DS Claims EU Dominance 172
Gamasutra reports that, at least in the EU, the Nintendo DS has the portable war pretty much locked up for the time being. 200,000 units of the DS Lite were sold in the ten days after its launch. From the article: "According to Nintendo of Europe, the Nintendo DS has now secured the lead in the handheld market in Europe, with sales of the format exceeding 5 million. No sales figures from Sony are available to compare directly, with only a "shipped" figure of almost 6 million for all territories bar North America and Japan." Interestingly, 136,500 units were sold in the United States in just the first two days after the handheld console's launch.
Hmm... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Hmm... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Hmm... (Score:3, Insightful)
Neither does Apple (Score:2)
You ever got raped by Apple? Poor bastard. Nobody forces you to buy Apple's products, so "rape" is hardly the correct term.
Second, while Apple's computers and MP3 players aren't cheap, they simply do not cost more than comparable products.
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Re:Hmm... (Score:2, Insightful)
That's a big difference from Apple's tiny minority.
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Re:Hmm... (Score:2)
If you want a console you always consider options and always consider nintendo as one of many. There's always competition, and the market in in such a flux that it's really hard to keep any "brand loyalty". Not like in PCs where no matter what you choose in means of hardware, it's still a PC. PCs aren't going to go anytime soon and there's no crisis in the PC world. Apple is not going to grab most of the market in the near future and PC is not going to leave anyti
Re:Hmm... (Score:2)
Re:Hmm... (Score:5, Insightful)
Firstly, there is a difference in the two portable units, which is emphasized in the advertising campaigns. The Nintendo DS is a portable gaming system, whereas Sony has been marketing the PSP as a portable multi-media system in hopes of capturing a wider demographic.
Secondly, there is the content available for either device. Nintendo has many titles available for the DS, most of them exclusive to the device if not just the brand. Sony has a number of titles available for the PSP, but not so many original concepts or exclusive to the PSP alone. For instance, "Liberty City Stories" has just been released for the PS2. For those who may have been contemplating purchasing a PSP simply to play the exclusive PSP version of Grand Theft Auto now have more options, including to having to purchase a PSP to play the game.
Thirdly, there is a certain out-of-the-box quality that should be expected from a portable device. Every PSP owner I have encountered has taken the time to show me the capabilities of the device. Not once was the focus of the PSP it's own line of games, but other games it could play. PSP owners would show me the vast library of NES and MAME titles they had installed. However, when I asked if that was available out of the box, I was informed that it took some work to get the resulted library.
Not that I would think it would not take work, but if the existing game library (import titles or no) is not the focus for the device owner, there is a good chance that the device will not succeed.
I see the PSP hanging around for a bit, yet. There is still a chance for a comeback. It is an interesting machine, I have no doubt about that. It simply needs a steady line of original titles that are something more than what has already been seen on the device.
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Not that I care too much... I'm far more interested in writing new (though not terribly original
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If I want something like the PSP I guess I would wait for Gameboy 2 or whatever it might be called
Re:Hmm... (Score:2)
When standing in lines, sitting in waiting rooms, or riding on planes, it's nice that I have a choice of popping in a game (i.e., Katamari, Bleach, Stand Alone Complex, or GTA), or simply kicking back and watching anime videos. (I rip them from DVD on my Mac using a program called Handbrake, then dump them into the attached 4 GB HD on the PSP.)
The DS Lite is also an impressive gadget, and it looks like s
Re:Hmm... (Score:2)
But it's more than that, though. It's about value judgements. Whether companies should strive for innovation, or simply tack on as many features as possible. The idea is that, the winning business philosophy will inspire other companies in other industries to follow. To me,
Why I care (Score:2)
Adding to 7Prime's answer:
For me, the last decade has been a "dark age" for gaming. Ever since the PlayStation became the biggest brand in console gaming, games have been more and more about awesome graphics and "adult-targeted" franchises. Me, I prefer fun little games I
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In other words, no.
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DS Rul3z (Score:5, Funny)
I have to say I'm impressed with the DS. It is the first portable console I have ever gotten and I am playing metroid constantly.
I've always had a bit of a nintendo bias, but these days I'm nearly becoming a fanboy. Something has really changed at the company. They seem to be making all the right moves.
They must all be playing brain training all the time. Their brains are way younger than those Sony execs...
Pablo
That's what happens when you actually have games (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:That's what happens when you actually have game (Score:2, Insightful)
UK (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:UK (Score:3, Interesting)
Bo knows gaming (Score:4, Interesting)
It's especially fascinating to see Nintendo out-Sony Sony! The DS has great games with tiny load times, innovative display and control schemes, a low price, and backward compatibility. It's the big seller by an enormous margin even though the graphics pale in comparison to the very pretty PSP, which has loads of (severely locked-down) additional features, but I think people are much more comfortable carrying a clamshell portable game system than a scratch-prone beauty queen.
