You remember GameBoy? The handheld that basically created the handheld market. Recently we have heard much less from Nintendo of the GameBoy line and more of the DS line. Some may argue that both can not exist in the same marketplace because they are basically the same. Some have even implied that GBA is the end of that line, I beg to differ.
It would be arrogant for Nintendo not to upgrade their handheld lineup in 2008. Graphics have come along way and their are some new technologies that can be implemented into their handhelds. But hold on, the DS still has alot of life in it. It would be stupid for Nintendo to take away the current DS and replace it with another device. Why? Because developers continue to work on projects for the DS and they will continue to announce new projects. So what is Nintendo suppose to do? Should they leave everything like it is and not improve the DS with a successor or should they release a new DS when the first is still popular. And might I add that there isnt much more you could add to the DS to improve it other that graphics.
That’s where the Game Boy line comes out. We know that the GBA line up should die this year or early next year at the latest. We also know that the DS hardware cost will decrease, as allways. So Nintendo will likely pull something like last time around with DS being a improved ‘addition’ to the newly created ‘three pillars’. I see the DS taking GBAs spot in the next year as the new GameBoy rolls out. It is a sensible move by droping the DS price down to $99 and the new GB to something similar to the current DS price or a bit higher.
I myself see something similar to the PSP in the future of the GB lineup. It will allow for games that were not able to be produced well on the DS platform. Im talking about games like Super Smash Bros., Metroid Prime, and others. Sure they can be achieved on the DS but with 2 small screens it doesnt seem logical. One big screen would make more sense for alot of games. Don’t get me wrong I love my DSlite, but I think that Nintendo could bring back the gameboy line and make the DS specifically for certain games.
This would make alot more sense because DS is marketed more towards casual gamers and not many would go for such a pricy item for entertain (so a price drop would be beneficial), while gamers are willing to spend the cash to get what we want. So ultimetly Nintendo could open up the DS to a bigger market while cashing in on something new for the gaming market.
So who know will Nintendo bring back the GameBoy brand, only time will tell. But signs point to it expecially since the Wii launched with a similar objective.
What is your take on this?
May not happen though since Nintendo doesnt care about graphics