's market share.

#2. Nintendo's stated that Apple is their new main competitor essentially writing off Sony. Guess who else is a major competitor against Apple? None other then Microsoft with the Zune failing to make a dent in the I-Pod's market share and the Window's phones failing to do any damage to the I-Phone Microsoft would have all to gain and none to loose by supporting Nintendo in a drive against Apple.

#3. Obviously reveniew, Microsoft franchises like Blue Dragon for example have been very successful on the DS. Other IP's like AgeOfEmpires also performed well leading to multiple sequels. Microsoft is obviously making a pretty penny by allowing those titles to be supported on Nintendo handhelds.

#4. Franchise building Microsoft is trying to build strong IP's and having handheld counter parts really helps grow Microsoft's IP's. Example would be VivaPinata by creating a game on the DS Microsoft actually attracts gamers from Nintendo's market over to Microsofts. Some DS owners bought Viva Pinata or Blue Dragon and enjoyed the IP's so much that they went out and purchased 360's. Growth in Japan especially could possibly be attributed to that very fact.

In the end their are tons of reason for Microsoft to back the 3DS, wouldn't it be awsome to see Banjo 3DS or Halo 3DS at launch? Or do you think Microsoft will abandon its support of Nintendo?

they might, but i think u will see m$ launch a handheld of their own , within 3 yrs i think or sooner.  m$ has said in the past they wana make a handheld just havent done so yet, so i believe m$ will only support the 3ds if they arent making a handheld of their own soon.

they could but i doubt it. i think a handheld from them is far more likely. would be cool though.

wasnt there a rumor about a Halo game for the DS before?

It was just a hoax, it was apparantly a modded ds game that resembled halo (Weapons only)

i hope MS doesnt enter the market, they will put a gimmik in it, like  beat this game on our hand held and the console version you get ( insert item and/or achievment here)

I'm pretty sure Microsoft is set to destroy Sony so yes. Microsoft will fully support the 3DS next gen

Viva Pinata and Blue Dragon are both on the DS, so it's possible.

revenue.

LOL.

i don't know if those were published directly by microsoft, though.

(i haven't done much research so feel free to prove me wrong)