Developers have reacted positively to news of Nintendo's new 3D-capable DS console, predicting that 3D will give it the edge over smartphones as a gaming device, and give gamers a reason to buy new hardware.

They have also pointed to Nintendo's track record with hardware, saying that there is no reason to underestimate what it can deliver, providing it gets the price point right.

"If it were any other company I would be sceptical of what is being promised, but Nintendo has an incredible track record when it comes to hardware and I would never underestimate them," Blue Fang COO Scott Triola told GamesIndustry.biz.

Blue Fang has created games for DS and iPhone, including DS title World of Zoo published by THQ at the end of last year.

"I have not been convinced by the overall consumer electronics push for 3D televisions, but I am excited about the prospect of Nintendo delivering 3D without the need for glasses," added Triola.

"As always, price point will be important as I don't think the general consumer will be willing to pay a large premium if the main benefit is the 3D image."

However, he said that one concern for developers would be compatibility with older DS models.

"As a developer, I would hope that games developed for the 3DS would also work on the existing DS platforms - albeit in 2D. Having to develop (and distribute) a separate product specifically for the 3DS would be a big drawback, at least initially."

Paul Gouge, CEO of Ideas Pad - a studio which recently released DS game Puzzler World - expressed some caution too, pointing out that 3D will only be relevant for certain game experiences.

"It's important to remember that 3D will only work for certain types of game and only certain demographics will be interested in this," he said, adding that the studio's first impressions was still wholly positive.

"As a dedicated handheld gaming device distinct from the iPhone/Smartphones it is important for Nintendo to innovate to give gamers a reason to buy new hardware and in doing so this clearly opens the door for new 3D gaming possibilities.

"We are equally interested to hear about the other features the device will incorporate, such as dual touch screens, accelerometers, 3G connectivity etcetera. It will also be fascinating to learn more about how Nintendo expect to evolve the digital distribution environment and publishing model in light of the success of the App Store," he added.

Powerhead Games - the New York-based developer of DSiWare game Glow Artisan - expressed a similar hope that Nintendo will use the release of the 3DS to evolve its digital services.

"Adding 3D to the world's most popular handheld gaming system sounds like a recipe for success to us," said the studio's founder Jason Schreiber.

"Also, hopefully Nintendo will let DSi owners migrate their DSiWare games to the 3DS as part of a more integrated shop experience. We're looking forward to more announcements and hands-on time for all at E3."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...e-track-record ...

Developers have reacted positively to news of Nintendo's new 3D-capable DS console, predicting that 3D will give it the edge over smartphones as a gaming device, and give gamers a reason to buy new hardware.

They have also pointed to Nintendo's track record with hardware, saying that there is no reason to underestimate what it can deliver, providing it gets the price point right.

"If it were any other company I would be sceptical of what is being promised, but Nintendo has an incredible track record when it comes to hardware and I would never underestimate them," Blue Fang COO Scott Triola told GamesIndustry.biz.

Blue Fang has created games for DS and iPhone, including DS title World of Zoo published by THQ at the end of last year.

"I have not been convinced by the overall consumer electronics push for 3D televisions, but I am excited about the prospect of Nintendo delivering 3D without the need for glasses," added Triola.

"As always, price point will be important as I don't think the general consumer will be willing to pay a large premium if the main benefit is the 3D image."

However, he said that one concern for developers would be compatibility with older DS models.

"As a developer, I would hope that games developed for the 3DS would also work on the existing DS platforms - albeit in 2D. Having to develop (and distribute) a separate product specifically for the 3DS would be a big drawback, at least initially."

Paul Gouge, CEO of Ideas Pad - a studio which recently released DS game Puzzler World - expressed some caution too, pointing out that 3D will only be relevant for certain game experiences.

"It's important to remember that 3D will only work for certain types of game and only certain demographics will be interested in this," he said, adding that the studio's first impressions was still wholly positive.

"As a dedicated handheld gaming device distinct from the iPhone/Smartphones it is important for Nintendo to innovate to give gamers a reason to buy new hardware and in doing so this clearly opens the door for new 3D gaming possibilities.

"We are equally interested to hear about the other features the device will incorporate, such as dual touch screens, accelerometers, 3G connectivity etcetera. It will also be fascinating to learn more about how Nintendo expect to evolve the digital distribution environment and publishing model in light of the success of the App Store," he added.

Powerhead Games - the New York-based developer of DSiWare game Glow Artisan - expressed a similar hope that Nintendo will use the release of the 3DS to evolve its digital services.

"Adding 3D to the world's most popular handheld gaming system sounds like a recipe for success to us," said the studio's founder Jason Schreiber.

