Nintendo DS disappointments.

[VIAN]

I think it belongs in this forum. It's a video thing and it is hardware.

Here are my disappointments. It crashes. At least with Mario64DS it was a crash fest, crashing on me 6 times today. That's just unheardof. No jolt, no nothing, just when in sleep mode or when paused it would crash. Not all the time, but sometimes. It's still shocking coming from Nintendo.

Graphics for Mario64DS aren't all that great. I expected better filtering, not pixelated textures. I wouldn't even compare the graphics to a N64, more like a Playstation with cleaner textures and worse polygon count.

And the games... what... what games. These really crappy games, some ports from gameboy advance with cheap touch screen addons, some are just really stupid minigames that end in seconds, others just suck, and then there is mario64DS. Wow. great library.

Another annoying thing is the backwards compatability with only gameboy advance games. And only for the single player portion of it. IMO if you're not gonna fully impliment it, then just leave it out. I would've loved better poly count and better filtering instead of this retarded useless feature. That's why I have a gameboy advance!

I think the DS was rushed to get sales out and then Nintendo thought that the DS wasn't gonna be enough to battle the PSP, and now says that the DS isn't the successor to the gameboy. Cause I don't know where the DS fits in. Horrible game library.

On a off topic note, I think it's really stupid for consoles to have backwards compatability because you are paying for something you possibly (most likely for ps3) already have and that you might not even use. Wouldn't you rather have that money devoted to bettering the power of the new console or making the console cheaper instead of taking up space and money. But I might just be wrong, I also don't like that consoles are pushing a multimedia thing here. I would rather buy a gaming machine than, a DVD player, gaming machine, and computer. I already have two things there, I don't want to pay for them again. Especially if you're not gonna use them.

Sorry bout that lengthy off topic thing. I guess this could be a double topic?

 

[mwmorph]

rma. you obviously have a defective ds. no way a game system, which doesent have to deal with device conbflicts, software conflicts, etc shhould crash this much.

now about games, im sure it will pick up in time.

as for gfx, nintendo had to keep costs down(cant lose bucketloads of $ on every system sold like microsoft) they probabyl had to decide between an additional tiouchscreen or better hardware.

ds was rushed. it was like 3 months after unveiling, it hit the streets(following a maniac redesign of course).

i really dont buy nito the touch screen. for me that's my main beef. too gimmicky. psp for me.

 

[MisterChief]

That is why it has earned the nickname "Nintendo Dip-Sh$t"

 

[sparkyclarky]

Originally posted by: VIAN
I think it belongs in this forum. It's a video thing and it is hardware.

Here are my disappointments. It crashes. At least with Mario64DS it was a crash fest, crashing on me 6 times today. That's just unheardof. No jolt, no nothing, just when in sleep mode or when paused it would crash. Not all the time, but sometimes. It's still shocking coming from Nintendo.

Graphics for Mario64DS aren't all that great. I expected better filtering, not pixelated textures. I wouldn't even compare the graphics to a N64, more like a Playstation with cleaner textures and worse polygon count.

And the games... what... what games. These really crappy games, some ports from gameboy advance with cheap touch screen addons, some are just really stupid minigames that end in seconds, others just suck, and then there is mario64DS. Wow. great library.

Another annoying thing is the backwards compatability with only gameboy advance games. And only for the single player portion of it. IMO if you're not gonna fully impliment it, then just leave it out. I would've loved better poly count and better filtering instead of this retarded useless feature. That's why I have a gameboy advance!

I think the DS was rushed to get sales out and then Nintendo thought that the DS wasn't gonna be enough to battle the PSP, and now says that the DS isn't the successor to the gameboy. Cause I don't know where the DS fits in. Horrible game library.

On a off topic note, I think it's really stupid for consoles to have backwards compatability because you are paying for something you possibly (most likely for ps3) already have and that you might not even use. Wouldn't you rather have that money devoted to bettering the power of the new console or making the console cheaper instead of taking up space and money. But I might just be wrong, I also don't like that consoles are pushing a multimedia thing here. I would rather buy a gaming machine than, a DVD player, gaming machine, and computer. I already have two things there, I don't want to pay for them again. Especially if you're not gonna use them.

Sorry bout that lengthy off topic thing. I guess this could be a double topic?

My DS has never crashed. You have either a defective cartridge or a defective system. As a matter of fact, this is the only report I've ever seen of a DS crashing.

While the Mario 64 graphics aren't technically impressive, they ARE better than the N64 counterpart overall. And much of the graphical roughness is due to the rushed launch schedule.

The library definitely needs expansion, but if you check out IGNs release list the games are coming.

I don't see how having the ability to play virtually all GBA games in single player is a bad feature? Especially considering the DSs screen is light years ahead of even the SPs screen. This makes game such as Castlevania much nicer to play. Yeah, not having MP does sort of suck, but they couldn't implement it unless they added a link port (or some hack through wifi which would most likely have been flaky).

Nintendo never claimed the DS was the succesor to the gameboy. Find me a single reference where they have claimed that it was and I'll eat my words.

And backwards compatibility is not stupid. If you own the previous system you can sell it to help finance the new purchase. You have less hardware laying around overall. And your launch is augmented by an already mature library of games.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

Originally posted by: VIAN
I think the DS was rushed to get sales out and then Nintendo thought that the DS wasn't gonna be enough to battle the PSP, and now says that the DS isn't the successor to the gameboy.

The DS was always meant to be less graphically oriented and more for the innovation of the dual screens, the touch screen and the microphone. Also, it was never the successor to the GBA, otherwise it would be called the Gameboy DS, it has always been thought of s a separate system by Nintendo.

Also, yes, I agree there is a very limited game selection. And that is the first report of a DS crashing that i have seen.

 

[Melchior]

PSP puts the DS to shame in the graphics department.

The DS has the huge library backing it though, for people who just want to pick up a DS and play the old games too. (who dont have an Advance).

 

[daveybrat]

The new castlevania game coming out for the DS looks killer and may be a decision maker for me as i love that series.

 

[Matthias99]

On a off topic note, I think it's really stupid for consoles to have backwards compatability because you are paying for something you possibly (most likely for ps3) already have and that you might not even use.

OTOH, if you don't already own the previous console (let's say you own a PS2 now and then buy an XBox2), it opens up a big library of games you can play on your new console. And if you do already own the previous console, you can sell it, and any games you don't want to keep, to offset some of the price of the new console, and still be able to play any games you own that you really like.

Wouldn't you rather have that money devoted to bettering the power of the new console or making the console cheaper instead of taking up space and money.

I don't believe it adds significantly to the cost of the console's hardware, or how much space it takes up (suddenly you're concerned about space, when you would have no problem keeping your old console lying around to play older games?). It might add to development time for the hardware, however.

Console topics generally end up in General Hardware; Video is mostly for PC video products. And yes, it probably should have been two posts.

 

[doublejbass]

Backwards compatibility is a HUGE boon. PS2 has benefited tremendously from it. Let's say you never had a video game system to begin with, and went and got a Playstation 2. All of the sudden, immediately at launch, the entire PS1 software library is available to you, with a tremendous amount of greatest hits games available at a low price. Assuming that the PS3 not only emulates PS2, but also PS1, now you're getting people who were not old enough to play games during the PS1 era, and opening up a whole new marketing opportunity for them, if they were to be interested in reproducing the best.

Also, Matthias made a good point regarding the ease of upgrade, if you're not a massively affluent enthusiast.

 

[VIAN]

OTOH, if you don't already own the previous console (let's say you own a PS2 now and then buy an XBox2), it opens up a big library of games you can play on your new console. And if you do already own the previous console, you can sell it, and any games you don't want to keep, to offset some of the price of the new console, and still be able to play any games you own that you really like.

But you bought the new console to play NEW games not old ones, especially old PS2 games with their 1998 textures, if you think PC(maybe even worse). The old games on the new console never have the same compatability. I think backwards compatability does more harm that good - it also places limitations on the system because now you have to have same slot memory cards, similar controllers, controller ports, another laser(IIRC), in case of the PS3 to read regular DVD-ROMS. LIMITATIONS. keeps it from being totally new.

I don't believe it adds significantly to the cost of the console's hardware, or how much space it takes up (suddenly you're concerned about space, when you would have no problem keeping your old console lying around to play older games?). It might add to development time for the hardware, however.

