ON CBS.com: Catholic school teacher gets schooled
CNET Networks Entertainment:
GameSpot
GameFAQs
SportsGamer
MP3.com
TV.com
Metacritic

Analyst: DS redesign already done

Pacific Crest Securities' Evan Wilson says new version of Nintendo's portable complete; holiday release torrent creating retail woes.

Nintendo's DS Lite redesign has proved a tremendous success, regularly topping hardware sales charts around the world since it was first released in Japan in March 2006. Despite the system's success, Pacific Crest Securities analyst Evan Wilson believes Nintendo has already finished work on its successor.

"Our contacts indicate that a refreshed DS is complete," Wilson said today in his holiday preview investor's note. "It is thinner (it has no GBA port), has on-board storage, and larger screens. However, we do not expect a revamped Wii or DS until sales begin to tail off in all three major geographies." As of press time, a Nintendo of America representative had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment.

In addition to dropping hints on a redesigned handheld, Wilson addressed the challenges publishers are facing during the jam-packed holiday retail season. Specifically, Wilson said Nintendo is placing publishers in a "difficult spot." With reorders for third-party DS and Wii games taking three to six weeks to fill, Wilson said publishers have a harder time adjusting if they underestimate sales and also risk having to take products back from retailers if their initial orders are too optimistic.

The holiday release torrent is also having adverse effects at retail chains. According to Wilson, the influx of Nintendo-platform releases, as well as bulky Guitar Hero and Rock Band packaging and a resurgence of sales for summer blockbuster game tie-ins due to holiday DVD releases, are contributing most significantly to retail real estate becoming a hot commodity.

Wilson notes that not all games will be affected by insufficient retail space. "Clearly, the end-of-year squeeze creates limited space at retail, which limits the size of initial orders of games with less publicity and reorders of games with lower quality." He anticipates games with high preorder rates, such as Guitar Hero III, Call of Duty 4, Assassins' Creed, Mass Effect, WWE, and Rock Band, to be less affected by insufficient retail space. "Titles that could be at risk of getting squeezed," he continues, "include Haze, Kane & Lynch, and Uncharted."

The influx of original games is also having a negative effect on publishers' annualized offerings, according to Wilson. "It appears that when they are offered increased choice, consumers pass on games that they purchased the previous year or know that they can purchase the following year." Wilson notes that 2007 is shaping up much like 2004, with sports franchises, such as NCAA Football, Madden NFL, and NBA Live, all shifting significantly fewer units than the year before.

"According to NPD, Madden sales are tracking down 6.4 percent in August and September versus the same period last year, with unit sales down 8.9 percent. NCAA Football sales are down 20.7 percent this year versus last year," Wilson said.

347 Comments

  • Blaziken257

    Posted Jul 10, 2008 1:55 pm AEST

    This sounds just like the Micro. Very narrow compatibility. No way I'm getting this re-redesign.

    Not to mention some DS games (e.g. Pokémon Diamond/Pearl) utilize the GBA slot, so this even affects some DS games too. I'll pass.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • D-MonDRV 

    Posted Jul 8, 2008 3:10 am AEST

    No GBA slot means no Guitar Hero.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • Die-Hard-Hippie

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 10:42 pm AEST

    What is with all of the redesigns? I'm happy with the originals! my regular DS is fine and I never even considered buying the micro.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • jivemaster

    Posted Apr 29, 2008 12:36 am AEST

    GB Micro owned. I have 2. 1 in use, 1 sealed. Offical mini carry cases for them too.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • That1DudeXx

    Posted Apr 26, 2008 9:51 am AEST

    EVERYONE STOP BUYING DS FROM HERE ON!!! THE LESS THE BETTER!!!

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 5 users agree
  • monkey2go

    Posted Apr 25, 2008 6:12 pm AEST

    ohh i got a gameboy micro and i love it. Its alot more portable then the ds so i bring that one everywhere

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • halokila

    Posted Apr 25, 2008 4:36 pm AEST

    @321sponge1
    there is no way a handheld system can do that i mean even the psp cant do that

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 2 users agree
  • SGT4EVA

    Posted Apr 25, 2008 3:19 pm AEST

    "it will fail like the gameboy micro" it didnt fail, it was for ppl who wanted something really portable and i dont have one and kinda wish i do cause those things are wicked it was not a fail trust me

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • elozl

    Posted Apr 25, 2008 3:01 pm AEST

    Well lets see what new features will offer, i own a Wii and i would like a Hard Drive for it and a New DS model. That is all i ask.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • lachlan383

    Posted Apr 21, 2008 12:48 am AEST

    I would buy this JUST to play my 20+ Game Cube games on it, otherwise I would NEVER buy a new console that does LESS than my DS Phat, which I pre-ordered in 2004 and still works fine, got it the day it came out and have never stopped playing.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • 321sponge1

    Posted Apr 20, 2008 12:57 pm AEST

    I actually know for a fact from a real source of Nintendo that the new DS( possibly a whole new platform on its own) will have a new memory card port like the psp and it will have the capability of playing gamecube games

    It sounds awesome!!!
    I cant wait, it is said to be completed by mid 2009! =D

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 2 users agree
  • Domenico54

    Posted Apr 17, 2008 6:39 pm AEST

    NO GBA SLOT??? ARE YOU CRAZY??? I WAS BUMMED THAT I COUNDNT PLAY THE ORIGINAL GB GAMES!!!!