"Also, hopefully Nintendo will let DSi owners migrate their DSiWare games to the 3DS as part of a more integrated shop experience. We're looking forward to more announcements and hands-on time for all at E3."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...e-track-record ...

The introduction of 3D to Nintendo's new handheld will likely breathe new life into the flagging DS market, according to industry analysts.

And it's expected that Nintendo will now hold a significant advantage over rival portable systems, such as Apple's iPhone and Sony's PSP system, by adopting and pushing a 3D agenda.

"Any new hardware, especially ones designed by Nintendo, will instantly get the third-party community excited about development," EEDAR's Jesse Divnich told GamesIndustry.biz.

"There is some inherent risk with going 3D, because the technology is still new and not yet an accepted standard in any entertainment industry; however, Nintendo is known for being well ahead of the curve." He added: "Even without the 3D, just being more powerful is still a refreshing announcement."

"I think Nintendo is right to keep innovating to protect its market share," offered Piers Harding-Rolls of Screen Digest. "There has been increasing pressure from the smartphone market, but generally Nintendo targets consumers that are commonly younger or older than both smartphone or PSP users.

"I believe it will keep on targeting these types of consumers and looking to differentiate itself in the market."

The DS market slowed in 2009, with publishers such as Ubisoft publicly stating they were moving from the system, as sales dropped and piracy continued to soar. But Harding-Rolls said that with the right buzz and early sales, there's no reason why Nintendo handheld gaming shouldn't become an attractive option once again.

"If it sells in significant numbers and proves popular then publishers will come," he said. "Some publishers will inevitably be more aggressive on the platform if they feel it has strong potential and will take the risk to invest earlier for launch or shortly after."

Divnich was very upbeat about Nintendo embracing 3D in games, echoing Andrew Oliver's comments that it will help the industry explore 3D gaming much more quickly.

"Nintendo jumping into 3D gaming is monumental to the 3D gaming movement," he said. "I think 3D gaming, with Nintendo's approval, will become an extended fad, but the word 'fad' carries way too many negative connotations when it shouldn't.

"Fads can last up to five years, and if some type of 3D gaming 'fad' can do the same, that would be huge for Nintendo. Some regard the Wii as a 'fad', and I don't in any way consider that a negative. Nintendo banked nearly $3 billion in profits because of the 'Wii fad'."

However, piracy could still remain an issue if Nintendo intends to continue its support for software delivered via cartridges - a favoured method due to cheap manufacturing costs.

"I would expect Nintendo to upgrade its anti-piracy measures on its new handheld," said Harding-Rolls. "This will help resist piracy, but it is likely to be cracked in the future like most games platforms."

"Piracy is always a cat and mouse game," added Divnich. "The only way to truly reset the game is to introduce new hardware with a new architecture.

"At least for the first few years piracy won't be an issue on a new Nintendo handheld, but long-term I don't see how you can truly stop piracy if your hardware accept archaic cartridges."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ivals-analysts ...

The introduction of 3D to Nintendo's new handheld will likely breathe new life into the flagging DS market, according to industry analysts.

And it's expected that Nintendo will now hold a significant advantage over rival portable systems, such as Apple's iPhone and Sony's PSP system, by adopting and pushing a 3D agenda.

"Any new hardware, especially ones designed by Nintendo, will instantly get the third-party community excited about development," EEDAR's Jesse Divnich told GamesIndustry.biz.

"There is some inherent risk with going 3D, because the technology is still new and not yet an accepted standard in any entertainment industry; however, Nintendo is known for being well ahead of the curve." He added: "Even without the 3D, just being more powerful is still a refreshing announcement."

"I think Nintendo is right to keep innovating to protect its market share," offered Piers Harding-Rolls of Screen Digest. "There has been increasing pressure from the smartphone market, but generally Nintendo targets consumers that are commonly younger or older than both smartphone or PSP users.

"I believe it will keep on targeting these types of consumers and looking to differentiate itself in the market."

The DS market slowed in 2009, with publishers such as Ubisoft publicly stating they were moving from the system, as sales dropped and piracy continued to soar. But Harding-Rolls said that with the right buzz and early sales, there's no reason why Nintendo handheld gaming shouldn't become an attractive option once again.

"If it sells in significant numbers and proves popular then publishers will come," he said. "Some publishers will inevitably be more aggressive on the platform if they feel it has strong potential and will take the risk to invest earlier for launch or shortly after."

Divnich was very upbeat about Nintendo embracing 3D in games, echoing Andrew Oliver's comments that it will help the industry explore 3D gaming much more quickly.

