The Channel Wire

September 29, 2008

Nintendo is preparing to launch a new version of its popular mobile gaming device by the end of the year. The Nikkei Business Daily reported Sunday that the video game console manufacturer is preparing to unveil a Nintendo DS that is music-capable and has a camera built in.

The new Nintendo DS is a follow-up to the DS Lite and, like the previous version of the mobile game console, will see an exclusive release in Japan before possibly making a move overseas to the U.S.

Earlier this year, Nintendo said it plans to sell 28 million Nintendo DS units, down 2 million units from the 30 million sold last year. The device is expected to be priced below 20,000 yen ($189) in Japan, up slightly from the 16,800 yen for the current model.

By incorporating music-playing capabilities and a camera into the new Nintendo DS, the gaming company hopes to round out its capabilities. It's no secret that most mobile phones include music downloading and playing capabilities as well as a camera. But as Nintendo continues to upgrade and expand the DS' capabilities, it may be a play to bring in new customers who are looking for a single device to meet all of their needs.

Of course, mobile phones still trump the DS with the ability to place and receive phone calls and surf the Web. However, the selling point of Nintendo's products have always been their gaming capabilities and that will continue to be the main draw to customers.