The new PS2 costs 150 beans. A good chunk of that has to be used for non redundant hardware for the PS3. I mentioned space because instead of wasting space in the console for it, you would be able to design the console better, or use up the space for cooler features.

Console topics generally end up in General Hardware; Video is mostly for PC video products. And yes, it probably should have been two posts.

Thanks for heads up.

Assuming that the PS3 not only emulates PS2, but also PS1, now you're getting people who were not old enough to play games during the PS1 era, and opening up a whole new marketing opportunity for them, if they were to be interested in reproducing the best.

There are barely any games from the PSOne left for sale. And like I said, the boost in graphics is so big that you may be turned off by playing the old and broken.

 

[hans030390]

My DS is sweet...no problems (and actually, the graphics are alot better than N64, its a fact )

get a new one, but whatever you do DONT settle for a PSP... (3 hours battery life at most!!! woot!)

bye

 

[VIAN]

dude, what are you saying.

First, how is it a fact that N64 has better graphics, I would like you to prove it to me since I know you're wrong.

Second, PSP has a minimum battery life of 3 hours and that's when playing a movie. IIRC max batter life is 8 hours while minimum is 4 for gaming. You need to get your facts straight.

 

[CraigRT]

these portable systems make me sick

 

[Mrvile]

Guys remember when Playstation came out? The graphics were comparable to Super Nintendo's. Years later, the graphics became comparable to N64's. And did anything in the system change? I think not. The DS is still young, and developers haven't had the chance to delve deep into it to see what it can do yet. Give it some time.

 

[VIAN]

WHAT?!

PSX graphics were 3d, not 2d. Maybe some beginning games for the PSX might have looked like Star Fox, but at least at the end of the year or in the next year, something did happen. Usually consoles don't get better filtering over time.

It's not even bilinear!

 

[DarkKnight]

Nintendo is gonna release a new handheld system this year because the DS sucks

link

 

[BenSkywalker]

Nintendo is using the DS as a PDA that can play games. The next GameBoy will be out later this year- it isn't the DS.

The PSP is Sony's shot at Apple more then Nintendo- it is a media machine that can play games.

Your DS sounds defective. My oldest boy has his launch DS that is already quite battle scarred(he is nine) and it has never crashed- not on any game including Mario.

I'll end up owning all three of the portables each for different reasons- DS to use as a PDA- PSP to use as a media machine and the next GameBoy for games. Right now I'm waiting for the DS's real software(not games) to hit, have my PSP prepaid(picking it up on Thursday) and will prepay for the next GameBoy too.

 

[VIAN]

From what I've heard, DS was an experiment. But so far, the experiment sucks.

Also forgot to mention the handling sucks, it's not as comfortable as the original Gameboy Advance.

BenSkywalker: Would've loved if they actually made a gaming machine more often.

 

[sparkyclarky]

Originally posted by: VIAN

OTOH, if you don't already own the previous console (let's say you own a PS2 now and then buy an XBox2), it opens up a big library of games you can play on your new console. And if you do already own the previous console, you can sell it, and any games you don't want to keep, to offset some of the price of the new console, and still be able to play any games you own that you really like.

But you bought the new console to play NEW games not old ones, especially old PS2 games with their 1998 textures, if you think PC(maybe even worse). The old games on the new console never have the same compatability. I think backwards compatability does more harm that good - it also places limitations on the system because now you have to have same slot memory cards, similar controllers, controller ports, another laser(IIRC), in case of the PS3 to read regular DVD-ROMS. LIMITATIONS. keeps it from being totally new.

I don't believe it adds significantly to the cost of the console's hardware, or how much space it takes up (suddenly you're concerned about space, when you would have no problem keeping your old console lying around to play older games?). It might add to development time for the hardware, however.

The new PS2 costs 150 beans. A good chunk of that has to be used for non redundant hardware for the PS3. I mentioned space because instead of wasting space in the console for it, you would be able to design the console better, or use up the space for cooler features.

Console topics generally end up in General Hardware; Video is mostly for PC video products. And yes, it probably should have been two posts.

Thanks for heads up.