There are so many markets where the biggest names get the biggest sales, regardless of quality (fear not, I won't start my iPod rant). However, in the gaming world I feel fairly safe going with the crowd.
Big kudos to Nintendo for the DS. They've earned all the fanfare.
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:3, Insightful)
As much as I like the sentiment, that just ain't always the case. Ask Sega about it.
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:5, Interesting)
I would like to add to your comment that I have noticed the gaming industry is one of the most heavily-scrutinized industries by its consumers. This is a good thing.
To give you an idea of what I'm talk about, think about the automotive industry for a moment. It's a huge industry, and it's got a wide group of consumers, each of whom have their own understandings about the machine and those who make and sell them. Most people know very little about the real functionality and merit of the vehicles themselves, but usually make their purchasing decisions based on price (some people want shiny, expensive, things) and product loyalty. Honestly, how many people do you know are familiar not only with autos themselves, but understand the dynamics of the industry as a whole (including politics, alignment, strategies, past products, current products, future products) and can speculate the significance of each morsel? It amazes me to sit and watch a bunch of people my age (youngsters--20 and under) sit and analyze the video game industry. Some people are on a first name basis with numerous individuals in the industry, from business men to engineers!
I've seen people do this to sports and music, and I guess it's natural with video games because it is also a great form of entertainment and treasured pastime. It's too bad people can't be this concerned about politics. :)
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:2)
Actually, there are lots and LOTS of people like this. There is an enormous "car culture" in the United States replete with otherwise un-tech-savvy folks who probably can't set their VCR clock but can nonetheless tell you the pu
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:2)
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:2)
Re:Bo knows gaming (Score:2)
Uhm... (Score:2)
Have you ever seen a Gamecube in action? If so, are you insane?
Compare Resident Evil 4 on the Cube and the PS2. Nuff said.
Uhm, no? (Score:2)
But the Xbox where cheaper than a PS2 in the later part wasn't it? And it had a better DVD-player, xbox live, a harddrive, better hardware.
The gamecube also
Interestingly enough (Score:2, Insightful)
Perhaps the future of the console wars does not rely on power as much as everybody thinks. I wouldn't be suprised in the least to see the Wii take the #1 slot in the next gen market (Even if it is a Gamecube++).
Still no WPA support (Score:2, Interesting)
Of course the GP2x has no built in WiFi at all, but it does seem like a missed opportunity for a product revision this late in the WEP-is-broken world.
Re:Still no WPA support (Score:2)
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Region-free=good (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Region-free=good (Score:4, Interesting)
The only real competitor of the DS is the PSP which is region-free, too (well, for games, but the DS is no movie player). So I really don't see how that would make a difference; I doubt many people replace their PS2/GCN/Xbox with a handheld because it's region-free.
The first real test to your theory will be the next-gen consoles because the PS3 is region-free (well, for games...) while the 360 isn't; iirc the Wii will be region-free, too, but I'm not sure.
Re:Region-free=good (Score:2, Interesting)
The original Xbox had this as well. I had a friend bring some games he purchased in Canada when he was living there back to Australia,
Re:Region-free=good (Score:2)
Re:Region-free=good (Score:2)
Handheld consoles sold in Europe use NTSC video timing, the same as their counterparts sold anywhere else. Compatibility with European televisions and 50Hz electricity may be a factor in home console release schedules, but is irrelevant when discussing battery-operated handhelds.
Re:Region-free=good (Score:2)
Re:Region-free=good (Score:2)
Its several things... (Score:2)
The form factor is amazing: it really is pocket-comfortable.
The gameplay is innovative: The touchscreen is producing some very cool results, including a lot of non-gamer games
The price is good: About 150 euro after VAT
Battery life is better: no moving parts.
And the number of games is impressive: backwards compatibility is a big win.
No wonder the DS is kicking the PSP's butt.
Re:Its several things... (Score:2)
Re:Its several things... (Score:2)
The DS Lite is about an inch shorter than the PSP, and pretty much the same on other dimensions. The clam shell design certainly makes it more pocket friendly though. On the other hand, I find the PSP more comfortable to actually use.
A number of the PSP games are pretty good, and I like the touchscreen too. MarioKart is cool, Brain Age is surprisingly addictive and my GF loves the new Mario game. However, I can't say I hav
Re:Its several things... (Score:2)
Re:Its several things... (Score:2)
I don't have as many DS games yet, but I have have to say that the games for the PSP are way more impressive. But the DS games are kind of fun too, so it works out. Here in Sweden the DS games aren't that much cheaper though, and they are not really worth as much as the PSP games IMHO.
Re:Not all of those things... (Score:2)
Re:Not all of those things... (Score:2, Interesting)
The other poster mentioned Trauma Center and Kirby. But that's not all!
The game [capcom.com] where you're a lawyer and can literally yell objection.
Yoshi Touch and Go [nintendods.com] which requires heavy use of the stylus.