"Nintendo jumping into 3D gaming is monumental to the 3D gaming movement," he said. "I think 3D gaming, with Nintendo's approval, will become an extended fad, but the word 'fad' carries way too many negative connotations when it shouldn't.

"Fads can last up to five years, and if some type of 3D gaming 'fad' can do the same, that would be huge for Nintendo. Some regard the Wii as a 'fad', and I don't in any way consider that a negative. Nintendo banked nearly $3 billion in profits because of the 'Wii fad'."

However, piracy could still remain an issue if Nintendo intends to continue its support for software delivered via cartridges - a favoured method due to cheap manufacturing costs.

"I would expect Nintendo to upgrade its anti-piracy measures on its new handheld," said Harding-Rolls. "This will help resist piracy, but it is likely to be cracked in the future like most games platforms."

"Piracy is always a cat and mouse game," added Divnich. "The only way to truly reset the game is to introduce new hardware with a new architecture.

"At least for the first few years piracy won't be an issue on a new Nintendo handheld, but long-term I don't see how you can truly stop piracy if your hardware accept archaic cartridges."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ivals-analysts ...

Nintendo's plan to introduce a new handheld console with 3D capabilities can help accelerate the adoption of 3D gaming across the industry, according to Blitz Games' chief technical officer Andrew Oliver.

Blitz, which has already released the 3D title Invincible Tiger and is an advocate of 3D gaming, believes that Nintendo will use 'parallax barrier' screens for its new hardware, already in use in consumer electronics such as laptops and cameras.

"I'm fairly sure it would be based on the parallax barrier method, which is better than lenticular screens and has seen some great advancements recently," Oliver told GamesIndustry.biz. "It can also be turned off to give a perfect 2D screen as well. This screen already exists in the Fuju 3D camera and I have a 3D laptop from Sharp with this technology and it works very well for one viewer within a reasonable viewing area for a handheld."

"As a massive advocate of 3D, I'm definitely hoping that it will accelerate 3D adoption within other gaming systems," he continued. "When done properly 3D really adds a huge level of immersion to games. One of the problems facing its adoption is that some people are jaded about 3D, because it has had a history of being done badly. But when people see new carefully crafted 3D games, they will be convinced it's no fad - it's a fantastic jump into a new dimension."

The DS has been one of the most successful consoles to date with more than 125 million units sold in its various iterations. This new hardware, which Nintendo says will be a true successor to the current DS series, can offer a radical change for consumers, according to Oliver.

"I believe consumers want radical change," said Oliver. "Technology is always getting better and consumers are always demanding more.

"The current DS has had an incredibly good run and there are too many classic games to name. But after seven years since its launch I think its time for a radical upgrade. Touch screens were radical and new when the DS was launched, and are now mainstream. It looks like Nintendo could be ahead of the game again."

Oliver said he hopes that the hardware can offer a step up visually in terms of graphical performance.

"3D will literally add a new dimension to the DS. New movies such as Avatar have shown that 3D is very popular with consumers. The question is: will the new 3DS have new hardware to support the extra level of graphics that will be required to create good 3D visuals?

"If this is a whole new console, then it should be very exciting for publishers and developers," he added.

Nintendo unveiled plans for the 3DS today, with the promise of solid details at this year's E3 in June.

UPDATE: A report from Asahi in Japan also suggests that the 3DS will use parallax barrier technology, using 3D screens from Sharp. According to Engadget, the screens will be 4 inches diagonally, and the hardware will also feature improvements to WiFi transfers and battery life.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...gaming-formats ...

Nintendo's plan to introduce a new handheld console with 3D capabilities can help accelerate the adoption of 3D gaming across the industry, according to Blitz Games' chief technical officer Andrew Oliver.

Blitz, which has already released the 3D title Invincible Tiger and is an advocate of 3D gaming, believes that Nintendo will use 'parallax barrier' screens for its new hardware, already in use in consumer electronics such as laptops and cameras.

"I'm fairly sure it would be based on the parallax barrier method, which is better than lenticular screens and has seen some great advancements recently," Oliver told GamesIndustry.biz. "It can also be turned off to give a perfect 2D screen as well. This screen already exists in the Fuju 3D camera and I have a 3D laptop from Sharp with this technology and it works very well for one viewer within a reasonable viewing area for a handheld."

"As a massive advocate of 3D, I'm definitely hoping that it will accelerate 3D adoption within other gaming systems," he continued. "When done properly 3D really adds a huge level of immersion to games. One of the problems facing its adoption is that some people are jaded about 3D, because it has had a history of being done badly. But when people see new carefully crafted 3D games, they will be convinced it's no fad - it's a fantastic jump into a new dimension."