Assuming that the PS3 not only emulates PS2, but also PS1, now you're getting people who were not old enough to play games during the PS1 era, and opening up a whole new marketing opportunity for them, if they were to be interested in reproducing the best.

There are barely any games from the PSOne left for sale. And like I said, the boost in graphics is so big that you may be turned off by playing the old and broken.

First of all, don't extrapolate your experience in the DS world as indicative of everyone. I find the ability to play GBA games on my DS a huge boon, as I never owned a GBA. A larger library from launch onwards can only help a system. Backwards compatibility is usually almost spot on perfect. The DS lacks multiplayer, true, but it can play virtually all games (minus those that included some on cartridge gimmick) for the GBA. The PS2 can play virtually all PS1 games. Limitations on the system may exist, but they aren't deal breakers by any means. Memory card slots aren't all that big. Controllers just need the same physical port plug, but the new controllers could have a radical redesign. Another laser in the case of the PS2 is NOT a limitation. Perhaps an added hardware expense, but calling it a limitation bends the laws of logic.

Backwards compatibility does not cost much to add in in most cases due to the age of the old hardware and economies of scale. You make it sound like it truly jacks up the price of a system to a large extent, when in reality the cost increase is minimal when the other hardware is already in place, minus a chip or two.

And there are still plenty of PS1 games left for sale. You obviously haven't been into an EB lately, as they still sell them.

Old games are not broken. That is an ignorant statement if I've ever seen one. Hell, why play Pac-Man or Tetris at that rate? Why play any of the classic RPGs?

 

[VIAN]

I've never said old games were broken. Brand new PS1 games aren't for sale.
I could see backwards compatability as a nice boost, but you didn't buy the console to play old games, or else you would've bought the cheaper older console.

Cost is a limitation. Duh.

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: VIAN
I've never said old games were broken. Brand new PS1 games aren't for sale.
I could see backwards compatability as a nice boost, but you didn't buy the console to play old games, or else you would've bought the cheaper older console.

Cost is a limitation. Duh.

Go into a Blockbuster game rush store. They sell new PS1 games. EB should as well.

 

[sparkyclarky]

Originally posted by: VIAN
I've never said old games were broken. Brand new PS1 games aren't for sale.
I could see backwards compatability as a nice boost, but you didn't buy the console to play old games, or else you would've bought the cheaper older console.

Cost is a limitation. Duh.

Need a refresher of what you said.

"There are barely any games from the PSOne left for sale. And like I said, the boost in graphics is so big that you may be turned off by playing the old and broken."

And if cost was a limitation you'd stick with the older console, as it's bound to be significantly cheaper than the newer hardware.

Duh.

 

[hans030390]

Dude, EVERY test with the PSP with that racing game for it ran at a minimum of ONE hour. at most, it went up to FOUR!!!! such a good looking handheld doesnt play for long. those graphics went to waste.

As for the DS, the textures are a little more pixelated, i admit, BUT, the colors, models, and lighting (not to mention framerate) is alot better than the N64. Almost all reviews on the Super mario DS state it looks better than the n64 version did.

You're wrong, get your facts straight! i have researched on both handhelds quite a bit.

 

[VIAN]

Need a refresher of what you said.

"There are barely any games from the PSOne left for sale. And like I said, the boost in graphics is so big that you may be turned off by playing the old and broken."

And if cost was a limitation you'd stick with the older console, as it's bound to be significantly cheaper than the newer hardware.

Duh.

Sht. my foot is gonna go into my mouth right now...

 

[VIAN]

Dude, EVERY test with the PSP with that racing game for it ran at a minimum of ONE hour. at most, it went up to FOUR!!!! such a good looking handheld doesnt play for long. those graphics went to waste.

As for the DS, the textures are a little more pixelated, i admit, BUT, the colors, models, and lighting (not to mention framerate) is alot better than the N64. Almost all reviews on the Super mario DS state it looks better than the n64 version did.

Due to more recent tests, I can agree that the PSP will last for about 3.5 hours of fun in a game. and that sucks, but because of it's versitility, it might make it a worthwhile investment.

Yes, my favorite review place for games, IGN said that the DS version looks night and day better than the N64 version. I don't see it. I would rather play the N64 version. The textures look better. No texture aliasing and better filtering. But that's just my opinion.