The Nintendo DS

I've been looking at the Nintendo DS (tentative name) and the Sony PSP.

Nintendo's DS takes basic GBA features and adds a second screen (one of which is touch-sensitive, similar to the screen of a PocketPC or Palm device) along with two extra face buttons that the gaming community has lusted after on a handheld since the days of Street Fighter II. (No, the Sega Nomad doesn't count.) It also has wireless connectivity and will play all older Gameboy titles.

Nintendo DS Image © Nintendo

Sounds good so far. The unit even looks okay, although the top screen seems a little small and lonely on its half, sitting between what appear to be slightly recessed speakers. Nintendo has always been about enabling new types of game experiences, and the DS is set to deliver.

All that aside though, I can't shake the feeling that the DS is going to be another Virtual Boy for Nintendo. Remember that strange, new gameplay experience-enabling system? It carried with it dual red-scale eye screens, bad posture, and a severe warning that no child under 6 should use it lest they damage their developing eyes. Don't get me wrong, I liked playing Nester's Bowling and Galactic Pinball on the VB, but only when the system came down to CAD$30 at Electronics Boutique.