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Will Nintendo ever have another “third pillar”?
Ever since the Nintendo DS was announced, there have been speculations over what Nintendo’s next handheld system would be. Some game journalists have been going on about what is being called “Game Boy Next”, staying with the “third pillar” philosophy that Nintendo went over with the dual-screened system. Reported to be as powerful as the Gamecube, it’s one of those geek gadgets that should exist, at all costs.
But Nintendo has also reported a long while ago that they already considered the Nintendo DS to be their primary portable, after seeing what a huge success it has become. The DS has become one of their most supported game systems in history, making the title “third pillar” ridiculous. This title is buried into the ground even further with its GBA cartridge slot. Right from launch, having a Game Boy Advance was no longer necessary. They left the legacy of its Game Boy line and continue to put all their energy with the DS. So, will there ever be a new Game Boy? Or, the more interesting question to ask- will Nintendo’s next portable be based on the DS’s technology, or will it be a more traditional portable?
We know that Nintendo has always been king of portable systems, out-fighting all challengers that have come its way. As far as most of us can remember since our childhood Nintendo has always had two venues: home consoles and handhelds. (Maybe except for the uber-vintage gamers that have been around when Nintendo was just doing arcades.) And not counting the transitions that come with introducing new generations of consoles, Nintendo has always put full support on at least two different platforms for the past 20 years. So with the Wii doing surprisingly well, and the DS still not showing any signs of aging, would Nintendo want to throw down yet another game system?
Continuing to support the Wii and DS while pushing forth yet another game system would require a considerable growth in Nintendo’s staff. Otherwise it will put a strain on their company and hurt their R&D and marketing endeavors. But, I’m just a gamer drawing speculations, and secretive Nintendo pulls out a new surprise at us. However we know from experience that even the big Sony has trouble supporting three game systems at a time, which might explain why the PSP’s marketing campaign was so crippled. And a new system would divide or confuse third party developers.
I’d say that for now, Nintendo has put their “GameBoy Next” project on an indefinite hold. They are eager to explore new ideas, but even they know not to put all their eggs in one basket. Or more likely, they would’ve cancelled the project. But as with any good idea-factory, they would salvage the pieces for use in their next true handheld, or other game-related venue. Like a venue that hasn’t been tapped well in recent years and in need of revitalizing. Could their next “third pillar” actually be the arcades? Maybe they will want to conquer the gaming market in that area. But who knows what they’re really up to.
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It would be awesome if Nintendo would bring the interface innovations they’ve leveraged on their consoles to resuscitate arcades.
I grew up as an arcade rat and it sucks to see the arcade become increasingly irrelevant over time.
not irrelevant. just obsolete.
whats the functional difference b/n irrelevant and obsolete? Obsolete technology IS irrelevant.
Well the “third-pillar” Thing could refer to the DS, as it has: a Multi-screen interface, The ability to play GBA games (but not GB games >:() and has it’s own branch of games.
Also, Nintendo had “Love Hotels” but, I suppose this is irrelevant to this line of discussion.
That picture up there should be made into a real system. Now. At this moment. Come on Nintendo, I’m waiting. And waiting.
If i could play Zelda WW at school that would be amazing i’d buy this over DS. I’v experienced the DS and it’s kinda dull, So nintendo get off your ass and make the next game trend!