So I was pondering.........

Gaming fans like us are aware of the new generation that is blooming with the now released 3DS. Do casuals know? Will the familiarity to the past generation make the casual crowd think twice about buying a new machine? What if inside their heads they argue that 'hey it's just the same but with 3D' or 'oh its just a PSP but bigger'. This might stop them from buying one for themselves or for their children.  The DS was noticably different than the Gameboy and the PSP was entirely new. They could of done more to change the look, to bring in the sense that 'hey it's a whole new system'. As of now Nintendo has not done a good job with that (based on their marketing). Will Sony suceeded in transmitting that message or fail like Nintendo has thus far? 

YOUR THOUGHTS?

EDIT: since the DS has had numerous names: DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL, it could really have an impact. Unlike the PSP where the names weren't as profound, just a serious of numbers and the exemption of the Go.

an interesting question to which i don't really have an answer...just a thought.

the shift from the gameboy to the DS wasn't just a form factor change ... it was a drastically different change in interface and functionality.  you could argue the same thing from ipod classics to ipod touches.

is the lack of form factor change a  reflection on a lack of innovation to which lack luster sales is only a symphome?

I have to agree with Rol.  I can see the same issue here, the 3DS commercials do nothing to even try to show you the 3DS is a brand new system.  I also think the lack of a major Nintendo franchise out of the blocks is an issue, no disrespect meant to Nintendogs but this is the first time I have bought a Nintendo system without a Nintendo game.

I can agree with this--it's my main concern for the 3DS.  NGP, not so much, as I think it will be a lot bigger, physically, than PSP, which will be enough to set it apart.

I think thats one of the least of thier worries at least for the 3Ds

I don't think so.

The 3DS may have the issue more than the NGP. Solely because the 3DS has just a few things different from the DS (the slider on the side and the analog nub). Whereas the NGP and two analog sticks, a track pad on the back, no disc slot and is bigger than the PSP 3000.

The interface on the NGP should also clearly make it stand out over the PSP. the LiveArea vs. XMB.

With the NGP I don't think it is too big of a problem. The device could instantly be picked out next to a PSP as the newer model or atleast different. The 3DS however only has differences that a fan would notice such as the 3D slider. Almost everyone that knows the 3DS is not just a new DS already knows if they want it or not. Everyone else that is the target of advertising will be confused.

Well and the analog nub....

I think the PSP could be on to something. With a codename 'NGP' and no matter what name is finalized (PSP2 probably lol) it would sound like a new system especially by showing off the touchscreen front and back...and other features etc. The thing with the DS is that it has had so many names with 'DS' for example DS lite, DSi, DSiXL...that many people would just see it as a new DS with 3D to make it 3DS. It would of been better if they had given it a completely new name. (just my thought)

someone in my web3D class from showing off his 3DS and all said "thats cool" when playing the AR games but not one said to they are going to buy it right away.