The DS has been one of the most successful consoles to date with more than 125 million units sold in its various iterations. This new hardware, which Nintendo says will be a true successor to the current DS series, can offer a radical change for consumers, according to Oliver.

"I believe consumers want radical change," said Oliver. "Technology is always getting better and consumers are always demanding more.

"The current DS has had an incredibly good run and there are too many classic games to name. But after seven years since its launch I think its time for a radical upgrade. Touch screens were radical and new when the DS was launched, and are now mainstream. It looks like Nintendo could be ahead of the game again."

Oliver said he hopes that the hardware can offer a step up visually in terms of graphical performance.

"3D will literally add a new dimension to the DS. New movies such as Avatar have shown that 3D is very popular with consumers. The question is: will the new 3DS have new hardware to support the extra level of graphics that will be required to create good 3D visuals?

"If this is a whole new console, then it should be very exciting for publishers and developers," he added.

Nintendo unveiled plans for the 3DS today, with the promise of solid details at this year's E3 in June.

UPDATE: A report from Asahi in Japan also suggests that the 3DS will use parallax barrier technology, using 3D screens from Sharp. According to Engadget, the screens will be 4 inches diagonally, and the hardware will also feature improvements to WiFi transfers and battery life.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...gaming-formats ...

iPhone games may have had an even more significant impact on the handheld gaming market than previously thought, growing share at the expense of the DS and - more drastically - the PSP.

That's according to calculations made by analytics site Flurry using sales data from NPD and Apple, which note that iPhone games accounted for five per cent of the total US portable software market in 2008, while DS took a 75 per cent slice, and PSP 20 per cent.

By 2009, iPhone's share looks to have grown to 19 per cent of the total portable market, while PSP shrunk to just 11 per cent, and DS declined to 70 per cent.

That portable category was thought to be worth an estimated $2.25bn in 2008 and $2.55bn in 2009. The site estimates iPhone game revenue accounted for $115m and $500m in each year respectively.

Pitting the Apple device's standing in the overall console market, the site calculates iPhone took an estimated 1 per cent of overall share of the console market in 2008 and 5 per cent in 2009.

That revenue excluded any made through online services such as virtual goods, social network games and subscription fees.

In comparison, the portable sector took a 20 per cent share of the market in 2008 and a 24 per cent share in 2009, while the home consoles accounted for 79 per cent in 2008 and 71 per cent in 2009. Figures that indicate a loss in ground by the home consoles to the portable category.

Overall revenue made from console software in 2008 was $11bn, while in 2009 it was $9.9bn.

"Controlling 5 per cent revenue of a $10 billion industry in just a year and a half is significant," noted the site.

"Our main finding is that iPhone (and iPod touch) is a gaming platform to be reckoned with," it added.

"From a market share perspective, console games lost ground to portable platforms and iPhone. While the downturn in the economy may have dampened sales of the more expensive console games category, there is no denying that iPhone has generated substantial revenue and entered strongly into a mature industry.

"As prices come down for the iPod Touch, and games sold through the App Store continue to have lower price points, more of the young gaming generation may switch to Apple devices over Sony PSP and Nintendo DS for gaming."

Nintendo has previously denied that Apple's business is impacted on the DS, saying it doesn't go after the same "affluent" consumers as Apple.

"It is true that the current Nintendo DS business is not that heated up as it used to be sometime ago, when no one could tell how far ahead DS might be able to grow," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said at the end of 2009.

"On the other hand data [has shown] that DS has not lost its footing at all. Actually it has been even increasing its footing all around the world."

"Because the original iPod business itself was big, my view is that Apple was able to leverage a very good timing to expand its business to telephones just when the original iPod business was nearing its saturation point.

"In other words, in my opinion, iPhone did not grow itself to a huge business, but something already grown up was able to prevent its growth speed from slowing down," he added.

It is estimated that over 30,000 games have been released onto the App Store since its launch in 2008.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...oth-ds-and-psp ...

iPhone games may have had an even more significant impact on the handheld gaming market than previously thought, growing share at the expense of the DS and - more drastically - the PSP.

That's according to calculations made by analytics site Flurry using sales data from NPD and Apple, which note that iPhone games accounted for five per cent of the total US portable software market in 2008, while DS took a 75 per cent slice, and PSP 20 per cent.

By 2009, iPhone's share looks to have grown to 19 per cent of the total portable market, while PSP shrunk to just 11 per cent, and DS declined to 70 per cent.

That portable category was thought to be worth an estimated $2.25bn in 2008 and $2.55bn in 2009. The site estimates iPhone game revenue accounted for $115m and $500m in each year respectively.