Meteos [nintendods.com] which would be a different game without a touch screen (the ability to "launch" blocks with the stylus is half the game).
The Pac Man [namco.com] game where the action is totally controlled by drawing.
Lost Magic [ubi.com] the first RPG with immersive spell casting.
Trace Memory [tracememory.com] mak
Re:Not all of those things... (Score:2)
Nothing at all like Sony's $600 virtual pet [epinions.com].
comparison (Score:2, Insightful)
Nintendo simply takes a different lane on the same road
Re:comparison (Score:2)
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Well (Score:2)
One thing I don't understand... (Score:2)
In-Store Marketing (Score:2)
Re:DS in US (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
In many ways the PSP is the model for the PS3, high end specs and design sacrifices made to accomodate a new form of video playback. Would Sony have been better off if they never launched the PSP? If they hadn't, we wouldn't all have a mental model of exactly how they're going
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
http://www.videogamecharts.com/page5.html [videogamecharts.com]
Given the actual sales numbers before the DS lite became available, are you still
Amongst those of us on the internet the DS is perfect, the PSP is dying and everyone is anticipating the wii, but we don't always echo the sentiments of the mainstream public whose spending dollars far exceed ours.
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
As for where their numbers come from: "Most numbers are [cited] from NPD, Media Create, Famitsu, or Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft press releases/financial reports."
Re:DS in US (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
It's very practical though.
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Although it doesn't work with all games on my PSP... Seems the game needs to cooperate if you want to use this feature.
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
But with the PSP it's kind of needed, and note, this is not the worst case scenario, even thought it's pretty bad: DS vs PSP [youtube.com].
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Yeah. The suspend-on-close is a really good feature, especially with the fast wake up time. Also, my DS can keep up that cycle for about two-three days, depending on how much gaming I actually do, before it has to be recharged.
What irks me is that game reviewers appear not to know of this feature. I've seen several game reviews already that complain about the game not having a pause function. Wel d'oh! that's what you use the suspend for. Just close the shell, wham! instant pause, and lowered power consump
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Out of curiosity, how much are you considering "a reasonable price?" Looking for something to tide me over until SquidgeSnes on the GP2X runs a bit better.
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
"We've all been there on the GTA games, however the new 3d ones seem to streamline the process of beating the game to death into the space of under an hour." -Reaperman on GP32X.com
Says it all.
Re:DS in US (Score:2)
Just trying to tell you the PSP didn't 'Destroy' anything in the US. It mearly sold faster for the first few months. The DS has b
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
The DS Lite has only been available in the US for a month, so I haven't had it quite that long, but it's actually standing up quite well to abuse. The corner buttons get a bit dirty, but the shell itself is still pristine, despite the fact that I carry it around in the same pocket as my keys. My black iPod, on the other hand, looks rather beat up with all the fingerprints and scratches. I'm not sure i
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
Mr Clean Magic Eraser (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
White DS is VERY durable. (Score:2)
Had I been given the choice in Japan's colors, I would've gone for the Ice Blue DS, but I'm not disappointed in the least with owning a white one.
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
It does attract fingerprints, but they wipe easily and it looks like awesome wrapped up to go.
Re:Kill Whitey (Score:2)
I heard the black one was much bigger than the white one. But that yellow one was so tiny!
Re:Gameboy (Score:2)
http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/708/708063p1.html [ign.com]
Re:Gameboy (Score:2)
Althought the DS can be overclocked to atleast 113+57MHz from original 66+33MHz, see this thread at chipper.se [chipper.se] and also this mov [youtube.com]
Re:Good for Nintendo (Score:2)
A game like Syphon Filter is damned impressive to play on a portable console.
Re:Good for Nintendo (Score:2)
Sadly that means I'm not a hardcore gamer because aside from GTA I've not been impressed with my PSP. The DS goes everywhere with me, while the PSP languishes waiting for something interesting that's not a PS2 port to be released for it...
Re:Good for Nintendo (Score:2)
Perhaps I should have used another term to describe that. And yet again perhaps you should not spend your time trying to be offended by what other people write.
The terms needed to describe the games is not needed though. While I like the games I have on the DS (though I have Resident Evil and I have to say I'm not cr
Re:Good for Nintendo (Score:2)
Ohhhhh...
Like Halo!! I get it.
Re:I own both and must say I am torn (Score:2)
I also have both of them and I have to say I agree with most of your observations. Although not wrt the screen quality. I have two PSPs (one white, one black) and I know about 10 more people who has one (or more), I don't think anyone has a dead pixel. OTOH I got a stuck pixel on my DS Lite.
Re:I own both and must say I am torn (Score:2)
Re:I own both and must say I am torn (Score:2)
But the store I bought it in replaces it directly the first month.
Re:I own both and must say I am torn (Score:2)
Re:Higher Sales due to DS Black Resellers (Score:2)