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 2 users agree
  • hobobski

    Posted Apr 14, 2008 11:47 am AEST

    I still use my original DS, and like the weight better than the Lite.
    although this is a good money-maiking idea.
    seriously, how many people do you know with an origimnal and a lite.
    A lot.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • Trogeton

    Posted Apr 13, 2008 7:14 pm AEST

    LOL.. .lame idea... everyone will stay with the ds or dslite.... DON'T go on with this nintendo.. it will fail like the gameboy micro

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 7 users agree
  • GoldenBlackness

    Posted Apr 13, 2008 3:55 pm AEST

    I own an original DS, and after three years it's still in very good condition. I was planning on getting a DS Lite but I'll be happy to wait a little longer until this new one arrives in Canada. Also, I don't have any problem with the lack of a GBA slot, but it's probably because I beat all my GBA games long ago and don't really care for them now.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • cd19

    Posted Apr 13, 2008 11:06 am AEST

    I understand why people are upset about the lack of a GBA slot, but honestly it's not a huge deal. I still have my GBA SP and can play those games anytime I want. Let's say your a GBA owner and you want to get a DS for playing DS games. Then this new system will be your best choice, as you will have the largest screens to hit a portable Nintendo system in history, and it will also be a lot thinner, to a point where you could probably keep it in your pocket.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 2 users agree
  • CornishRocker

    Posted Apr 13, 2008 2:53 am AEST

    Yeah, The lack of GBA port doesn't make me want to buy it. I've wanted a DS for a while now, but I'll wait it out a little longer to see what turns up from Nintendo.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 2 users agree
  • ShadowTheHHFan

    Posted Apr 13, 2008 12:47 am AEST

    The major lack of GBA slot disturbs me to complete ****in end.

    This may turn out to be a bad move on Nintendos end. BUT. Seeing as Nintendo has taken risks before. Like gearing towards casual players on the Wii. It's possible they maybe able to pull this off.

    Of course I wont be buying it unless they make the games ONLY for that new version. My tank of a original DS works just fine for me.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 4 users agree
  • Shaymojack

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 8:33 pm AEST

    No GBA slot? What'll happen to stuff like Pokemon transfers? I'm expecting some sort of overpriced external GBA slot.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 2 users agree
  • eggmcmuff

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 7:47 pm AEST

    If this thing were engineered to play the GameCube li'l discs, it would destroy. I don't say that as a fan, I say that as a guy who'd buy his first Nintendo product in a long, long time.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • NirdBerd

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 5:20 pm AEST

    I still have a fat ds only, but with a skin..heh, this is now a good time to instead get a ds lite like i planned, wait for this great upcoming version

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • Ccooldudecool

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 2:33 pm AEST

    Heh should be interesting

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • bluej33

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 2:06 pm AEST

    I would be really happy if we got a DS redesign even as early as, say, this summer. My DS Lite of more than a year is starting to feel a little flimsy, to be honest -- whereas my regular DS is still in perfect condition, aside from a few scratches. I've even been thinking about picking up a new DSL but now I'll definitely hold off and wait for a DS redesign.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • skullkrusher9

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 11:31 am AEST

    No GBA Port = fail.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 3 users agree
  • The_Weekend

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 9:58 am AEST

    I would still be using my NDS lite to play my stuff ... not changing over!

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • slayersdeath200

    Posted Apr 12, 2008 3:49 am AEST

    im gonna agree with supersmashseal if there is no GBA port how the hell are you supposed to play GH on tour hope you sort that out Nintendo

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 1 users agree
  • CanalNoises

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 8:43 pm AEST

    @EssaregeeX-
    Windows Mobile? Bleh. If they're going to use a computer operating system, they should contract with Apple to have a slimmed-down version of Mac OS X (like the iPhone) or at least some version of Linux. And the DS Browser (Opera) *is* good, it's just really slow because of the DS's lack of memory. Adding tabs would be a must.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 1 users agree
  • vashkey

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 6:33 pm AEST

    It's a good thing I've waited it out. Hopefully this is true and if so hopefully it'll be out just in time for the Kingdom Hearts game for the DS.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • EssaregeeX

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 6:09 pm AEST

    I want a DS with blutooth and bigger screens, and better wifi, and windows mobile, and a good browser, and built in media capabilities, and a bilt in 64 gb SSD, and a................

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 2 users agree
  • Hikaru_Isamu

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 5:43 pm AEST

    I was about to trash talk the new DS, until I realized...