Pitting the Apple device's standing in the overall console market, the site calculates iPhone took an estimated 1 per cent of overall share of the console market in 2008 and 5 per cent in 2009.

That revenue excluded any made through online services such as virtual goods, social network games and subscription fees.

In comparison, the portable sector took a 20 per cent share of the market in 2008 and a 24 per cent share in 2009, while the home consoles accounted for 79 per cent in 2008 and 71 per cent in 2009. Figures that indicate a loss in ground by the home consoles to the portable category.

Overall revenue made from console software in 2008 was $11bn, while in 2009 it was $9.9bn.

"Controlling 5 per cent revenue of a $10 billion industry in just a year and a half is significant," noted the site.

"Our main finding is that iPhone (and iPod touch) is a gaming platform to be reckoned with," it added.

"From a market share perspective, console games lost ground to portable platforms and iPhone. While the downturn in the economy may have dampened sales of the more expensive console games category, there is no denying that iPhone has generated substantial revenue and entered strongly into a mature industry.

"As prices come down for the iPod Touch, and games sold through the App Store continue to have lower price points, more of the young gaming generation may switch to Apple devices over Sony PSP and Nintendo DS for gaming."

Nintendo has previously denied that Apple's business is impacted on the DS, saying it doesn't go after the same "affluent" consumers as Apple.

"It is true that the current Nintendo DS business is not that heated up as it used to be sometime ago, when no one could tell how far ahead DS might be able to grow," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said at the end of 2009.

"On the other hand data [has shown] that DS has not lost its footing at all. Actually it has been even increasing its footing all around the world."

"Because the original iPod business itself was big, my view is that Apple was able to leverage a very good timing to expand its business to telephones just when the original iPod business was nearing its saturation point.

"In other words, in my opinion, iPhone did not grow itself to a huge business, but something already grown up was able to prevent its growth speed from slowing down," he added.

It is estimated that over 30,000 games have been released onto the App Store since its launch in 2008.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...oth-ds-and-psp ...

iPhone games may have had an even more significant impact on the handheld gaming market than previously thought, growing share at the expense of the DS and - more drastically - the PSP.

That's according to calculations made by analytics site Flurry using sales data from NPD and Apple, which note that iPhone games accounted for five per cent of the total US portable software market in 2008, while DS took a 75 per cent slice, and PSP 20 per cent.

By 2009, iPhone's share looks to have grown to 19 per cent of the total portable market, while PSP shrunk to just 11 per cent, and DS declined to 70 per cent.

That portable category was thought to be worth an estimated $2.25bn in 2008 and $2.55bn in 2009. The site estimates iPhone game revenue accounted for $115m and $500m in each year respectively.

Pitting the Apple device's standing in the overall console market, the site calculates iPhone took an estimated 1 per cent of overall share of the console market in 2008 and 5 per cent in 2009.

That revenue excluded any made through online services such as virtual goods, social network games and subscription fees.

In comparison, the portable sector took a 20 per cent share of the market in 2008 and a 24 per cent share in 2009, while the home consoles accounted for 79 per cent in 2008 and 71 per cent in 2009. Figures that indicate a loss in ground by the home consoles to the portable category.

Overall revenue made from console software in 2008 was $11bn, while in 2009 it was $9.9bn.

"Controlling 5 per cent revenue of a $10 billion industry in just a year and a half is significant," noted the site.

"Our main finding is that iPhone (and iPod touch) is a gaming platform to be reckoned with," it added.

"From a market share perspective, console games lost ground to portable platforms and iPhone. While the downturn in the economy may have dampened sales of the more expensive console games category, there is no denying that iPhone has generated substantial revenue and entered strongly into a mature industry.

"As prices come down for the iPod Touch, and games sold through the App Store continue to have lower price points, more of the young gaming generation may switch to Apple devices over Sony PSP and Nintendo DS for gaming."

Nintendo has previously denied that Apple's business is impacted on the DS, saying it doesn't go after the same "affluent" consumers as Apple.

"It is true that the current Nintendo DS business is not that heated up as it used to be sometime ago, when no one could tell how far ahead DS might be able to grow," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said at the end of 2009.

"On the other hand data [has shown] that DS has not lost its footing at all. Actually it has been even increasing its footing all around the world."

"Because the original iPod business itself was big, my view is that Apple was able to leverage a very good timing to expand its business to telephones just when the original iPod business was nearing its saturation point.

"In other words, in my opinion, iPhone did not grow itself to a huge business, but something already grown up was able to prevent its growth speed from slowing down," he added.

It is estimated that over 30,000 games have been released onto the App Store since its launch in 2008.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...oth-ds-and-psp ...