Satoru Iwata: Nintendo to increase DS functionality next year

Wii and DS - Image 1

It’s one thing to get non-gamers into the hobby, and it’s quite another to keep them interested. Nintendo Company Ltd. has achieved getting non-gamers to notice, and now the oldest company in the business is looking to put more emphasis in keeping them interested – in terms of making sure that the Nintendo DS isn’t seen merely as a gaming device, but as a multi-functional handheld device.

Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, revealed that the company will be unveiling new features for the DS next year, in an effort to expand its functionality beyond that of a portable gaming device. The features to be revealed will focus on practical uses, utilizing the Nintendo DS’ wireless functionality in places like train stations, museums, and amusement parks.

It’s not the first time that Nintendo has dabbled with the idea of making the DS more useful – in fact, the touch-sensitive handheld is already being used in some of Japan’s museums, as a medium from where people can download and view information about exhibits. No more printing costly brochures or flyers, all it takes is a short download.

What about the Nintendo Wii, then? While Satoru Iwata admits that it will take some time before the Wii reaches the widespread influence that the DS has, the company is already looking for ways to also increase its functionality. This includes online television programming features and downloadable game gift-sending.

Certainly very good news coming from the president of Ninty himself. We can only wonder what sort of other features for its consoles Nintendo will be revealing in the near future – we can only wait.

Wii and DS - Image 1

It’s one thing to get non-gamers into the hobby, and it’s quite another to keep them interested. Nintendo Company Ltd. has achieved getting non-gamers to notice, and now the oldest company in the business is looking to put more emphasis in keeping them interested – in terms of making sure that the Nintendo DS isn’t seen merely as a gaming device, but as a multi-functional handheld device.

Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, revealed that the company will be unveiling new features for the DS next year, in an effort to expand its functionality beyond that of a portable gaming device. The features to be revealed will focus on practical uses, utilizing the Nintendo DS’ wireless functionality in places like train stations, museums, and amusement parks.

It’s not the first time that Nintendo has dabbled with the idea of making the DS more useful – in fact, the touch-sensitive handheld is already being used in some of Japan’s museums, as a medium from where people can download and view information about exhibits. No more printing costly brochures or flyers, all it takes is a short download.

What about the Nintendo Wii, then? While Satoru Iwata admits that it will take some time before the Wii reaches the widespread influence that the DS has, the company is already looking for ways to also increase its functionality. This includes online television programming features and downloadable game gift-sending.

Certainly very good news coming from the president of Ninty himself. We can only wonder what sort of other features for its consoles Nintendo will be revealing in the near future – we can only wait.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *