Nintendo revamps consoles

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :02/10/2008 17:05:13

Nintendo has announced a new DS console and that it will re-launch ‘old favourite’ games for the Wii.

The Japanese group have announced that the next DS console, the DSi, will come with a built in camera, larger screen and removable, compatible SD card. In an attempt to capture more of the ‘casual gamer’ market, it will also have internet access.

The company also announced its plans to relaunch games from the earlier generation console, the Gamecube. Games such as 'Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat' will be reworked to make the most of the Wii console’s controls, and bring the proven favourites to a wider audience.

However, what one analyst described as a “truly disastrous bit of planning” the DSi will not be available in Europe or the USA in time for Christmas. The console will go on sale in Japan for 18,900 yen (around £100) on 1 November, but UK customers may have to wait until autumn 2009.

“What could have been the must-have toy in a tough economic climate is not going to be on the shelves where it matters,” said Hiroshi Kamide, of KBC Securities.

Nintendo stocks were down 7.48 percent at £220.746 per share.