I guess I'll post it here.
Nintendo announced its new system! Its called the Nintendo DS (short for dual screen) as of now. It is a portable system with 2 front lit screens and 2 seperate processors. It is standalone and will not replace the GBA/SP or the GCN. This is pretty much all that is known. Check the article on IGNcube.
http://cube.ign.com/articles/473/473998p1.html
Now, let the speculating begin!
Is this a smart business move on Nintendo's part? I mean, obviously, Sony's PSP is coming out, and at least in some way, this is meant to combat it some. Now, will this innovative feature get enough support and hype to be able to draw gamers to it, or will it just split the GBA and NDS system, letting PSP look better on paper?
I for one, thing Nintendo must have some great game idea that necessitated a whole nother screen. We can't concieve what that is, but its sure to be awesome. Now, we have to have more than one awesome game, so the true telling factor will be 3rd party support. Will other companies be willing to delve into this feature? Or will they just create a little gimmick for the second screen and not use the full potential of the 2nd screen.
Also, the last telling factor will be backwards compatability. It is supposed to be stand alone, but allowing GBA games to be played would greatly increase the game library immeadiately, and attract many more consumers. However, since the format probably isn't compatible (cartridges are a thing of the past pretty much), how much would the extra slot drive the price up?
This is an epochal move on Nintendo's part. With the current situation of Nintendo, this could make or break several plans in development. Another flop like Virtual Boy could seriously injure the company. But, I think knowing this, I respect Nintendo that much more for willing to try out and risk a whole lot on a concept they obviously believe in.