    I'll probably buy it.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 0 users agree
  • KnightsofRound

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 5:33 pm AEST

    Do we REALLY need another DS? The sad part is that people will buy this even though they probably already own an original DS or a DS Lite. Guess every company might as well release a slightly modified version of every console that exists every year to keep us shelling out pointless money to them.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 3 users agree
  • Zarroc96

    Posted Jan 26, 2008 5:43 pm AEST

    Wow, this is really perfect timing. I JUST got a onyx-colored DS Lite today. Just my luck.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 7 users agree
  • elfboy69

    Posted Dec 28, 2007 8:45 pm AEST

    So will this just be a nother remake? like going for DS to DS lite, Or a hole new system like going form GBA SP to DS?

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 8 users agree
  • uber1337ness

    Posted Dec 25, 2007 6:41 am AEST

    everyone complaining about buying a new ds the new ds isn't going to come out till sales of the dsl drop and not just a little basically nintendo will use the new ds as a saving throw if the ds sales ever drop also really the only thing that sucks about no gba port is no room for the rumble pack which some games rely on, also with built in memory nintendo might turn their little ds into an mp3 player

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 2 users agree
  • Whitewind617

    Posted Dec 13, 2007 8:09 pm AEST

    no GBA port??? isnt that almost needed?

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 4 users agree
  • lman013

    Posted Dec 5, 2007 2:57 pm AEST

    thanks...just about to buy a new ds..lol THANK U

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 1 users agree
  • sickside6

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 11:17 pm AEST

    Nice work nintendo.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 3 users agree
  • ahyumifan

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 11:06 pm AEST

    what the ???? NOW I gotta buy ANOTHER ONE? Oh thank you very much... I already got 1 DS and two DSL.. plz.. one more, then i can play the pokemon battle rev with myself.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 6 users agree
  • boobush

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 9:42 pm AEST

    Maybe it's gon be DS lit, you know, to make the word lighter. But seriously, what's the point of having an outdated DS when you can buy a newer one for less than $200 (my guess).

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 6 users agree
  • razu_gamer2

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 1:24 pm AEST

    Err shouldn't Nintendo be concentrating on DS2??

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 6 of 6 users agree
  • ArfenZard15

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 12:22 pm AEST

    Omg what? No GBA slot? Sounds like a bit of a mistake, maybe SP sales will go up?

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 6 users agree
  • f4t4lfury

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 10:01 am AEST

    Good! Hopefully consumers will stop buying the same (Madden) game over and over again! So then we can enjoy something new.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 4 users agree
  • metc123

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 4:38 am AEST

    The Nintendo got the DS Lite Hardware so Right that it cant stop selling......

    Cant see this new hardware surfacing anytime soon, theirs just no need until sales drop, in truth the DS Lite can and will sell for many years to come.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 4 users agree
  • ardandil

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 10:10 pm AEST

    i like my DS...

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 5 of 6 users agree
  • NWA_31

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 6:33 pm AEST

    I'd buy it... >_>

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 5 users agree
  • spelledarn

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 3:13 pm AEST

    Nothing wrong with this at all! The PS2 and even the old SNES went through a couple of new iterations to become smaller, cheaper and sleeker.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 3 of 3 users agree
  • Timotht

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 11:52 am AEST

    Hmm does this mean they will need a new web browser version and will it have expanded memory included as without the gba slot you cant expand it?

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 0 of 2 users agree
  • ert47

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 9:55 am AEST

    hmm... odds on it being called "Nintendo DS Tiny Slim Lite"?

    Then give it a year then Sony will release the "PSP Nano Tiny Slim Lite" ¬¬

    well the best thing nintendo could do is to move the position of the on Switch on the Lite back to where it originally was on the Phat or just move it to the bottom, I cant stand switching off the DS when I'm midway through a game because I don't wait long enough to look at the blinking light...

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 2 of 3 users agree
  • FlauM

    Posted Nov 18, 2007 9:07 am AEST

    stubby_01
    Drop price and it'll be perfect

    Indeed.

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 4 users agree
  • Takara_Kitsune

    Posted Nov 17, 2007 11:17 pm AEST

    I'd buy it. I've got the Electric Blue DS. While that pretty much says "Hey, I bought this six months after the DS hit the market!" that's exactly what it says. I bought mine the day the Electric Blue hit the shelves. ^^; If this new model has anything special to offer, such as, say... more battery life, I'd definitely be all for it. Of course, by no means would I retire my old DS entirely. As stated by others, it's definitely good to have around for Pokemon transfers. And... I'm sort of a collector of game systems. However, I also agree with the comments that this could be another Gameboy Micro. However, there is one fatal flaw in that theory, which I hadn't taken into account until just now: The Gameboy Micro was released after the DS was released. Meaning, people were more likely to go for the DS then the GB Micro. So, unless Nintendo tosses another new handheld on the market before the new model of DS hits the stores, I don't think it's a concern. (Although even if it is a repeat of the Micro in sales, well... I'll still buy it... depending on whether or not the design catches my eye!)

    • Login to rate this comment
    • 1 of 2 users agree
advertisement

Related Content

Matches based on text similarity.

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories