Nintendo's Miyamoto: We're thinking about a future generation handheld

Nintendo's Miyamoto: We're thinking about a future generation handheld

Wed 13 Jun 2012 6:20pm GMT / 2:20pm EDT / 11:20am PDT
Hardware

The creator of Mario doesn't think Nintendo will bother with a revision of the 3DS

Nintendo's focus at E3 was obviously on its new Wii U hardware, but the 3DS continues to remain a hugely important pillar in the company's business. Despite the growing popularity of gaming on smartphones and tablets, Nintendo is confident that its role in providing dedicated handhelds will still be viable. In fact, Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed that Nintendo's already considering what to put in a next-gen handheld.

Speaking to IGN, when Miyamoto was asked about Nintendo's pattern of revising handhelds with new models, Miyamoto commented that it's unlikely Nintendo will do a makeover on 3DS. Many have guessed that Nintendo would soon unveil a new 3DS to better incorporate the 3DS circle pad add-on.

"I really feel like I'm satisfied with the 3DS hardware as it is. I feel like it's the best for this generation," Miyamoto remarked. Miyamoto added that Nintendo's always thinking about what's next. "What we're thinking about right now is probably going to be for a future generation of handheld," he said.

So what about that second circle pad? Miyamoto believes that most software can be designed to leverage the 3DS's gyroscope as a way to meet that need.

5 Comments

I really, *really* hope they release at least one iteration of the hardware. It needs:
- bigger screen (better 3D if possible)
- second analog (+ back buttons, etc)
- redesigned "3-layer" case
- longer lasting/more powerful battery

"Miyamoto believes that most software can be designed to leverage the 3DS's gyroscope as a way to meet that need"

Problem is, the gyroscope fails horribly with any 3D game.

...

I think its more likely that the 3DS is doing so well ATM (and the PSV so badly), Nintendo has no interest in disrupting this balance. They can design this, and hold it off until its needed.

Posted:11 months ago

#1

Let's hope it can make phone calls.
Otherwise it is dead.

Posted:11 months ago

#2

Keldon Alleyne
Handheld Developer

The average DS consumer buys 4 games in their first year and two games a year after that. So long as people still want to play Pokemon, Mario and the many other handheld franchises I don't think Nintendo has to do anything - it would be pretty cool and can't be ruled out. But I can't imagine all the fans of the key games refusing to buy the next Nintendo handheld because it doesn't make calls or directly connect to the Internet.

The smartphone user usually wants available apps and gadgets (or just a cool phone). If Nintendo were to go that route they would have to decide on whether they differentiate from Smart and Feature Phones greatly or not. And I doubt Nintendo will make a platform that suits the average app developer anyway.

Now having an Internet connection or a deal with BT's OpenZone would be very useful for on the go gaming.

Posted:11 months ago

#3

Matthew Eakins
Technical Lead

@Bruce You mean the way making phone calls is pushing Vita sales? (Oh Snap! See what I did there?)

Seriously though, a new iteration with a second analog stick should be very seriously considered. The circle pad add on was tantamount to Nintendo admitting they made a mistake in their original design.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Matthew Eakins on 14th June 2012 1:45pm

Posted:11 months ago

#4

Rick Lopez
illustrator, designer, DJ

I just want another circle pad on the 3ds... is that too much to ask for???? and a second set of shoulder buttons wouldnt hurt.

Posted:11 months ago

#5

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