It's almost been 3 years since the 3DS was released, obviously Nintendo would have already started researching potential CPU and GPU vendors for their next handheld. Not sure if they're going for a shorter generation like they did with the GBA, but it's certainly possible that we see a 3DS successor announcement 2015 or 2016. Since they're going for a "unified architecture" for both their next handheld and console, they'll probably want to start this as soon as possible. Question is, will they introduce us to the 4th dimension with a 4DS?

Not shocking if true.

forethought14 said: It's almost been 3 years since the 3DS was released, obviously Nintendo would have already started researching potential CPU and GPU vendors for it. Since they're going for a "unified architecture" for both their next handheld and console, they'll probably want to start this as soon as possible. Question is, will they introduce us to the 4th dimension with a 4DS?

OP says early 2013, so it would be 2 years since the 3DS was released.

KingdomHeartsFan said: forethought14 said: It's almost been 3 years since the 3DS was released, obviously Nintendo would have already started researching potential CPU and GPU vendors for it. Since they're going for a "unified architecture" for both their next handheld and console, they'll probably want to start this as soon as possible. Question is, will they introduce us to the 4th dimension with a 4DS? OP says early 2013, so it would be 2 years since the 3DS was released.

Yes, but I said already started, as in started sometime ago, it's likely in progress. 

It's natural progression, but in reality they're backed into a corner with Wii U's predicament, which in all reality is probably why it shows how much support they've poured into it.

When has an insider NCL rumour ever been true?

brace yourselves 9th gen is coming

forethought14 said: KingdomHeartsFan said: forethought14 said: It's almost been 3 years since the 3DS was released, obviously Nintendo would have already started researching potential CPU and GPU vendors for it. Since they're going for a "unified architecture" for both their next handheld and console, they'll probably want to start this as soon as possible. Question is, will they introduce us to the 4th dimension with a 4DS? OP says early 2013, so it would be 2 years since the 3DS was released. Yes, but I said already started, as in started sometime ago, it's likely in progress.

I still doubt it, assuming the 3DS has a lifespam similar to the DS its gonna be around for 7 years, starting development on the next handheld after 2 years seems kinda dumb since so many things can change in that time.

Technically, they probably have cause after you launch your next product, after a little while, you usually start thinking about your next one so yes, Nintendo probably have started "developing" their next console... Is it gonna be released with in the next 3 years? Probably not...

I don't think the 3DS will be around for as long as the original DS was. As much as I love my 3DS, I would be totally ready for a new handheld in two years.

But as for the rumor it's kind of a duh situation. Nintendo will pretty much always be working on a new system.