The C-E staff give their views on gaming's most important issues.

So then, the Nintendo DS. What can we say? It was shocking stuff. So far pretty much all we know is the astonishing fact that it is a handheld with two screens. Two of them! So, first impressions then, from our staff, as well as the first of our special Roundtable guests; Fabian Sluga.

Our distinguished guest is Managing Editor of N-Zone, Germany's biggest Nintendo magazine.

What are your initial thoughts on the Nintendo DS?

Fabian:

Nintendo is always good for a surprise. We all knew that. This time I was surprised by the relative early news (compared to Nintendo-standards), Nintendo released on the revolutionary console, that the Japanese game-giant hyped for month. But are two displays really that revolution everyone was hoping for? Most gamers are already swamped with one display I think my imagination is simply not innovative enough, to think about games, where a second display is essential. The other aspect is, does Nintendo really need a third product besides GameCube und Game Boy Advance? It won't be easy for Nintendo to market a new portable console. Game Boy Advance already is a huge success, PSP will - backed by Sony's marketing power - definitely be a solid one.

A problem for Nintendo could also be the lack of third-party-games. Most of the developers, if even one, don't even have development kits right now. But good games take time. Nevertheless I am very excited about the Nintendo DS. The two displays could provide a whole new approach for gaming, but it all depends on the games. And to be honest, we don't really know anything about the Nintendo DS. So let's wait and see what Nintendo is going to show at E3 in May...

Iun:

To my mind, it sounds like a bit of a damp squib... I mean, no connectivity announced with the other two systems and this is supposed to be the "Third Pillar"? I thought pillars were supposed to distribute weight and give support to one another? But then again, details are sketchy so we can't make any rash assumptions.

Also, can Nintendo really support a third platform? I mean REALLY? I just think that the market is overwhelmed as it is, plus what with the release of the GBA SP not so long ago, surely it would have been better to wait for a little longer and make a direct bid to torpedo the PSP. But no, as always it's doing its own thing -much to the puzzlement of everyone else.

The specs so far look good enough, not mind blowing, but good enough. I'd have liked to have heard more about publisher support and games types for the unit, but we'll have to wait til E3. One thing is for certain, it's got everyone taliking about it, generating a lot of publicity. Even if it does sound like a damp squib...

However, as with a few damp squibs, stick it in the shed for a while to really dry it off, and maybe -just maybe you'll get a good fireworks show.

Mark:

Excellent! It's marvellous to see that Nintendo haven't lost that rebellious spirit. We obviously know very little about the DS at present, but the very idea of it sends a shiver down my spine, thinking of the possible applications of it. It is a fabulous idea- the challenge now is to back it up with some games that take full advantage of the system. This of course means that all games produced for the DS are going to be exclusive to the DS- this means that Nintendo are going to have to bear the brunt of development. It is possible that the DS will go the way of the Virtual Boy- both are innovative offshoots of existing consoles that do something decidedly different. But let's hope that Nintendo can avoid that. I applaud Nintendo wholeheartedly for the DS- let's face it, innovation is Nintendo's middle name and it's fantastic to see them trying to outdo themselves rather than settling into a comfortable idea-less rut. Sure, it may not be a commercial success, but that's besides the point. Tentatively, as we know almost nothing about it yet, I would say that the DS is a good move- it has huge potential, provided Nintendo can properly exploit the dual-screen advantage. The only limit is Nintendo's imagination. And, judging on past performances, there's no shortage of ideas in Kyoto.

The DS is the sort of thing we want Nintendo to be making.

Steve:

Interesting...

It's great to see Nintendo pulling off their old tricks, keeping things quiet then BAM, new hardware, the Nintendo DS.

My first impressions are that it's sounding pretty good, although I would like to know some more details before passing judgement.

Wildo:

I'm not all that sure of what to think. There isn't much you can say really of the DS itself as there is very little information. In fact the only thing we do know is that it has 2 processors and 2 screens.

The fact that Nintendo have released this information now is another thing but is just as important to consider when talking about the DS. Nintendo have people the world over discussing this piece of hardware, which in escence is provinding them some very cheap publicity indeed.

Sony have released info on its PSP, so people are starting to get hyped up about that. So what do Nintendo go and do, they go and release info on their new little project which is in fact a 3rd project, as a stand alone instead of a new Game Boy. Plenty of hype but people seem to be thinking that the DS will be a failure already, yet they know nothing about it. I say wait for E3 to give us any information on it and then see what Nintendo can deliver, then allow yourself to digest it all, and finally discuss and compare to your hearts content, don't just blow it out of the sky too soon. We know what Nintendo are like, so lets just hope they deliver again.

Dan:

Quite an announcement, was it not? Really took me off guard. I for one was not expecting hardware to the extent that they have announced. Although I have to say I'm not really sure what I was expecting.

I do have to say I am pleasently surprised, and am in no way dissatisfied. This new screen idea can really open up some nice opportunities for gaming (if utitilized by companies) and I can't wait to see what they can come up with. Next, I must see what the specs of this new 'innovation' is, and what games will go on it. Is it the next Gameboy? I heard it wasn't...so are old GBA games going to play on it? I want some more info Nintendo!

Anyways...pleasantly surprised...

Er-no:

I normally have lots to say when it comes to Roundtables. I normally mention how much I dislike Microsoft or how much I support a certain game. This announcement of the Nintendo DS is just baffling? I'm not sure what else to say. If Nintendo want it to succeed it better look so damn beautiful it just cries 'buy me'. No further comment.

Tom:

Erm, much to my disappointment, I don't really get what Nintendo are trying to do here? Why do you want to be able to see two screens at once, surely it means you can't fully concentrate on either screen?

There is clearly a LOT of information still being hidden by Nintendo about this, as at the moment it seems pointless. I am afraid I currently fall into the 90% who aren't going to be happy with this.

James:

An intriguing idea, but like Platty, I'm reserving judgement until I see it 'in action' as it were.

Jayseven:

..so am I the only person excited by the prospect of this, and what it could mean?

Two screens can double the possibilities (or at least that's what nintendo will say!).. or at least double what's going on at any one time on the screen(s). It can come in handy for using gadgets in Splinter Cell/MGS/Bond styleé games, or in games like Resident Evil 0 where you have 2 characters, it opens up the possibility of seeing how safe your character is at all times so you could switch between them as you see something bad may be about to happen..

Now, Nintendo have said this is a third product to stand along side the GC and GBA yes? Well...what's their current "theme"? Why, it's connectivity! Surely Nintendo have some smart plans to use connectivity in some way? Is that a good thing? Not a clue...

There's a LOT of things we still don't know yet -- the layout of the screens... apparently there'll be one above the other, and they're able to be used as one whole screen or two seperate ones, which suggests that they'll be touching.. but maybe they aren't! We don't fully know the powers of the machine; what graphics/sounds/even gameplay is possible? We don't know how the controls will work either! Suggestions are that it's a pad with a screen in the middle -- GC-style pad or like a GBA? Could that give a clue to the possible connectivities? We don't know what the developer support is yet, but if it's to be shown at E3 then developers either have already seen it or will do soon! Back to connectivity; will it connect to other 'DS'es as well as/or GC/GBA? Will it have any multimedia at all?

Is a third console just asking for too much from gamers? I myself don't even have a GBA yet so where does that leave me? Will it be cheap? Will it have a headphone socket!

Is it possible that THERE ARE TOO MANY QUESTIONS AND NOT ENOUGH ANSWERS? All I know is... er.. it has two screens!

Bas:

It's a surprising move which has me made quite curious about the machine. It's also a bold move. Whereas Sony introduces a system that lies close to people's expectations and desires (it sounds cool; play film, music and games close to PS2 quality), Nintendo does something completely different, pushing the industry in different directions. They should be commended for having the guts (or plain stupidity) to do so.

However, innovation for its own sake is not good. Though I may think in terms of conventional (single screen) gaming, I'm not sure if it's really such a great invention. But apparently Nintendo think it's worth making a second handheld beside GBA - even in the same price class as the GBA - so it must be worth it, right?

I'm skeptical, but also willing to give the DS a chance. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised.

bas:

Is this the revolutionary piece of hardware nintendo is bragging about? If so, then how? I don't see the potential or the difference between a normal handheld, other than the dual screen.

But maybe when I get to see the thing work, I will have a change of heart and fall in love with it. But so far the only thing I can think of is that Nintendo is competing against itself.

Ash:

It's interesting and I will keep an eye on it. We don't know much about it at the moment, and if your not technically-minded (which I'm not) we know even less. I look forward to E3 to see this little piece of hardware and what Nintendo plan to do with it. I'm even more interested to see what it looks like, as the amount of mock-(and there's a double meaning there)ups is getting a bit stupid.

I am sick already of people whining, don't judge it until you have seen and played it. It works for the other side as well, don't go round shouting the Nintendo DS will change us all. Iwata himself said it's a unique thing, not designed for everyone. You may be a Nintendo fan but it doesn't mean you have to buy everything they ever bring out. People are condemning Nintendo to a life of bad sales and shouting how crap they are but don't be quick to judge. If you don't like it don't buy it. Surely you don't go to a football match and moan about hating football do you? Or buy a dog and then bitch about how much you hate dogs to your friends?

Tim:

That is the Nintendo I know - suprising everybody with new and innovative products! I am very curious to see what this product will entail. I have read the rumours and seen the sketches... they are all very intriguing but not real of course. The Nintendo DS can still turn out to be anything. Will it be some sort of device, which influences your brain by displaying two differnt things so it looks like you are playing a game in 3D? Will it just be a luxerious handheld with two screens; football on the one screen, the scoreboard on the other? Will it shock the gaming industry? Will it be a turnaround for Nintendo? I don't know...

I can only tell you what I hope it will be...

I am hoping it will be a gaming device, which will turn the gaming industry upside-down, in a positive way. I hope it will impress the gamers and developers so much it will be the coolest thing to have. I hope it will start a new era in gaming, and allows you to experience and develop games on an entire new level. Maybe there will even be new game genres created for the DS because it can do so much more.

I guess we will just have to wait until the E3 to see what it is. Hopefully, it will be somewhat close to what I hope it will be... I mean they didn't announce the Pokémon Mini with such a fuss. It has to be a little innovative and cool, right?

Javid:

Honestly I wasn't over excited. Big deal, it's a new product with 2 screens. I personally don't see many ways this can be utilised in enough inventful ways to make it an essential perchase. However, I will refrain from judging too early as I know Nintendo wouldn't make such an important move without considering the future and obviously they have a few tricks up their sleeve. Come on, it's Nintendo, they always do.. right? Well' as everyone has already said, we shall wait and see and hopefully become more entranced into the DS as we get more info and actually see what the baby is going to look like. Exciting stuff, if a little worrying at the same time.

Conor:

It's hard to know what to think, to be honest. I'm a little disappointed, and a little excited. Perhaps curious would be more suitable. Yes, that'll do. Curious it is.

Potential is the word here. The dual screen format offers a wealth of possibilities, it's now up to developers to make good use of them. I really hope this isn't one of those innovations that end up as just gimmicks, with little substance behind it, forgotten in a whimper. But it probably won't, considering the weight Nintendo seem to be putting behind it. We do need more info though, especially some games details. So, E3 it is then.

What do you guys think of the DS? Excited, or bemused perhaps?