Nintendo Working on New Generation Portable #1 at Nintendo Cubed3

Reckon Nintendo is brewing a new version of the 3DS? Perhaps, but the company's focus is on a future generation according to Shigeru Miyamoto.

The father of all things Super Mario Bros, was recently quizzed on the company's recurring approach to handhelds - releasing revised hardware models a year or two after the original, for example the Game Boy Advance SP and the DS Lite. Is the 3DS Lite around the corner?

A new version of the company's 3D powerhouse was strongly rumoured to make an appearance at E3 last week, but since has simmered into mystery. It seems Nintendo's focus at the moment maybe geared toward an eventual successor to the current 3DS generation, rather than a simple change in shell.

I really feel like I'm satisfied with the 3DS hardware as it is. I feel like it's the best for this generation. What we're thinking about right now is probably going to be for a future generation of handheld.

Miyamoto isn't writing off the current generation, and still feels there's plenty of room for development and that despite Nintendo releasing Circle Pad Pro as a bolt on, the gyroscope compensates for that.

Are you happy with the current Nintendo 3DS - Is there a need for a new 3DS model? Be sure to have your say in our comments section below.

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Canyarion on 12.06.2012 at 21:54#1

Yes, we need a remodel. I'll never buy a first model 3DS. Its battery life sucks, it doesn't have the second circle pad and I bet there's some other stuff they will improve on.

I think they told Miyamoto to keep quiet and stimulate some more old model sales.

Sonic_13 on 13.06.2012 at 00:26#2

This is being made into much bigger news than it actually is. Every company starts thinking about and working on the next generation system after the current one is released.

Development for Wii U started in 2008, for example.

Mandown on 13.06.2012 at 06:54#3

Yea, they don't want to cut into sales given the circumstances - already making a loss. Damn shame, I feel like I need one. I really dislike 3DS's design.

Vorash Kadan on 13.06.2012 at 08:18#4

Well that's a pleasant surprise, usually Nintendo milks ya for about 4 revisions of the same hardware, good for you Nintendo!!

It is not wise to speak on subjects you do not know all facts about, nor is it smart to judge a game based on looks alone. PSN: Nintendo_Gamer 3DS: 4296-3029-7422

Monkey D Super (guest) on 13.06.2012 at 10:24#5

Are you happy with the current Nintendo 3DS?

You mean beside the lack of a second circle pad and the fact that its region-locked? Meh, I'm okay with it.

Is there a need for a new 3DS model?
Yes, with a second circle pad and (just a dream wish here) no region locking.

Darkflame on 13.06.2012 at 10:28#6

Fine by me.
Yes, battery life can be improved, but everything else is perfect for me.
Its already "lite", I dont care for bigger versions. I dont want a second circle pad (again, where on earth would it fit). And besides, I dont want the control scheme split between new and old owners. I like it also not being the same as home consoles too.

Actualy, I think the 3DS is the best hardware Nintendo has ever made. Biggest graphical leap between generations, most input sensors, decent wifi/net support, superb built in functionality. Its comfortable and light. (unlike some) it uses bog standard SDHC cards and the 3D works great for me.

Yeah..pretty much just the battery life needs work.

===

As for the Next Gen - which I hope is 5 years away at least. Nintendo should take a big leap now.
A BIG leap.
Team up with Google,or Vuzix or go it alone.
But either way, lets jump to a AR platform.
It will take a lot of R&D, but the days of having a screen in our hand should end soon - we should have graphics overlayed all around us, via specs or eye-projection.
The game potential for optically transparent AR is just huge. Pokemon would let us see actual pokemon in our house and about town, for example.

( Edited 13.06.2012 10:30 by Darkflame )

Please give our little random review show a try;
http://randomreviewshow.com/index.html
We have special effects and umm...stuff...

Trepe on 13.06.2012 at 10:31#7

I've read comments on some sites and they are like "already! 3DS has just come out!" and "yes! a new console!". The statment Miyamoto made didn't mean much at all in reality though. They are constantly working on ideas. Ideas for games, ideas for hardware. Something that they think up now may or may not come to the next hand held. An idea, for that matter, may bypass the next hand held and go into the one after that. It's all relative really. Nintendo is an ideas factory!

( Edited 14.06.2012 11:24 by Trepe )

Monkey D Super (guest) on 13.06.2012 at 16:50#8

I dont want a second circle pad (again, where on earth would it fit).

Where the Y, X, B and A buttons are.

Jacob4000 on 13.06.2012 at 18:05#9

I would love them to do a remodel. And I'm torn between buying a 3DS now and continuing to wait in hope for something new.

But I understand it doesn't make too much sense for them to release one right now though, considering their current model won't be profitable until September.

I dont want a second circle pad (again, where on earth would it fit)

How about that massive region underneath the A,B,X,Y buttons? Kinda like how they fit one onto the left side of the same system...I don't think it's really rocket science to figure out where to put it.

They could even make the design thinner and widen the chasis a bit too, if they wanted to make it a tad roomier. You're acting like it would be an impossible feat, and it really isn't.